City of sousse tunisia. Sousse: description of the resort city in Tunisia, the pros and cons of the rest. Holidays in Sousse

One of the most popular resorts in Tunisia, Sousse, is great option both for beach and sightseeing holidays, combining the comfort of modern hotels with the opportunity to visit historical sights.

Numerous cultural sites attract a significant flow of tourists and make the city the most popular holiday destination. While luxurious hotels, stretching in a slender line along the coast of the beach suburb, offer to soak up the snow-white beaches under the gentle sun, the ancient Medina quarter in the center of Sousse attracts lovers of cultural recreation with historical sights. Therefore, it is not surprising that this ancient seaside town invariably fascinates everyone who comes there on vacation.

Medina

Medina ( Old city in Sousse) is one of the excellent examples of the Arab architecture of Tunisia, which has come down to us from time immemorial almost in its original form.

Arriving 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 in 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. In the ancient narrow streets, houses 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 stalls 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 visiting cards of the city. 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 monk warriors lived in ribats, who in times of peace devoted themselves to religious service, and in times of danger this religious army was among the first to repel enemy attacks.

A solid wall of 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 knightly orders. The Sousse Ribat, 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 the grandest monuments in Sousse. Located on the territory of the fortress, the 30-meter Khalef el-Fata tower (named after the architect) is one of the oldest towers in North Africa that has survived to this day.

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

After the Kasbah was built, Ribat ceded his military role to him, 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. Set aside at least a couple of hours to visit to see the unique exhibits.

Be sure to visit Room 3 with magnificent 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 2 and the "Seasons and Months of the Year" mosaic found during excavations at El Jem, in room 9.

Location: Ground floor, Kasbah fortress

Great Mosque of Sousse

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

Originally, the mosque had two watchtowers to help protect the harbour. The domes of the minarets were added centuries later.

An unusual element is the external staircase leading from the patio to the minaret. The crenellated fortified walls of the inner courtyard, surrounded on three sides by a colonnade of high arches in the shape of a horseshoe, rising on massive pillars, are decorated with complex Kufic writing.

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

The beautifully decorated main dome, currently towering over the fourth arch, was originally located above the arch 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 a fun bargain, head to the Medina's shopping district. The colorful and colorful street of Rue el Agalba will take you past the Great Mosque to the western part of the Medina.

A colorful oriental bustle reigns in this area, partly roofed, with many artisans engaged in the manufacture of metal and wood products. 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 looking for something special to take home with you.

Zauya Zakkak

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

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

Location: 100 meters west of Ribat

Catacombs

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

On the site of the catacombs, there was probably a pagan necropolis earlier. About 15,000 Christians wrapped in shrouds are buried in this underground cemetery. Burials were carried out in the niches of the walls of the catacombs on several tiers in height and then covered with marble slabs from above.

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

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

  • Catacombs of the Good Shepherd, 1.6 kilometers long, with 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 specially built resort complex receives a huge flow of tourists who come to enjoy the beach and the sea. ()

Opened in 1979, the Moorish-style complex was inspired by the blue and white buildings of a pretty village.

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

Location: 6 kilometers north of Sousse

Sousse market

Those wishing to enjoy more authentic shopping than in the tourist shops of the Medina shopping district should follow the locals to go to the Sunday Market, which is organized near 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 nestled on a rocky slope surrounded by plains, the old Berber village of Takruna is a preserved oasis of the disappearing Berber way of life.

Several Berber families still live in the village and visitors can visit some of the local dwellings and get up close and personal with traditional Berber architecture and interiors.

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

Location: 6 kilometers west of Enfidha

Other interesting sights in the vicinity

Cisterns of La Sofra

Behind the iron gates is an ancient underground reservoir. Its huge underground cisterns are most likely from the ancient Roman period. In former times, they could hold up to 3,000 cubic meters of water.

Location: Medina, near the Souq el Reba shopping lane

Enfidha

Surrounded by farmland, this trading center hosts a Sunday market that is a must-see 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 samples of early Christian mosaics from the archaeological sites of Uppenna (5 km north) and Sidi Abih (3 km 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 coast dotted with sandy bays. It is located on the site of the ancient Roman settlement of Orraca Kaelia, which in the 2nd century AD lay exactly on the border of the provinces of Bizacene and Zeugitana.

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

By renting a car, it is easy to get to the beaches untouched by civilization, scattered in abundance around Hergla.

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. Then in the 6th century BC, the city fell under the influence of Carthage, and during the Second Punic War it served as the 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 he received a number of important privileges. However, Hadrumetum lost these privileges by taking the side of Pompeii in a conflict with Caesar. The city soon recovered due to its strategic location and extensive olive groves, but was again set back in development after a devastating participation in the Gordian rebellion in 238 AD.

When I first came to Sousse, I was amazed at its Europeanized appearance. Indeed, of all the cities in Tunisia, where I visited after the capital, this is the most European city. There are many brand 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) to the Ribat, a fortress that used to protect the inhabitants from the raids 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.

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

By plane

There is no airport in Sousse. Airports closest to the city:

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

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

If you fly them, then most likely your point of arrival will be Carthage airport near the capital, Tunis. It is very far from Sousse: almost 2.5 hours by car, if you are lucky enough not to get stuck 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 driving license. You can see what distributors are in the city and compare their prices.

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

From the airport to the capital itself, except for a taxi, you can get in 2 ways:

  • On the "metro" (here they call the ground electric trains circulating around the city) - 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 (departure every 30 minutes) and TUT (departure every 15 minutes).

By train

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

You can get 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 way. The ticket costs 4 EUR.

I already wrote what Tunisian trains are like in my pro, so you should not count on special comfort here. The schedule can be viewed on theirs. Trains here tend to be late, so departure and arrival times may vary.

By bus

From the capital there are buses to Sousse, but first you need to get there by taxi from the airport. A one-way ticket costs 5 EUR (11 TND). You can get from Monastir by 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).

By the time of departure of the bus, it is worth approaching in advance, as usually there is a queue for boarding immediately. Luggage can be placed separately.

Once I observed how one Russian lady, traveling alone, ran only to the immediate departure time of the bus. There was no place for her, and the driver ran and looked for her. As a result, the bus was delayed by 15 minutes. They found a place for her, but we later left.

By car

If you go from the airport, you can take a taxi. In Tunisia, they are all the same yellow color. The fare will be from 5 EUR (10 TND). Trade boldly. Seeing a foreigner, taxi drivers 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, but in the season 40 EUR (80 TND). To do this, you only need your passport and a Russian license, which you can safely drive here.

Do not forget that motorways in Tunisia are tolled: from 0.5 to 1 EUR (1–2 TND). But they are more or less comfortable, renovated, with toilets and cafes along the way.

By ferry

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

Clue:

Suss - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Yekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

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

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

If you are not a fan of intense heat and large crowds, then come in May - early June, when the tourist season is just beginning, or in late 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 from mid-May, when you can safely wear T-shirts and light blouses on the street, and some even begin to swim, although the sea has not yet fully warmed up. But since 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 on the street during the day, you just want to lie on the beach.

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

Sousse in autumn

Autumn begins in October. The temperature drops to +25 °C, +15 °C. Sometimes heavy rains are possible, as well as winds. In the evening and at night the temperature drops slightly.

Sousse in spring

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

Sousse - monthly weather

Clue:

Sousse - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

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

City center

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

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

Nearby there is even something like a Chinese garden.

Area Port El-Kantaoui

The tourist zone, as is usual in such resorts, is 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 Arabic style to a kind of glass and concrete palaces 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 set of entertainment: a pool, beaches, an animation program, etc. You can book on, but you can check if prices are better 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 it is quite acceptable. Discos and animation shows are also present. You can search for offers.

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

Area Sahloul

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-furnished 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 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 fee, 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. Tunisia has very cheap vegetables and fruits (from 1 EUR per kilogram), as well as seafood (from 5 EUR per kilogram). All of them are fresh and natural. Bottle mineral water will cost less than 1 EUR, and a couple of pies for 1-2 EUR.

Clue:

The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Tunisian dinar, DT

Main attractions. What to see

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

As in most Tunisian cities, there is a Ribat here - a fortress that protected the locals from the raids of their neighbors. It also has a good archaeological museum. In addition, there are 3 remarkable mosques, 1 synagogue and 1 Protestant church.

And you can also go to the local catacombs. And how can one not remember here Port El Kantawi with its marina, as well as a zoo with it and an amusement park nearby. I will write more about this and many other things below.

Top 5

Medina Soussa

First of all, of course, I will tell you about the medina of Sousse. Narrow streets leading into the unknown, wild cats drowsily stretching under the sun, as well as the multi-colored doors and windows - that's what appeared before us when we set off to explore the Medina. There are almost no people here, only sometimes boys run through.

Also there we accidentally stumbled upon a pretty square. Near the medina there is an unchanging bazaar, where for the most part they sell all sorts of rubbish, but sometimes you can find interesting souvenirs.

Kasbah and Archaeological Museum

Then you can go to the Kasbah (as the citadel of the city is called in Arabic) - you can enter it through the Archaeological Museum. So, first we visited the museum: it presents interesting mosaics from the time of Roman rule, as well as household items of the first Christians. From the museum you can go out to the courtyard of the Kasbah, which is so nice to take a calm walk. It is clean there, and flowers and various, low trees have been planted around. 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 rooftops of the small houses of the Medina, where the housewives hang their linen; and, of course, the marina of Sousse, where numerous yachts and boats are anchored, as well as several pleasure boats stylized as old ones, which are used by tourists 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 with the Kasbah is located on Rue Abou Kacem Echabi Street, opposite the Sousse City Hall (Gouvernorat de Sousse). The majestic structure with towers is simply impossible to miss, so it is easy to quickly find it. 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 laid by the first Christians who fled here from the persecution of the Romans.

There is also a museum near the catacombs, where things taken from there are presented. I do not recommend a visit 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 walking there, you can go there at the same time. Also in the city there are signs for motorists.

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. Passing through the suite of rooms, you will be able to see how the Arab family used to live, what surrounded it and what its members did in everyday life. I really liked it there: as if 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 than the bazaar. If you can't find it, ask the locals. They will gladly 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. Marina there is smaller than in the same Monastir. Yes, and annoying barkers on their ships, on which tourists ride, spoil the impression.

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

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

Beaches. Which is better

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

The hotels have their own separate beaches, on which sunbeds, umbrellas, and towels are provided, but, unfortunately, there are no public beaches.

We used to go to the beach, which is next to Port El Kantaoui. 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 noisy, ill-mannered children who do what they want. Secondly, as a result, it is dirty there. Rubbish is scattered everywhere. The smell is just terrible. In general, these beaches are best avoided.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

There are 3 notable mosques in Sousse:



In addition to mosques, Sousse has another Synagogue Keter Torah And Saint Felix Protestant Church. Of these, the church is remarkable: it has a simple, unpretentious architecture, thanks to which it harmoniously fits into the surrounding landscape. You can go there, admission is free.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

I really liked Archaeological Museum at the Kasbah. It is housed in an excellently renovated building and is maintained as well as European museums. Here are high halls, where well-preserved frescoes and household items from the time of the Roman Empire are presented.

The catacombs also have a museum. There are objects that were found in the catacombs themselves. Here you can see firsthand how the first Christians lived in the provinces of the Roman Empire.

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

parks

Port El Kantaoui has a zoo right next to the entrance to the marina. It is in the "best" Tunisian traditions - dirty, there are few animals, the paths are small and unkempt. In general, nothing special. I didn’t like it there, and the animals look like they are fed at most once a week.

Not far from Sousse there is an ethnographic park "El Zahra". There is a completely recreated typical Berber village. There are even actors who play the inhabitants. There is also a sandstone fortress, an old church, olive groves and performances with camels and horses. The crown 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 remarkable parks in the city. In the city itself, there are so-called green areas in the form of parks, but usually this is a ridiculous heap of garbage and palm trees.

There is also a wonderful zoo near Sousse "Phrygia" that kids will love for sure. It is very large, and a large number of animal species are represented in it, there is even a dolphinarium! There are also performances of folklore, African groups.

It is close to the 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 Bujaafar embankment. Again, many guidebooks sing her praises, but I still add my fly in the ointment.

It stretches for almost 2 km, and from there opens beautiful view at sea and everything would be fine if it were not for guests from friendly Algeria with 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 will be a little more lucky.

What to see in 1 day

If you came to Sousse for one day, then I advise you to go to the medina. From there, go to study Ribat and enrich your knowledge in the Archaeological Museum. The catacombs will also be interesting. They, of course, are not like the Parisian ones, but they also make an impression! And in the evening you can take a walk in Port El Kantawi and eat in one of the fish restaurants.

What to see in the surroundings

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

Near Port El Kantawi there is even golf Club hosted by an American. For tourists who love this sport, this is a great opportunity to practice on an excellent course: it is very large, perfectly clean and arranged with a real American style. 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 is both a French and an English version) you can see the tariffs and opening hours.

And in the small town of Sidi Bou Ali, 25 km from Sousse, there 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. Entrance fee - about 15 EUR (this includes a set lunch), works around the clock, except public holidays.

nearby islands

There are no noteworthy islets near Sousse. The closest to it is already the Italian island of Linosa - volcanic and of little interest, except perhaps for 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 lubia (sauce with beans).

Very tasty pizzas are sold in the city, they are especially tasty in pizzerias where they are baked in real stone ovens.

Among the locals, the shapatti sandwich is popular - this is tuna with vegetables or sausage between two flat cakes. In short, like a hamburger, but in a Tunisian way.

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

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

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

Budget

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

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

Just a 2-minute walk from the Medina you can find a wonderful restaurant Le Bonheur, where you can have a bite to eat even for less than 7 EUR. Its name means "happiness" in French. It fully justifies its name: generous portions, as well as a pleasant atmosphere make this place very popular with tourists. The menu includes both purely Tunisian dishes and international ones: pizzas, sandwiches, etc.

Very pleasant cafe Lumiere, where for only 5 EUR you can drink excellent coffee and eat dessert. I was there and I really liked it. The interior is done in muted colors, which are complemented by photographs of Paris, and on the facade of the building there is even an Eiffel Tower, which is being renovated by a little man. The menu is complete and varied. This place is located in the Sahloul district, not far from the clinic.

Intermediate level

From mid-range 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. Great decor and great service. French, Italian and Tunisian dishes are served here. Finding it is not difficult, but leaving it with an empty stomach is difficult.
  • Restaurant red moon also in Port El Kantawi. Beautiful decor, pleasing to the eye menu, where you can find dishes from different countries, as well as 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. The combination of good quality, low prices and excellent service.
  • Another quality restaurant Lido. There are delicious fish and seafood dishes. The portions are very large and the food is amazingly varied. It is located in the city center.

Holidays

Sousse hosts the Aussou festival, during which a whole carnival parade passes through the city, accompanied by songs and dances. Usually it is held every July 24, 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 strong 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 should not 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 territory of the hotel or go with someone in the company.

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

Things to do

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

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

Shopping and shops

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

There are many large shops in the city center near the Bujaafar embankment and the Medina, 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, and a large selection of clothes, and carpets, and jewelry - in general, everything that a tourist's heart desires.

Of the worthy local chains of stores, I will single out Zen, Hamadi Abid (like H&M, that is, inexpensive clothes at affordable prices).

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 somewhere in the 9th-11th centuries for commercial and military purposes. The walls of the Medina with gun turrets and the Caliph's main watchtower were built in 859. The massive blocks of hewn stone of which they are made were brought from the ruins of various ancient Roman cities.

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

Medina has now become tourist centre 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. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Coordinates: 35.83451500,10.63456000

Marhaba Beach

Marhaba Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sousse. The length of its white sand strip is about 1.5 km, and the width reaches 40 meters. Starting from lunch, there is everything for a comfortable stay - sun loungers, umbrellas and air mattresses are taken out from the hotels to the beach. 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 clear waters and beautiful landscapes, but also for its lush vegetation, mainly date palms, bamboo thickets and various succulents dominate here.

The beach has a very good 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 are restaurants, cafeterias, a discotheque and a neat square, tiled and equipped with comfortable benches. The coastal depth here is quite large, so be careful on vacation 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 in 787-821), which has the shape of a square with semicircular towers at 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 the murabituns - volunteer monks, thereby earning their place in paradise. Along with the defensive, the fortress played the role of a refuge for travelers and merchants who were in danger.

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

From the watch tower of Ribat, Khalifa, an alluring panorama opens up to all four cardinal points: the Medina, the Grand Mosque, the old city, the seaport are posing.

Coordinates: 35.77729600,10.83303500

The beaches of Sousse

Sousse is included in 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 city-colony. The name of the city in the Phoenician language sounded differently - Hadrumet. Over time, the city has become increasingly important as a major Mediterranean trading port. During the existence of the Carthaginian Empire, the city reached its peak, 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 just perfect for outdoor activities. The beaches are famous for their fine white sand and night life boils 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. High guard towers can be seen in the north and southeast corners of the stone wall, and the inner perimeter is made in the form of arches. Despite the recent restoration of the mosque, it largely retained its original appearance.

Coordinates: 35.82678900,10.63958600

Fortress Kasbah

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

Coordinates: 35.82755600,10.63862800

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Leisure Center Port El Kantaoui

Port El Kantaoui is a famous tourist entertainment center 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 background of pleasant music or an evening light show leaves no one indifferent. Not to mention the water park, amusement park, botanical garden and 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 more free and democratic atmosphere. Construction work began in 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 an absolutely 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 photos for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Sussa on our website.

More attractions in Sousse

The sights of Sousse are considered the pearl of tourism in Tunisia, they also attract party youth with their popular trendy resort bars and nightclubs. There are many amazing ancient monuments in the Old Town, where the unique atmosphere of antiquity and the Middle Ages reigns.

Sousse (Tunisia), whose sights are striking in their antiquity, originates from the Carthaginian state. The city is over 2.5 thousand years old. Its old part is fully included in the list of cultural and historical heritage of UNESCO.

The port city is on the coast mediterranean sea covering an area of ​​45 sq. km. The population of the 3rd largest city in the country is 675 thousand people. A direct flight to Tunisia takes about 4 hours. During the tourist season, there are many charter flights from Moscow and major Russian cities. The city does not have its own airport.

The fastest way to get there is by taxi from one of the nearest airports, which are at the following distance:

Airport Distance Price in euro Travel time
Monastir 20 km 5-10 10 min.
Enfidha 51 km 20-25 40 min.

You can also get there by regular bus. They leave every 30 minutes. Fare from $2.

Minibus taxis stop at separate stops. They look like minibuses with a red stripe. They depart as they fill up with no special schedule. Paying for the ticket directly to the driver.

Climatic conditions, the best time to travel

Rest in the city is comfortable both in summer and in winter. Thanks to the subtropical Mediterranean climate, the weather here is always pleasant. During the winter months, the temperature rarely drops below +10 °C, but frequent rains are typical.

It is dry in summer, the temperature range is from 26 to 33 ° C, but the heat is easily tolerated due to the light sea ​​breeze. The best periods to visit are the autumn months and spring. The swimming season lasts from mid-April to October.

Holidays in Sousse

Sousse (Tunisia), whose sights attract tourists and travelers from all over the world, boasts a wide variety of entertainment for every taste and budget.

Beaches

The most popular is the coastal resort of Port El Kantaoui, where you can not only soak up the purest sandy beach, but also have fun on the water attractions of the water park, ride a pleasure yacht, visit the zoo and even play golf.

There are a huge number of eateries, bars and restaurants on the entire beach strip. Many of them provide free beach umbrellas and sun loungers when ordering food.

Next to the beach there are water entertainment stations with banana and water bagel rides, parasailing and other attractions. Within the city, the beaches are rather narrow and dirty, with a minimal set of amenities. But the farther from the city, the more often there are well-groomed private beach areas of hotels, and the sea is cleaner here.

Beaches:

  1. The beach with fine white sand Bu Jaafar is located next to the Medina is different calm sea and safety for children.
  2. Las Vegas beach is suitable for lovers aquatic species sports.
  3. The beach near the port in the central part of the city with a natural breakwater has everything you need for a family holiday.

Leisure

Not far from the city is the popular Hergla Park, the largest entertainment complex in Tunisia, with a huge number of different attractions, an amusement park, many cafes and a go-cart track. It is located 25 km from the city, but it is easy to get to the park by taxi or a specialized minibus.

For lovers of equestrian sports, there is the EkiClub club, where they will provide riding lessons and organize walks in the picturesque surroundings. Can arrange sea ​​cruise on a yacht or on a pirate ship from 1200 rubles. You can easily arrange a pleasure boat or rent a yacht in the port or book an organized excursion at the hotel.

A trip in jeeps through the desert will cost from 6.5 thousand rubles. Near Sousse there is a large water park in the tourist area of ​​Port El Kantaoui. There are several pools of different sizes with waves, rivers and slides. There are children's areas and bars for adults. Lots of cafes and restaurants for every taste. The entrance ticket costs 30 dinars for adults and 20 dinars for a child.

Nightlife

Disco Maracana is located in the heart of the resort area, not far from the sea. Here on the 1st floor there is a large dance floor with powerful sound and a laser show. Programs are run by professional fashion DJs. The top floor is entirely occupied by a bar with cozy tables.

The popular youth disco Samara King is also conveniently located in the central part of the resort, next to the hotel.

It is interesting to visit the light musical laser show Al Zahra, which is held on the territory of Medinat Park Sousse. The cost of the performance along with dinner will cost $45.

Another fashionable place in the Sousse resort area is considered to be night club Platinum in the coastal line by the sea. It is equally popular with local youth and tourists. Entrance is free, drinks at the bar are provided according to the price list. Music is different every day.

Attractions Sousse

Sousse (Tunisia), whose sights date back more than one thousand years, are mostly located quite compactly in the historical part of the city.

great mosque

The main city attraction was erected in the middle of the 9th century during the reign of the Aghlabid dynasty. The building of a large mosque resembles a fortress and surprises with the absence of a minaret. It performed defensive functions along with the Ribat fortress.


Sousse, Tunisia, Great Mosque.

The courtyard of the mosque is framed with arched openings and carved columns, the central entrance to the mihrab is decorated with 2 domes. The visit is available to everyone during the day from 8 am to 2 pm. The cost of the entrance ticket is 5 dinars.

Fortress Ribat

Northwest of the Great Mosque is a fortress of the 8th century. This is the oldest building in the city. Warrior monks lived here, who took over the defense of the 1st line in the event of an attack on the city. The fortress consists of 2 floors. The upper level was occupied by the cells of the monks, in the southern wing there was a prayer hall.

The jagged powerful walls are crowned with the Watchtower, in which the minaret used to be. From its height offers a magnificent view of the city. The courtyard has many arches and porticos. Many rooms have been perfectly preserved to this day. The area of ​​the fortress exceeds 7 thousand square meters. m. The height of the fortress walls reaches 12 m, and the thickness is 4 m.

Entrance from Muhammad Ali street. The cost of visiting is 5 dinars for adults. You will also have to pay for the opportunity to take pictures - 1 dinar. The visit is possible on any day except Monday, from 8:30 to 17:30 from October to March, in the summer from 8 to 19:00.

Dar Essid Museum

It is interesting to visit the traditional house of a noble Tunisian family built in the 10th century. The museum exposition will introduce you to the way of life of a real family for several generations. You can see 11 rooms, among which there are bedrooms, a nursery, a living room, a bathroom, a kitchen. All the details of the premises are recreated with amazing care. Everything here is imbued with the spirit of antiquity.

You can visit the museum in the northern part of the Medina near the northern gate from 10 am to 6 pm daily, with a lunch break from 1 pm to 3 pm. The entrance ticket costs 4 dinars. There is a description of the museum in Russian.

Kalout el Kubba Museum

The traditional ethnographic museum is located in an amazing building of the 11th century with an unusual corrugated dome. At the exhibition, you can get acquainted with household items and utensils of everyday life of Tunisians of different periods, see musical instruments, national costumes and very interesting exhibitions of scenes.

The museum is located in the center of the Medina, 300 meters from the western gate. The entrance ticket costs 2 dinars. For the opportunity to take pictures, you will have to pay another 1 dinar. Time to visit the museum exhibition from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Saturday and Sunday, the museum is open until 14:00. Friday is a day off.

Fort Kasbah

The walls of the oldest fortress were erected on Byzantine ruins in the middle of the 9th century. The fortress has a rectangular shape of 200 m by 140 m and 2 floors. The Kalef Tower is 30 meters high and used to be a lighthouse. Today part of the fortress is occupied by a museum.

It is located in the southwestern part of the Medina, the entrance is from Marshal Tito Street. The cost of visiting the fortress is 5 dinars. Opening hours from May to October from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., in other months until 6 p.m. Monday is a day off.

Archaeological Museum

Located in the fortress fort Kasbah, in its southern part. Here you can see the most valuable collection of mosaics from all over the country, ancient artifacts and relics of the ancient Roman period, works of art, frescoes, amphorae, reliefs of gods, burial urns and ancient tombstones.

Visiting the museum is possible on any day of the week except Monday. Opening hours from 9 am to 6 pm, lunch break from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Catacombs

Unique Christian burials of the II-IV centuries were found in an old quarry. The length of the catacombs, several kilometers long, consists of several galleries, starting in the center of the city and going far beyond its borders.

A small section of the catacombs with the name of the Good Shepherd is open to the public. Closed burials can still be seen in the niches. Entrance in the southwest of the Medina from the street of the Catacombs. Admission is free from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm on any day except Monday.

Amphitheater in El Jem

The grandest building of the period of ancient Roman rule is often mistakenly called the Colosseum. It is located in the center of the old city, one of the most visited attractions in Tunisia.

The amphitheater is a 3-4-storey building with many arches, walls more than 30 m high. The length of the stage is 37 m by 60 m. Under the arena there were numerous rooms for slaves, gladiators, and wild animals.

You can get to the local coliseum on your own by taxi or by train. The cost of visiting is 8 dinars, for photographing you need to pay an extra 1 dinar. Visiting time from 8 am to 7 pm in the summer, from October to April from 8-30 am to 5 pm. An organized excursion along with the road will cost 1.6 thousand rubles.

Takruna

45 km from Sousse, on a 200-meter cliff, is the ancient village of Takruna, built around the 16th century. Several Berber families still live here in petrified huts. They are engaged in cultivation of the earth and weaving. Some cave houses are allowed to enter to inspect the interior and life of the old way. Entrance to the museum costs 2 dinars.

The best way to visit this place is with an organized tour. For independent travel you have to hire a taxi.

Udna

The unique open-air archaeological park-museum is located 30 km from Tunisia. The city is well preserved from the ancient Roman period. Here you can see the forum, the capitol, the amphitheater, the aqueduct, thermae and residential areas. The complex is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The visit is paid, it is most convenient as part of an organized tour. The cost of entrance tickets is 8 dinars.

Excursions in Sousse

The sights of Sousse offer to see many excursion programs with an organized tourist tour to Tunisia. It is possible to choose the tour you like on your own in local agencies or use the services of a guide via the Internet.

Historic Sousse

Sightseeing group walk around ancient city with a visit to the Ribat fortress, the city museum, the quarter of local artisans and a tour of the port. The cost of the historical excursion is 2.8 thousand rubles. for adults and 2.3 thousand rubles. for children.

Berber day

Excursion group tour for $ 50 per person includes a visit to an ostrich farm, a visit to the village of Zriba with swimming in the Moorish baths of the XV century on thermal springs, massage treatments.

On the way to the ancient ruins, you can also visit the small town of Zaguan. Lunch in a cafe and a short walk. The next stop is in the Berber village of Takruna on a high cliff, exploring the village and getting to know the life of the locals. visit port city Ouarglu and a short walk.

matmata

An unforgettable trip to the village of cave dwellers will cost $50 per person. Inspection of the dwelling and a walk through the cave labyrinths will leave indelible impressions about the trip. If you wish, you can stay for an exotic night in a cave hotel.

The tour also includes a walk through the amazing surroundings, reminiscent of an alien landscape, and a look at the scenery for the Star Wars movie.

Itinerary for exploring Sousse on your own for 1-2 days

Sousse (Tunisia), whose sights are conveniently located in the historical part of the city, you can easily get around on foot and explore on your own.

Route:


Hotels in Sousse

Many new hotels and modern hotels are being built in the city, which are located along the beach line, at a distance of no more than 100 m from the sea.

The Pearl Resort & Spa

A magnificent spa hotel 2 km from the Great Mosque is located at Boulevard Abdelhamid El Kadhi La corniche, 4000 Sousse. Guests are offered an indoor private beach, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Turkish bath, a bar and an international restaurant, continental breakfast in the morning.

All rooms are equipped with last word appliances, there is a private guest area and a terrace. The cost of rooms starts from 16.3 thousand rubles.

Dar Antonia

Well located hotel in the city center is located at 21, Rue Kaabar (Rue de France), Medina de Sousse, 4000 Sousse. The hotel is surrounded by a garden, there is an open patio with a magnificent view and sun loungers for relaxation, a common lounge area. The hotel has a restaurant serving a delicious and hearty breakfast.

It offers spa treatments, massages, Turkish bath and solarium. The hotel has its own tour desk and ticket service.

The rooms are equipped with every comfort and have access to the patio. There is a kitchen with a coffee maker, refrigerator and microwave. The cost of a room starts from 11.5 thousand rubles.

Hotel Royal Jinene

The hotel with its own private beach is located 100 meters from the sea at Bd Du 7 Novembre, Route Touristique. Hotel garden, outdoor pool with sun loungers, bar. Sultan International Restaurant serves free breakfast in the morning.

The hotel has a golf course, tennis court, swimming pool, fitness center, Turkish bath and sauna. Spacious modern rooms with all amenities can be rented at a price of 10 thousand rubles.

Ecolodge Dar zitouna

Country hotel is located 15 km from the city at Sidi Bou Ali Sousse Sousse, 4000. Guests are provided with a room with a bath and a seating area, equipped with everything you need, at a price of 5.4 thousand rubles.

The hotel has a garden, an outdoor terrace with magnificent views, pool. The restaurant serves a continental buffet breakfast for guests.

Le Monaco Hotel & Thalasso

A large hotel complex is located in the city on the beach at Boulvard 7 Novembre, 4000 Sousse. It has a private beach, swimming pool, gym, thalassotherapy center.

The hotel has shops, bars and cafes, a restaurant with excellent local and international cuisine, breakfast is served in the morning. It offers en suite studios or apartments with balconies and kitchenettes. The cost of rooms starts from 4.2 thousand rubles.

Where to eat

The gastronomic establishments of the city are distinguished by a huge variety in cuisine, design and prices, but everyone will find a place for their soul and wallet.

Name Address Kitchen average check
Café Casa del Gelato 1 Avenue 14 January coffee and ice cream up to 600 rubles
Cafe Seles Rue Abounawas 42 Arabic and fish 20-50$
Forum Grill Restaurant av. Hedi Chaker grill, sea and Arabic from 650 rubles
Dodo Restaurant Rue el-Maar pizza, arabic and european 25-50$
Queen Restaurant Avenue Taeib Mehiri, corner Rue Monji Baly Arabic, French 30-55$

What is the best way to get around the city

The city has bus routes that connect the center with suburban areas and neighboring cities. The fare in the city will cost $3, and to get to the capital of Tunisia will cost about $6. It is also convenient to travel by train, locals call it the metro, 5 stations of which are located within the city. The fare is $2-3.

The convenient location of the train station in the city center makes this view public transport very popular. On a comfortable train, travel to Tunisia will cost from $8. You can travel by fixed-route taxis, painted in blue or red stripes, depending on the distance.

The unique sights and medieval monuments of the historic center of Sousse are organically intertwined with new-fangled entertainment, bustling youth bars and modern hotels, making a holiday on this Mediterranean coast of Tunisia bright and unforgettable.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about the city of Sousse, Tunisia

Holidays in Sousse, Tunisia:

Small but interesting museum in the center of the medina. This place for a long time served as a place for the overnight stay of pilgrims who, in Sousse, boarded ships to Egypt in order to get to Mecca. Under the French protectorate, the building became a hotel.

This museum does not have the usual halls. The expositions are located in the former rooms of the hotel, and visitors watch them through the doors from the courtyard. The expositions show scenes from the life of Tunisians in the old days. There are many interesting scenes here: cooking couscous, working with yarn, officials and merchants. Of course, a large exposition is devoted to preparations for the wedding.

In the basement of the building you can see the hammam, and on the roof, a dome with curved ribs, unique in Tunisia.

Another small but interesting museum in the medina. Unfortunately, it is located far from the main route, near the western wall. Still need to try to find it.

The museum was created on the basis of the house of a wealthy Turkish official, and it is called “gift”, which is translated from Arabic as “house”.

Inside you can see a collection of furniture, dishes and other household items from the Ottoman era. Imagine how the rich Tunisians of that time lived.

On the top floor, you can sit in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea or coffee, relax and look at the medina from above.

These catacombs are a huge cemetery. It was probably originally an underground Punic necropolis, and in the 2nd-4th centuries it was expanded and Christians began to be buried here.

About 15,000 people are buried in the catacombs. Part of this underground labyrinth is open to visitors. The longest such piece is called “Pasteur”, it is 1.6 kilometers long.

In 2017, the catacombs were completely closed to visitors. We hope they open again. The entrance to the catacombs is located on Rue Abdelhamid Lasska, 1.5 kilometers west of the medina. You can take a taxi for 3-4 dinars.

Port El Kantaoui is located to the west of the city, you can get from Sousse hotels in 5-10 minutes for 5-10 dinars.

In El Kantaoui, you can go to and watch musical shows. All shops and shopping centers of El Kantaoui are at the disposal of vacationers in Sousse. If we go a little further into resort area El Kantaoui, you will find a local one.

In El Kantaoui, the port is also interesting, where you can book a trip on a catamaran, a pirate ship or a boat with a transparent bottom. Local cafes pour beer and wine. Not far from the entrance to the port is a local one where they sell strong alcohol.

From the railway station Bab Jdid (Bab Jdid) in Sousse to Monastir and Mahdia, there is a convenient train.

You can get to Monastir in 30 minutes and 1 dinar. Here you can see, and the Great Mosque, and.

You can get to Mahdia in 1.5 hours and 3 dinars. Here you can see the Black Gate, the fish market and the ancient Arab and Ottoman forts that once protected the coast. The main attraction is the Archaeological Museum of Mahdia, where part of the collection of the Mahdia shipwreck is exhibited.

Perhaps this is the end of our story about the resort of Sousse. Read other interesting articles about Tunisia on our website website ( links below).