TUNISIA has been named both the cheapest winter sun destination and a top spot for 2026 holidays.
Known for its stunning blue coasts, vibrant souks and fascinating architecture, Tunisia in Africa boasts temperatures of up to 18C during the winter months.
According to Thomas Cook’s list of best-value winter sun destinations, alongside its warm weather, Tunisia boasts top resorts and value for money as well.
For example, 15 nights with Thomas Cook at the 4* Hotel Riviera in Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia on an all-inclusive basis costs from just £370 per person.
And this includes flights, heading out from London Southend on December 6.
Tunisia has also been named one of the top 25 destinations for 2026 by Lonely Planet with it particularly being best for desert and coast adventures.
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Lonely Planet stated: “It’s interesting times in Tunisia, a country that feels suspended between an old world of romantic Roman ruins and vintage beach resorts and a new world of possibilities birthed by the Arab Spring in 2011.”
It added that the country has a “laid-back atmosphere”.
Despite being small, Tunisia has a lot to boast about.
With around 40 per cent of the country being covered by the Sahara desert – the largest hot desert in the world – visitors can do many desert-based activities such as going on camel rides or quad bike journeys.
You could even grab a sandboard and surf down the dunes.
Or simply go for a walk and take in the landscape, especially in places like Matmata – a number of cave dwellings carved into the rock – which is where some of Star Wars was filmed.
The capital of the country is Tunis and can be found in the north.
The city sits along Lake Tunis and is home to a centuries-old medina, which is a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of alleys making up the city’s historic quarter.
Here you will find a number of artisan shops, souks and traditional cafes.
You can also see the world’s largest and finest collection of Roman mosaics at the Bardo Museum, which is inside a 15th century palace.
Hammams – traditional spa experiences – are also popular across the country.
Away from the capital, Tunisia also has many quaint villages to explore.
For example, Sidi Bou Said is a clifftop village that overlooks the Mediterranean sea and is famous for its white-and-blue buildings.
Just off of the mainland is also an island called Djerba, that recently got new flights from the UK.
EasyJet is launching flights from both London Luton and Manchester for as little as £81 return.
On the island, travellers can head to Houmt Souk, home to Bazaar Houmt Souk, which sells lots of fresh food and cute souvenirs.
The island also boasts a number of olive groves, including some that date back to the Roman Empire.
When looking for a place to eat, make sure to keep an eye out for traditional Tunisian dishes.
These include brik – a type of crispy fried pastry – and chorba – a tomato-based soup.
Food won’t set you back much either, with a mid-range three-course restaurant meal for two people usually costing around £15.33.
And to enjoy a beer with your meal, you are likely to spend between £1.28 and £1.72.
Hotel prices range in Tunisia, depending on where you are and what kind of place you are looking to stay at.
For example, Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa costs from around £55 per night.
The hotel features 222 guest rooms and suites, a wide range of restaurants and bars and a number of outdoor pools.
Alternatively, in Tunis, you could stay at El Mouradi Gammarth from around £76 per night.
The hotel sits on the beach and boasts a five-star rating.
And of course, it has indoor and outdoor pools.
You can fly to various destinations across the country – for example, return flights to Enfidha cost from £38 per person in December.
Also in December, return flights from the UK to Djerba cost from £39 per person and return flights to Tunis cost from £89 per person.
Flight times vary from two hours and 50 minutes for Tunis and Enfidha, to around three hours and 20 minutes for Djerba.
Lonely Planet has also named the ‘Cuba of Europe’ as one of the top trending destinations for 2026.
And in the UK, there is a city that is home to one of the best experiences to do in 2026.
If you are looking for more winter sun destination inspiration, one Sun reporter visited the hidden winter sun island that feels like stepping back to the 1990s – with £1 beers and free moped rides.
And here are the best winter sun destinations that are less than six hours from the UK.