Best beaches in Tunisia: discover the top spots for sun, sand and sea

The best-known beaches in Tunisia are found near the buzzing, cosmopolitan resorts. Think palm-lined promenades, fine sand underfoot and tempting clear blue waters. Everyone is catered for and there are leisure options galore to ensure the stress slips away.

Some of the best beaches in Tunisia lie on the crescent-shaped Gulf of Hammamet in the north. If you’re looking for beaches near Tunis, Hammamet beach itself is just an hour’s drive southeast from the capital. Powdery sand and calm, shallow waters make it a family-friendly choice. 

The warm, crystalline sea means there’s some amazing snorkelling and scuba diving to be had. You’ll also find sun loungers and parasols, beach bars, water sports rentals and a whole host of activities for guaranteed family fun.

At the southern end of the gulf is the vibrant city of Sousse. Its delightful medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some fascinating architecture and a bustling souk, is sprinkled with bijou, family-run eateries and shops, making it the perfect place to wander. Moving on to the modern, sophisticated beachfront district, the expansive, fine white sand beaches in Sousse and their pristine azure waters never fail to delight. Soak up the sun, take a stroll in the surf or cool off in that stunning sea. Sousse has some of the best beaches in Tunisia for a classic beach holiday that suits families and couples alike. It also makes a great base for exploring the rest of the Tunisian coast.

A stone’s throw from Sousse is Monastir, the third of our best beaches in Tunisia. Nestled near the marina, the serene waters of Monastir beach make it a top place for swimming. For snorkelling and diving, hop on a boat trip to the nearby Kuriat Islands. You’ll find wild landscapes, white sand and turquoise water. The islands also host a protected nesting site for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.

Monastir beach is in town, so an afternoon under the sun can easily be combined with sightseeing. The beachfront promenade comes alive at night and is a great place to drift, stop at a bar or grab a bite and people-watch.

The village of Sidi Bou Said is quite simply one of the prettiest spots in the whole of Tunisia. Travellers are drawn by the distinctive blue-and-white architecture, winding cobbled lanes garlanded with bougainvillea and picture-perfect views over the Mediterranean. But its small beach at the foot of a steep hill by the marina might just keep you here. Perfectly positioned between green cliffs and azure waters, it’s a unique setting. Soak up the boho atmosphere at the village’s many cafés, galleries and craft shops before heading down for a plunge at one of Tunisia’s best beaches.

In Tunisia’s south, a short drive over a causeway on a route used since Roman times, lies North Africa’s largest island: Djerba. Ringed by endless, dreamy expanses of powdery white sand and turquoise waters, you’re spoilt for choice here. Which are the best beaches in Djerba? Start at the magnificent Sidi Mahrez beach. Laid-back and relaxed, it has everything on hand for a lazy day in the sun. For a slightly less developed stretch of sand, move on to La Seguia. 

Fancy something a little more active? Try Djerba’s Yati beach for scuba diving, or Sidi Jmour for sunset kayaking. Nature lovers adore the wild beaches backed by wind-sculpted dunes on the Ras Rmel peninsula, at the far north of the island. Whatever your mood, Djerba beaches have you covered.

Tunisia’s more popular beach destinations deserve their high standing among the sun-seeking cognoscenti, but the Tunisia coastline hides countless other lesser-known gems. Northern Tunisia is particularly well-suited to those looking to step off the beaten path. Why not put these more secluded spots on your itinerary of best beaches in Tunisia?

Cap Serrat ticks all the boxes if for you’re serious about getting away from it all. Lying around halfway between Bizerte and Tabarka, its long stretches of pristine coast backed by pines and scrubland have a real rustic Mediterranean feel. Guarded by a lighthouse at the tip of the cape, it’s a paradise for hikers. The crystal clear waters mean snorkelling is a joy.

East of Cap Serrat is Rafraf beach, another magnificent slice of sand fronted by stunning azure waters. Part of the beach is in the town of Raf Raf itself, but if you walk a little, you’ll soon hit a wild, expansive stretch where the forest tumbles down to the sea. Drink in the views of picturesque Pilau Island lying offshore. If you’re looking to recharge in nature, Rafraf has to be one of the best beaches in Tunisia for you.

Hammam El Ghezaz beach is an extensive, practically virgin strip of fine white sand lapped by crystalline waters just outside the small town of Hamman Ghezèze, in Tunisia’s far northeast. It’s ideal for long, relaxed days soaking up the sun. For some distraction, wander to the shipwreck at the far end and watch the local youths leap off.

Literally around the corner from Hammam El Ghezaz, near neighbouring Kelibia, is a long curve of powdery white sand: sublime La Mansourah Beach. It too is blessed with shallow crystal-clear waters, making it easy to see why this natural bay is a favourite with the locals. Well positioned bars and restaurants perch nearby, so everything is on hand for a day of pure beach bliss. Kelibia’s ancient hilltop fortress in the distance is the final flourish to an idyllic scene.

An hour’s drive south for visitors based in Sousse lies Mahdia, your gateway to some of best beaches in central Tunisia. Rejiche is the first of a long string of white sand expanses lapped by calm, aquamarine waters. It’s perfect place to relax for those in search of a more serene stretch of Tunisia Mediterranean coast. Pause for a bite to eat or sip a masterly-brewed mint tea to round off a day at one of the best beaches in Tunisia.