Tunisia, once a French colony and since 1956 an independent Arab state in North Africa, offers tourists more than 800 km of pristine, fine-sand beaches along its eastern coast. Tunisia is renowned for thalassotherapy, drawing even the most discerning French enthusiasts for its spa services and locally produced products. The country’s 70-80 million olive trees make it one of the largest producers and exporters of olives and olive oil. Additionally, Tunisia produces dry wines (red, rosé, white, and even “grey”), fig vodka (Boukha), date liqueur (Thibarine), and other beverages. The white sandy beaches of Tunisia attract lovers of classic beach holidays, while its sightseeing programs offer a few intriguing options. But not everything is perfect: let’s take a closer look at whether it’s worth vacationing in Tunisia during the summer or if another destination might be better.
Tunisian Resorts
One of the most popular and in-demand resorts in Tunisia is the lively Sousse, which combines comfortable beach relaxation with a rich sightseeing program around the area. The historical center of the city, the medieval medina, offers a colorful eastern market and the charm of a colonial Mediterranean style. Tired of lounging on the beach all day? Head into the city, lose yourself in its narrow, winding streets, haggle with friendly vendors, and sample the local cuisine to truly immerse yourself in its spirit.
Hotels
In Sousse, there are various accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to 5-star spa resorts. However, it’s best to avoid hotels below 4 stars, as the quality of service and accommodation can be disappointing and potentially ruin your vacation. Tunisian “5 stars” may not always match European standards but often offer better value for money compared to Turkish resorts. That said, many hotels in Tunisia remain abandoned, so the real selection is not as extensive. This is partly because ownership often changes hands, and room renovations are slow. Additionally, foreigners are prohibited from owning property in Tunisia, which dampens enthusiasm among foreign investors.
Beaches
The location of the beach strip in Tunisia is not ideal. Most resorts are concentrated on the eastern coast, meaning you won’t get to see a sunset over the sea. To enjoy the sunrise, you’d need to wake up at 4-5 AM or just stay up all night. The only exceptions are some resorts on the island of Djerba or in Hammamet—two other popular tourist areas in Tunisia. As for the quality of the beaches, Tunisia outshines Turkish and Black Sea resorts and competes with Egyptian ones: the fine, white, soft sand is sure to please even the most discerning tourists. Only in the northern part of the country, around Tabarka and Bizerte, is the coast rocky and pebbly.
Prices
The cost of tours to Tunisia increases in the summer but remains comparable to prices for other popular destinations. The most favorable and expensive period for a vacation in Tunisia is June-July, although it’s very hot during this time. Meanwhile, in August-September, when many Tunisian resorts are plagued by jellyfish, prices drop. So, if you want to fully enjoy your vacation in Tunisia, you’ll need to choose between a more expensive, hotter period or a cheaper time when swimming in the sea might be off-limits.
Sightseeing Programs
Tunisia offers a few attractions that might interest curious tourists. The most convenient base for exploring the nearby surroundings is Sousse. In Sousse itself, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum with a unique collection of mosaics, the medieval medina behind the walls of the ribat (fortress), the Great Mosque, and the catacombs (temporarily closed for restoration).
For new experiences, head to the cozy Port El Kantaoui (El Kantaoui, Port el Kantaoui). This upscale suburb of Sousse attracts tourists with its beaches, restaurants, souvenir shops, as well as boat trips and diving tours. Around 300 boats, yachts, and pirate ships are ready to take you on board! There’s even a musical fountain and an amusement park, though they only operate during the peak tourist season. Tunisians are very proud of this suburb and consider it one of the best and most beautiful places in Tunisia. They might be right, but that only makes it sadder.
When going on excursions, make sure to visit the amphitheater in El Djem (El Jem)—the very one where “Gladiator” was filmed, and where classical music concerts are now held. The Roman coliseum in El Djem is the fourth largest in the world and, according to guides, the best-preserved. This last claim is debatable, but it’s still interesting to wander through the ancient ruins. You can also easily descend into the underground chambers where gladiators and fighting animals were kept.
Other noteworthy destinations near Sousse include Kairouan (Kairouan), once the holy capital of Tunisia with its ancient mosques and the finest carpets in Tunisia, as well as Monastir with its famous fortress and several other museums.
It takes about an hour to get from Sousse to Kairouan, and whether it’s worth the trip is up to each individual. Kairouan has many surviving mosques, the most significant being the Mosque of Uqba (the Great Mosque of Kairouan). In addition to the mosque, Kairouan’s holy sites include the tomb of one of Muhammad’s companions and a round 73-meter pool from the 9th century. These may not impress a seasoned traveler. The fortress-ribat of Harthema in Monastir is of greater interest to visitors: explore the fortress grounds, climb higher to take in a panoramic view of the city, and then relax in a pleasant café in the medina. Other attractions in Monastir include the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, the Museum of Islamic Art, and several mosques.
Should You Vacation in Tunisia in the Summer?
Considering all the factors mentioned, each person must decide for themselves whether it’s worth spending their vacation in Tunisia. On one hand, the peak tourist season falls during the hottest period. Tours to Tunisia become more expensive, and it will be hard to resist the allure of a sunbed and refreshing sea. On the other hand, it’s too cold for swimming in May, and in August-September, the coast is overrun by jellyfish. If this doesn’t bother you, or if you’re willing to take the risk for the chance to see the sights, then head to Tunisia at a lower price.
Tunisia isn’t the most popular resort among tourists, so prices for tours here are slightly lower. The beaches are excellent, and the service is decent for the money. When choosing a tour, opt for a 5-star all-inclusive hotel. This way, you can forget about the little things and fully enjoy the good service. In any case, whatever month you choose to visit Tunisia, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.
