Nicknamed the Pearl of the Sahel, Sousse is Tunisia's third-largest city after Tunis and Sfax, and is the administrative capital of the eponymous governorate. Founded by the Phoenicians, Sousse became Carthaginian before coming under the authority of the Roman Empire under the ancient name of Hadrumète. The town was then called Hunéricopolis when the Vandals drove out the Romans, then Justinianapolis during the Byzantine Empire. In short, the city went through many names before Sousse came into its own with the Muslim conquest! To follow in the footsteps of the city's Christian period, you'll need to explore the mysterious catacombs, 5km of underground galleries, a veritable necropolis beneath the city! Unfortunately, the fragile site has been closed since 2014, but it should reopen in the next few years!
Tunisia's third-largest city, Sousse, nicknamed the Pearl of the Sahel, is home to a splendid medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Mosque, the impressive Ribat, the fortified citadel and ramparts, the souks of the Thousand and One Nights - it's a whirlwind of exoticism that awaits you in this charming town, which is lively all year round.
You'll love getting lost in the maze of alleyways where the pleasant scent of spices and grilled peppers wafts through the air. Fans of golf, thalassotherapy and seaside pleasures can round off this cultural wealth at Port El Kantaoui, just ten kilometres further north.
✈️ Flights to Monastir
Easy access to Monastir from FranceThe history of Sousse
Why visit Sousse?
Sousse can be enjoyed at any time of year, as its assets are not limited to its seafront. The beaches in the town centre are of limited interest, but the trendy bars, restaurants and historic old town make up for it. Sousse's must-see attraction is of course its medina, one of the most beautiful in the Arab world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It starts at Place des Martyrs. The main street leads up to the Great Mosque. Built in the 9th century, it was constructed on the foundations of an ancient fort. To the west of the Great Mosque stands the Ribat, an impressive fortress.
It is the oldest Ribat in Tunisia, and served as a model for that of Monastir. Unlike the Monastir Ribat, which overlooks the sea, the Sousse Ribat is set back 500 metres from the coast. Inside, you can see the guardrooms that open onto a vast courtyard. Don't hesitate to climb to the top of the cylindrical guard tower, 35 metres high, to admire the panorama! Also worth a visit is the Sousse archaeological museum, located in the kasbah (ancient citadel). It is the second richest museum of Roman mosaics after the Bardo in Tunis.
Practical info
How do I get to Sousse?
The old town of Sousse is 16km north of Monastir airport. It takes 20 minutes by taxi (6 dinars or around €2) and a good half-hour by bus (2 dinars or 60 euro cents). You can also take the Sahel metro, which links Sousse to Monastir airport in just half an hour.
Sousse's archaeological museum is a must-see. It is open every day except Monday, from 9am to 5pm in winter and from 9am to 6pm in summer. It closes at 4pm during Ramadan. Admission costs 10 Tunisian dinars (just over €3).
Another museum in the medina is the Musée El Kobba, or Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of Sousse, remarkable for its zigzag crenellated dome. This listed historic monument includes the Bayn el Qahâwi café, the Sidi Chérif marabout and the Daoui fondouk, used by the French in the 19th century.
If you want to visit the courtyard of the Great Mosque, be sure to do so in the morning, as the afternoon is reserved for prayer... If you come towards the end of July, you will have the opportunity to attend the Aoussou carnival: on 24 July, there is a parade of floats, brass bands and folk troupes.
Our favourite hotel in Sousse
The Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa is a top-of-the-range hotel with 224 rooms, ideally located just 1 km from the old town. It boasts four restaurants, a spa and waterslides.
Monastir
Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa
Hotel located near Boujaafar beach
