Island of sousse tunisia. Sousse is the youngest resort in Tunisia. Food. What to try

When I first arrived in Sousse, I was struck by its Europeanized appearance. Indeed, of all the cities in Tunisia that I visited after the capital, this is the most European city. There are many new high-rise buildings, wide avenues, large shopping centers, bars, discos, cinemas (which is rare for Tunisia), restaurants, cafes.

Like any Arab city, it grew from the medina (the old part of the city) with the Ribat, a fortress that previously protected the inhabitants from the attacks of warlike neighbors. Now it is one of the very large cities of Tunisia, the capital of the vilayet of the same name. In combination, it is also one of the most popular resorts among vacationers from all over the world with an extensive tourist area in Port El Kantawi.

This city has a European look, but with an oriental twist that makes it so special and unforgettable.

Like in Ancient Babylon, on its streets all year round you can meet people of different nationalities: French, Germans, Russians, Ukrainians, Algerians, Libyans, etc. Some came here to enjoy the bright sun, warm sea and the comfort of hotels; someone - to find a new life here; someone - to see his Ancient Ribat with the Kasbah and the Great Mosque. The goals are different, but they are all united by an interest in this amazing city.

By plane

Sousse does not have its own airport. Airports closest to the city:

• Enfidha close to the city, an hour away by taxi (fare from 20 EUR). There are no buses there, and it’s difficult to get a taxi.
• Habib Bourguiba Airport close to the city, 20 minutes by taxi (from 10 EUR) or bus/minibus (1–2 EUR).

Both accept a large number of Russian charters, which can be used to fly to Tunisia during the season (it lasts from May to September). You can search for airline offers, but this one will look for tours and compare prices from different tour operators.

If you fly with them, then most likely your arrival point will be Carthage airport near the capital, Tunisia. It is very far from Sousse: almost 2.5 hours by car, if you are lucky enough not to get caught in a traffic jam in the capital. At this airport you can immediately rent a car (30–40 EUR per day). You will need a passport and license. You can see which rental companies there are in the city and compare the prices they offer.

You can get from the airport by bus (5 EUR for a ticket there) or train (3-5 EUR for a ticket there), but you will first have to get to the bus stop or train station from the airport. The cost of a taxi is 5 EUR.

Apart from taxi, you can get from the airport to the capital in 2 ways:

• On the “metro” (this is what they call the ground trains circulating around the city here) - a stop not far from the airport (200 meters); the fare is less than 1 EUR.
• By bus - stop near the airport; fare - about 0.5 EUR; There are 2 types of buses: CHT (departures every 30 minutes) and TUT (departures every 15 minutes).

By train

Like any large city, Sousse is connected by rail to other cities. Tickets can be purchased directly from Gare de Sousse station.

You can travel from the capital by train for 5 EUR (11 TND).

You can also get from Monastir by train, which is called “Metro” here, for 2 EUR and half an hour.

There is also a train from Hammamet to Sousse: about 3 hours on the road. The ticket costs 4 EUR.

I have already written about what Tunisian trains are like in my pro, so you shouldn’t count on any special comfort here. You can look at their schedule. Trains here tend to be late, so departure and arrival times may vary.

By bus

There are buses from the capital to Sousse, but first you need to get there from the airport by taxi. A one-way ticket costs 5 EUR (11 TND). From Monastir you can take a minibus or bus (1–2 EUR). They depart regularly directly from the airport. There is also a bus from Hammamet, but it goes once a day (5 EUR).

It is worth approaching the bus departure time in advance, as there is usually a line to board immediately. Luggage can be stored separately.

I once observed how a Russian lady, traveling alone, came running just before the bus departure time. There was no place for her, and the driver ran around looking for one for her. As a result, the bus was delayed by 15 minutes. They found a place for her, but we left later.

By car

If you come from the airport, you can take a taxi. In Tunisia they are all the same yellow color. The fare starts from 5 EUR (10 TND). Bargain with confidence. When taxi drivers see a foreigner, they will try to squeeze as much money out of him as possible.

This is true for Monastir, but from Hammamet or the capital it makes sense to rent a car. It costs 25–32.5 EUR (50–65 TND) per day in the off-season, and 40 EUR (80 TND) in season. To do this, you only need your passport and a Russian license, with which you can safely drive here.

Don’t forget that highways in Tunisia have tolls: from 0.5 to 1 EUR (1–2 TND). But they are more or less comfortable, renovated, with toilets and cafes along the road.

By ferry

There are no ferries to Sousse, but if funds allow, you can rent a boat or yacht and go on a short sea voyage from Monastir or Hammamet. Rental cost - from 750 EUR (1,500 TND).

Clue:

Sousse - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Ekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The season in Sousse lasts from May to early October. At this time there is a continuous flow of tourists. The peak season is in July - August, when the average air temperature reaches +35 °C.

If you are not a fan of extreme heat and large crowds of people, then come in May - early June, when the tourist season is just beginning, or at the end of August - September, when it is already coming to an end, but it is still moderately hot during the day and the sea is warm.

Sousse in summer

Summer begins in the city in mid-May, when you can safely wear T-shirts and light blouses on the street, and some even start swimming, although the sea has not yet fully warmed up. But from the end of May you can safely swim and sunbathe on the beach (water temperature +24, +28 °C).

July and August are the hottest months. At this time, it’s hard to be outside during the day; you just want to lie on the beach.

September is still quite hot, and the sea, warmed over the previous months, is quite suitable for swimming (water temperature +24 °C).

Sousse in autumn

Autumn begins in October. Temperatures drop to +25 °C, +15 °C. Heavy rain and strong winds are possible at times. In the evening and at night the temperature drops slightly.

Sousse in spring

Spring begins already at the end of March. The temperature is already +20–25 °C. Rains are still possible, but they are an exception to the rule rather than a natural phenomenon. Some locals are already swimming, but the sea is still cool (average water temperature +14–17 °C).

Sousse - weather by month

Clue:

Sousse - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

I have identified three areas in Sousse, each of which will be convenient for recreation.

City center

There are few decent hotels in the center of Sousse, but all shops, restaurants, cafes and the historical part of the city are within walking distance.

Yes, and, plus, in the summer there are many guests from Libya and Algeria, as well as from the south of Tunisia, who do not always behave adequately.

Among the expensive and luxurious hotels, here is Movenpick - a kind of variation on the Arabic theme, but in a modern way.

There is even something like a Chinese garden nearby.

Port El-Kantaoui area

The tourist area, as is usual in such resorts, is located outside the city limits - almost 20–25 minutes by car. This area is called Port El-Kantaoui.

Basically, there are only hotels, restaurants, bars, a golf course, and if you drive further, you can see a huge variety of villas: from those built in a purely Arabian style to a kind of palaces made of glass and concrete with incredible architecture.

If you have a good budget, you can choose Hasdrubal Thalassa, Thalassa Sousse 4* (they also offer excellent thalasso and balneotherapy courses) or Riu Green Parc 4*, Tej Marhaba, Riu Bellevue Park. All of them provide excellent service, well-equipped rooms and a standard range of entertainment: swimming pool, beaches, animation program, etc. You can book on, but you can check if there are better prices somewhere.

Of the more budget options, you can choose among Golf Residence, Royal Beach, Marhaba, Marabout, Chams El Hana 3*, etc. Their service is not so high, but quite acceptable. Discos and animated shows are also present. You can search for offers.

In the same area there are magnificent villas for rent. They are mainly taken by Europeans who come to relax in the summer. They are perfectly equipped. Some even have a private beach. The owners can also offer their own housekeeper, so the house will be cleaned no less often than a hotel room.

Sahloul area

Another housing option: rent an apartment. The Sahloul area is a good option, where there are many new, high-rise buildings with private parking, and you can find a well-equipped apartment. You can search for an option for yourself.

Within walking distance in the area: shops, restaurants, cafes. But it is located far from the city center - almost half an hour away by car, if there are no traffic jams.

What are the prices for holidays?

Housing

In five-star and four-star hotels, the price ceiling is 200–250 EUR/day, and the average price fluctuates around 100 EUR. Three-star hotels are cheaper: the average price per room is 25–35 EUR/day.

Renting a villa for a month costs from 500 EUR, and for a week from 250 EUR. In addition to this, you must leave a deposit in the amount of a monthly or weekly payment, which is returned at the end if the owner is satisfied with the external and internal appearance of the house. Electricity and water are paid separately.

An apartment costs on average 200–250 EUR per month, and 100–150 EUR per week. A deposit is also left, and light/water/electricity are paid separately.

Taxi

For a taxi you pay from 0.5 to 1–3 EUR, depending on the distance.

Nutrition

In a restaurant the average price tag is around 20–50 EUR, and in a cafe from 5 to 10 EUR. To save money, it is better to choose restaurants or cafes somewhere in the city center, where you can find very high-quality options, but in the tourist area they can offer a higher price tag - from 70 EUR.

You can buy food in supermarkets or small shops. In Tunisia, vegetables and fruits are very cheap (from 1 EUR per kilogram), as well as seafood (from 5 EUR per kilogram). They are all fresh and natural. A bottle of mineral water will cost less than 1 EUR, and a couple of pies for 1–2 EUR.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub Tunisian Dinar, DT

Main attractions. What to see

Sousse is rich in various historical attractions, and the medina of Sousse is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Like most Tunisian cities, there is a Ribat here - a fortress that protected local residents from attacks by neighbors. It also has a good archaeological museum. In addition, there are 3 notable mosques, 1 synagogue and 1 Protestant church.

You can also go to the local catacombs. And how can we not remember here Port El Cantawi with its marina, as well as its zoo and amusement park nearby. I will write in more detail about this and much more below.

Top 5

Medina Soussa

First of all, of course, I’ll tell you about the medina of Sousse. Narrow streets leading into the unknown, wild cats stretching sleepily in the sun, as well as the colorful doors and windows - this is what appeared before us when we went to explore Medina. There are almost no people here, only sometimes boys run by.

Also there we accidentally stumbled upon a nice square. Next to the medina there is a permanent bazaar, where they mostly sell all sorts of rubbish, but sometimes you can find interesting souvenirs.

Kasbah and Archaeological Museum

Next, you can go to the Kasbah (that’s what the city’s citadel is called in Arabic) - you can enter it through the Archaeological Museum. So, first we toured the museum: it displays interesting mosaics from the times of Roman rule, as well as household items of the first Christians. From the museum you can go out into the courtyard of the Kasbah, where it is so nice to take a quiet walk. It’s clean, and they planted flowers and various low trees around it. I especially liked the views that can be observed from the fortress walls: the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, shimmering under the bright rays of the sun; the roofs of small houses in Medina, where housewives hang out their laundry; and, of course, the marina of Sousse, where numerous yachts and boats are anchored, as well as several pleasure ships, stylized as ancient ships, on which tourists are taken for rides during the season.

Ticket price for the museum and Kasbah: 3.5 EUR.

Opening hours: from September 16 to July 18 - 08:00–17:30; from June 17 to July 17 - 08:00–17:00; from July 19 to September 15 - 08:00–19:00; open daily.

How to get there: The museum and Kasbah are located on Rue Abou Kacem Echabi, opposite the Sousse City Hall (Gouvernorat de Sousse). The majestic structure with towers is simply impossible to miss, so it’s easy to quickly find. If you walk from the Medina, you can get there in 20 minutes. Another option is to take a taxi, as there are no bus stops right next to the museum.

Catacombs of Sousse

The catacombs of Sousse are very interesting. They are located in the city center. Going down, you find yourself as if in another world. The catacombs were built and paved by the first Christians who fled here from Roman persecution.

There is also a museum near the catacombs, where things taken from there are displayed. I do not recommend visiting for people suffering from claustrophobia.

Ticket price: 2.5 EUR.

Opening hours: from September 16 to March 31 - 09:00–17:00; from April 1 to August 15 - 09:00–19:00; daily.

How to get there: The entrance to the catacombs is located in Medina, so while walking there, you can go there at the same time. There are also signs for motorists throughout the city.

Dar Essid

Another interesting attraction is Dar Essid. The Arabic word "dar" means "house". This is a typical Arab house that once belonged to a wealthy citizen. Walking through the suites of rooms, you will be able to see how an Arab family used to live, what surrounded it and what its members did in everyday life. I really liked it there: it was like plunging into living history.

Ticket price: about 2 EUR.

Opening hours: daily from 08:30 to 17:30.

How to get there: It is also located in Medina, a little further from the bazaar. If you can't find it, ask the locals. They will be happy to show you.

Port El Kantawi

And finally, I’ll tell you about Port El Kantaoui. To be honest, I don’t understand why it is so praised in some guidebooks. The marina there is smaller than in Monastir. And the impression is also spoiled by annoying barkers on their ships on which they take tourists for rides.

Next to it there is a small zoo and an amusement park, where again you come across various merchants and barkers who call customers in Russian and scold them in Arabic.

How to get there: It is already outside the city, 20 minutes away by car, near the town of Hammam Sousse. You can get there by taxi (from 5 EUR), by bus or minibus (0.5–1 EUR).

Beaches. Which ones are better

The best beaches are, of course, the beaches of Port El Cantawi. Clean, with white soft sand. The police protect them well: their cars drive there regularly.

Hotels have their own separate beaches, where sunbeds, umbrellas, and towels are provided, but public beaches, unfortunately, do not have all this.

We usually went to the beach, which is located next to Port El Kantawi. Where there are only villas, a separate entrance, few locals and very clean.

In the city itself the beaches are not very good (Bou Jaafar Beach). Firstly, there are a lot of Arab families with loud, ill-mannered children who do whatever they want. Secondly, as a result, it is dirty there. Garbage is lying everywhere. The smell is just terrible. In general, it is better to avoid these beaches.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are 3 notable mosques in Sousse:

In addition to mosques, there is one more in Sousse synagogue Keter Torah And St. Felix Protestant Church. Of these, the church is notable: it has a simple, unpretentious architecture, thanks to which it blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. You can go there, admission is free.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

I really liked it Archaeological Museum at the Kasbah. It is located in a perfectly renovated building and is maintained no worse than European museums. There are high halls where well-preserved frescoes and household items from the Roman Empire are displayed.

There is also a museum near the catacombs. There are objects that were found in the catacombs themselves. Here you can see with your own eyes how the first Christians lived in the provinces of the Roman Empire.

And, of course, the museum is Dar Essid, which I wrote about above.

Parks

Port El Kantawi has a zoo right next to the entrance to the marina. It is in the “best” Tunisian traditions - it’s a bit dirty, there are few animals, the paths are small and unkempt. In general, nothing special. I didn’t like it there, and the animals looked as if they were fed only once a week.

Not far from Sousse there is an ethnographic park "El Zahra". A typical Berber village has been completely recreated there. There are even actors who play the residents. There is also a sandstone fortress, an ancient church, olive groves and performances with camels and horses. The crowning glory of this park is the unique laser show “Medinat El Zahra”, during which the history of Tunisia is viewed from the beginning to the present day. You can go to the park by car (25 minutes) or as part of an excursion from the hotel.

These are the most notable parks in the city. In the city itself there are so-called green areas in the form of parks, but usually they are an absurd pile of garbage and palm trees.

There is also a wonderful zoo near Sousse "Phrygia", which children will certainly enjoy. It is very large, and there are a large number of animal species represented in it, there is even a dolphinarium! There are also performances by folk and African groups.

It is close to a large Monoprix supermarket.

Opening hours: in summer from 09:00 to 17:00, in winter from 09:00 to 16:00; open daily except Monday. Entrance fee: adults - 5.5 EUR, children - 3 EUR.

Tourist streets

The main tourist street is the Buzhaafar embankment. Again, many guidebooks sing its praises, but I’ll still add my fly in the ointment.

It stretches for almost 2 km, and from there a beautiful view of the sea opens up and everything would be fine if not for the guests from friendly Algeria and Libya and from the south of Tunisia. During the day, whole families with a brood of 7-8 children walk there, and at night young people gather and drink beer. In general, as you understand, I didn’t like walking there, maybe you’ll have a little more luck.

What to see in 1 day

If you come to Sousse for one day, I advise you to go to the medina. From there, go explore the Ribat and enrich your knowledge at the Archaeological Museum. The catacombs will also be interesting. They are, of course, no match for the Parisian ones, but they also make an impression! In the evening you can take a walk in Port El Cantawi and eat at one of the fish restaurants.

What to see in the area

In the vicinity of Sousse you can visit Port El Kantawi, which I already wrote about above, as well as El Zahra Park.

Near Port El Kantawi there is even golf Club, arranged by an American. For tourists who love this sport, this is a great opportunity to practice on an excellent field: it is very large, perfectly clean and arranged with a real American scale. The club has a bar, a restaurant, and a shop. Driving a little further than the Port itself, you will immediately see the spacious green fields of the golf club. On (there are both French and English versions) you can see the tariffs and opening hours.

And in the small town of Sidi Bou Ali, 25 km from Sousse, there is eco-farm (EcoVillage). Here you can learn everything about the life of ostriches, as well as get to know them better. Go by car. The journey will take less than half an hour.

It is located near the town of Sidi Bou Ali. The entrance fee is about 15 EUR (this includes a set lunch), it is open 24 hours a day, except holidays.

Nearby Islands

There are no notable islands near Sousse. The closest to it is the Italian island of Linosa - volcanic and not very interesting, except for its Mediterranean beaches and local flora and fauna. You can get there with a ferry transfer through Sicily. The journey will take about a day.

Food. What to try

The cuisine of Sousse is not much different from purely Tunisian cuisine: the same abundance of pepper, traditional couscous and brand of loubiya (sauce with beans).

The city sells very tasty pizzas, especially tasty in pizzerias where they are baked in real stone ovens.

The shapatti sandwich is popular among locals - it is tuna with vegetables or sausage between two flatbreads. In short, it’s like a hamburger, but in a Tunisian way.

As for drinks, there are also no special differences with general Tunisian cuisine.

If you want to cook something yourself, there are many large supermarket chains in Sousse: Magasin Général, Aziza, Carrefour, Monoprix. There are also signs in the city indicating them. They sell vegetables, fruits, meat and fish, and other products. There are separate shops that specialize in selling one of the above. The prices between them are not much different, but the quality of the products is much higher.

Sousse has a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, which even serve alcohol. The truth is not everywhere. In Port El Kantawi or in the city center, prices are different, but you can find dishes for every taste and color. Below I will write in more detail about different establishments where the price and quality of food and service are justified.

Budget

Budget establishments offer good dishes for only 7.5 EUR (15 TND). For example, there is a restaurant La Nova Marina in Port El Kantawi. Pleasant atmosphere: you can sit both in the hall and outside, enjoying the beauty of the marina. They serve Italian dishes, seafood and barbecue, as well as alcoholic drinks.

Another inexpensive restaurant Farmer's Grill. You can order excellent steaks and fries here. The price tag can exceed 7.5 EUR if you are a food lover. There is a large selection of salads for vegetarians, and desserts for those with a sweet tooth. It is made in the style of a Texas ranch.

Just 2 minutes walk from the Medina you can find a wonderful restaurant Le Bonheur, where you can have a meal for even less than 7 EUR. Its name translated from French means “happiness”. It lives up to its name: generous portions, as well as a pleasant atmosphere, make this establishment very popular among tourists. The menu includes both purely Tunisian dishes and international ones: pizzas, sandwiches, etc.

Very nice cafe Lumière, where you can drink excellent coffee and eat dessert for just 5 EUR. I was there and I really liked it. The interior has a muted color scheme, complemented by photographs of Paris, and on the facade of the building there is even an Eiffel Tower that is being renovated by a little man. The menu is complete and varied. This place is located in the Sahloul area, not far from the clinic.

Mid-level

Among mid-level restaurants and cafes, I can recommend the following (average price tag - 12.5–15 EUR):

• Le mosaique at the Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa, in the center of Sousse. Gorgeous decor and excellent service. French, Italian and Tunisian dishes are served here. Finding it will not be difficult, but leaving there with an empty stomach will be difficult.
• Restaurant Red Moon also in Port El Kantawi. Beautiful decor, a pleasing menu where you can find dishes from different countries, and a large selection of desserts.
• In the medina of Sousse you can find an excellent restaurant where you can try almost all the classic recipes of Tunisian cuisine - Restaurant du Peuple. A combination of good quality, low prices and excellent service.
• Another quality restaurant - Lido. There are very tasty fish and seafood dishes. The portions are very large and the food is surprisingly varied. It is located in the city center.

Holidays

The Aussou festival takes place in Sousse, during which a whole carnival parade takes place around the city, accompanied by songs and dances. It is usually held every July 24th, but in recent years it has sometimes been canceled due to lack of funds.

It has deep historical roots: it used to be a holiday in honor of the god Neptune, when it was a province within the Roman Empire. But then it changed, and now it is a holiday in honor of the onset of abnormally intense heat in the month of August according to the Berber calendar. Actually, the term “aussu” itself means “peak heat”.

Safety. What to watch out for

Like any big city, Sousse is rich in various dangers.

Firstly, of course, you shouldn’t go out into the city for a walk alone. This is especially true for girls. The city is full of people from Libya or Algeria, so you need to be careful and either stay on the hotel premises or go with someone in a group.

Secondly, be sure to bargain with the sellers in the shops, as they always try to take more money from tourists. This only applies to tourist shops or taxis, since prices in buses, super- and minimarkets are fixed.

Things to do

There are a lot of hotels in Sousse that, in addition to the standard range of entertainment, offer thalassotherapy and balneotherapy courses. Depending on your wishes and budget, you will be given the right course for a different period of time.

Among other entertainments, you can play golf on the golf course (I talked about this in the “Parks” section), bowling, go karting at Hergla Karting Park or go to the water park (Acqua Palace), the zoo (Kantaoui Zoo) in Port El Kantawi or an amusement park (Centre de loisirs Hannibal).

Shopping and shops

There are a huge number of shops in Sousse, including those where they speak Russian. There are many shopping centers and souvenir shops in the tourist area, but prices there are aimed at tourists.

In the city center, near the Boujaafar and Medina embankments, there are many large shops, for example, Soula Center or Champs Elysées, Slim Center or Plazza Italia (by the way, the last three are in the same place, next to each other). In them you will find souvenirs, a large selection of clothes, carpets, and jewelry - in general, everything a tourist’s soul desires.

Among the worthy local store chains, I would like to highlight Zen, Hamadi Abid (similar to H&M, that is, inexpensive clothes at affordable prices).

Sousse is one of the most popular resorts in Tunisia, especially among young people.

Popularity Soussu how the club once brought the youth resort Bora Bora, which is currently closed.

Sousse one of the most numerous regions of the country located in the resort area. It is part of the vilayet of Sousse and is its capital; the population in the city is about 360,000 people, in the region about 570,000.

In many sources, including when selling tours, Sousse merged with the resorts of Port el Kantaoui and Shott Meriam. There are noticeable differences between them, and not only in the hotel base, which is why we separate these two resorts.

Sousse can be divided into three parts:

• historical– here is the Medina, most of the city’s historical sites;
• central– mostly local residents live here, there are hotels in the coastal area;
• northern– Hammam-Sousse district, the tourist part of the city (the El Hammam rivulet separates Sousse from Port el Kantaoui).

Resort area of ​​Sousse

Transport in Sousse

Nearby Soussa There are two international airports, in addition, getting from Tunis City is also not difficult:

• Monastir Habib Bourguiba Airport– 30km
• Enfidha Hammamet International Airport– 40 km
• Tunis (Tunis Carthage International Airport)– 150 km

You can easily get from the airport to the city by taxi, public transport (buses, buses). If desired, you can order an individual transfer.

Sousse is a very large transport center; if you prefer independent travel around the country, then from here you can easily get to:

• local railway (“metro du Sahel”) - to Mahdia or Monastir (trains run at intervals of 15 - 30 minutes);
• central railway (Tunis-Gabes) - to Sfax, El Jem, Hammamet, Tunis City.

Taxi, as in any other region, is the most convenient form of transport, you just need to take into account some features.

Climate in Sousse

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Excursions and attractions in Sousse

Sousse can safely be attributed to those regions of Tunisia where there is something to see without leaving the resort:

• Kasbah of Sousse– the fortress, built in the mid-9th century, is located in the Old Town, the building houses the Archaeological Museum (the collection of mosaics is second only to the collection of the Bardo Museum);
• Great Mosque– the main mosque of Sousse, you can only see it from the outside – only Muslims are allowed inside;
• Ribat fortress– built in the 8th century to protect the coast from pirates;
• Medina– the old city, surrounded by a fortress wall, is now essentially a large market where it is traditional to bargain; if you are not a fan of this process, then it is better to use stores with fixed prices;
• Kalout el-Koubba Museum– located in the center of Medina, the exhibition is presented with thematic scenes - exhibitions demonstrating the life, utensils, and clothing of Tunisians;
• house-museum “Dar Essid” (Museum Dar Essid)- certainly one of the most interesting and visited places in Sousse, located in the Medina.

House-Museum “Dar Essid”

This is a small private museum - the home of a noble Tunisian family, whose descendants still live in the house (they also own the museum). Visitors have a great opportunity to get acquainted with the life, traditions, and way of life of several generations of Tunisians. The house has a lot of antiques (paintings, carpets, jewelry, furniture, utensils and much more); there is even a kind of marriage contract, which is about 700 years old. A very colorful place!

Sousse is a lively holiday town in Tunisia on the shores of the Bay of Hammamet. Sousse in Tunisia has relaxing white sand beaches set against the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, hotels to suit every pocket, chic restaurants, a UNESCO World Heritage Medina and 2,800 years of history. Now it’s clear why Sousse is one of the favorite holiday destinations among Tunisians and Europeans.

The Phoenicians were the first to recognize the advantageous location of the Sousse region on the seashore. In the 9th century BC. they founded a colony on these shores and called it Handrumentum.
Despite the fact that the Carthaginian commander Hannibal used Handrumentum as a base in the Second Punic War, Roman sympathies for this city were very strong. Therefore, a garrison of 5,000 soldiers was sent here to protect the city.
Handrumentum was under Roman rule for a long time. A number of extremely well-preserved mosaics and some buildings still remain today. When Rome fell in the 5th century AD, the Vandals destroyed the city and then rebuilt it in honor of their leader Hanericus, calling it Hanericopolis. A hundred years later, the city was recaptured by Byzantium, whose rulers renamed it Justinianopolis in honor of the most famous emperor of the Byzantine Empire.
The city was later renamed Susa, or Sousse in French. Its famous Ribat was built during the period of the Arab invasion, which resisted the attacks of the Christian Sicilians.
Today, the Medina of Soussa and its fort are among the finest examples of medieval Arab architecture in the entire world. Some scenes of the film "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark" were filmed in Sousse.

Airports near Sousse

Although the city of Sousse does not have its own airport, it is located close to two famous international airports. Sousse lies close to the airports of Monastir and Hammamet.

Closer, of course, is Monastir airport. Many tourists who want to relax in Sousse mainly go here. From this airport to Sousse is only 15 km, so you can easily get to the city by bus, train or taxi (cost approximately 12-15 dinars).
But the good location of Sousse is that you can fly to another airport in Tunisia, which is located not far from this city. This is Enfidha airport. However, it takes a little longer to get there (about 30-40 minutes by car). But is that long? The cost of a taxi trip will be approximately 25-30 dinars, so those who want to save money can take a bus or train. Trains run quite frequently from the airport to Sousse.
From Sousse to Enfidha airport trains leave at 04:40, 06:10, 07:40, 09:10, 10:40, 12:10, 13:40, 15:10, 16:40, 18:10, 19:40 and 21:10.
From the airport to Sousse trains leave at 06:10, 07:40, 09:10, 10:40, 12:10, 13:40, 15:10, 16:40, 18:10, 19:40, 21:10 , 22:40.

Beaches of Sousse

The beaches of Sousse are one of the most popular destinations for tourists, given that the beaches of Sousse provide vacationers with crystal clear blue water and fine sand. Many of the beaches are suitable for families to enjoy a picnic on. What are the famous beaches in Sousse?

Bujafar Beach
Bujafar is a long white sand beach lined with high-rise hotel buildings. Every person here gets the opportunity to enjoy the clear blue waters and white sand. This beach is a great place to relax with children.

Promenade
The promenade is long and has white sand. This beach is great for sunbathing. You can simply ignore the locals who gather around to sell all sorts of goods. The area around this beach also hosts beach parties.

Hammam Beach
Hammam Beach is ideal for walks and picnics. Although there are many restaurants nearby, it is not uncommon to see families gathering on the beach and enjoying a seaside meal.

In addition to these beaches, there are also beaches belonging to certain hotels. They are also famous for their white sand and clear water, but relaxing on them will be problematic if you are not a guest of the hotel that owns the beach.

Excursions

Sousse has a pretty good location for excursions. The most favorite excursion among tourists to the Sahara from Sousse is conducted by many companies, but usually tourists choose the company from which they purchased the tour to Tunisia. This is the longest excursion from Sousse. It is relatively close to other places from here. This way you can quickly get to Carthage, Dougga, Cap Bon, Sidi Bou Said. The Phrygia Zoo is also nearby, as is the city of Hammamet, which offers an amusement park and a water park. True, there is a water park not far from Sousse - in Port El Kantaoui.

But we gave you examples of excursions that are conducted by tour operators. You can go on excursions on your own. What if, for example, you don’t want to go on an excursion to the Sahara, but want to see the Colosseum in El Jem or the mosque in Kairouan? Then you can travel to these cities by public transport from Sousse. It would be surprising if two large cities such as Sousse and Kairouan, which have more than 100 thousand inhabitants and are located relatively close, did not have regular bus services. Buses from Sousse to Kairouan and back run quite frequently, so you can easily arrange an excursion to the holy city of Islam without any problems. The same goes for El Jem - there are also frequent buses to this city.
In addition, you can independently take a sightseeing tour of Sousse and go to the neighboring city of Monastir, which is located 22 km away and also has many interesting sights.

Entertainment

If you think that there is nothing to do in Sousse, then you are wrong - entertainment in Sousse is very diverse. What are the entertainment options in Sousse? Now we will briefly tell you about them.

Of course, the main entertainment is relaxing on the beaches of Sousse. Not only can you sunbathe, swim and enjoy relaxing on a sun lounger on the beaches of Sousse - there are also opportunities to practice a variety of sports. Many adults and children do not miss the opportunity to water ski, banana boat, kayak, jet ski or fly with a parachute.
You can also go to the Phrygia Zoo, which is located nearby. You can spend the whole day walking around the zoo and watching the shows there.
You can also spend the whole day at the water park in Port El Kantaoui. The water park can be reached by taxi, train or bus.
Shopping is another fun activity in Sousse, as there are quite a lot of shops in this city. There is also a rather old Medina that is also worth your time, as are other attractions in the city that are worth seeing.
Young people can have fun at night in local bars and nightclubs. Of course, Sousse is not a city famous for its nightlife, but for Tunisia it is quite noisy at night.
But if all these entertainments are not enough for you, then you can go on excursions from Sousse, since from this city you can quickly get to many interesting places in Tunisia.

Discos

The nightlife of Sousse and its discos make the city one of the most famous nightlife centers in Tunisia. There are quite a lot of discos in Sousse for such a city. In addition, you can have a good time and party until the early hours in one of the many bars in the city. Below we will present you the most famous discos in Sousse, as well as some bars.

El Hana Beach
This place is where you can experience the local culture. The hotel has a bar where you can see local dancers and musicians. Local alcoholic drinks are sold along with vodka and other international alcoholic drinks. For tourists who want to witness local Tunisian entertainment at a low cost, El Hana Beach is the right place to do it. Drinks here can cost from $5 to $15.

Metallica Disco
Located in the very center of Sousse, the disco is very popular among local youth. The disco offers rhythmic music and local and international drinks. The bar has a very informal atmosphere, and tourists can buy drinks for $2 to $10 per glass.

Dreams
For tourists who want to experience a real Tunisian disco, we recommend visiting the Dreams bar, which is located in the very center of Sousse. You can feel safe in this bar. It offers modern amenities and a variety of drinks. In addition, most of the waiters and bartenders are women living in Sousse.

The Esplanade
To experience the local nightlife, it's worth heading to The Esplanade Bar, which is located close to the beach. Here you can sample locally produced alcoholic beverages for as little as $1 to $5 per glass.

Living Bar
This is a disco bar that closes late in the morning. Living Bar is a huge establishment where locals and tourists relax. This safe and exclusive bar offers drinks ranging from $5 to $20 per glass.

Water park in Sousse

Aqua Palace is a water park in Sousse (or rather in Port El Kantaoui) and the first water park in Tunisia created for relaxation. This water park in Sousse has a variety of slides, spirals, pools, relaxation areas and a spacious area. There are also small slides for small children, opportunities for family fun, and a huge wave pool. In addition, the water park has many relaxation areas equipped with sun loungers.

A train that goes to the north of the country can take you to this place of entertainment. The trip will take about 15 minutes, and you will have to spend no more than 1 dinar on it.
Once you have entered the park, you must pay your entry fees at the ticket office, which is located to the left of the main entrance. Once you've paid, you'll be given your entry tickets, which you then give to the person right at the main entrance. From here you head to the locker room. There are men's and women's locker rooms here, but unfortunately there are no family locker rooms. There are also safes in the water park, however, you have to pay for their use.
Overall, we recommend visiting this water park at least once, as it offers good value for money. The park itself is well laid out and very clean. At Acqua Palace you can have a great time with the whole family!

The shops

Sousse is not only famous for its beaches - Sousse's shops also attract tourists. The "Pearl of the Sahel", as Sousse is also called, has many shops and shopping centers, which is not surprising for the third largest city in Tunisia. You can buy here a variety of exotic goods that include art, handicrafts, carpets and other items that will always remind you of your wonderful holiday in Sousse.

Below we will briefly introduce you to the main shops and markets in the city of Sousse.

Medina
This is a weekly market where you can find almost everything that is sold in Sousse. Here you can bargain with the seller to reduce the price. The medina is located in the city center and is a maze of streets lined with small shops. You can buy silver jewelry, ceramics, brass and copper items such as trays, teapots, leather goods and various clothes here.

Soula Shopping Center
This is a large shopping center that has four floors. Soula Shopping Center is located near the Medina. However, you won't be able to bargain here as the prices in the store are fixed. The mall is a great place to pick up some locally made goods. A big plus of this store is that it accepts credit cards.

Magasin General
If you are a wine lover, then this is the best place for you as this store offers a wide selection of Tunisian wines. You can also buy furniture and household appliances here.

Supermarket Monoprix
This is a place where you can buy basic products. This supermarket chain is owned by French businessmen.

Weekend Market
Sousse has a weekend market, which is located northwest of the city center of Sousse. This market is open on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. Don't be surprised if you find a stuffed camel there, as they sell a variety of interesting items.

What to buy

For those who don’t know what to buy in Sousse, we will immediately say that you can buy almost everything in Sousse. Sousse is a fairly large city by local standards, so it is not surprising that it sells a variety of goods.

If you go to Medina, you will see a lot of souvenirs and other products that are mainly aimed at tourists. Here you can buy almost everything that is intended for tourists in Tunisia. Magnets, key chains, ceramics, leather goods, clothing (including traditional), watches, olive oil, creams, oils, cosmetics - all this and much more can be bought in Sousse without leaving the Medina.
If you are interested in more expensive goods, such as jewelry and clothing from famous brands, then it is better to pay attention to shopping centers and branded stores in Sousse, which are concentrated mainly in the city center. Here you can protect yourself from counterfeits, as such stores value their reputation.
If you want to buy food, it is better to go to a supermarket (for example, Monoprix supermarket), as the sanitary conditions here are much better than in stores on the city streets. Sometimes it’s even unpleasant to go into stores, and buying goods from them is even worse. Although, to be honest, such fear is unfounded. In all Sousse stores, food is bought mainly by local residents, who can at any time complain about a particular store to the appropriate authority. So, despite the fact that many stores are located in old buildings and have poor sanitary conditions, you can buy food from them without fear. But, I believe that tourists from European countries are still better off making such purchases in supermarkets.
Vegetable and fruit lovers can buy fresh melons, watermelons, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables at markets or street stalls. Of course, all this is available in supermarkets, but the cost from street vendors will still be lower.

When is the best time to go?

When planning a visit to this city, you first need to decide when is the best time to go to Sousse. The exotic city of Sousse is located in the central part of Tunisia and is washed by the beautiful Bay of Hammamet, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to the fact that Sousse is located near the sea, beach lovers mainly come here. I would even say that almost 95% of tourists coming to Sousse do so to spend their holidays by the sea.

Summer in Sousse runs from May to September, so this period can be considered the best time to visit the city. Temperatures in summer can reach up to 35 degrees, but you can always cool off in the sea or in the hotel pool.
As we said above, many people come to Sousse on holiday in the summer. But there are also tourists who visit this city not for a beach holiday. Sousse hosts many different festivals, which is why some people travel here to take part in them. For example, the Olive Tree Festival takes place here within the festival. This festival attracts tourists from many countries in Southern Europe.
Don’t forget that not far from Sousse is the city of Kairouan, which is often visited by Muslims, who often prefer to choose to stay in a Sousse hotel.
In general, if you are going to Sousse mainly for relaxing on the beach, then the best time to travel is the months from May to September, although in October you can swim in the sea, but the air temperature will already be relatively low.

Great Mosque and Ribat

The Great Mosque of Sousse is the only mosque in North Africa without a minaret. This is because minarets only became a standard part of architecture in the 11th century AD, while the Sousse Mosque was built as early as the 9th century.

The Halaf Ribat Tower of Sousse has a dual purpose - it serves as a minaret and a watchtower. The Ribat was originally part of the fortifications of the Arabs, who built them in order to defend their territory from the invasion of Sicilian Christians, who had been attacking Sousse for 300 years.

Port

Sousse is a port city of Tunisia. Tourists probably did not expect that Sousse has a large port, since it is a famous resort town. But in fact, Sousse is also an important port for Tunisia.

The port of Sousse, called Port of Sousse, is relatively small in size, but for Tunisia it is considered large. From here ships leave for many other Tunisian ports, such as Bizerte, Sfax, Gabes, etc.
As you know, near Sousse there is a large plantation of olive trees and olive oil factories. That is why the main orientation of the port is the export of olive oil and olives to European and other countries.
If you vacation in the Sousse area, you will often be able to see ships arriving and leaving this port.

Catacombs

The Catacombs of Sousse may come as a big surprise to many visitors. Many believe that the catacombs of Sousse were built as areas to hide Christians during persecution under the Romans. Not all people know that in the past Tunisia was a Christian country.

The catacombs were a shelter not for living, but for dead Christians. The tunnels originally stretched over 5 km and contained 15,000 graves.
The area is open to visitors and only has about 100 meters of tunnels, but you can see through the iron gates the extension of the tunnels. Being illuminated with soft light, the catacombs offer a feeling of authenticity. In the catacombs you can see many corridors and skeletons, which are on display behind glass in two places.

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 as a province of Byzantium, but in the 7th century, during the occupation of Tunisia by the Arab Umayyad Caliphate, the 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 came under French protectorate. 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 World War II 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 Sousse does not yet have its own air gate, 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, which also fly to the new Enfidha Hammamet airport. 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 the high season, when the intense heat subsides in Sousse, the city is flooded with many tourists and hotels charge 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). The romantic hotel by the sea is equipped with a clean beach, a swimming pool, a spa center and a fitness room. Babysitting services are available for guests with children, and the local restaurant offers an excellent children's menu. A double room here will cost from $86 per night.

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. Therefore, it is advisable for independent travelers to have a basic level of 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, a refrigerator, a safe and a full household set - robe, 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 is a universal tourist destination where everyone can find a holiday 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 Sahara 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.

The city does not calm down at night; its embankment is in full swing with active life in numerous nightclubs, bars, restaurants and dance floors. Thus, in Sousse there is the largest open-air disco in Africa - Bora-Bora, where you can have a great rest and meet not only tourists from different countries, but also 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.

Being in Sousse and not visiting a sea cruise is a big miss. 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 is simply impossible to return from such a picturesque place without shopping 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 for 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, 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. An extensive network of buses and minibuses works well here. 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.