Tunisia Tours & Holidays

Tunisia boasts a Mediterranean climate in the north and an arid, desert-like climate in the south. Tunisia typically receives most of its visitors in July and August, when the hot weather draws tourists to the beaches. The coldest and wettest months are January and February, although the rainfall average for this time is low and many interior Saharan regions of Tunisia do not see rainfall for years. March to May is a great time to travel as it is less crowded, the temperatures are cooler and the scenery is spectacular. November is considered the optimal time for trekking in the desert. Travelling during the holy month of Ramadan presents benefits and challenges as many restaurants close and business hours can be interrupted, although travelling during Ramadan often provides rare insight into a country and culture during this holy period.

Tunisia is an Arabic country with a strong sense of history and tradition, yet a good dose of modernity. The overwhelming majority of people are Arabic speaking Muslims; nine in ten Tunisians are Berber, with the remainder a mix of European, African and Arab peoples.

These days social and political life in Tunisia is mostly secular. Since the Arab Spring – a region-wide revolutionary movement sparked in 2010 by the Tunisian Revolution – the Tunisians have enjoyed more religious and social freedom and greater democracy. Still, when travelling, it’s important to keep in mind the country’s Islamic culture. If Ramadan is on, be careful not to drink or smoke in the public presence of those practising it.

The family is an important part of Tunisian life and a good topic of conversation when meeting new acquaintances. Wearing a headscarf is not necessary for women travelling in Tunisia (unless visiting mosques), but it pays to dress conservatively. Language-wise, French and Arabic are the officials, but English is increasingly prevalent – children are nowadays taught it at school.

Tunisian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean flavours, recipes from France and Italy, and Turkish and Berber influences. Seafood is naturally popular in coastal areas in the north, while hearty regional classics like Shakshouka (baked eggs in tomato) are common all over. Two major staples of Tunisian cuisine are harissa (a spicy chilli paste made with coriander and caraway seeds) and couscous (the buttery semolina granules popular in neighbouring countries such as Morocco).

Must-try food in Tunisia

1. Kosksi

Translating simply to couscous, this is the national dish of Tunisia. The Berber people are thought to have created it, perhaps as far back as the 3rd century. A simple yet delicious plate of flavoured couscous is usually accompanied by baked vegetables and chickpeas, or by meats such as beef, lamb or chicken.

2. Brik pastry

Brik (or “brick”) pastry comes in many forms, both sweet and savoury. It’s the egg- and meat-filled kind you’re likely to stumble upon first. Though its name may suggest otherwise, the dough is relatively thin and delicate. A great first snack you find yourself at a street stall in Tunis.

3. Tajine

Not to be confused with the Moroccan version (that’s very different), Tunisian tajine is similar to a quiche or frittata, more of a European-style finger food. Typical ingredients are onions, spices and ground meat, all held together with egg and breadcrumbs and flavoured with herbs and spice.

4. Lablabi

A fantastic option for vegetarians, Lablabi is a hearty chickpea soup with liberal doses of cumin and coriander. Tuna or egg are sometimes added for a bit of extra punch, and some extra harissa doesn’t go astray. Capers or chopped almonds sometimes top the dish off.

5. Bambalouni (Tunisian donut)

Sweet tooths shouldn’t miss the ‘yo-yo’, also known as a bambalouni, or simply Tunisian donut. Deep fried, but with the subtlety of so many other sweets from the region, it’s often lightly flavoured by rose water, orange blossom or lemon.

Sandwiched in between Libya and Algeria, Tunisia benefits from its location on the Mediterranean Coast. The south is characterised by arid plains and desert, which gives way to rolling hills and fertile areas prime for cultivation in the north. With a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia has plenty of white sand beaches that are popular with swimmers, surfers and divers. Tunisia's capital and largest city, Tunis, is mostly modern in design, except for the old medieval medina in the middle of town.

Tunisia is a treat for those who love to haggle the North African way. At the country’s many souqs and medinas, you can get a great price on local and authentic items. Shop for endemic spices, blown-glass perfume bottles, traditional ceramics and more.

You may like to purchase a Tunisian rug, an item that will be truly evocative of your stay in the region. Kairouan is a particularly good place to shop for a rug. Just look out for the ONAT (Office National de l’Artisanat Tunisien) stamp of approval on the back of your rug before you buy it, to make sure it’s authentic.

A traditional Arabic shisha (also known as a hookah) is also worth considering as a souvenir. It’s the apparatus used to smoke the characteristic flavoured tobacco of the Middle East. It’s not for everyone, of course, but travellers are known to buy them on their aesthetic qualities alone.

International Festival of Sousse

This three-week festival brings together a miscellanea of arts from across the country. See performances, eat African cuisine and enjoy the biggest carnival parade in Africa.

Festival of the Sahara

It started as a Bedouin marriage market but became a full-blown celebration of arts, culture and sports in the region. There’s delicious food, military parades, greyhound racing and much more.

Ulysses Festival

Ulysses immortalised the island of Djerba when he visited thousands of years ago. The island comes alive yearly with cultural events and performances from across the Mediterranean.