7 Best Tunisia Beach Towns: Where to Go and How to Get There
Use this guide to find the best Tunisia beaches and enjoy
your off-the-beaten-track summer holiday.
After spending two months in Tunisia, and the entire second month visiting beach towns, I have a pretty good idea of what are the best Tunisia beaches and beach towns.
I spent one full month in Sousse, Tunisia’s third-largest city, taking multiple day trips to beach towns every week. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the 7 greatest cities and towns along Tunisia’s coastline for your favorite summer holiday including Hergla, Sousse, Monastir, and more!
I have also included several of these Tunisian beaches on this Ultimate Tunisian 10-day Road Trip Itinerary.
Coming to Tunisia for the first time? What to know before you come to Tunisia
SHORT ON TIME?
Where to stay in Tunisia’s best beach towns:
1. Sousse: Résidence Le Monaco Sousse
2. Monastir: Hotel Mezri
3. Mahdia: Iberostar Selection
4. Hergla: Dar Kadijha Hergla
5. Hammamet: Le Bleu Celeste
6. Tunis: Maison Dedine
7. Djerba: Radisson Blu
Best Tunisia Beaches
When thinking about a summer beach holiday, lots of people think of a European summer. But Europe is so overrated in the summer. It’s oversaturated with tourists. The prices are high and good accommodation must be booked several months in advance.
If you’re looking for an alternative summer holiday destination, allow me to introduce you to Tunisia. Tunisia is a small Mediterranean country in northern Africa with 1,148 kilometers (713 miles) of coastline. All of this coastline means there are hundreds of beaches. Tunisia even has a famous island called Djerba.
Because Tunisia is much less touristy than the European summer holiday locations, the prices are also more reasonable, and you can have a more unique experience. While there are hundreds of beaches in Tunisia, this blog post will discuss the 7 best Tunisia beach towns along its eastern coastline. I’ll provide you with information on how to get there, where to stay, and what to do once you arrive.
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7 Best Tunisian Beach Towns
Tunisia beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, yet also the least known. It is very affordable to travel in Tunisia in terms of food, accommodation, transportation, etc. Because of this, I believe Tunisia will probably become a popular hotspot in the next ten years. So make sure you go as soon as possible before everyone learns the secret.
Here I’ll outline the 7 Best beach towns in Tunisia including Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Hergla, Hammamet, Tunis, and Djerba.
Read More: 31 Things to Do in Tunisia
1. Sousse
Sousse is Tunisia’s third largest city, yet it is a very approachable city. You can see the majority of sites and attractions in one day, as they are located inside the Medina walls. Here are some popular attractions to see in the Sousse Medina:
- Dar Essid Museum
- Archaeological Museum
- Souk
- Great Mosque
- Sousse Ribat
Because Sousse sits along the eastern coast of Tunisia, there are tons of beaches that run its entire length. The Medina is in the southern part of the city where you can find a boardwalk and popular beaches. However, if you go further north, you’ll run into the large hotel area of Sousse with long, white-sand beaches.
The Best Beaches in Sousse
One of the most popular beaches near the medina and old city center is called Bou Jaafar Beach. Here you’ll find people strolling the boardwalk with ice cream in hand. There is a rock formation that sticks out into the water that I saw people playing on. This is also where you’ll find the start of the tourist tram that goes all the way to Kantaoui.
If you continue north, you’ll hit Las Vegas Beach, which is closer to the Khazema neighborhood of Sousse. Along this beach you will find tourists taking a stroll, local boys playing football, smoking cigarettes, or jumping off the dock into the water, and hotel workers leading groups of Europeans in sand games. Most of the hotels have their own beach chairs and umbrellas set up in a designated area, but you can still find your own place to sunbathe.
If you walk north from Las Vegas beach towards Hammam Sousse, you’ll find a ton of abandoned hotels and waterparks along the coastline, which is quite interesting. Hammam Sousse is where you’ll find the “I LOVE SOUSSE” sign on a small abandoned structure in the water.
Where to stay in Sousse
When deciding where to stay in Sousse, you need to consider what you want out of your trip. If you’re mostly interested in the beaches, stay in Khazema or further north towards Hammam Sousse where the beach hotels are.
Résidence Le Monaco Sousse
This guesthouse is located directly on the beach with many rooms with a sea view. It is a short walk to the Medina and city center. The rooms are clean and spacious, and many rooms even have a kitchen. There is also a swimming pool.
Rooms go fast! Click here to book the Résidence Le Monaco Sousse ASAP!
Dar Badiaa
This guesthouse is located in the center of the Sousse Medina. It’s a perfect location to explore the area. It is inside a typical Tunisian home with amazing decorations and walls covered in tile. Breakfast is included.
Click HERE to check availability for the Dar Badiaa. Rooms go fast so book soon!
Read more: 21 Things to do in Sousse
2. Monastir
Monastir is less than one hour south of Sousse and is very easily reachable via louage. Because of its size, Sousse tends to get a lot of attention, but Monastir is the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed in your life. The city is very walkable and has several restaurants and cafes with beautiful seaside views. Here are a few things to see in Monastir:
- The best ribat in Tunisia (imo)
- Habib Bourghiba Mausoleum
- Monastir cemetery
- Grand Mosque
- Souk/Medina
- boardwalk stroll
There is also an enclosed marina area which seems to be dominated by Europeans with boats and Tunisian summer homes. If you’re looking for a great Tunisian beach town with far fewer crowds than Sousse or Hammamet, Monastir is it!
The Best Beaches in Monastir
Qaraiya Beach, south of the marina, is the beach along the main stretch of Monastir that you can see from the photos above. There are large rock formations that stretch out into the water, called “La Falaise.” You can find teenage boys hanging out here smoking cigarettes and jumping off the cliffs into the water.
On the north side of the marina, you can find Plage la Falaise. This section of Monastir is slightly more commercial, with restaurants and hotels. Unfortunately the sane here tends to have larger pebbles and rocks, and it is not the cleanest beach. But the area is pleasant to have a stroll or enjoy a coffee with a seaside view.
Where to stay in Monastir
Prices will increase in the summer months, particularly in August. If you plan to head to Monastir in the spring/early summer, you’ll be met with very reasonable prices.
Marina Cap Monastir- Appart’Hôtel
This hotel is located right inside the marina with a great view overlooking the boats from the balcony. You’re close to all the marina cafes and restaurants, and just a 5-minute walk to the Ribat and other beaches. The rooms are clean and bright; towels and linens are provided. You have basic kitchen necessities here. The hotel has 56 apartments, so you’ll feel like you’re in a small community here.
Book your stay in the Monastir Marina HERE. Rooms fill up quickly.
Hotel Mezri
The rooms here are simple, but more than anything, you’re paying for the location which is right in the center of the promenade, steps from the beach. There is also a small swimming pool inside. Breakfast is included in the price. Some of the rooms have a sea view. This is a great place for solo budget travelers.
Book your stay along the Monastir Coast HERE
Read more: What to Do and See in Monastir
3. Mahdia
Mahdia is just over one hour south of Sousse. The louage station is a bit far from the center of town so you’ll likely need to take a taxi to your destination once you arrive. The old city center lies inside of the old Medina walls on a small peninsula. You can take a stroll around the entire peninsula and see the majority of sites:
- Mahdia Ribat/Kazbah
- Old Port
- Cap Afrique (point of the peninsula)
- Mahdia cemetery
- Grand Mosque
- I LOVE MAHDIA sign
- Medina/souk
- Skifa el Khala (main gate)
- Mahdia Museum + View on top of the Skifa el Khala
Mahdia has a relaxed, small fishing village feel to it. Things tend to move slowly as you stroll through the old cobblestone streets and enjoy tea at Cafe du Caire. There are two main sections to this Tunisian beach town: the old town peninsula and the more modern beach area.
The Best Beaches in Mahdia
The old town area of Mahdia does not have a typical white sand beach like other parts of the Tunisian coastline. It’s very rocky as you can see in the photos above. This area is great for a stroll, but not for sunbathing so much. You can find small, private pockets of sand (like El Hamra Beach), but there are no nearby amenities.
You can find the Plage de Corniche Mahdia northwest of the old town of Mahdia. This area is more modern with several commercial hotels and resorts. If you are only looking for a beach holiday, I suggest getting a hotel in this area.
If you have rented a car in Tunisia, head down to Salakta Beach, which is about 20 minutes south of Mahdia. This beach is a hidden gem and is not frequented often by foreign visitors. The beach is clean, there is security, available parking (for a fee), and long stretches of white sand.
Where to stay in Mahdia
Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour
If you’re coming to Mahdia for the beach, this is the ideal location. This beautiful, high-quality hotel has great prices available. Not only can you see the sea from the hotel’s property, but there is also a beautiful swimming pool available. There is also a fitness room, a bar, a restaurant, and breakfast included.
Check availability for this beautiful hotel NOW
Hotel Dar Al Madina
This beautiful hotel is located in the center of town in the heart of the medina. Breakfast, parking, and wifi are included. An airport shuttle is available. The rooms are beautiful, clean, and well-maintained. Very reasonable prices. There is also a rooftop terrace with great sunlight. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Check rates and availability for this hotel in the Mahdia Medina HERE
Read more: 15 Things to do in Mahdia
4. Hergla
Hergla is a Tunisian town that you will not see on many people’s Tunisia bucket lists. This is not because it’s bad, but because it’s not well known. Hergla is a true hidden gem that will make you feel like you’re walking on a Grecian island, with its blue and white buildings, and light Mediterranean breezes. Hergla is a small town, and its sites can be seen in one afternoon:
- Men’s Mosque
- Women’s Mosque
- Hergla Marina
- Halfa Grass basket shopping
- Outdoor amphitheater along the water
- Stroll the Hergla promenade
- Hergla cemetery
Other Tunisian beach towns will be much more crowded than Hergla as it is not well known. But if you’re looking for a super relaxing beach holiday, Hergla could be your place. It is very easily reachable via louage.
The Best Beaches in Hergla
If you take a walk along the Hergla promenade to La Falaise, you’ll find small pockets of sand where you can sunbathe in near privacy. There are a few guesthouses in this area as well, which is great for a quiet beach holiday.
If you go northwest of the Hergla town center, you can find the long stretching white sand beaches of Plage privée al Madfoun and Plage de Hergla. Here you’ll find clean beaches and clean, bright turquoise water. I also saw a lot of windsurfing in this area.
Where to stay in Hergla
Dar Yessine Boutique Hôtel
This beautiful Boutique hotel is just 1 minute from the sea, which you can see from the rooftop. Rooms are clean and modern. A continental breakfast is included. It is very affordable and worth the value you pay for it.
Check availability and BOOK NOW for this incredible Boutique Hotel in Hergla.
Dar Khadija Hergla
Dar Khadija is one of the more well-known guesthouses to stay in Hergla. It is a beautiful white building, in the Greek style, with a swimming pool in the inner courtyards. There are also amazing terraces for relaxing. Breakfast is included.
Check availability HERE for this popular Guesthouse in Hergla.
Read more: What to See and Do in Hergla
5. Hammamet
Hammamet is easily one of the most well-known beach towns in Tunisia. It is especially popular with European tourists and expats. Because of this, Hammamet was actually one of my least favorite Tunisian beach towns, but it is popular for a reason. It’s possible to see all of the main tourist sites in one day:
- Hammamet Ribat (plus a rooftop cafe)
- Stroll the promenade
- Medina/souk
- Hammamet Cemetery
Hammamet is on the southern coast of the Nabeul Peninsula, about 50 minutes south of Tunis via louage. Because of this, it is also a very popular summer holiday destination for Tunisians living in the capital city. There are a ton of hotels, restaurants, and cafes in the main city center. There is also a more touristy area called Yasmine Hammamet, which is full of hotels and family activities.
I can’t mention Hammamet without mentioning what to watch out for. It is a common scam in Hammamet for random men to approach you and say they recognize you from your hotel. They will tell you they are the security guard in your hotel and try to gain your trust. Once they do, they will want to bring you to certain shops and try to sell you items at a hugely inflated price.
The Best Beaches in Hammamet
The center of Hammamet sits between two beaches, one on each side. There is a small beach cove (above photo) called Plage Hammamet. This is a small beach where you can find many small fishing boats docked.
On the other side of Hammamet, you can find the much larger Plage de Hammamet. This beach is much larger and has several restaurants and cafes along the edge of it. This beach is extremely popular with beachgoers in the summer months, and it can get quite crowded. If you get there early, it’s a beautiful and peaceful place to watch the sunrise.
The area around the Flora Beach Hammamet is more popular with the Yasmine Hammamet crowd as it is in that area of town.
Where to stay in Hammamet
Dar Hammamet Guest House & Hammam
This hotel is inside the medina in a traditional Tunisian home. It is not far from the beach. You also have access to a hammam, spa facilities, and wellness packages. Breakfast is included.
Book NOW for this stunning Guest House in Hammamet
Le Bleu Cèleste
This hotel is located in the Yasmine Hammamet area of town. The hotel rooms offer a balcony, free private parking, a swimming pool, a private beach area, and free WiFi. Breakfast is included.
Check availability for this modern hotel. Rooms go FAST.
Read more: 20 Things to Do in Hammamet
6. Tunis
Because Tunis is the country’s capital city, most people wouldn’t think of it as a typical beach destination. However, Tunis has some fantastic beaches. If you’re headed to Tunisia for a summer holiday, I suggest staying a few days in Tunis regardless, as there is so much to see:
- Bardo Museum
- Medina/souk
- Old Carthage
- Sidi Bou Said
- Rooftop cafes
Tunis is the perfect place to get yourself oriented when you first arrive in Tunisia. Most likely you will be flying into the Tunis-Carthage airport, so a stopover in the capital city is a great introduction to the rest of the country.
Read More: The Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary for Carthage Tunisia
The Best Beaches in Tunis
The La Marsa area of Tunis has incredible beaches with views of the blue Mediterranean waters. This neighborhood is considered to be the most “French area” of Tunis. There are a ton of cafes, restaurants, and great Tunisian street food vendors.
Read more: 25 Things to Do in Tunis
Marsa Beach is the main event of the neighborhood, with several cafes nearby to take in the views. In Sousse, I stayed just 2 minutes from this beach and took a stroll down there nearly every single day.
A little further south down the coast, you’ll find Sidi Bou Said, with its famous blue and white buildings and incredible views. Under the cliffs of Sidi Bou Said, you can find the Plage de Sidi Bou Said. This is not a huge beach, but it is clean and comfortable. You can also rent stand-up paddles and kayaks here.
Continue further down the coastline and you’ll hit the neighborhood of La Goulette and Plage La Goulette. This area is known for seafood and the entire beach is lined with several restaurants and cafes, many of them specializing in just that. This area is truthfully a bit more rundown than La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said, but the views are still amazing.
Where to stay in Tunis
Read More: Where to Stay in Tunis: Best Neighborhood Guide
Maison Dedine- Small Luxury Hotel
This is a beautiful boutique hotel right on the water in Sidi Bou Said, just two minutes from the beach. This small boutique hotel is stylish and beautiful, with great decor. The staff is friendly and helpful.
Check availability for this LUXURY HOTEL in Sidi Bou Said
Dar El Marsa Hotel & Spa
This hotel is perfectly located in the center of town. You can walk easily to the beach, the train station, or the restaurants. Many rooms have a sea view. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a wellness center. Breakfast is included.
Check availability and BOOK this hotel in the perfect location.
7. Djerba Island
Djerba Island is famous in Tunisia for its mixed cultural heritage and strong Jewish presence. It would take about 6-7 hours to reach Djerba from Tunis via louage or car rental, but you can also fly there if you prefer. There were several scenes from Star Wars filmed on Djerba Island. In Djerba, you can:
- Visit the markets of Houmt Souk
- Check out the Ghazi Mustapha Tower
- Ride a camel
- Visit the towns of Erriadah and Djerbahood
- Medina/souks in Houmt Souk and Erriadah
Djerba Island is that stunning Mediterranean island you have never heard of but need to visit.
The Best Beaches in Djerba
The more “touristy” area of Djerba Island is in the northwest, near Plage El Hachen, which is long, clean, and beautiful. The Radisson Blu is nearby, making this beach easily accessible. Another popular beach in this area is the Plage de Sidi Mahrez. Here you can do horse and camel rides and relax in the white sand.
Check out the less touristy beaches in the west of the island as well, such as Cheikh Yahya Beach and Plage Edzira, and all the coastline in between those two beaches.
Where to stay in Djerba
Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso, Djerba
Stay in luxury in the northeast of the island where all of the best beaches can be found. You’ll be just steps from the beach. Plus you can enjoy a fitness center, 3 swimming pools, a restaurant, buffet breakfast, etc.
Stay in luxury on Djerba Island, BOOK NOW
Dar Chick Yahia Ile De Djerba
If you’re looking for a less touristy beach destination on Djerba Island, then this traditional guesthouse in the west of the island is for you. Rooms are beautiful, simple, and just steps from the beach. There is both a swimming pool, and an oceanfront view.
Escape the crowds and BOOK NOW to stay in this unique guesthouse
Best Time To Visit Tunisia for the Beaches
If you’re looking for a beach holiday in Tunisia, the best months are over the summer – June, July, and August. These months will have the best beach weather. They will also be the most crowded and touristy months.
This can be both good and bad. Good because the energy will be fun and you can meet a ton of new people also on holiday. Bad because prices will rise and every place you go will be more crowded. You’ll definitely need to plan ahead and book your accommodation in advance.
If you’re looking for less crowds and lower prices, I suggest going in the shoulder seasons- April, May, September, and October. The weather will remain warm in these months, but you’ll see fewer crowds.
How to Reach the Best Beaches in Tunisia
Travel via Louage
One of Tunisia’s best and most affordable ways to travel is via louage. A louage is a shared taxi van. There is no set schedule for when they leave, as each van departs as soon as it’s full. You never need to wait for more than 5-15 minutes, and most cities and towns in Tunisia have a louage station. I did a lot of louage travel in Tunisia and always felt safe. It is also very cheap to travel this way.
Read More: How to Travel Via Louage in Tunisia
Train Travel in Tunisia
There is one main train line in Tunisia that goes between Tunis (northeast) and Metlaoui (southwest) with several stops on the way including Sousse, El Jem, Monastir, and Mahdia. You can find the schedule here.
I’ll be honest. Traveling via train in Tunisia is one of the least desirable forms of transportation. The trains are always delayed if they even come at all. You’ll spend more time waiting on the train to arrive, or wondering if it will ever arrive than you will on the actual journey.
Train tickets are very cheap, and you get what you pay for. There is a first-class and a second-class option on the train and the financial difference between the two is negligible, as are the actual seats. The inside of the train is falling apart, with pieces hanging down from the ceiling. There is trash covering the ground and it is obvious the trains have never been cleaned.
Rent a car
Tunisia is very much a car-centric society, much like the US. It is the easiest way to get around Tunisia on your own schedule and timeframe. Renting a car is great for taking a Tunisian road trip, or even if you’re staying in one city for a few weeks and want to get around to restaurants, supermarkets, the beach, etc.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide for Renting a Car in Tunisia
Tunisia Beaches FAQs
Here are all the questions you have regarding Tunisia beaches.
Does Tunisia have nice beaches?
Yes, Tunisia has great beaches. The northern coast is more rocky with cliffs, similar to many beaches in Italy. The east coast of Tunisia has several sprawling white sand beaches with a backdrop of palm trees, and in many cases- big hotels.
Which part of Tunisia has the best beaches?
The east coast of Tunisia has the best beaches. They are more typical beaches that you expect on a summer holiday- large swaths of soft, white sand extending out into the distance. Some of the best beaches can be found in Sousse, Hammamet, and Djerba Island.
Can you swim in the sea in Tunisia?
Yes, for sure. In the summer, you’ll find the sea in Tunisia full of swimmers. Even in the off-season, you can catch people taking a quick dip to cool off.
Is it safe to holiday in Tunisia?
Tunisia is very safe, even for a solo female traveler. While I did experience several annoyances with men along the beaches, I never felt unsafe. The annoyances mostly boil down to overeager men, in abundance, wanting to call out and greet me, have a chat, and ask me for my Instagram handle. Overall though, I felt very safe in Tunisia. I saw many families vacationing in Tunisia and they all appeared to be very relaxed and having a great time.
Is Tunisia cheap to visit?
There is something for every budget in Tunisia. As an average traveler, I found Tunisia to be quite affordable. Luxury accommodations and fancy restaurants are available if that is what you’re looking for. But there are also very comfortable hotels for a reasonable price. Eating at locally owned restaurants and street vendors will also keep costs down. Purchasing souvenirs in Tunisia was also very affordable.
Final Thoughts on Tunisia Beaches
The Tunisia beaches are one of Africa’s hidden gems. So many people think of the European coastline for their summer beach holiday, but Tunisia has so much to offer, all at more affordable prices. Tunisia is a safe country with kind people, delicious spicy food, beautiful souvenirs, and so much more.
From sleepy coastal towns to that big city life, Tunisia has a lot of variety to offer when it comes to choosing your preferred beach destination. Enjoy the serenity of Hergla, or the hustle and bustle of Tunis alongside the sea. Tunisia just might be what you’re looking for!
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