Sousse: a tourist's guide to the medina, the kasbah and the beach

Sousse is Tunisia's third-largest city and one of the most rewarding stops on the Sahel coast. Its 9th-century medina is UNESCO-listed; its long beach reaches all the way to Port El Kantaoui in the north. For travellers with one day, the trick is to do the medina early, the beach in the afternoon, and dinner on the marina.

The UNESCO medina

The Sousse medina is more compact than Tunis's, which makes it easier for first-time visitors. Climb the Khalef Tower at the kasbah for the best panorama in the city, then visit the Ribat, the oldest standing Islamic fortress in north Africa, and the Great Mosque just opposite. The Sousse Archaeological Museum, inside the kasbah, holds an outstanding collection of Roman mosaics.

Beaches and the corniche

The beach in front of the city is wide, sandy and walkable from the medina. For a calmer swim, take the small train or a Rumble taxi north to Port El Kantaoui (about 12 minutes), where the marina is lined with cafés and pleasure boats.

Where to eat

• La Marina at Port El Kantaoui for fresh fish and a sunset view.
• Restaurant Le Lido near the corniche for a long lunch.
• A grilled dorado at one of the small fish restaurants near the port of Sousse.
• Mint tea and pastries at one of the medina cafés on Rue Souk Errbaa.
• A simple chapati or fricassé at a beach kiosk.

Getting to Sousse

From Tunis, allow about 2 hours by car or two-and-a-half by train. Enfidha-Hammamet airport (NBE) is the closest international gateway, just under one hour away by motorway. Within Sousse and to nearby Monastir, Rumble taxis are the fastest way to get around in summer when the small tourist train fills up early.

Sousse is the Tunisian city that does not make you choose between history and the sea. Both are within walking distance of the same hotel.

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