Short flights from Europe, manageable distances, generous sunshine and a warm welcome for children: Tunisia ticks every box for a successful family trip. Little ones enjoy fine sandy beaches with calm water, while older children are fascinated by gladiators and desert dunes. By alternating swimming, short visits and small adventures, everyone gets something out of the holiday. Here are a few ideas for putting together a well-balanced stay, without tiredness or boredom, that the whole family will remember.
Beaches perfect for little ones
The Gulf of Hammamet offers long beaches of fine sand that slope gently into the sea, where children can paddle in complete peace. The sea is generally calm in summer, and the water warms up quickly from June onwards. Swim in the morning and late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Between swims, the small medina and its kasbah can be visited quickly, a format perfectly suited to the legs of younger children, who will love the views from the walls.
HammametInto the gladiators' arena
The UNESCO-listed amphitheatre of El Jem impresses young and old alike with its sheer size: it is one of the largest amphitheatres of the Roman world. Children love exploring the underground galleries where wild animals and gladiators once waited, then climbing the tiers to imagine the games of the past. The nearby museum displays superb mosaics depicting animals, ideal for a game of spotting details. Easily reached from Sousse or Mahdia, the visit fits comfortably into half a day.
El JemAdventure on the edge of the desert
Around Tozeur, the south becomes a playground for adventure. A camel ride at sunset, a walk through the mountain oases of Chebika and Tamerza, or a crossing of Chott el Jerid, a vast salt lake known for its striking mirages, make for unforgettable memories. The palm grove can be explored on foot or by horse-drawn carriage, in the shade of the date palms. Bring hats, sun cream and plenty of water: the Saharan sun is unforgiving, even outside the summer months.
TozeurDjerba, the island by bike
Flat and sunny, Djerba is perfect for family bike rides along quiet roads lined with olive trees and menzels, the island's traditional whitewashed farmhouses. In Houmt Souk, the colourful market and the fort overlooking the harbour delight children. The village of Erriadh, with its open-air murals, turns a simple walk into a treasure hunt. The beaches on the east of the island, with their shallow waters, round off these active days perfectly and give everyone time to relax.
Djerba