Tunisia Resort Guide – Where To Stay

Tunisia Resort Guide: What Each Area Is Like

Tunisia offers a wide variety of resorts, each with its own character – from lively beach towns and cultural hubs to peaceful, luxury-focused escapes. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, solo, or looking for something truly authentic, here’s an in-depth guide to Tunisia’s main resort areas, including what they’re like, key attractions, local customs, and useful tips to help you enjoy your stay.

Hammamet

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, beach lovers, sightseeing

Hammamet is one of Tunisia’s most popular and well-established resorts, famous for its golden sandy beaches, jasmine-scented streets and relaxed atmosphere. The town blends traditional Tunisian life with modern tourism beautifully.

What it’s like

Hammamet is split between the historic Medina (old town) and the newer hotel zones along the coast. The Medina is lively but not overwhelming, while the beach areas feel calm and welcoming. It’s ideal if you want culture without sacrificing comfort.

Top attractions

• Hammamet Medina and Kasbah (great for photos and shopping)

• Long sandy beaches with water sports

• Day trips to Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said

• Local cafés and seaside restaurants

Rules & local tips

• Dress modestly when visiting the Medina (shoulders and knees covered)

• Beachwear is fine at hotels and beaches, but not in town centres

• Bargaining is normal in markets – keep it friendly

Vibe: Relaxed, cultural, scenic

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Hammamet Yasmine (Yasmine Hammamet)

Best for: Families, all-inclusive holidays, entertainment

Hammamet Yasmine is a modern, purpose-built resort just south of Hammamet, designed specifically for tourists.

What it’s like

Expect wide promenades, large all-inclusive hotels, a marina and organised entertainment. It’s clean, flat and easy to get around, making it popular with families and first-time travellers who want everything close by.

Top attractions

• Yasmine Marina

• Carthage Land theme park

• Beach clubs and hotel entertainment

• Evening promenade walks

Rules & local tips

• This area is more relaxed with dress codes, but still be respectful off hotel grounds

• Alcohol is served in hotels and some restaurants, but not everywhere

• Taxis are safe and affordable for trips into Hammamet town

Vibe: Modern, family-friendly, easy-going

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Sousse

Best for: History lovers, beach holidays, city atmosphere

Sousse is a lively coastal city where tourism and everyday Tunisian life mix closely.

What it’s like

It’s busier and more energetic than Hammamet, with a real city feel. You’ll find busy streets, beach hotels, nightlife and a strong cultural presence all in one place.

Top attractions

• UNESCO-listed Sousse Medina

• Ribat of Sousse (historic fortress)

• Archaeological Museum

• Beaches and nightlife

Rules & local tips

• Expect more hustle in the Medina – polite firmness works well

• Dress modestly away from the beach

• Evenings can be lively, especially in summer

Vibe: Energetic, cultural, urban

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Port El Kantaoui

Best for: Couples, golf lovers, relaxed luxury

Port El Kantaoui is a picturesque marina resort just north of Sousse.

What it’s like

Calmer and more refined than Sousse, with white-and-blue architecture, palm-lined paths and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for romantic getaways.

Top attractions

• Marina with cafés and restaurants

• El Kantaoui Golf Course

• Boat trips and water sports

• Easy access to Sousse

Rules & local tips

• Very tourist-friendly and relaxed

• Evenings are calm rather than party-focused

• Prices can be slightly higher due to its upmarket feel

Vibe: Elegant, tranquil, romantic

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Monastir

Best for: Short transfers, history, quieter holidays

Monastir is a historic coastal town close to the airport, making it ideal for shorter breaks.

What it’s like

Less busy than Sousse, with a laid-back pace. It’s a working town with a strong local identity.

Top attractions

• Ribat of Monastir

• Bourguiba Mausoleum

• Marina and seafront walks

• Local cafés and markets

Rules & local tips

• Very respectful, traditional atmosphere

• Great for cultural sightseeing

• Limited nightlife compared to Sousse

Vibe: Calm, traditional, convenient

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Skanes

Best for: All-inclusive resorts, families, relaxation

Skanes is a resort strip between Monastir and Sousse, focused almost entirely on hotels.

What it’s like

Quiet, spacious and beach-focused. Ideal if you want to stay within your hotel complex and relax.

Top attractions

• Long sandy beaches

• Hotel spas and pools

• Day trips to Monastir or Sousse

Rules & local tips

• Little local life outside hotels

• Best suited to all-inclusive stays

• Plan excursions if you want variety

Vibe: Resort-only, peaceful, simple

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Nabeul

Best for: Authentic culture, markets, traditional Tunisia

Nabeul offers a more local and artistic experience compared to nearby Hammamet.

What it’s like

Less touristy, more traditional, with a strong focus on crafts and everyday life.

Top attractions

• Famous Friday market

• Pottery workshops

• Beaches

• Citrus groves and local cafés

Rules & local tips

• Dress modestly

• Markets are lively but friendly

• Ideal for travellers wanting authenticity

Vibe: Traditional, artistic, local

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Mahdia

Best for: Couples, unspoilt beaches, tranquillity

Mahdia is known for some of the most beautiful beaches in Tunisia.

What it’s like

Quiet and refined, with less development and a slower pace.

Top attractions

• Stunning white-sand beaches

• Mahdia Medina

• Fatimid-era architecture

Rules & local tips

• Very relaxed and respectful

• Minimal nightlife

• Perfect for peaceful escapes

Vibe: Serene, romantic, scenic

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Djerba

Best for: Winter sun, families, all-inclusive resorts

Djerba is an island in southern Tunisia with a unique cultural mix.

What it’s like

Laid-back, warm year-round, with wide beaches and resort-style hotels.

Top attractions

• El Ghriba Synagogue

• Local villages and markets

• Beaches and water sports

Rules & local tips

• More relaxed dress code than mainland Tunisia

• Great for winter travel

• Slower pace of life

Vibe: Sunny, relaxed, resort-focused

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Tozeur & Douz (Sahara Region)

Best for: Adventure, desert experiences

These destinations are gateways to the Sahara Desert.

What they’re like

Dramatic landscapes, oases and unforgettable experiences.

Top attractions

• Sahara desert tours

• Chott el Jerid salt lake

• Oasis towns and palm groves

Rules & local tips

• Always book desert trips with licensed guides

• Dress conservatively and protect against the sun

Vibe: Adventurous, unique, unforgettable

Which Resort Is Right for You?

• First time in Tunisia: Hammamet or Hammamet Yasmine

• Culture & city life: Sousse or Monastir

• Luxury & calm: Port El Kantaoui or Mahdia

• All-inclusive relaxation: Skanes or Djerba

• Authentic local feel: Nabeul

• Bucket-list experience: Sahara region

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Tunisia truly offers something for every type of traveller, whether you want relaxation, culture, adventure or a blend of all three.

Essential Do’s & Don’ts for UK Travellers to Tunisia

At Tunisian Secrets, your safety, comfort and experience are our top priority. Tunisia is a warm, welcoming country, but understanding local customs and travelling responsibly will make your holiday smoother, safer and far more enjoyable.

✅ DOs

✔ Do use licensed transfers & guides
Always book airport transfers, excursions and tours with licensed, insured providers. This ensures:

• Properly registered vehicles

• Experienced, trained drivers and guides

• Correct insurance and safety standards

At Tunisian Secrets, we only work with trusted, fully licensed local partners, giving you peace of mind from arrival to departure.

✔ Do respect local culture
Tunisia is modern but culturally traditional. When away from beaches and hotels:

• Cover shoulders and knees

• Dress modestly in Medinas, mosques and rural areas

• Beachwear is fine at hotels and pools, but not in towns

✔ Do carry small cash
Many markets, taxis and cafés prefer cash (Tunisian Dinar). Small notes are especially useful for taxis and tips.

✔ Do bargain politely
Bargaining is part of Tunisian culture, especially in souks. Smile, stay friendly and don’t feel pressured.

✔ Do try local food
Tunisian cuisine is fresh and flavourful. Stick to busy restaurants and hotel-recommended spots for the best experience.

✔ Do book excursions in advance
Pre-booking through a reputable company like Tunisian Secrets avoids disappointment, hidden costs and unsafe operators.

❌ DON’Ts

✘ Don’t book random street sellers
Avoid booking tours, taxis or activities from unlicensed street sellers or beach vendors. These often:

• Lack insurance

• Use unregistered vehicles

• Offer no protection if something goes wrong

✘ Don’t exchange money on the street
Always use banks, hotels or official exchange offices.

✘ Don’t photograph people without permission
Always ask before taking photos of locals, especially in rural areas or markets.

✘ Don’t display valuables
Like anywhere in the world, keep valuables discreet and use hotel safes where possible.

✘ Don’t take souvenirs made from protected items
Avoid buying coral, shells or antiques – exporting them is illegal.

Why Book with Tunisian Secrets?

We specialise exclusively in tailor-made holidays to Tunisia for UK travellers. Our local expertise means:

• ✔ Licensed airport transfers & excursions only

• ✔ UK-focused advice and support

• ✔ Honest guidance on resorts, hotels and experiences

• ✔ No risky third-party sellers

• ✔ Authentic experiences with trusted local partners

When you book with Tunisian Secrets, you’re not just booking a holiday – you’re booking peace of mind.

Planning Your Tunisia Holiday

Whether you’re visiting for relaxation, culture, adventure or a mix of everything, choosing the right resort and travelling responsibly makes all the difference.

If you’re unsure where to stay, which resort suits you best, or which excursions are worth doing, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with Tunisian Secrets for a personalised, fully licensed and stress-free Tunisia holiday, designed especially for UK travellers.