Where to stay in Tunisia

First off, where’s the best place to stay in Tunisia for first-time visitors? Look no further than Tunis. Situated on the coast, the capital is a bustling yet compact and walkable city with an intriguing mix of French and North African architecture. The UNESCO-listed medina is a medieval maze of alleyways where surprises await around every corner. For even more history, the ruins of ancient Carthage lie just outside the city. It’s also easy to combine your Tunis visit with some beach time. The romantic coastal village of Sidi Bou Saïd, known as the “Tunisian Santorini” for its whitewashed houses, is only 35 minutes away by train. Just next door is La Marsa, a long stretch of golden sand flanked by a pretty corniche – the perfect spot for swimming or water sports.

For couples on a Tunisia holiday, there’s no better destination than Hammamet. The country’s original resort town, it’s a charming place with plenty of low-rise luxury hotels fully geared up to welcome holidaymakers. In the south, Yasmine Hammamet has a romantic marina complete with pirate ship, plus a recreation of a traditional medina. Further north, history fans will find the real deal at the kasbah (fortress), which overlooks the headland. What really draws everyone to Hammamet, though, is the beaches, which stretch for miles north and south. The soft golden sand and warm, aquamarine water are perfect for a relaxing day of lounging around with your other half – just bag a couple of sun loungers and you’re good to go. If you’re the more adventurous type, there’s plenty of fun to be had with jet skiing, banana boating, wakeboarding and more.

Located just 200 metres from the beach on Tunisia’s paradise island, Djerba, the Hotel Royal Garden Palace boasts gorgeous architecture set amid lush greenery. There’s a huge, shell-shaped pool, plus five bars and restaurants to keep you refreshed all day long. Golf fans will love the proximity to Djerba’s 27-hole course, too. For 5-star accommodation near Tunis, Dar El Marsa is a stylish option. The pool and restaurant have lovely views over the ocean, while the full-service spa offers massages, body treatments and facials. All this, plus you’re just a couple of minutes away from the wonderful beach. With its prime beachfront location, the Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso stands proud on the Hammamet coast. The chic 5-star hotel has a large, palm-lined pool, plus a fitness centre and spa. Guests have plenty of choice when it comes to dining, with three restaurants serving up Mediterranean, Tunisian and international cuisine.

One of the top places to stay in Tunisia for families is Sousse, the country’s third-largest city. It’s a laidback place that offers a friendly welcome for tourists, with plenty to keep both kids and adults happy. You can take a stroll around the ancient medina and haggle for wares at the souk, then climb the watchtower of the ribat (fortress) for amazing views. Sousse is located right on the coast, with miles of sandy shores that the whole family will love. Bou Jaafar is the city’s main beach, perfect for little ones with its calm, clear and shallow water. There are family-friendly hotels lining the coast all the way up to the tourist hub of Hammam Sousse in the north, while the city is also home to several theme parks including Hannibal Park (rollercoasters and carousels) and Aquasplash (water slides and pools).

Specially designed for families with children, the Medina Belisaire & Thalasso is in a dream location just 200 metres from the beach in Hammamet. But it might be tough to drag yourself away from the myriad amenities: indoor and outdoor pools, spa, mini golf, kids’ club, evening entertainment and, of course, all-inclusive dining at the multiple restaurants. Set in sprawling gardens, the Marhaba Royal Salem is a haven for families. Kids will love the pool with its exciting water slides, while adults are sure to appreciate the treatments on offer at the spa. There’s plenty of variety when it comes to dining and drinking, including a poolside bar and a Moorish café. As its name suggests, Djerba Aqua Resort boasts its own water park with slides and rides that will keep little ones busy all day long. There’s also a kids’ club and tons of sporting activities available, plus three restaurants to choose from. When it’s time to branch out, the paradise beach of Sidi Mahrez is a stone’s throw away.