The population of Sousse Tunisia. Sousse: description of the resort city in Tunisia, the pros and cons of the rest

Sousse is a lively Tunisian holiday town on the Gulf of Hammamet. Sousse in Tunisia has inviting white sand beaches against the backdrop of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, hotels for every pocket, chic restaurants, a medina on the list world heritage UNESCO, and 2800 years of history. Now it is 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 named it Handrumentum.
Despite the fact that the Carthaginian commander Hannibal used Handrumentum as a base in the second Punic War, the sympathies of the Romans for this city were very strong. Therefore, a garrison of 5,000 soldiers was sent here to defend the city.
Handrumentum was under Roman rule for a long time. A number of extremely well-preserved mosaics and some buildings are still preserved. When Rome fell in the 5th century AD, the Vandals destroyed the city and then rebuilt it in honor of their leader Chaneric, naming it Chanericopolis. One 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 invasion of the Arabs, who resisted the attacks of the Christian Sicilians.
Today, the Medina of Soussa and its fort are among the finest examples of medieval Arabic architecture in the entire world. Some scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark were filmed in Sousse.

Airports around Sousse

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

Closer, of course, is the airport of Monastir. Many tourists who want to relax in Sousse are mainly sent here. From this airport to Sousse is only 15 km, so you can easily get to the city by bus, train or taxi (the cost is about 12-15 dinars).
But the location of Sousse is good because you can fly to another Tunis airport, which is located near this city. This is Enfidha Airport. True, it takes a little longer to get from it (about 30-40 minutes by car). But is it long? The cost of a taxi ride will be approximately 25-30 dinars, so those who want to save money can use a bus or train. From the airport quite often go to Sousse trains.
Trains depart from Sousse to Enfidha airport 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.
Trains leave the airport for Sousse 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.

The beaches of Sousse

The beaches of Sousse are one of the most popular destinations for tourists, given that the beaches of Sousse provide holidaymakers 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 hotels. Everyone here gets the opportunity to enjoy clear blue waters and white sand. This beach is great place for holidays with children.

Promenade
The promenade is long and White sand. This beach is great for sunbathing. You can just ignore local residents who gather around to sell all sorts of goods. Beach parties are also held in the area of ​​this beach.

Hammam beach
Hammam Beach is ideal for walking and picnicking. While there are plenty of restaurants nearby, it's 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 clean water, but it will be problematic to relax on them 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 tourist excursion to the Sahara from Sousse is carried out by many companies, but usually tourists choose the company from which they purchased a tour to Tunisia. This is the longest excursion from Sousse. It is relatively close to other places from here. So you can quickly get to Carthage, Dougga, Cap Bona, Sidi Bou Said. Phrygia Zoo is also nearby, as is the town 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 you, for example, do not 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 go to these cities on public transport from Sousse. It would be surprising if such two large cities as Sousse and Kairouan, which have more than 100 thousand inhabitants and are located relatively close, did not have a regular bus service. Buses from Sousse to Kairouan and back run quite often, so you can arrange a tour of the holy city for Islam without any problems. The same applies to El Jem - there are also frequent buses to this city.
In addition, you can independently conduct 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 things to do 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 go water skiing, banana boat, kayak, jet ski or parasailing.
You can also go to Phrygia Zoo, which is located nearby. You can spend the whole day walking around the zoo and watching shows in it.
You can also spend the whole day in the water park in Port El Kantaoui. The water park can be reached by taxi, train or bus.
Shopping is another activity in Sousse as there are quite a few shops in this city. There is also a rather old medina, which is also worth your attention, as well as other sights of the city that are worth seeing.
Young people can have fun at night in local bars and nightclubs. Of course, Souss is not known for his nightlife city, 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 centers of nightlife in Tunisia. There are quite a lot of discos in Sousse for such a city. In addition, you can have a good time and have fun until the morning in one of the many bars in the city. Below we present you the most famous discos in Sousse, as well as some bars.

El Hana Beach
This place is that you can get to know the local culture here. 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 price, El Hana Beach is the right place to do so. Drinks here can cost anywhere from $5 to $15.

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

Dreams
For tourists who want to visit 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, head to The Esplanade bar, which is located close to the beach. Here you can sample locally produced alcoholic drinks 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.

Aquapark 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 recreation. This water park in Sousse has a variety of slides, spirals, pools, relaxation areas and spacious grounds. There are also small slides for small children, opportunities for family vacation and a huge wave pool. In addition, the water park has many places to relax equipped with sun loungers.

A train that goes to the north of the country can deliver 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 the entry fees at the ticket office, which is located to the left of the main entrance. After payment, you will be provided with 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 changing rooms here, but unfortunately there are no family changing rooms. There are also safes in the water park, however, you have to pay for their use.
In general, 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 shop here for a variety of exotic items that include art, handicrafts, carpets and other items that will always remind you of your wonderful holiday in Sousse.

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

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

Soula Shopping Center
This is a large shopping center that has four floors. The 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. The big plus of this store is that credit cards can be used in it.

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

Supermarket Monoprix
This is the place where you can buy basic groceries. 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 various interesting goods are sold here.

What to buy

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

If you go to the Medina, you will see a lot of souvenirs and other products here, which are mainly aimed at tourists. Here you can buy almost everything that is intended for tourists in Tunisia. Magnets, key chains, pottery, leather goods, clothes (including traditional ones), 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 clothes of famous brands, then it is still better to pay attention to the shopping centers and brand stores in Sousse, which are concentrated mainly in the city center. Here you can protect yourself from fakes, 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 are much better here than in shops on the streets of the city. Sometimes it’s even unpleasant to go into stores, and buying goods in them is even scarier. Although, to be honest, such fear is unfounded. In all Sousse stores, products are 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 in them without fear. But, I believe that tourists from European countries Still, it is better to do such purchases in supermarkets.
Fruit and vegetable lovers can buy fresh melons, watermelons, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables in markets or street stalls. Of course, this is all there in supermarkets, but the cost of 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 Hammamet Bay, 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 who come to Sousse do it in order 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. The temperature 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 rest in Sousse in summer period. But there are also tourists who visit this city not for a beach holiday. There are many different festivals in Sousse, so some people go here in order to take part in them. For example, the Olive Tree Festival takes place here in the festival. Tourists from many countries of Southern Europe come to this festival.
Do not forget also that not far from Sousse is the city of Kairouan, which is often visited by Muslims, who often prefer to choose accommodation in the Sousse hotel.
In general, if you are going to Sousse mainly for relaxing on the beach, then best time for a trip, these are 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, and the Mosque of Sousse was built as early as the 9th century.

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

Port

Sousse is the port city of Tunisia. Tourists probably did not expect that Sousse has a large port, as it is a well-known resort town. But in fact, Sousse is also an important port for Tunisia.

The port of Sousse, called the Port of Sousse, is relatively small, but for Tunisia it is considered large. From here ships leave for many other ports in Tunisia, 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're holidaying in the Sousse area, you'll often see ships arriving and leaving this port.

Catacombs

The catacombs of Sousse can be a big surprise for many visitors. Many believe that the catacombs of Sousse were built as hiding places for Christians during the persecution of the Romans. Not all people know that in the past Tunisia was a Christian country.

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

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

In contact with

Many Russians choose this particular resort for the perfect seaside vacation and fun entertainment in the evening.

The resort and its history

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

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

Hot climate and location

If you look at the map - Tunisia is located in Africa, there is almost always good, hot weather. Best time to visit Sousse- this is spring and autumn, it is at this time sea ​​water still warm, but the air is not so hot. In summer, the temperature reaches its maximum of +35 degrees. Now the September weather is still pleased with +30 degrees, while it is not so unbearably hot. In late autumn, the fruits of Tunisia ripen - dates, grapes and melons.

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

The city is located near the airports of Tunisia: 20 km from Monstir, and 30 km from Enfid. Tunis International Airport is 140 km away. You can get to Sousse by bus, minibus or train. Things to do in Sousse on vacation:

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

The city's attractions

As mentioned above, Sousse is not only a resort town, but also center of ancient culture. One of the main attractions is the Medina, architectural complex fortresses, built in the VIII-IX centuries. and served to protect the Ottoman Empire from foreign invaders. Medina is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The Medina of Soussa is shown in the photo.

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

Holidays in Sousse, Tunisia

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

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

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

Tour and hotel selection

When choosing a tour and hotel It is better to be guided first of all by comfort. In the old city, hotels are not so comfortable, and it is quite noisy there. It is better to choose a tour to a hotel in tourist center in Port El Kantaoui. There is a clear sea, and all the conditions are conducive to a wonderful, perfect vacation. Finding Port El Kantaoui is easy on the map.

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

Excursion tours - one of the most interesting in Africa

Ordering a tour with excursions you can not worry about the cultural and entertainment program. A specially trained guide will show you the most interesting places open to tourists. excursion tour — great option learn all the secrets of this city.

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

Choosing a tour in Sousse, you can go for any number of days - the flight will be only 4 hours, so you can enjoy the summer for a few days, even if you don’t get a vacation at work.

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 this is one of the very major cities 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 - find here new life; 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 season is in July - August, when average temperature air reaches +35 °C.

If you are not a fan of intense heat and large crowds of people, then come in May - early June, when 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 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 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.

From 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 bus stops right next to the museum no.

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

The best beaches are, of course, those of Port El Kantaoui. 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 awful. 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 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 it 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

Basic 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 French and 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. The entrance fee is about 15 EUR (this includes a set lunch), it works around the clock, except for 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. It is usually held every 24 July, but on last years sometimes it is 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 everyone 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 the 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).

Made a selection useful information for tourists who plan to relax in Sousse. Read on to plan your perfect trip.

Sousse - popular resort in Tunisia. It is located on the coast in picturesque bay. The city is known for its hot nightlife, chic white sand beaches, well-preserved streets and sprawling olive groves.

On the map of Tunisia

Sousse consists of three parts: the medieval medina, the central residential part and the tourist area in the north. The popular resort suburb of Port El Kantaoui is located 10 kilometers to the north.

This is where the resort is located, if you look at the map of the country.

How to get there

International airports:

• 20 kilometers in Monastir;
• 30 kilometers in Enfid;
• 140 kilometers from the capital airport in Tunisia.

The railway station is located in the city center. It is convenient to get to the capital by train. Long-distance buses leave from the bus station located in the Souq El Ahad market, west of the medina. The city bus station is located next to the medina in the center of Sousse, from which you can go to anywhere in the city.

Port El Kantaoui can be reached by " tourist train"or a six-seater scooter with a covered passenger compartment.

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

Weather: air and water temperature

The resort lies on the border of subtropical and tropical climatic zones. Summer here is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from +25 to +32. Winters are warm and damp, with temperatures ranging from +5 to +12.

The beginning of the holiday season in Sousse falls on and, and the end - on.

Shopping and souvenirs

For colorful shopping and souvenirs, it is better to go to the bazaar in the old city. Here you can buy things made of wood and leather, clothes, shoes, antiques, gold, silver and bronze items and much more. Remember that it is customary to bargain in Arab markets, this will not only save money, but will also be in line with local traditions.

Be sure to check out Souq al-Ahad - the Sunday market, the most cheap place in the city where you can buy tourist change, carpets, textiles and decorations.

Please note that shops are closed on Sundays. On all other days, the opening hours are from 9:00 to 19:00, with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00.

A lot of African and Arab souvenirs, figurines, hookahs, masks, as well as other local products, tourists will find in a large mall soul center. It is located at the entrance to the medina.

Food

You can have a delicious meal at the fish restaurants Le Pacha, Lido and Le Mediterranee, the Italian restaurant La Scoperta and establishments with national cuisine La Caprise, Les Emirs.

For tourists with a sweet tooth, the House of Italian ice cream Casa del Gelato is provided, which offers about 100 different varieties of delicacies.

You can just drink coffee, try local drinks or smoke a hookah in Arabic cafes, a large number of which are located in Port El Kantaoui.

The Golf Brau bar-restaurant with its own brewery is considered popular.

Attractions

Made a list of things to see while on holiday.

Medina

The ancient part of the city, surrounded by well-preserved walls with observation towers. The height of the walls is 8 meters, and the length exceeds 2 kilometers. Inside are narrow streets, mosques and a bazaar. Also here is the thirty-meter tower Kalef Al Fata, built in 859, which offers an excellent panorama of the city.

The old part of the city (medina) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Ribat

The medieval fortress-monastery is an example of Islamic architecture. The construction of Ribat lasted from 780 to 821. The building is distinguished by its horseshoe-shaped arches; galleries of cells are located inside along the perimeter. Here is the Nador watchtower.

Grand Mosque

A beautiful architectural monument of the 10th century was built by the Arab dynasty of the Aghlabids. The courtyard of the mosque is surrounded by a gallery with heavy horseshoe arches, round watchtowers are located at the corners of the outer wall. The mosque is distinguished by a squat minaret with an external staircase.

Sousse Museum

Here is one of the most unusual and beautiful collections of mosaics in the world. With the help of mosaic paintings from the period of the 1st-6th centuries, the museum acquaints tourists with the history of the city. The works reflect Christian and Greco-Roman mythology, everyday life and the most important events taking place in the country.

Other places

• The Kasbah fortress, nowadays turned into a museum, which presents various antique finds.
• Dar Essid is a museum, which is a traditional house in which a wealthy Tunisian family lived.
• Also in the medina, on the streets-stairs, you can find several workshops in which leather, copper, and wooden products are made and sold. And in the vicinity of the city are the remains of Roman houses, Phoenician tombs and catacombs from the time of early Christianity.

Entertainment

Every year in August, the Aussu Summer Festival takes place, during which a colorful carnival procession with songs and dances takes place along the central street of the city.

Port El Kantaoui is an elite resort suburb of Sousse, here are located best hotels, equestrian clubs and golf courses; amusement park, water park, zoo and Botanical Garden Oasis. Also in Port El Kantaoui is an artificial marina, restaurants and souvenir shops. Tourists are offered a variety of sea ​​excursions and diving tours.

The fine white sand beaches are among the best in Tunisia. Sousse hotels are mainly located on the coastline and have private beaches with umbrellas and sunbeds. Beaches at hotels alternate with urban ones.

city ​​walks and beach holiday in Sousse are easily combined with wellness treatments, the city is famous for its thalassotherapy centers. They are located mostly in large hotels. The palm is firmly held by the centers of Hasdrubal Talassa and Abou Navas Boujafar.

Hergla Park, an entertainment complex located nearby, in the town of Hergla. The complex includes a go-kart track and an amusement park. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, as well as by shuttle bus with the Hergla sign, the schedule of which is available in every hotel.

Bowling, noisy discos and casinos await you at night. The disco area stretches next to the Riadh Palms, Marabout and Taj Sultan hotels. Popular discos Samara King and Maracana, Saloon, Living and Bananas, as well as the largest disco under open sky Bora Bora. No less famous are Bonapart, Red Iguana, the disco at the Orient Palace Hotel, Samara King near the Samara Hotel and the Amnesia disco bar at the Rym Hotel. You can play roulette, poker, baccarat and blackjack at Caraibe Casino, there are about 300 slot machines. At the entrance to the casino, visitors' passports are checked, visitors must be at least 21 years old.

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Attractions

Guide

Among the Tunisian resorts, Sousse (or Sousse) occupies a special place. This city is famous not only for its magnificent beaches, but also for its historical sights. Its old part, which the locals call the medina, has been under the protection of UNESCO since the 80s of the XX century.

The history of the city began more than two and a half millennia ago. Once there was a Phoenician colony here. Later, local residents participated in hostilities on the side of the Romans, for which all the townspeople received the status of Roman citizens. The city's name has changed several times; the one that the resort wears today was obtained by him after the Arab conquest. It was during that period of time that the city medina was surrounded by a wall, and a mosque was built in it. In the XII century, the territory of the city became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. IN XIX century a new city was erected here, it was built by the French. It was located near the sea, near the ancient walls of the medina. Today the city is popular seaside resort. This is one of the largest cities in the country.

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

Transport

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

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

Hotel base

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

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

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

Attractions and excursions

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

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

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

beach holiday

Despite the abundance of historical sights within the city, the main center of attraction for tourists in it are the beaches. In fact, the whole life of the resort is “imprisoned” under them. Most discos and shops, cafes and restaurants are located so that it is easy and convenient to get to them from the beaches. The best beaches(like the best hotels) are located in the northern part of the city, as well as outside the city limits in a northerly direction.

If you decide to have a snack after swimming, it will be very easy: there are many small restaurants and eateries on the beaches. Many of them have this rule: after ordering a meal or a drink, you can use the sun umbrella or sun lounger provided to you free of charge.

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

If you like water activities, then you are usually offered banana rides or parasailing over water. Equipment for some others may also be offered. aquatic species sports.

Youth rest

The resort, which we are talking about in this text, is considered the most youthful in the country. There are many nightclubs and discos here - favorite places youth recreation. There are also many other attractions here: golf courses, water sports centers, even a water park and a casino (however, the last two types of entertainment are located in the neighboring Port el Kantaoui, but it is literally “two steps away”)... The House of Italian Ice Cream is popular with young people (however, people of all ages come here). In a word, the resort cannot be called a boring place. Here you can spend time really fun, and you can actually have fun around the clock.

There are even "youth hotels" in the resort. They offer visitors a lot of entertainment, as well as, of course, an all-inclusive buffet and, in general, all the amenities that we associate with the words " perfect vacation". In addition, such hotels are often also distinguished by a convenient location: they are close to city attractions and at the same time close to beaches.

Meals and souvenirs

Many tourists are sure that no matter what country they visit, tasting the local traditional cuisine is just as important as seeing the sights. If you, too, by all means want to get acquainted with traditional Tunisian cuisine, in Sousse you will have a great opportunity to do this.

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

If you love pork, you are in for a big disappointment: the local population does not eat it and practically does not cook it (as, indeed, the inhabitants of any Muslim country). But there will be no shortage of lamb, veal and goat meat, you can even try camel meat. And, of course, fish dishes are widespread: sea bass, sea bream, mullet and many other types of fish are caught and cooked here.

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

One of " business cards"Tunisian cuisine (as well as the cuisines of other Maghreb countries) - a sauce called harissa. It is made from garlic, olive oil, spices and hot peppers. In general, it should be noted that the locals are very fond of spicy dishes and willingly prepare them for tourists. Not all Russians share the tastes of local residents: some of our compatriots ask that the dishes prepared for them be less spicy.

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

Lovers of quality alcohol will not be disappointed either: wonderful wines are produced in the country. Some tourists even buy several bottles for friends and family to give them as a gift after their return from an exotic resort.

Also, many travelers bring local olive oil home; if you decide to follow their example, we advise you to purchase oil with the inscriptions "Cold First Press" and "Extra Virgin". Spices are also popular as "gastronomic souvenirs", but keep in mind that it is better to buy them by weight (not in packages). And, of course, one cannot fail to mention sweets and harissa - tourists also often buy them before leaving for their homeland.

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