The best beaches in Tunisia
More than 1,000 km of coastline, from the wild coves of the north to the shallow lagoons of Djerba: here's where to lay your towel, depending on the season, the way you travel and what you're in the mood for.
Which beach suits you?
Four ways to enjoy the sea in Tunisia, to help you choose your region.
Families and shallow water
Djerba, Zarzis, Mahdia and Monastir have long stretches of fine sand where you can stand a long way out. All-inclusive resorts are plentiful.
Nature and wild coves
The north (Cap Serrat, around Bizerte and Tabarka) and the tip of Cap Bon: clear water and few buildings, but few facilities too.
Lively resorts and water sports
Hammamet, Yasmine Hammamet, Sousse and Port El Kantaoui have beach clubs, jet skis, parasailing and nightlife; Djerba is also a kitesurfing spot.
A day trip from Tunis
La Marsa and Gammarth, reachable by TGM train or car, and a little further Raf Raf, Ghar El Melh or the Korbous coast. See also our road trips.
Beaches, region by region
From north to south, the beaches worth the trip, with how to reach them and who they suit best.
The north: Tabarka, Cap Serrat, Bizerte
Tabarka
A sandy beach below the Genoese fort, with deep water and rocky seabeds close by: a favourite with divers and snorkellers.
Getting there: In town, on foot from the harbour.
Best for: Diving, nature, a quiet atmosphere.
Cap Serrat
A wild bay between scrubland and cliffs, one of the most unspoilt beaches in the country, with almost no buildings.
Getting there: By car on a minor road; few or no facilities on site.
Best for: Nature lovers looking to get off the beaten track.
Bizerte: Rimel and around Ras Angela
East of Bizerte, Rimel beach is backed by dunes and pine trees; to the west, small rocky coves stretch towards Ras Angela.
Getting there: By car from Bizerte (about 1 hour from Tunis).
Best for: A nature day trip.
Raf Raf and Ghar El Melh
A big sandy beach facing a rocky islet at Raf Raf; further east, beyond the Ghar El Melh lagoon, the long beach of Sidi Ali El Mekki is backed by hills.
Getting there: By car; very busy at summer weekends.
Best for: A swimming day out from Tunis.
Greater Tunis: La Marsa, Gammarth, Sidi Bou Said
La Marsa
A lively town beach lined with cafés and ice-cream parlours, very popular with local families.
Getting there: TGM train from central Tunis, or by car.
Best for: A swim after sightseeing, without leaving the capital.
Gammarth
North of La Marsa, quieter beaches in front of upmarket hotels and a few beach clubs.
Getting there: By car or taxi from La Marsa.
Best for: Comfort and a more relaxed vibe.
Sidi Bou Said
A small beach below the blue-and-white village, near the marina: walk down after exploring the village.
Getting there: On foot from the village (steps).
Best for: A refreshing break rather than a full beach day.
Cap Bon: Hammamet, Nabeul, Kelibia
Hammamet and Yasmine Hammamet
Miles of golden sand from the medina to the Yasmine marina, with hotels, restaurants and water sports.
Getting there: Easy: on foot from the hotels; Tunis-Carthage and Enfidha-Hammamet airports.
Best for: Families and anyone who wants everything on the doorstep.
Nabeul
A long family beach a few kilometres from Hammamet, with a real town life and pottery shops nearby.
Getting there: By car or louage from Hammamet.
Best for: Simple, budget-friendly stays.
Kelibia and El Mansoura
Known for exceptionally clear water and very fine sand, below the Kelibia fort. El Mansoura, just to the north, is the most sought after.
Getting there: By car (about 2 hours from Tunis).
Best for: Those looking for the clearest water on Cap Bon.
El Haouaria and the Korbous coast
At the tip of Cap Bon, cliffs and coves around El Haouaria; on the Gulf of Tunis side, the Korbous road runs past coves at the foot of the mountain and hot springs.
Getting there: By car only; winding roads.
Best for: The curious and photographers, ideal on a road trip.
The Sahel: Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia
Sousse (Boujaafar)
The city's main beach, along the corniche, a few minutes' walk from the UNESCO-listed medina.
Getting there: On foot from the centre; Monastir airport is about 30 min away.
Best for: Combining the beach with cultural visits.
Port El Kantaoui
Developed beaches around a marina, with beach clubs, water sports and golf nearby.
Getting there: By taxi or car from Sousse.
Best for: Families and activity lovers.
Monastir and Skanes
Town beaches near the ribat and the long Skanes hotel strip. In season, boat trips run to the Kuriat islands.
Getting there: Right next to Monastir airport.
Best for: Short beach breaks.
Mahdia
One of the finest beaches in the Sahel: very pale sand and calm water north of town, a few minutes from the medina on its peninsula.
Getting there: By car, or by train from Sousse and Monastir (Sahel metro).
Best for: Beach time without the crowds, for couples or families.
The south: Djerba, Zarzis, Kerkennah
Djerba: Sidi Mahrez and the east coast
The tourist zone lines up miles of white sand and shallow water, from Sidi Mahrez to Aghir via La Seguia.
Getting there: Djerba-Zarzis airport; car or taxi on the island.
Best for: Families, long stays and kitesurfing.
Ras Rmel, Flamingo Island
A sand spit in the north-east of the island, known for its pink flamingos depending on the season; mostly visited on a boat trip.
Getting there: Excursions from Houmt Souk (in season).
Best for: A different kind of day out, with family or friends.
Zarzis
On the mainland opposite Djerba: quiet beaches lined with palm and olive trees, and a very calm sea.
Getting there: Via the El Kantara causeway from Djerba.
Best for: Peace and quiet and longer stays.
Kerkennah Islands
A flat archipelago off Sfax with very shallow water, far from mass tourism; few facilities.
Getting there: By ferry from Sfax.
Best for: Travellers looking for authenticity and a slower pace.
When can you swim?
The swimming season generally runs from June to October, stretching from May to November in the south. Water temperatures are indicative and vary by year and region.
| Period | Water (approx.) | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| December to March | 15–18 °C | Too cool for most swimmers; a lovely time for beach walks and sightseeing. |
| April | 16–20 °C | Still cool; a few brave swimmers, mainly on Djerba. |
| May | 18–23 °C | Swimming begins in the south and the Sahel, with quiet beaches. |
| June | 22–26 °C | Very pleasant everywhere, before the summer crowds. |
| July and August | 26–30 °C | The warmest water, but intense heat and very busy beaches; book early. |
| September | 26–29 °C | Our favourite time: warm water and fewer people. |
| October | 24–26 °C | Still very good, especially in the south; shorter days. |
| November | 21–23 °C | Possible on Djerba and in Zarzis in mild weather; many hotels scale back their services. |
The north (Tabarka, Bizerte) is generally a little cooler than the south. For the climate month by month, see When to go to Tunisia.
Our beach tips
- Follow the flags and lifeguards' instructions where there are any; the wild beaches of the north are usually unsupervised and currents can be strong.
- Between noon and 4 pm in summer the sun is fierce: shade, sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water, especially with children.
- Sunloungers and parasols are often paid for on developed public beaches; hotel ones are reserved for guests.
- Swimwear is for the beach and the pool: cover up to go into town, to restaurants or into the medinas.
- In summer, jellyfish can appear on some days: ask locally before swimming.
- For remote beaches a car is essential: leave nothing visible inside. To choose your base, see Where to stay and our road trips.
The finest coves of the north and Cap Bon can only be reached by car: pick yours up at the airport or your hotel.
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