In a destination worthy of the big screen, where the days unfold slowly amid warm hues and the desert meets the sea, every spot overlooking the horizon could be home to a paradisiacal coast… with a story to tell. The best beaches in Tunisia have a legendary air. This is the land where one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean, Carthage, flourished, and where Hannibal, the general who dared to challenge mighty Rome, was born. Part of its culture is tied to other battles—this time cinematic ones—as some scenes from Star Wars were filmed here.
Today, these same shores and the islets that line them have transformed into peaceful beaches where tranquility reigns. But which are the most special ones—the ones you simply must visit at least once in your life? Here are our favorites, easily accessible from your Iberostar hotel in Tunisia (a paradise in its own right) as you enjoy your vacation.
The 5 best beaches in Tunisia
1. Hammamet Beach
Hammamet Beach, located in the city of the same name, tops Tripadvisor’s 2025 list of Tunisia’s best beaches. As if telling an eternal story, its calm, crystal-clear waters gently wash the shore with an echo from another era. The sand is especially soft and white, almost like talcum powder. A walk along it—ideally at sunset—becomes a full sensory experience. Relaxed swims and leisurely water sports like snorkeling or paddleboarding will connect you to its unique energy through movement in the open air.
And there’s more. This coastline, originally a thriving fishing village in the Nabeul region on Tunisia’s east coast, still preserves the architectural and cultural remnants of its past: a walled medina overlooking the sea, charming cafés where locals gather for mint tea and conversation, and imposing Moorish-style buildings. Today, this tradition blends harmoniously with the modern luxury of hotels in Tunisia like Iberostar Selection Mirage Hammamet, a five-star resort surrounded by gardens that feels as naturally integrated into the setting as the scent of jasmine. The complex offers suites for couples and bungalows for families, as well as a Tunisian restaurant right by the beach.
2. Mahdia Beach
Scenery, accessibility, and architectural heritage—what are the best beaches in Tunisia where you can relax while immersing yourself in Arab history? Mahdia Beach, a gem on the country’s eastern coast just a six-minute walk from Mahdia’s historic center (close to its Great Mosque and the Borj El Kebir fortress), will win you over with its privileged location and authentic charm. With turquoise, shallow waters, this beach, ranked number 2 on Tripadvisor’s 2025 list, is known for its impressive jetty and blue-painted fishing boats that head out every morning to sea. From sunrise to sunset, the whole family will enjoy a postcard-worthy setting with all the amenities for an unforgettable day by the sea.
In this idyllic backdrop, Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour offers its elegant, radiant hospitality. Located across from the beach and near Mahdia’s medina, this five-star resort is especially suited to families traveling with children. Local cuisine, pools for all ages, and the chance to unwind at the hammam and thalassotherapy center while little ones enjoy the Star Camp with age-appropriate activities are just some of the experiences awaiting you on your trip.
3. Port El Kantaoui Beach
Knowing the best beaches in Tunisia will help you choose accommodation that feels tailor-made. In Sousse, conceived as a modern seaside city, Port El Kantaoui Beach embodies the exclusivity of a unique destination. Its marina evokes the charm of southern Europe’s ports. Here, among yachts and palm trees, you’ll find inspiring luxury hotels in Tunisia like Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay, a five-star all-inclusive resort with a stunning spa and seven restaurants and bars.
This oasis invites you to slow down and savor the moment amid attentive service, without missing out on the lively vibe of the area. Around Port El Kantaoui, you’ll find designer boutiques, golf courses, restaurants, and beach clubs—all with a vibrant, international atmosphere.
4. Sidi Bakour Beach
Sidi Bakour lies on the beautiful island of Djerba. An air of seclusion seems to envelop it, even in peak season. Quiet, uncrowded, almost secret—if you’re looking for a spot to sunbathe while reading a good book or to take long, uninterrupted walks, you’ve found it. Its emerald waters and golden sand will witness your moments of relaxation and connection with nature. Some of the best family hotels in Tunisia are located near Sidi Bakour Beach.
Here, there are no loud bars blaring music. Instead, you’ll encounter traditional houses (known as menzels) scattered along the shoreline and four-star hotels in Tunisia like Iberostar Waves Mehari Djerba, a peaceful haven for all travelers, including families seeking rest, with 80,000 m² of gardens and palm groves. Its wide array of sports activities lets you nurture your body while tending to your spirit during your vacation. Located within the same resort, Iberostar Selection Eolia Djerba becomes a five-star wellness sanctuary by the sea.
5. Skanes Beach
Halfway between Sousse and Monastir, Skanes Beach represents the perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty. Looking for five-star hotels in Tunisia without sacrificing the charm of coastal landscapes and historic landmarks? This spot, celebrated for its turquoise waters and pristine surroundings, offers it all. From its neatly arranged sun loungers with umbrellas to its water activities, landscaped promenade, and leisure amenities, you can simply bask in the sun without a care in the world.
If you’d like to enrich your stay with cultural visits, you’re close to the grand mausoleum where Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s independence leader, is buried, as well as the Monastir Ribat—a palatial fortress seemingly straight out of One Thousand and One Nights. Spend your vacation at Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace, a resort directly on Skanes Beach, where you can live your own Scheherazade story in the here and now. For instance, by staying with your partner in an exclusive Star Prestige suite, with private areas and in-room touches that truly set it apart.
Where are the best beaches in Tunisia?
Picture Tunisia’s coastline as a natural tapestry, weaving together paradisiacal shores, ancient cities, and fishing villages still echoing the splendor of another era. Add to that modern promenades and upscale marinas surrounded by entertainment, landmarks, and palm groves. Imagine a route taking you to some of Tunisia’s finest beaches, stretching from Sousse to Monastir and Hammamet.
Along the way, in Mahdia and its surroundings, you’ll travel through time as you move from one coast to another. Meanwhile, the island of Djerba—where Homer’s Odysseus sought rest after the Trojan War in The Odyssey—will offer that much-needed moment of reconnection with yourself.
Whatever your ideal vacation style, plan your stay at beachfront hotels in Tunisia according to your traveler personality: there’s something for everyone. This travel guide will help you organize it.
Tunisia’s coastline stretches nearly 1,200 kilometers, offering pure beauty. The Mediterranean, the Saharan breeze (covering around 40% of the country’s territory), and a diverse, exceptional landscape—ranging from oases and dune ecosystems to ancient mountain settlements and fertile valleys—guard the best beaches in Tunisia like eternal sentinels. This destination is defined by its rich natural canvas, full of harmonies and contrasts. A sea of dunes and the sound of waves will welcome you to a vacation that also includes Roman ruins, Islamic fortresses, spice markets, and traditional cafés.
As we mentioned, the coast is also surrounded by small (and idyllic) islands like Djerba, home to some of Tunisia’s most highly rated beachfront hotels. Others, including El-Kebira Island near Monastir, Flamingo Island, or the Kerkennah Islands, are well worth a day trip. Altogether, Tunisia boasts 62 islands and islets, each with unique ecological, cultural, and historical significance.
Discover a Mediterranean paradise with every wave
Visiting Tunisia is discovering a Mediterranean paradise in every wave. It’s all in the details: no two shores are alike, as each beach’s personality shines as vividly as the destination’s climate. This mosaic of places (and sensations) lets you enjoy a wide variety of experiences in a single getaway, tailored to your vision of travel. In Mahdia and Hammamet, the historical and cultural presence of a diverse, sea-kissed land will surround you, perhaps even transform you. Port El Kantaoui embodies sophistication, while Sidi Bakour offers untouched serenity. And Skanes? Pure hedonism, elevated to its highest form.
What’s Tunisia’s climate like?
Tunisia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In the north, in places like Sousse and Hammamet, temperatures are usually milder than in the south, where the Sahara makes its mark with more extreme heat (summer temperatures easily surpass 40°C / 104°F). In winter, the average hovers around 7°C / 45°F. Staying at hotels in Tunisia with sea views lets you make the most of the more pleasant months between spring and autumn. If you visit the northern coast in summer, you’ll enjoy warm, but not scorching, temperatures compared to the desert.
After reading this article, you’re already one step closer to Tunisia’s best beaches, just like its legendary and cinematic characters.
