One of the most popular resorts Tunisia, Sousse, is an excellent option for both a beach and sightseeing holiday, combining the comfort of modern hotels with the opportunity to visit historical attractions.

Numerous cultural sites attract a significant flow of tourists and make the city the most popular place for vacation. While the luxury hotels that line the coastline of the beach suburb offer pampering on the white sandy beaches under the gentle sun, the ancient Medina quarter in the center of Sousse attracts cultural lovers with its historical sights. So it's no surprise that this ancient seaside town never fails to captivate everyone who comes there on holiday.

Medina

The medina (the old town in Sousse) is one of the excellent examples of Arab architecture in Tunisia, which has come down to us from ancient times almost in its original form.

When you arrive in Sousse, be sure to visit the Medina. The busy streets are surrounded by a two-kilometer ring of walls built in the 859th century AD from gigantic stone blocks left over from ancient Roman buildings.

Initially, there were 6 gates within the walls of the ancient city, of which two have survived: Bab el Khabli on the south side and Bab el Ghabi on the east.

Walking through the old quarter, you can seem to be transported several centuries into the past. On the ancients narrow streets Houses are lined up in a row, located so close to each other that it is difficult to see the gap between them.

In the Medina, visitors can see ancient monuments, as well as visit the colorful market rows with their unique oriental atmosphere and excellent shopping opportunities.

Ribat

The Ribat Tower, located northwest of the Main Mosque of Sousse, is one of the business cards cities. This tower belonged to a chain of about 800 fortifications built along the coast of Tunisia by the Aghlabid dynasty. Only a few of the buildings have survived to this day.

Religious warrior monks lived in the ribats, who peaceful times devoted themselves to religious service, and in times of danger this religious army was among the first to repel enemy attacks.

The strong wall of the ribats protected the population from the penetration of conquerors, and also served as a base for offensive and defensive military operations.

Some researchers suggest that these Muslim warrior-monks later served as a prototype for Christian orders of knighthood. The Ribat of Sousse, along with the Ribat of Monastir, is one of the best preserved in Tunisia.

Kasbah

Built in 859 AD on the site of a Byzantine fort, the Kasbah is one of Sousse's grandest monuments. Located on the territory of the fortress, the 30-meter tower of Khalef el-Fata (named after the architect) is one of oldest towers in northern Africa, surviving to this day.

The upper level of the Kasbah is 50 meters higher than the similar level of the Ribat, which makes it an excellent observation deck with stunning views of the surrounding Medina.

After the Kasbah was built, the Ribat ceded its military role to it; currently the Khalef el-Fata tower is an active lighthouse.

Location: Marshal Tito Boulevard

Archaeological Museum of Sousse

This remarkable museum has the richest collection of antiquities in the country after the Bardo Museum. Its main exhibits date back to the Punic, Roman and early Christian periods. Allow at least a couple of hours to visit to see the unique exhibits.

Be sure to visit Hall No. 3 with magnificent examples of mosaics, such as “The Triumph of Bacchus” and “Apollo and the Muses”. Also, don’t miss the “Medusa” mosaic (one of the central gems of the collection) in room No. 2 and the “Seasons and Months of the Year” mosaic, found during excavations at El Jem, in room No. 9.

Location: Ground Floor, Kasbah Fortress

Great Mosque of Sousse

The fortress-like Great Mosque of Sousse was built in 851 AD, a few years after the city was rebuilt by the Aghlabids. The construction project for the structure was based on the model of the Sidi Okba Mosque in Kairouan.

The mosque originally had two watchtowers to help protect the harbor. The domes of the minarets were added centuries later.

An unusual element is the external staircase leading from the courtyard to the minaret. The crenellated walls of the courtyard, surrounded on three sides by a colonnade of tall horseshoe-shaped arches rising on massive supports, are decorated with complex Kufic script.

The arcade in front of the prayer hall, divided into 13 naves, was added in 1675. The prayer hall originally consisted of only three barrel vaults, but by the 10th century it was considered too small and was expanded by adding three more taller cross vaults on the Mecca side of the wall.

The beautifully decorated main dome, now rising above the fourth vault, was originally located above the vault in front of the mihrab (a special prayer niche in the wall facing Mecca).

Shopping district

If you're in the mood for shopping and don't mind some fun haggling, head to the Medina's shopping district. The colorful and picturesque street Rue el Agalba will take you past the Great Mosque to the western part of the Medina.

The partly roofed area, with its many artisans making metal and wood products, has a colorful oriental bustle. Typical souvenirs for tourists are sold on the central streets of the market.

The shopping district is a great place to spend an afternoon browsing the stalls in search of something special that you'll want to take home with you as a souvenir.

Zauya Zakkak

The impressive octagonal minaret of the Zauya Zakkak architectural complex, dating back to the Ottoman era, is vaguely reminiscent of Renaissance architecture in style.

The complex includes a mosque, a madrasah (special Islamic school) and a mausoleum. Along with the complex's beautiful minaret, another noteworthy feature is the courtyard arcade, made up of ancient columns.

Location: 100 meters west of Ribat

Catacombs

Discovered in 1888, this large early Christian burial complex is a labyrinth of underground chambers and galleries carved out of local soft rock between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD.

At the site of the catacombs there was probably previously a pagan necropolis. About 15,000 Christians wrapped in shrouds are buried in this underground cemetery. Burials were carried out in niches of the catacomb walls several tiers high and then covered with marble slabs on top.

Archaeological excavations have been carried out in three of the four main shafts of the underground tombs. The finds recovered from the dungeon are stored in the Archaeological Museum of Sousse.

Only a small part of the catacombs is open to the public. This:

  • The Catacombs of the Good Shepherd are 1.6 kilometers long and contain 6,000 tombs dating back to the end of the 3rd century.
  • Catacombs of Hermes (2500 tombs of the 3rd century), Catacombs of Sivirus (5000 burials of the 4th century).

Location: Rue Abu Hamed el Ghazali, western suburbs of Sousse

Port el Kantaoui

This one is purpose built resort complex receives a huge flow of tourists who come to enjoy the beach and sea. ()

The Moorish-style complex, opened in 1979, was based on the blue and white buildings of a pretty village.

The resort is located around a large harbor that can simultaneously accommodate more than 300 ships. The complex consists of several luxury hotels and apartment blocks stretching along coastline, as well as numerous cafes, restaurants, shopping centers and places for active rest and playing sports.

Location: 6 kilometers north of Sousse

Sousse Market

If you want to enjoy a more authentic shopping experience than in the tourist shops of the Medina shopping district, you should follow the locals to the Sunday Market, which is organized next to the entrance to the Catacombs of the Good Shepherd. There, in the midst of the hubbub of organized chaos, which allows you to plunge headlong into the typical shopping flavor of Tunisia, livestock, souvenirs, and handicrafts are displayed on the shelves.

Takruna

Picturesquely located on a rocky slope surrounded by plains, the old Berber village of Takruna is a preserved oasis of the vanishing way of life of the Berbers.

Several Berber families still live in the village, and visitors can step into some of the local homes and get a closer look at traditional Berber architecture and interior design.

In the center of the village there is also a small mosque and the tomb of the local saint, Sidi Abd el Kader.

Location: 6 kilometers west of Enfidha

Other interesting attractions in the area

La Sofra tanks

Behind the iron gates is an ancient underground reservoir. Its huge underground cisterns most likely date back to the Roman period. In former times they could hold up to 3000 cubic meters of water.

Location: Medina, near Souq el-Reba shopping lane

Enfidha

Surrounded by farmland, this shopping center hosts a Sunday market that is worth visiting for visitors to Sousse. On the territory of the former church there is now a museum with finds obtained during excavations in the surrounding area. It contains examples of early Christian mosaics with archaeological sites Uppenna (5 km to the north) and Sidi Abikh (3 km to the north). The museum also houses a collection of dishes from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Location: 43 kilometers north of Sousse

Hergla

The small town of Hergla is located on a rocky stretch of coastline, dotted with sandy bays. It is located on the site of the ancient Roman settlement of Orraca Caelia, which in the 2nd century AD lay exactly on the border of the provinces of Byzacena and Zevgitana.

Since the original settlement was completely destroyed during the Arab invasions, nothing worth seeing remains from those times. On the territory of the town there is a mosque dating back to the 18th century with a dome, built using an unusual technology that came from the architecture of the Bulla Regia region.

With a rented car you can easily reach untouched beaches, scattered in abundance around the outskirts of Hergly.

Location: 35 kilometers north of Sousse

History of the city of Sousse

The history of the founding of Sousse dates back to at least the 9th century BC, when the settlement served as one of the important Phoenician centers of trade. The city then fell under the influence of Carthage in the 6th century BC, and during the Second Punic War it served as a base for the Carthaginian general Hannibal in his military campaign against the Roman legions led by Scipio.

In the Third Punic War, the city, then known as Hadrumetum, went over to the Roman side, for which it received a number of important privileges. However, Hadrumetum lost these privileges by siding with Pompeii in the conflict with Caesar. The city soon recovered thanks to its strategic location and extensive olive groves, but was again set back in development after its disastrous involvement in Gordian's revolt in 238 AD.

In the center of the Tunisian city of Sousse is the medieval Arab Medina. There are fortress walls around it, and it consists of winding narrow streets.

Medina was built sometime in the 9th-11th centuries for commercial and military purposes. The walls of the Medina with gun towers and the main watchtower of the Caliph were built in 859. The massive blocks of cut stone from which they are composed were brought from the ruins of various ancient Roman cities.

In addition to the ancient white houses in the Medina, there are such majestic fortresses as the Ribat Monastery and the Great Mosque with massive battlements and corner round towers.

Currently, the Medina has become a tourist center under open air with a huge number of shops aimed at tourists.

The medina of Sousse is considered one of the most interesting and largest medinas in Tunisia. She is listed World Heritage UNESCO.

Coordinates: 35.83451500,10.63456000

Marhaba Beach

Marhaba Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the resort of Sousse. The length of its white sandy strip is about 1.5 km, and its width reaches 40 meters. Starting from lunch, there is everything for a comfortable stay - sun loungers, umbrellas and air mattresses are brought to the beach from hotels. But in the early morning, “Marhaba beach” is a secluded corner of nature where you can dream and admire the surf. This place is famous not only for its clean waters and beautiful landscapes, but also lush vegetation, mainly dominate here date palms, thickets of bamboo and various succulents.

The beach has a very convenient location; it is easily accessible by car, which can be parked in an equipped parking lot. The infrastructure of Marhaba Beach is developed at a high level; nearby there are restaurants, cafeterias, a disco and a neat park, tiled and equipped with comfortable benches. The coastal depth here is quite large, so be careful when vacationing with children. Fans of active pastime will be able to ride catamarans, jet skis and inflatable bananas.

Coordinates: 35.84768700,10.62490600

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Monument to revolutionaries

The monument is located in the very center of the city, near the Great Mosque.

Ribat is an ancient fortress (built 787-821), shaped like a square with semicircular towers at the four corners. One of the priority purposes of the ribat is to protect Muslims from attacks by Berber tribes from land and from attacks from the sea by pagans and militant Christians. The ribats were guarded by murabituns - volunteer monks, thereby earning themselves a place in heaven. Along with a defensive fortress, the fortress played the role of a refuge for travelers and traders who found themselves in danger.

From the courtyard you can get into many cells covered with porticoes and a prayer hall. After the construction of the Kasbah, the fortress gradually lost its military purpose.

From the watchtower of Ribat, Khalifa, an alluring panorama opens to all four cardinal directions: posing Medina, Great Mosque, old town, seaport.

Coordinates: 35.77729600,10.83303500

Beaches of Sousse

Sousse falls into the category of ancient cities that can be proud of their very respectable age. It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. as a colonial city. The name of the city in Phoenician sounded differently - Hadrumet. Over time, the city became increasingly important as a major Mediterranean commercial port. During the period of the Carthaginian Empire, the city reached its greatest prosperity, both economically and politically and culturally.

Today, Sousse is one of the largest Mediterranean resort cities. The number of hotels here is comparable to other major resorts in Tunisia, such as Hammamet. Sousse is simply excellent for active recreation. The beaches are famous for their fine white sand, and the nightlife is vibrant in casinos and discos.

Coordinates: 35.83117500,10.62927200

Great Mosque

One of the attractions of Sousse is the Great Mosque. Since the mosque also served as a defensive structure, it resembles a military fortress. Tall watchtowers can be seen at the northern and southeastern corners of the stone wall, and the inner perimeter is shaped like arches. Despite the recent restoration of the mosque, it has largely retained its original appearance.

Coordinates: 35.82678900,10.63958600

Kasbah fortress

The Kasbah fortress is a defensive structure built in the mid-ninth century. Today it houses the Archaeological Museum. Here you can see an interesting collection of ancient finds, tombstones, as well as fragments of ancient mosaics.

Coordinates: 35.82755600,10.63862800

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Entertainment center Port El Kantaoui

Port El Kantaoui- famous tourist Entertainment Center, which is located in one of the suburbs of Sousse. Almost everything that any traveler can only dream of is concentrated here: a huge number of souvenir shops, cozy cafes and restaurants. The musical fountain is very popular. The sight of flowing water against the backdrop of pleasant music or an evening light show leaves no one indifferent. Not to mention the water park, amusement park, botanical garden and the zoo, discos and much, much more.

The entertainment center "Port El Kantaoui" was originally planned as a city exclusively for tourists, in which the traditional Tunisian lifestyle would be presented in a freer and more democratic atmosphere. Start construction work falls on 1975, and funds for the project were allocated by the banks of Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, as well as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. As a result of these joint efforts, the Port El Kantaoui Center was created in the style of ancient Mediterranean towns, capable of simultaneously accommodating 300 yachts and sea boats.

In essence, Port El Kantaoui is a completely autonomous walking area with a full range of all kinds of entertainment. And the beaches of Port el Kantaoui deserve to be included among the best in Tunisia.

Coordinates: 35.89403000,10.59763200

The most popular attractions in Sousse with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Soussa on our website.

More sights of Sousse

Sousse is the third largest city in Tunisia, which appeared before our era and maintains harmony between ancient colorful buildings and modern tourist buildings. Its excellent location on accessible Mediterranean shores with magnificent white beaches attracts many tourists to the city from all over the world. Fans of archaeology, excursions, beach or active recreation - Sousse will not leave any of them indifferent.

History of Sousse

Thanks to the Phoenician sailors from Tire in the 11th century BC. e. A large, well-fortified trading base with a port and a fortress appeared on the coast of the Mediterranean Gulf. Numerous ships heading to the Strait of Gibraltar passed through it. The town was located just south of the center of present-day Sousse and was called Hadrumetum.

Over time, the city grew significantly, it was surrounded by a huge fortress wall about 6.5 km long, and shipyards and a developed fleet appeared. Hadrumetum met the beginning of a new era in the status of a province of Byzantium, but in the 7th century during the occupation of Tunisia by the Arab Umayyad Caliphate ancient city was completely destroyed.

The Arabs did not restore it and built a new fortress a little to the north, which received the Berber name Sousse. Here they built a large shipyard, where they launched merchant and military ships participating in the conquest of Sicily.

Did you know? Due to the incredible heat, the official summer working day for many Tunisians begins at 7:00 and ends at 14:00.

In 1881, the entire country fell under the protectorate of France. Since then, during various construction works in Sousse, interesting archaeological artifacts have been discovered - a theater, a necropolis, a hippodrome and even underground water storage tanks. And in the harbor the remains of warships of the Roman Empire were found.

Sousse suffered greatly during the Second world war, when Allied forces tried to prevent the Nazis from using the port facilities. It was completely liberated in 1943, and since the 80s of the 20th century it began its active development as a tourist center. Now Sousse is a typical eastern city with its warm, unhurried and bright color.

Geography and climate

Sousse is located in the Tunisian Sahel - the threshold of the Sahara with special climatic conditions. The Sahel is located in the east of the center of the country and covers several popular Tunisian resorts. The word "Sahel" itself is of Berber origin and means "shore" or "edge", referring to the threshold of the sands of the Sahara.

The rolling plains of the Sahel are covered with olive groves, which, despite dry soil and little rainfall, manage to extract moisture directly from the atmosphere. Thanks to a long-standing government program, eucalyptus, pine and other hardy trees have been planted in the Sahel.

The climate of this area is very mild and even in winter the temperature practically never drops below +12°C. And although this period is characterized by frequent cold rains, already from the end of January you can meet many travelers in the city admiring the blossoming almond trees and the filling oranges.

Heavy rains stop around May, and a real warm spring comes to Sousse. In summer, the temperature varies from +22°C in June to about +40°C in July and August, when a sultry wind from the Sahara comes to the city.

Sousse Map

How to get there

Since own air gate not yet in Sousse, tourists fly to the nearest international airport, Monastir Habib Bougriba, located 20 km to the north. Aircraft there accept passengers from almost two hundred European cities and more than 20 African and Middle Eastern countries. Next, most travelers get to Sousse by electric train Metro Sahel.

Russian tourists from the capital, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country arrive on charter flights that fly to new airport Enfidha Hammamet. It is located 30 km from Sousse and is connected to it by bus. Tourists from Marseille and Toulon, as well as from the island of Sicily, can take advantage of the ferry service to Sousse.

Important! The flight duration from Moscow to Tunisia is only about 4 hours, which is practically no different from the road to Turkey or Egypt.

Beach season

The swimming season in Sousse begins at the end of spring and lasts literally until the end of October. At the beginning of summer, the water temperature off the coast of Hammamet Bay averages +20...+22°C, and in the middle of the season it rises to +25...+27°C.

Although by the end of October the water remains quite comfortable - +19...+20°C, sunbathing is no longer very pleasant, since it begins to rain and cool winds. In addition, jellyfish begin to appear near the shore, capable of painfully stinging an unwary swimmer.

However, during velvet season when it falls in Sousse heatwave, the city is flooded with many tourists and hotels set maximum prices for rooms.

Top hotels

In the resort town of Sousse there are more than 100 hotels of different categories, almost 50 of them provide 4 and 5 star service. Many hotels located on the first line are equipped with thalassotherapy centers, swimming pools, restaurants and beach attractions. They provide rental of sports and water equipment, and guests are entertained by animators. Tourists often note the excellent quality of services, good prices and friendly staff.

1. The closest hotel to the old town is Sousse Palace Hotel& Spa 5*(Avenue Habib Bourguiba, 30). Romantic hotel by the sea equipped clean beach, swimming pool, spa and fitness room. For guests with children, babysitting services can be ordered, and local restaurant offers an excellent children's menu. Double Room here it will cost from $86 per day.


 Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa 5*

2. A few more chic places with an excellent reputation are hotels (from $160 per day) and Pearl Resort & Spa 5* (from $150 per night), Jaz Tour Khalef 5*.


 Concorde Green Park Palace 5*

3. A more democratic, but also very cozy 4* hotel (from $47 per night).


4. Unpretentious travelers will certainly appreciate several inexpensive and cozy hotels, including (from $13 per night).


Despite the impeccable service, it is extremely rare to find employees in hotels who speak Russian. That's why independent travelers It is advisable to have a basic level in English. It is worth noting that in Sousse you can also stay in hotels with bungalows.

They usually occupy a huge area with recreation areas and beautiful orange or olive orchards. Although the houses themselves are often quite small and with simple furnishings, many families prefer this type of living close to nature. It is only worth noting that lizards and various insects can be found in the bungalows.

Important! Rated hotels usually have wireless Internet, refrigerator, safe and full household set - bathrobe, slippers, soap and shampoo. Also, tourists from Russia are usually provided with a connection to 5-6 channels of Russian television.

Which holiday to choose in Sousse

Sousse - universal tourist place, where everyone can find a vacation to suit their taste and budget. There is something to do here both for those who just want to lie on the beach and for those who like active recreation and a variety of entertainment.

Leisure

While in Sousse, you can purchase a three-day 4x4 tour of southern Tunisia. The cost of such a trip consisting of several cars is 612 dinars, and food is included in the total price. An individual trip with a guide will cost 1,100 dinars. The most comfortable season for such a trip to the Sahara is the end of autumn and winter.


The tour takes you through the Grand Erg mountains, Berber villages and Saharan oases. The return route runs along the largest salt reservoir in North Africa - Lake Shot el Djerid. During the trip, tourists have the opportunity to admire the Roman amphitheater, vast olive groves and picturesque forests with Mediterranean pines.

Entertainment

Many coastal hotels have built excellent attractions on the coast of Sousse, available to everyone. The largest water park, AquaSplash, with 14 attractions, is located at the Thalassa Sousse Resort & Aquapark 4* hotel. You just need to take into account that children are allowed into water parks only in life jackets, and have the opportunity to ride down any slide with a height of 140 cm or more.

The city does not calm down at night; its embankment is full of active life in numerous nightclubs, bars, restaurants and dance floors. Thus, in Sousse there is the largest open disco in Africa - Bora-Bora, where you can have a great rest and meet not only tourists from different countries, but also with local youth. And gambling fans will certainly note the popular casino Casino Europe, where you can test your luck with cards, roulette or slot machines.

Animal lovers should definitely visit the Phrygia Wildlife Park, where more than 60 species of animals are represented. The park has spacious enclosures with comfortable platforms for observing lions, porcupines, turtles, jerboas and other curious pets. If you wish, you can ride camels and donkeys, or watch a spectacular dolphin show. And you should end your walk with a visit to the ethnic establishment Shaka, where you can taste traditional African dishes.

Did you know? In Tunisia, it is customary to say “you” to each other, regardless of age and status. You only need to address one person as “you” - the president.

Be in Sousse and not visit sea ​​cruise- this is a big omission. Many tourists enjoy visiting Port El Kantaoui, located 10 km north of the center of Sousse, where you can rent sailing schooners designed in the style of Tunisian pirate ships. The approximate price of such a walk is 80 dinars, but you can always bargain. While passengers swim and dive in the open sea or admire the underwater inhabitants through panoramic windows, a light lunch will be prepared in the galley and served during an exciting show program.


Purchases

It's simply impossible to come back from such a picturesque place without purchases and souvenirs that will remind you of the trip for a long time. In the markets in the old town you can find numerous works of local artisans - pottery, unique fabrics and comfortable textile clothing. Here you can buy exquisitely chased metal jugs, painted earthenware, ceramic figurines and bright onyx jewelry.

It’s hard to pass by comfortable soft leather shoes or beaded bags. Art lovers should definitely take a closer look at paintings of various Tunisian landscapes. And don’t forget that local traders always quote an inflated price and are ready to haggle.

Not far from the old town, you can visit the large 4-story store Perle Shopping Center (Rue de l’église, 3), where, in addition to goods from local manufacturers, products from fashionable world brands are presented. A little further south is the Magasin General supermarket, which sells a variety of alcoholic drinks. You just need to take into account that many stores are not open during hot daytime hours - from 12:00 to 15:00.


The surrounding farms of Sousse boast the best olive oil in the country, which can be purchased at the city markets. And although unclarified homemade butter is stored for only 2-3 months, it is quite possible to bring it in time and use it to prepare amazing aromatic dishes at home.

Attractions

The main tourist sites of the city are located in the ancient Medina - the old town of Sousse. The medieval city is surrounded by walls with a total length of 2.5 km, which, although built back in 859, are perfectly preserved thanks to skillful restoration. Of the eight gates of the walls of the old city, only the Western and Kairouan Gates, directed to the south, have survived.

The Ribat fortress was built in the 8th century, and for about 1000 years there was a garrison where warrior monks lived. They also received the name “marabout”, which means “one who resides in the garrison.” These Muslim ascetics were teachers of spirituality, interpreters of holy books, and even predictors of the future.

Despite the traditions, the central mosque of Medina was not in the center, since it was erected only in the 9th century, when the center was already given over to other buildings.

The mosque does not have a minaret, and on its walls there are watchtowers with loopholes for archers. In fact, the structure also served as a watchtower.

Important! In the city parks of Sousse, it is not prohibited to pick a couple of ripe oranges. But it is worth considering that these trees bear semi-wild fruits - small and with noticeable bitterness.

This fortress is located in the southwest of the Medina of Sousse and is the legacy of various nationalities that replaced this land in the 9th–11th centuries. Its central element is the 30-meter tall Khalef al-Fata tower. Since 859, it has been a sentinel and signal structure, and its top is still crowned by a lighthouse.

After restoration, the Kasbah housed the Archaeological Museum, where you can get acquainted with different periods in the history of Tunisia. The collection of mosaics that in ancient times adorned the interior of local buildings receives special attention from tourists. Here you can see unique panels with various still lifes or scenes from life.

Thanks to the work of archeology enthusiast Louis Carton and Abbot Leino, in 1904 grandiose multi-kilometer catacombs built from the 2nd to the 4th centuries were discovered. Entrance to this tourist site is located on Rue des Catacombes and costs 5 dinars. Since the dungeon is quite dim, it is better to take a flashlight with you, which will allow you to see the ancient wall inscriptions.

It's no secret that most tourists visit coastal Tunisia because of its beautiful beaches. The promenade of Sousse is a long strip of sandy beaches, where many hotels, restaurants and attractions are located. It offers various equipment for recreation on the water - fins, masks, scooters, etc. And you can get an umbrella and a sun lounger for free in almost any coastal establishment, just by buying ice cream or a cooling drink there.

Excursions

In Sousse, you can purchase one-day or longer excursions to the capital of Tunisia, Carthage, or visit other cities where you can get acquainted with numerous museums and monuments of the Roman era. Thus, just 20 km south of Sousse is the city of Monastir with a large number of interesting attractions and recreational areas.

Cuisine and restaurants

In the city's restaurants you can taste delicious local dishes from the Maghreb with light notes of European Mediterranean cuisine. Most travelers choose establishments in the Medina area. Thus, near the walls of the old city there is a magnificent restaurant called Dar Soltane, where you can taste local, as well as French and Italian cuisine.

Did you know? In Tunisia, the cactus is one of the most common plants and successfully reaches human height. That is why they are often used as fences.

Gourmets will certainly appreciate salted or marinated large green and black olives stuffed with lemon, salted anchovies and seafood. The average price of a main course is 15–18 dinars, and dry wine (0.7 l) will cost 20–22 dinars.

Not far from the city embankment is the Lido Restaurant, which features the freshest seafood and reasonable prices. Customers can pre-select the prey that will be prepared for them. The average price of a large portion of large grilled king prawns will cost 24 dinars. And an excellent delicacy lobster can be eaten for 10 dinars per 100 g.


Another Mediterranean restaurant, which is celebrated by many tourists, is located opposite the Soula store and is called Le Сristal. One of its attractions is the gorgeous Persian cats living on the open veranda of the establishment. The average bill for lunch with excellent wine usually does not exceed 70 dinars.

Fans of French cuisine will enjoy a restaurant on the embankment called Escargot. The restaurant's signature dish is escargot snails with nuts Burgundy style with the addition of white wine and various seasonings. Lunch for two at this establishment will cost 150 dinars.


How to get around the city

There are three railway stations in the city. Metro Sahel electric trains run along the coast towards Mahdia. The entire route takes about 73 kilometers, with 5 stops in the city, one of which is literally a couple of hundred meters from the Medina. The train makes 30 stops in total and the trip takes 100 minutes.

In Sousse itself there are no problems with getting around the city. There is an excellent network of buses and minibus taxis. At the same time, minibuses “luazhi” with a blue stripe travel only within the city, while those with a red stripe transport passengers to the nearest populated areas.

There is also an operational taxi service with a modern fleet of vehicles, distinguished by their signature yellow color. Exotic lovers in Sousse can use three-wheeled scooters with canopies called tuk-tuks, designed for 4-6 passengers. The fare for them within the city is usually 2–5 dinars.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets

The price of an air ticket depends not only on the carrier, but also on the date of purchase. The more time left before departure, the cheaper the ticket can cost. Also, its cost depends on the date and day of the week, so if there is no reference to a specific date, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the prices for the coming days - perhaps this way you will be able to save a lot.

The best time to visit Sousse is from January to May and from August to November, therefore tickets for this period will be the most expensive. Today, the Moscow - Monastir route is served by 8 airlines. The distance between the cities is 3007 km, and the average flight time is 4 hours.

According to information from a major air ticket aggregator, the minimum flight price will be:

  • June 2019 - 16,298 rubles;
  • July 2019 - 19,151 rubles;
  • September 2019 - 17,019 rubles;
  • October 2019 - 13237 rub.

However, since pricing in this area is very flexible, it is worth monitoring prices on different sites when purchasing a ticket to ensure you find the best deal. While vacationing in Sousse, we must not forget about the ban on photographing government, palace or military buildings, as well as flags, worshipers and people in uniform.


But there are many other things that you will definitely want to capture - the leisurely city streets, bustling bazaars and incredible seascapes. Sousse harmoniously combines antiquity and modernity, and its extraordinary color evokes a feeling of calm and tranquility.

This is one of the most popular resorts in an African country with white sandy beaches, hot climate and active nightlife. Thousand-year history The city will delight not only lovers of the Mediterranean coast, but also active adventure seekers and historical mysteries.

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Many Russians choose this resort for an ideal seaside holiday and fun evening entertainment.

Resort and its history

Sousse is a small town, its population does not exceed six hundred thousand people. Founded by the ancient Phoenicians in the ninth century BC, the city was the center of culture and trade of Ancient Greece. Subsequently, it often changed both its name and its rulers. It was conquered by the Roman Empire, Byzantium, Arab civilization, and Spain. Finally, having become a French colony in the mid-19th century, the city acquired its modern name - Sousse.

The sus is divided into two parts. The old town with ancient buildings and attractions and the tourist center in the north, 13 km - Port El Kantaoui, with many restaurants, nightclubs and other activities. Tourist transport runs between them daily - from buses to taxis. A real gift for a tourist is the opportunity to plunge into ancient history and also enjoy the beautiful sea.

Hot climate and location

If you look at the map, Tunisia is located in Africa, the weather here is almost always good, hot. The most favorable period for a holiday in Sousse- this is spring and autumn, exactly at this time sea ​​water still warm, but the air is not so hot. In summer the temperature reaches its maximum of +35 degrees. Now the September weather is still a pleasant +30 degrees, but not so unbearably hot. In late autumn, the fruits of Tunisia ripen - dates, grapes and melons.

The air temperature does not exceed +20 degrees, and swimming season ends, in this weather it's best to enjoy ancient history Sousse and book a guided tour. In December it gets very cool, so tourists come with warm clothes. But at any time of the year, Sousse is attractive to tourists: in the summer for its beaches, in the winter for its tourist programs. The snow-white beach of Sousse is shown in the photo.

The city is located close to the airports of Tunisia: 20 km from Monstir, and 30 km from Enfidha. Before international airport Tunisia – 140 km. You can get to Sousse by bus, minibus or train. Things to do in Sousse on vacation:

  • visit the Ancient Medina in the old city;
  • go for thalassotherapy in one of the Sousse spa centers;
  • dance the night away at the best discos in the city;
  • eat delicious fresh fish in local restaurants;
  • bargain with sellers for colorful items at the market in the old city.
  • take a photo against the backdrop of the snow-white old city.

The city's attractions

As mentioned above, Sousse is not only resort town, but also center ancient culture . One of the main attractions is the Medina, an architectural complex of fortresses built in the 8th-9th centuries. and served as protection for the Ottoman Empire from foreign invaders. Medina is included in the UNESCO heritage list. Medina Soussa is shown in the photo.

On the territory of the ensemble there are mosques, fortresses, catacombs and other monuments of ancient art and architecture. Also in the city you can visit catacombs with Christian burials, a Catholic church, as well as various city museums with ancient mosaics and sculptures. One of the most unusual places– the former home of a once wealthy family, now the Dar Essid Museum.

Holidays in Sousse, Tunisia

Lovers of nightly, incendiary parties on the coast will be happy with the abundance of discos and entertainment in Sousse. Discos and open-air events take place both in the hotels themselves and nearby. The most popular dance places are Bora-Bora, Taj Sultan, Marabout. Here you can meet companies from all over the world, including Russia. Every year, at the end of summer, the city hosts the Aussu festival with carnival elements, songs and dances. In addition to nightlife, the city has:

  • bowling;
  • golf Club;
  • karting;
  • amusement park.

Children will enjoy water park in the center of the resort area. Tunisia is famous for its spa centers. Famous thalassotherapy procedures are performed at many hotels, which can be found on the map. An event for the regeneration of skin cells with seaweed - thalassotherapy, is shown in the photo.

Selecting a tour and hotel

When choosing a tour and hotel It is better to be guided primarily by comfort. Within the old city, hotels are not so comfortable, and it is quite noisy there. It is better to choose a tour to a hotel in tourist center– in Port El Kantaoui. There is a clear sea, and all the conditions are conducive to a wonderful, ideal holiday. It's easy to find Port El Kantaoui on the map.

Many hotels operate according to the system all inclusive, and are also rich in their fish restaurants. It is better to choose 4-5 star hotels. In this case, you should pay attention to the year of opening or reconstruction. Old hotels are not at all pleasing with outdated furniture and unsightly design. Among the most popular hotels: El Mouradi Palm Marina 5, Riu Green Parc 4, Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse, JAZ Tour Khalef Thalasso & Spa. In this case, you should determine the purpose of the trip, because each hotel, like the tour, has a specific character. There are youth, family and relaxing health tours for older people.

Excursion tours are some of the most interesting in Africa

Booking a tour with excursions you don’t have to worry about the cultural and entertainment program. A specially trained guide will show you the most interesting places, open to tourists. A guided tour is a great option to learn all the secrets of this city.

There are many in the old city souvenir shops, where any tourist can find a gift to suit his taste. As in any Arab country, in the markets of Sousse it is customary to bargain, and the shopkeepers here are very persistent. The snow-white old town is clearly visible in the photo.

Choosing a tour to Sousse, you can go for any number of days - the flight is only 4 hours, so you can enjoy the summer for a few days, even if your job doesn’t give you vacation.

Attractions

Guide

Among Tunisian resorts, Sousse (or Sousse) occupies a special place. This city is famous not only for its magnificent beaches, but also for its historical attractions. Its old part, which locals call the medina, has been under UNESCO protection since the 1980s.

The history of the city began more than two and a half thousand years ago. There was once a Phoenician colony here. Later, local residents took part in hostilities on the side of the Romans, for which all townspeople received the status of Roman citizens. The name of the city changed several times; the one the resort wears today was obtained by it after the Arab conquest. It was during that period of time that the city medina was surrounded by a wall and a mosque was built in it. In the 12th century, the territory of the city became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. In the 19th century, a new town, it was built by the French. It was located right next to the sea, near the ancient walls of the medina. Today the city is a popular seaside resort. This is one of the most major cities countries.

The resort is located on the east Mediterranean coast, so the climate here is appropriate: mild, with warm winters and fairly hot summers. Rain is possible in winter.

Transport


The resort of Sousse is connected to other Tunisian cities (including the capital of the country) by highways and railways. There are three railway stations in the city - one central and two peripheral. There are also bus stations in the city and a port. You can travel around the resort, for example, by train: it is intercity, but makes as many as five stops within the city. By the way, you can also take the same train to the airport located in one of the neighboring cities.
City transport in Sousse also includes buses, taxis and minibuses.

There is no airport either in the city itself or in its surroundings, so Russian travelers heading to this resort usually fly through Enfidha or Monastir. You can also take a flight to Carthage Airport - if you fly with transfers. From this city to the resort you need is one hundred and fifty-two kilometers. The distance from Enfidha is three times shorter, and from Monastir to the city you are interested in is only nineteen kilometers. Of course, it is most convenient to fly to Monastir; in this case you will most likely have to use by charter flight(because regular flights here, according to many tourists, they are too expensive).

Hotel base


If you are looking for a hotel with relatively affordable prices, then be prepared for the fact that you will have to live not near the beaches, but in the old part of the city. However, for many it will be very a good option: this part of the resort abounds historical monuments, which often attracts tourists even more than the splash of gentle waves and the shine of sand in the sun.

If you definitely want to live closer to the sea, then be prepared for quite significant costs. However, the comfort created in seaside hotels is worth it. In particular, such hotels usually have their own swimming pool.

As for the beaches, they are all public - even those located next to luxury and expensive hotels.

Sights and excursions


The main attraction of the city of Sousse is the medina, which is under UNESCO protection. The exotic word “medina” here refers to the old part of the city. Its architectural complex was built in the 8th and 9th centuries, and it has been perfectly preserved to this day. In the 16th century, the medina was fortified (at that time the territory of the city was part of the Ottoman Empire).

The medina has a rectangular shape. In its southwestern part there is a citadel, and in the northeast there is a fortified building with a watchtower. In the eastern part of the “rectangle” there is a mosque. The medina is surrounded by ancient battlements. Their thickness is more than two meters, and their length is just under two and a half kilometers. Once upon a time there were many gates within these walls, of which only the southern and western ones have survived to this day. In the old town there are many other colorful ancient buildings (in addition to those listed), and there are museums on its territory.

But the ancient buildings located in the medina are not all the city's attractions. Tourist places are also the marina (the harbor where pleasure ships dock) and the embankment, where vacationers often stroll. Tourists also visit the Church of St. Felix, built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Beach holiday


Despite the abundance of historical attractions within the city, the main center of attraction for tourists is the beaches. In fact, the entire life of the resort is “tailored” to them. Most discos and shops, cafes and restaurants are located so that they can be easily and conveniently reached from the beaches. Best beaches(as well as best hotels) are located in the northern part of the city, as well as outside the city limits in the northern direction.

If you decide to grab a snack after swimming, it will be very easy to do so: there are many small restaurants and snack bars on the beaches. Many of them have this rule: when you order food or drink, you can use the sun umbrella or sun lounger provided to you for free.

It should be noted that the beaches within the city limits of Sousse are quite narrow. Unfortunately, they cannot be called the cleanest in the country, but still many tourists find them simply magnificent.

if you love water activities, then you are usually offered a banana ride or a parachute flight over the water. Equipment for some others may also be offered aquatic species sports

Youth recreation


The resort we are talking about in this text is considered the most youthful in the country. There are many nightclubs and discos here - favorite vacation spots for young people. There are also many other entertainments here: golf courses, water sports centers, even a water park and a casino (however, the last two types of entertainment are located in neighboring Port el Kantaoui, but it is literally “a stone’s throw away”)... It is popular. young people have the “House of Italian Ice Cream” (however, people of all ages come here). In short, the resort cannot be called a boring place. Here you can really have fun, and you can have fun virtually around the clock.

The resort even has “youth hotels”. They offer visitors a lot of entertainment, as well as, of course, a buffet (all inclusive) and, in general, all the amenities that we associate with the words “ideal vacation.” In addition, such hotels often have a convenient location: they are located close to city attractions and at the same time close to the beaches.

Food and souvenirs


Many tourists are sure that no matter what country they visit, trying the local traditional cuisine is as important as sightseeing. If you also definitely want to get acquainted with Tunisian traditional cuisine, in Sousse you will have a great opportunity to do this.

Local kitchen was formed under the influence of different peoples, this process continued for many centuries. She was influenced by Roman, Turkish, Arabic, French culinary traditions... Let's take a closer look at some important features Tunisian cuisine.

If you like pork, you will be very disappointed: local population He doesn’t eat it and practically doesn’t cook it (as, indeed, do the residents of any Muslim country). But there will be no shortage of lamb, veal and goat meat; you can even try camel meat. And, of course, fish dishes are widespread: sea bass, sea bream, mullet and many other types of fish are caught and cooked here.

One of the most popular dishes of local traditional cuisine is couscous. This is ground wheat cereal with meat or fish. There is also a vegetarian version of couscous - with vegetables. This dish can also be sweet - with the addition of nuts, grapes or dried fruits.

One of the “calling cards” of Tunisian cuisine (as well as the cuisines of other Maghreb countries) is a sauce called harissa. It is prepared from garlic, olive oil, spices and hot pepper. In general, it should be noted that local residents are very fond of spicy dishes and willingly prepare them for tourists. Not all Russians share the same passions local residents: Some of our compatriots ask that the dishes prepared for them be less spicy.


For those with a sweet tooth, Sousse, like other Tunisian cities, will seem like paradise: there is a large selection of sweets here. This is baklava with nuts and honey, a local type of cake made from semolina, dates, candied fruits and cinnamon (this delicacy is called makrud), malbiya - a sweet made from rice and nuts...

Lovers of quality alcohol will not be disappointed either: the country produces wonderful wines. Some tourists even buy several bottles for friends and family as gifts upon their return from an exotic resort.

Also, many travelers bring home local olive oil; If you decide to follow their example, we recommend purchasing oils labeled “Cold First Press” and “Extra Virgin”. Spices are also popular as “gastronomic souvenirs,” but keep in mind that it is better to buy them in bulk (not in packages). And, of course, we cannot fail to mention sweets and harissa - tourists also often purchase them before leaving for their homeland.

What else do travelers buy as souvenirs? Hookahs and leather goods, cosmetics and darbukas, jewelry and ceramics... The choice is great, you just need to remember one simple rule: when you hear the price, bargain. This usually gives excellent results (if you do not shop in chain stores).