Sousse

Overview

What to see

• The Medina of Sousse

  Listed by UNESCO, the medina is enclosed by more than two kilometres of Aghlabid walls. Wander a maze of whitewashed lanes, covered souks and small squares between the Bab Bhar gate and the Kasbah.

• The Ribat

  Built in the late eighth century, this fortified monastery housed warrior-monks who kept watch over the coast. Climb its round watchtower for a superb view over the medina and the harbour.

• The Great Mosque

  Built around 851 under the Aghlabids, it is striking for its austerity and its vast arcaded courtyard. Its fortress-like look recalls the city's defensive role at the time.

• The Archaeological Museum in the Kasbah

  Housed in the Kasbah at the highest point of the medina, it holds one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in the country after the Bardo. Sea scenes, deities and circus games are beautifully preserved.

• The Catacombs

  Dug by the early Christians of Hadrumetum between the second and fourth centuries, these underground galleries held thousands of tombs. One section, known as the Good Shepherd, is open to visitors west of the medina.

• Port El Kantaoui

  About ten kilometres north, this marina built in Andalusian-Arab style brings together pleasure boats, seafront walks and white lanes. A relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a family evening.

Things to do

• Explore the souksBrowse the covered souks of the medina for fabrics, spices, copperware and handicrafts, taking time to chat with the artisans.
• Enjoy Boujaafar beachSwimming, water sports and a sunset stroll along the corniche, a favourite evening meeting place for local families.
• Play golf at El KantaouiPort El Kantaoui has well-known golf courses laid out between the sea and olive groves, suitable for players of all levels.
• Head out to seaFrom Port El Kantaoui marina, boat trips let you cruise along the coast, go fishing or discover the sea bed.
• Visit the Dar Essid museumThis beautifully restored traditional house in the medina brings to life the daily routine of a wealthy Sousse family of old.

Beaches & nature

Sousse is lined with long beaches of fine sand, from Boujaafar in the city centre to Hammam Sousse and Port El Kantaoui to the north. The sea is generally calm and shallow, ideal for children. Inland stretch vast olive groves typical of the Sahel, dotted with farming villages and quiet country roads.

Food & local specialities

Sousse cuisine blends seafood, Sahel olive oil and generous spices, with harissa always within reach.

• Fish couscousA coastal speciality in which semolina is soaked in a fragrant broth made with the catch of the day, vegetables and spices.
• Brik with eggA crispy malsouka pastry filled with a runny egg, tuna, parsley and capers, eaten with your fingers.
• Seafood ojjaA simmered dish of tomatoes, peppers and poached eggs, enriched with prawns or squid and spiced with harissa.
• Mechouia saladGrilled and crushed peppers and tomatoes, dressed with olive oil and served with tuna and hard-boiled egg.

Where to stay

Shopping & markets

The souks of the medina are the heart of shopping in Sousse: spices, textiles, ceramics, leather, hammered copperware and olive-wood items. The large weekly market on the outskirts draws crowds and traders from across the region. Bargain with a smile and take home some Sahel olive oil, renowned for its quality.

Getting there

• By plane

  Monastir airport is about 20 minutes away by road, and Enfidha-Hammamet airport about 45 minutes.

• By car

  From Tunis, the A1 motorway reaches Sousse in about 1 hour 45 minutes, a distance of some 140 km.

• By train

  Sousse lies on the Tunis-Sfax line, with a station right in the centre near the medina.

• By louage (shared taxi)

  Louages (shared taxis) link Sousse with most towns in the country from the city's stations.

Getting around

The centre and the medina are easy to explore on foot. Yellow taxis are plentiful and handy for reaching the tourist zone or Port El Kantaoui. The Sahel Metro connects Sousse with Monastir and Mahdia, and a small tourist train runs along the coast. A rental car remains ideal for day trips.

Day trips nearby

FAQ