Discover a beautiful land of sun and smiles where Mediterranean waters and warm-hearted locals wait to welcome you to enjoy an unforgettable holiday.

Home to a fantastic coastline of 1,250km of fine, sandy beaches and a string of islands, Tunisia is undoubtedly a wonderful place for a beach break, but this North African gem has so much more to entice travellers. Often referred to as an ‘open-air museum’ due to its rich cultural heritage, it is a destination that also offers endless activities for families and couples, dazzling entertainment options, pristine golf courses, soothing spas, and well-equipped hotels. Due to its affordability, short 3-hour flight from the UK, and beaming temperatures all year round, Tunisia is perfect for a sun-drenched escape. But with so much on offer, it can be difficult to choose how to spend your holiday, so here are Holiday Gems’ top 10 things to do in Tunisia. As celebrity chef Jamie Oliver recently told the BBC’s One Show that this beautiful country has “stolen his heart and filled him with inspiration”, Tunisia might just be your new favourite destination.

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If you are looking for a tourist-friendly spot to stay in Tunisia, Hammamet is the most well-known and developed beach resort. Brimming with a wide choice of hotels, whilst maintaining an authentic appearance with old fortresses and fragrant flora, Hammamet has something for every type of traveller. Perfectly positioned next to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Hammamet Beach is ideal for ultimate relaxation, catching a golden tan, and water sports galore. For those who crave spending their days chilling out on soft sands, this family-friendly area is an affordable option with top-notch weather.

Monastir, the birthplace of former President Habib Bourguiba, is a small city located along the beautiful, turquoise coast. If you are staying in the sought-after resort of Sousse, Monastir offers the perfect taste of culture with Habib Bourguiba’s Mausoleum and a large mediaeval fortress. Just south of this charming peninsula and popular fishing spot, the Amphitheatre of El Jem is an impressive archeological site that is well worth seeing. On your journey from Sousse to Monastir, you will pass through Skanes, a beautiful resort famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, well-equipped hotels, and top-notch water sports opportunities.

Discover a world of excitement at Cathargeland, a fun-filled theme park with a range of amusement rides and aqua slides. Ideal for families with children of all ages, start a thrilling day here before making your way to Blue Ice, the only ice rink in the whole of Tunisia. Yasmine Hammamet is an up-and-coming resort located just south of Hammamet and home to spa centres, miles of serene beaches, and close to numerous golf courses. You can stroll along the picturesque marina, visit the sophisticated Medina Mediterranea, or book an excursion to Friguia Park, a small zoo with dolphin shows and opportunities to swim with animals.

Sousse is a well-known tourist spot filled with numerous historical gems. These include the Medina of Sousse, an ancient military fortification and UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to the 9th century, and the Sousse Archaeology Museum, where you can marvel at an array of ancient artefacts. From Sousse, you can wander north along the famous Sidi Boujaafar Beach promenade all the way up to Port El Kantaoui, a purposefully built resort renowned for its Andalusian architecture and lush marina with delightful restaurants, an idyllic spot to tuck into some fresh seafood.

Tunisia is home to various Star Wars filming locations, attracting many film fanatics every year. A mere 30 minutes away from Tozeur, the well-preserved sets of the planet Tatooine can be explored. Allow your imagination to come alive as you tread on the real life desert sands where cult-favourite Mark Hamill played the iconic Luke Skywalker. Totally immerse yourself and sign up to a full film set guided tour for more information on these globally renowned locations that have also been featured in iconic films like The English Patient, Life of Brian, and Raiders of the Lost Ark!

When you have finished your starstruck adventure, there is plenty more to do whilst in the sun-drenched Sahara Desert. Try your hand at extreme desert sports, such as sand skiing, quad biking, mountain biking, and hand gliding. Picture yourself sweeping through the rocky tracks and golden dunes. Sounds like a major bucket-list tick, right? For a more cultural experience, you can opt for a two-day excursion with an overnight stay in a desert inn or camp, providing you with the opportunity to learn about Berber heritage.

With year-round glorious sunshine, relatively dry weather, and just under 3 hours away from the United Kingdom, Tunisia is the perfect choice for a golfing holiday. Choose from 10 major golf courses, each equipped with classy club houses and all offering easy access from tourist-friendly resorts. From the palm grove of Tozeur to the forests of Tabarka, you can enjoy a solo game or compete with friends, family or your partner, surrounded by stunning scenery. Whether you are a skilled professional or simply looking to take a break from sunbathing and fancy trying out a new hobby, these pristine courses are adaptable to different levels of play.

Tantalising Tunisian cuisine mainly consists of hearty and spicy flavours, reflecting a rich culinary heritage cherished by its warm-hearted people. Mouth-watering staples like harissa, olives, couscous (the national dish) and olive oil are woven into the majority of dishes. You will get to know the local dishes that feature on most menus, such as brik, omek houria, and chakchouka. The capital city, Tunis, is a fantastic place to sample all of these delicious delicacies. You may be surprised to discover that Tunisia has been producing its own delightful wines for more than 2,000 years - perfect for pairing with all of these tasty dishes!

Revitalise your mental and physical health at an authentic Tunisian spa with an array of soothing treatments. Renowned for its wellbeing centres, warm-hearted hospitality, and Mediterranean sweetness of the scent of jasmine and orange flowers. Today, Tunisia is the second largest provider of spa business around the world, so take a break from the sizzling sunshine and revive your mind, body and spirit. Wellbeing is still central to Tunisian culture, so indulging in a massage is not only a relaxing treat but another way to live like a local!

Experience the pulsating heartbeat of Tunisia’s nightlife scene as the sun dips below the horizon and the party ignites with an explosion of energy. Just north of Tunis, in the cosmopolitan suburb of Gammarth, the dancing doesn’t stop in beachfront bars and trendy nightclubs until the early hours. For a more low-key night of excitement, the resorts in Sousse and Hammamet set the stage for an evening of classy cocktails and captivating entertainment by the sea. If you visit at the right time of year, you can also join the locals at cultural festivals and concerts with international DJs.