Tunisia by train and ferry

April to June or September to November is the best time to visit Tunisia, with mild, comfortable weather across the country. July and August bring the hottest weather and the busiest beaches. Winters are mild on the coast, cooler inland, and the quietest time to visit sites like El Djem and the Sahara. There are highlights year-round: the International Festival of Hammamet brings music, art and theatre to the coast every summer, and the International Festival of the Sahara transforms Douz into a celebration of Bedouin culture every December, with camel races and traditional poetry contests.

The best things to do in Tunisia include exploring the ruins of Carthage, wandering the medina of Tunis, and visiting the amphitheatre at El Djem.

• Exploring the ancient ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Wandering the medina of Tunis, with its souks and Islamic architecture

• Visiting the Roman amphitheatre at El Djem, one of the best-preserved in the world

• Relaxing on the beaches of Hammamet and Djerba

• Touring the Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of Islam's holiest sites

• Venturing into the Sahara from desert towns like Tozeur and Douz

• Discovering the underground troglodyte homes of Matmata, carved into the earth and used as filming locations for Star Wars

• Strolling the blue-and-white streets of Sidi Bou Said, a clifftop village overlooking the Gulf of Tunis

Tunisia is reachable by ferry from Italy and France, sailing into Tunis from ports including Genoa, Civitavecchia, Salerno and Palermo, as well as Marseille, with crossings ranging from around 10 to 24 hours. Domestic train tickets in Tunisia are typically only released a few days before travel, so onward journeys within the country are best arranged locally rather than booked in advance. Byway trips to Tunisia can only be booked directly with our team; get in touch to plan your journey.