Tunisia has a lot to offer if you're looking for a relaxing and fun-filled family holiday - beautiful weather all year round, warm-hearted and welcoming locals and a wide variety of landscapes. There are fine sandy beaches, the Sahara desert, rocky mountains and salt lakes, as well as many palm trees. Tunisia is a very small country, so it's easy to get around in just a few days. A holiday here will give you memories to last a lifetime.
Contrary to popular belief, Tunisia is not that far away. A flight to Djerba, Tunis or Enfidah will take you just under three hours, which is comparable to a flight to Stockholm (2h45m) or Rome (2h10m).
Tunisia is a stable country and it is completely safe to visit. The locals are known to be very friendly and families feel comfortable and relaxed here. However, before you visit for the first time, it's a good idea to pick up a few basic tips and tricks to make your holiday more enjoyable. With the country renowned for its beautiful beaches, and many northerners and Europeans often heading to places like Djerba to soak up the sun, you can expect to find plenty of beach-goers. As Tunisia is a Muslim country, they expect their residents and guests to dress appropriately. Many cities are now more open-minded and you can wear ordinary shirts and shorts, but remember to be respectful of their culture.
Tunisia is a country of haggling. Be aware that fixed prices are rare and always try to offer a low price first, or even prepare to leave if necessary. The resorts offer many choices of child-friendly meals, such as roast chicken, crêpes, pasta, pizzas and much more. If you're travelling with a baby, baby food and formula are available from chemists and supermarkets. What's more, most holiday hotels offer group activities or even a full childcare service.
As Tunisia borders are part of the Sahara, cities like Hammamet can reach temperatures of up to 46°C. It is better to visit Tunisia in autumn or winter (September – March) to avoid the summer heat.
Warm waters, sunny skies - Tunisia is known for its warm waters, sunny skies and 1,200 kilometres of coastline, making water sports a popular family activity here. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including snorkelling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, water-skiing and wakeboarding for the sport lovers, and parasailing, banana-buoys and tubing for the thrill seekers. You can also visit one of Tunisia's water parks, such as Carthageland, which is an amusement park with shows, rides and many other water attractions.
Camel rides in the desert - Try out a camel ride in the desert with your children and take a trek through the Sahara Desert. On most guided tours, you can even wear traditional dress with a scarf and take a souvenir photo against the dunes. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the sand dunes on a fun and bumpy ride.
A day trip to Sidi Bou Saïd - The small village of Sidi Bou Saïd is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Tunisia. This cliff-top village is famous for its blue and white colours, narrow streets and breathtaking views over the sparkling blue waters. In fact, its distinctive architecture is the result of the influx of Spaniards and Muslims to the country in the 16th century. You can see dazzling white houses with blue doors and windows, adorned with beautiful pink and purple flowers. As this village is Tunisia's main tourist attraction, consider visiting in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Star Wars scenes, Ong Jemal - If you're a fan of the Star Wars film series, you may be familiar with the planet Tatooine, a dusty desert inhabited by mysterious creatures. You might be surprised to learn that Tatooine is in fact a real place in Tunisia, in a region called Tataouine. Many of the original film sets shot in Tunisia have been preserved and are a popular tourist attraction in the country.