The 12 Best Beaches in Tunisia, Ranked by a Local

A local's honest ranking of Tunisia's finest beaches, from hidden coves to resort strips, with tips on when to visit each one.

Tunisia has over 1,300 km of Mediterranean coastline, and not all beaches are created equal. As someone who has swum at dozens of Tunisian beaches over the years, here is my honest ranking of the 12 best.

1. Sidi Ali el-Mekki (Bizerte region). This is Tunisia's most beautiful beach and it is not even close. A long crescent of fine white sand backed by green hills, with crystal-clear turquoise water. It remains relatively uncrowded even in summer because it is slightly off the main tourist trail. No resorts, just pure nature. Bring your own supplies. Best: June-September.

2. La Marsa Beach (Tunis suburb). The best urban beach in Tunisia. Fine golden sand, clean water, and a lively promenade with cafes and ice cream shops. Easily accessible by TGM from Tunis center. Gets crowded on weekends but the atmosphere is part of the charm. Best: May-October.

3. Ras Angela (Bizerte). The northernmost point of Africa. Wild, dramatic, with rocky coves and emerald water. Not a sunbathing beach but incredible for the adventurous. Swimming is possible in the sheltered coves. Best: June-August.

4. Hammamet South Beach. The classic Tunisian resort beach. Long, wide, sandy, with warm shallow water perfect for families. The stretch near Yasmine Hammamet is well-maintained with beach clubs. Can be touristy but the water quality is excellent. Best: May-September.

5. Djerba Seguia Beach. The best beach on Djerba island. Calm, shallow water that stays warm into November. White sand with palm trees. Less developed than the resort zone on the northeast coast. Ideal for families with small children. Best: April-November.

6. Tabarka Plage. Small but beautiful town beach with the Genoese Fort as a backdrop. The water is cooler and cleaner than further south. Excellent for combining beach time with diving excursions. The Needles rock formations are visible from the shore. Best: June-September.

7. Cap Bon beaches (Kelibia area). The east coast of Cap Bon has some hidden gems. Mansoura Beach near Kelibia has stunning turquoise water and a ruined fort on the clifftop. Less crowded than Hammamet despite being equally beautiful. Best: June-September.

8. Rafraf Beach (Bizerte region). A local favorite with dramatic cliffs on either side. The sand has a distinctive reddish tint. Popular with Tunisian families on weekends. The drive along the corniche from Bizerte is scenic. Best: June-September.

9. Sousse Beach. The main resort beach of Sousse is wide and well-serviced. Good for water sports. The medina is walking distance, so you can combine beach and culture in one day. Can be overcrowded in July-August. Best: May-June, September.

10. Gammarth Beach (Tunis suburb). An upscale beach area north of La Marsa. Several beach clubs and restaurants line the shore. The sand is fine and the water clean. More relaxed than La Marsa. Best: May-October.

11. Mahdia Beach. Underrated. The beaches south of Mahdia town are long, uncrowded, and backed by a flat agricultural landscape. The water is warm and gentle. Mahdia itself has a fascinating medina and lighthouse. Best: May-October.

12. Zarzis Beach (near Djerba). Long stretches of empty sand on the mainland side near Djerba. Very quiet, very local, very affordable. Good for those who want to escape all tourist infrastructure. Best: May-October.