Enjoy in the best hotels in Tunisia

Enjoy Djerba, the most beautiful Tunisian island

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Tunisia is the wonderful island of Djerba, where the 4-star hotel the Iberostar Mehari Djerba awaits you. Explore the postcard capital of the island, Houmt Souk, which is famous for its traditional houses with white walls and blue windows. However, it is best known for its colourful markets, the labyrinth of alleyways that weave through the centre and the Museum of Popular Arts.

On the south coast of the island, the town of Guellala, is well known for its pottery, and is one of the best places in Tunisia to watch the sunset. But if you're looking to relax by the Mediterranean, the best beaches can be found on the northeast coast of the island which is precisely where the Iberostar hotel in Djerba is located.

If you are visiting Djerba in winter, don't forget to take a boat trip to the famous island of the flamingos, located just off the peninsula of Ras Rmel.

Fall in love with Mahdia, a paradise for divers

The historic city of Mahdia is a quiet and peaceful destination, dotted with houses with white walls and little cafés looking out over the sea. Mahdia is well known for being the best place in Tunisia for diving. However, many visitors prefer to wander through the medina or enjoy unparalleled views from the top of the battlements of the Borj el Kebir castle.

Other places you must explore are the Great Mosque, which was built by the Fatimid Caliphate in the 10th century, and the Mahdia Museum, where you can explore Tunisian culture. All these attractions and much more will be at your fingertips if you choose to stay at the hotel in Mahdia Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour, a 5-star resort in Tunisia that will add the finishing touch to your next getaway to North Africa.

Relax on the beach in Sousse

Sousse is an important medieval town located in the Gulf of Hammamet, as well as one of the oldest cities in Tunisia. With a medina that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, its streets transport visitors to the first centuries of Arab occupation. This is where you will find the main attractions of the city, such as the Great Mosque, the Sousse Ribat —a fortress-monastery on the North African coastline which served both as defence against assailants from overseas and a place for spiritual retreats—, and the Mosaic Museum.

On top of that Sousse has several kilometres of White Sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters, as well as an enormous range of bars and restaurants, all of which can be reached in record time from the Iberostar hotels in Sousse: the Iberostar Selection Diar El Andalous and the Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay, two 5-star hotels in Tunisia for dreaming.

Visit Hammamet, the gate to the Sahara

Located just an hour's drive from the capital city Tunis, Hammamet is the oldest and most important tourist centre in Tunisia. There you will find some of the best beaches in the country, suitable for practicing water sports, such as paragliding or jet-skiing. Equally popular are the often photographed camel rides on offer. In addition, in the old town centre you can visit the medieval medina, surrounded by the towering town walls. Also unmissable is the Great Mosque, which was founded in the 12th century, of whitewashed facade and with Turkish and Arab elements. Get ready to visit Villa Sebastian, an elegant mansion that houses a cultural centre.

If you book a holiday a Iberostar hotel in Hammamet, the Iberostar Averroes, you will enjoy a spa, outdoor pool, concierge service and much, much more. Discover one of the best hoteles en Hammamet.

Monastir and its Ribat: an ideal place for a gateway 

Besides being a major beach destination, the ancient Phoenician city of Monastir is an unbeatable starting point to explore this fascinating region, which includes the historic towns of Sousse, Mahdia and Kairouan. Monastir is also an ideal place to practice scuba diving or play golf in Tunisia. Among its most important monuments, is the Ribat fortress, built by the Arabs in the 8th century. Next to this stands the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, father of Tunisian independence and native of Monastir.

Staying at your hotel in Monastir, the Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace, all these wonders will be just a few steps from your room.

What to see in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia

Although the city of Tunis is inland and therefore doesn't have a beach, it has managed to become one of the most visited places in the country, thanks to the proximity of Cartago and Sidi Bou Said. In addition, it has one of the best-preserved medinas in North Africa, which has been listed as a World Heritage Sites since 1979. In the historical centre, it is worth visiting the Al-Zaytuna Mosque, the largest religious centre in Tunisia. Also worth visiting are the many souks and the Bardo National Museum, which is located in a Turkish palace from the 13th century. One of the most important museums in the Maghreb region it contains the most important collection of mosaics in the world.

Sidi Bou Said: following in the footsteps of Paul Klee

Located just 20 km from Tunis, Sidi Bou Said, with its little blue and white painted houses, looks like a Greek island. It has long been a refuge for artists, as this picturesque town is on a cliff, and has amazing light which makes it a great destination for photography. The Café des Nattes, where the German painter Paul Klee came to work, is the most famous place in the town.

Carthage: the spirit of Hannibal

Located on the north east coast of Tunisia, not too far from the capital, Cartago was a Phoenician city and an ancient commercial power, and in fact was the only existential threat to the Roman Empire over the control of the Mediterranean. However, the defeat of the city state in the third Punic war caused the Romans to devastate it. A second Carthage, this time under Roman jurisdiction, would be built a century later on the ruins of the previous one. This important archaeological site has been part of the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979 and combines vestiges of the Punic, Roman and Arab civilizations.

El Djem, one of the largest amphitheatres in the world

This magnificent amphitheatre, built in the 3rd century AD, is one of the most impressive Roman buildings in Tunisia. Its capacity, capable of seating around 30,000 thousand spectators made it the second largest in the Roman Empire, immediately after the Coliseum in Rome. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, El Djem can be visited at any time of the day, although the best time to admire its undeniable beauty is at sunrise and sunset. The entrance price includes a visit to the archaeological museum.

Feel the rush in the Grand Erg Oriental

The Sahara Desert covers a large part of the country in Tunisia, between the south east of the country and the east of Algeria. With sand dunes as high as 250 m tall, this area is highly recommended for going for camel rides or taking a trip in a 4 × 4 vehicle, especially at twilight. At the edge of the desert, there are several Tunisian oases worth visiting, such as those of Nefta, Tozeur or Douz.

Chott El Jerid, the lake of mirages

Near the town Douz, there is a spectacular salt lake called Chott El Djerid. Described in the work of Jules Verne and used as a location in the Star Wars movie saga, this place is famous for its strange mirages, the product of a curious meteorological phenomenon. Many tour operators organize excursions to visit this salty sea from all he main cities in Tunisia.

• February. Ramadan. During this religious fasting period, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations during the day. At sundown, everyone unites and celebrates with a large family meal.
• March 20th. Independence Day. On this day, the nation commemorates the formation of its first government after 20 years of fighting.
• April 9th. Martyrs Day. Tunisians pay tribute to the fallen in 1938 and the arrest of Bourgiba.
• April 18th. Sacrifice of Abraham Day. This religious holiday commemorates Abraham's intent to sacrifice his own son, Ishmael.
• June – July. Hammamet International Festival. This lively festival showcases regional songs in everything from theater performance to folkloric dances.
• July 25th. Republic Day. This holiday pays tribute to the declaration of the Republic of Tunisia in 1957 via the overthrow of the monarchy.
• July – August. Monastir Festival. Taking place at the end of July and beginning of August, this vibrant light and music show portrays the Islamic conquest.
• October 15th. Evacuation Day. This day commemorates the retreat of French troops from the city of Bizerta in 1962.
• October. Carthage International Film Festival. Every two years the island of Carthage hosts this festival specifically dedicated to cinematographic arts.
• November 7th. New Era Day. November 7th celebrates the rise of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to the Tunisian presidency following a coup d'etat in 1987.

• Tunisian Marketplaces. In nearly all of the marketplaces and bazaars within Tunisia's main cities, visitors will encounter lovely handicrafts, basketwork, gold and silver jewellery, and attractive leather products including puffs, handbags, briefcases, babullas, and much more.
• Tunisian Carpets. Perhaps the most characteristic of all Tunisian artisan pieces are the high quality, brightly designed carpets. Many types of carpets exist as well as many different fabrics such as the kilim, mergum, and kairouan, which is made of knots and is the nation's most representative carpet.
• Traditional Handicrafts of Nabeul and Djerba. Pottery is another of Tunisia's most sought after products. Two locales in particular are ideal for purchasing true pottery wonders: Nabeul, where pieces are created with lead-glazed ceramic; and Guellala on the Island of Djerba, which boasts an ancient tradition.
• Tunisian Cutlery. Tunisia commonly works with copper as well. Tourists can purchase exquisite articles of this metal: trays, teapots, cups, plates of all sizes, coffee sets, and more. 
• Tunisian Henna and Khol. Rich, exotic colours and aromas of spices flood crowded Tunisian marketplaces. Saffron, pepper, clove, bay leaf, cumin, and thousands of other spices blend with other Middle Eastern specialties like henna, a natural dye, and khol, makeup used for the eyes.