Medina of Tunis
Lively souks, traditional crafts and the great Zitouna mosque at the heart of a medina listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for decades.
Tunisia
Between the Mediterranean and the Sahara, Tunisia brings together UNESCO-listed medinas, the ancient sites of Carthage and El Jem, desert oases and the beaches of Djerba and Hammamet, just a short flight away from Europe.
Why visit Tunisia?
Tunisia offers remarkable landscape diversity within a compact territory: a Mediterranean coastline, historic medinas, Roman ruins and Saharan dunes. The country is easily reached from Europe and combines heritage, food and beach stays within a single destination.
What to discover in Tunisia?
The medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, unfolds its colourful, lively souks around the great old Zitouna mosque, while the ruins of Carthage recall the importance of the ancient city in its long historical rivalry with Rome, one of the most defining conflicts of the entire ancient Mediterranean world. Further south, the amphitheatre of El Jem, one of the best-preserved in the Roman world, and the Berber villages of Matmata carved into the rock reveal the country's deep historical and cultural layers.
The Tunisian Sahara, reached from Douz or Tozeur, invites exploration of palm oases and golden dunes by camel or 4x4, with nights spent camping under a star-filled desert sky. Along the coast, Hammamet and the island of Djerba offer long stretches of fine sandy beaches and an easy Mediterranean pace of life, rounded off by a generous local cuisine blending spices, fresh fish and honey-soaked pastries.
Cities to visit in Tunisia
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Tunisia in pictures
Highlights of Tunisia
A few iconic experiences to make the most of a trip to Tunisia.
Carthage archaeological site
Remains of the ancient Punic and Roman city, witness to a historic rivalry with Rome that shaped the entire ancient Mediterranean for centuries.
Douz and Tozeur desert
Palm oases, golden dunes and camel excursions right at the gateway to the great Tunisian Saharan desert, perfect for an overnight camp.
El Jem amphitheatre
One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, once able to hold thousands of spectators and still impressive today.
Djerba island
Fine sandy beaches, white and blue villages and colourful markets on an island known for its relaxed way of life.
Matmata villages
Troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock, evidence of a traditional Berber way of life perfectly adapted to the region's arid climate.
Practical information
- Capital
- Tunis
- Area
- About 163,600 km²
- Population
- About 12 million people
- Languages
- Arabic (official), French widely spoken
- Currency
- Tunisian dinar (TND)
- Time zone
- UTC+1
- Climate
- Mediterranean in the north, arid and Saharan in the south
- Best season
- Spring and autumn, April to June and September to October
Frequently asked questions about Tunisia
When is the best time to visit Tunisia?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the medinas and the desert. Summer suits beach stays along the coast best, despite intense heat in the southern part of the country.
Do I need a visa to travel to Tunisia?
Many nationalities, including European citizens, do not need a visa for a short tourist stay. It is recommended to check the exact entry requirements for your nationality well before departure.
How much time should I plan for a trip to Tunisia?
A week is enough to combine Tunis, Carthage, a desert excursion and a beach stay. Two weeks allow more time to explore the south and the islands at a more relaxed pace.
Is Tunisia a safe destination for travellers?
The main tourist areas are visited without particular difficulty. It remains useful to check the official travel advice from your home country before departure, especially for the southern border regions.
What currency should I use in Tunisia?
The Tunisian dinar is the local currency and generally cannot be bought in advance abroad. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas throughout the entire country, accepting most foreign cards.
Is it easy to visit the Tunisian desert?
Yes, organised excursions regularly depart from Tozeur or Douz toward the oases and dunes, with options ranging from a single day trip to several nights of camping under the stars.
Plan your trip to Tunisia
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
