With its location on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Tunis in Tunisia offers visitors relatively easy access to some beautiful, unspoiled beaches - perfect for enjoying the reliably lovely weather.
The most popular beaches in Tunisia are found in the southern and eastern part of the country. These beaches tend to be much busier than those in Tunis, and the hotels are more expensive because of their popularity. Hence, there is an advantage to staying in Tunis; you'll benefit from plenty of rich history, culture and affordable accommodations, as well as having the option of making day trips to the popular beaches in Tunisia when you feel that a day beach bumming is in order.
A short drive away from Tunis is the seaside city of La Marsa, which has many beautiful beaches. The population of La Marsa often surges during the summer as locals escape from the nearby cities to go on holiday by the sea. The city's eponymous beach is extremely popular and boasts clean and soft golden sand and calm azure blue waters. It is less crowded than many beaches closer to the larger city of Tunis. This beach is spacious but relatively untouched by modern activities. There are no water sports or parasol rentals here but there will be ample room to bury each other in the sand, throw a Frisbee or simply unwind and read a book whole soaking up some rays.
Located further away roughly 172 kilometres from Tunis, Tabarka Beach is acclaimed as being Tunisia's most beautiful seaside location and is well-loved by locals and discerning tourists alike. With access through a resort of the same name, this superb beach flanked by rugged rocks and boasting crystal clear waters can be used by non-guests for free. Tabarka Beach has many stretches that are ideal for snorkelling and diving thanks to colourful Mediterranean coral, and offers a stunning backdrop of a Genoese castle and the Khroumerie Mountains. There are several companies in the area that rent out snorkelling gear, so you can marvel at the area's underwater wonders as well as those on land. This beach is also a prime spot to enjoy some gorgeous sunsets.
Located roughly an hour away from Tunis you'll find Raf Raf Beach. This long stretch of beach is one of Tunisia's most gorgeous shores, cradled by the surrounding mountains, and is known as one of Tunisia's best beaches. It's very popular with locals and their families, which is always a welcoming sign. There is horse-riding available if you'd like to ride along the beach, as well as windsurfing, sailing and snorkelling. If you'd rather just lie back and relax, there are many parasols planted in the sand for plenty of shade.
Hammamet Beach, located around an hour's drive from Tunis, is known as being one of the finest beaches in the country. This soft sandy beach has long stretches of public areas that are child-friendly and supervised by vigilant lifeguards. There are countless parasols planted in the sands so there will be ample space to claim a spot with shade. The waves on this beach can be quite picturesque at times so it is popular with people playing in the water, riding horses on the beach, parasailing or even riding a camel. There are also local businesses that will rent you snorkelling, jet skis or diving gear.
The Kerkennah Islands are where many Tunisians choose to go on holiday. There are seven islands in this archipelago but the Chergui Island is the most popular. It's not hard to see why with shallow, calm seas that these beaches are ideal families with small children. If you have enough time on your holiday, making a trek south to these islands is well worth it and will no doubt offer welcome reprieve from the busy streets of Tunis. You'll be more likely to encounter fishermen here than souvenirs shops. These low-lying islands are connected by ferries and bridges, however, the islands are relatively undeveloped and unspoilt so bird-watchers and nature lovers will love the tranquil, undeveloped atmosphere here.
Another popular day trip is an excursion to the El Haouaria Beach. Nestled near the tip of a peninsula outside of Tunis, this beach is relatively unspoiled because of its location. The region does not have large cities like Tunis or Hammamet, only sleepy fishing villages, so tourism is sparse but local charm and character is abundant. Visitors to this beach can enjoy long stretches often without any other tourists. Because of this, it would be advisable to hire a parasol from a larger company in Tunis in case the few already on the beach are taken. Heading to this beach for the day may take a little planning but as it's one of the most beautiful beaches in Tunisia; it's well worth it.
Boujaffar Beach is a large stretch of shoreline, roughly one and a half hour's drive from Tunis, and is extremely popular with families because of the wide range of activities available and clear, warm and welcoming waters. There are inflatable rafts, snorkelling and wind surfing available to name but a few fun beach activities. Some of the beach's shores have been claimed by hotels but there are free, public areas that non-hotel guests can enjoy. You can also pay a small fee for visitor passes from many hotels if you'd rather remove guess work in terms of where and where you can't lay your beach towel. The beach is just a stone's throw away from a busy boulevard and a short walk from many cafes, hotels and shops. Keep your valuables close at hand just in case a pickpocket strolls through. It is not a widespread problem but just a good measure to practice while on holiday.