Sousse at a glance
Tunisia's third-largest city, Sousse is both a historic town and a major seaside resort. Founded by the Phoenicians and known as Hadrumetum in Roman times, it has kept a walled medina from its past, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tourist area stretches north along the beach as far as Port El Kantaoui. The hotels are just a few minutes from the centre, so it's easy to go from the beach to the souks.
What to see in town
The Ribat, an 8th-century fortress-monastery, is the city's signature monument: climb its watchtower for views over the medina and the sea. Just opposite, the Great Mosque, plain and massive, can be admired from its courtyard.
In the kasbah, at the top of the medina, the archaeological museum houses a superb collection of Roman mosaics. As for the souks, they are best explored without a map: you'll find spices, leather, fabrics and ceramics.
- The Ribat and its watchtower
- The Great Mosque
- The archaeological museum in the kasbah
- The medina souks
- Boujaâfar beach, right in the centre
The best day trips from Sousse
Sousse is the best base for the two great sites of central Tunisia: the Roman amphitheatre of El Jem and the holy city of Kairouan, combined in our Line 2. Each is about an hour's drive away.
For Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd, allow just under two hours on the motorway: it's a long day, but a very full one. Friguia Park is about 50 minutes away, making it an easy family outing, and Monastir is barely 25 minutes away.
Practical information
Monastir airport is about 20 minutes away, Enfidha-Hammamet 40 minutes. Trains link Sousse with Tunis and Monastir, but for inland sites (El Jem, Kairouan, Dougga), a car is by far the most practical option.
Pick-up is at your hotel, in central Sousse or in the tourist area, at no extra cost.
Our excursions from Sousse
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit El Jem and Kairouan in one day from Sousse?
Yes, that's what our Line 2 is for. Both sites are about an hour from Sousse, leaving plenty of time to explore them properly.
How long does it take to get from Sousse to Tunis?
About 1 h 45 by motorway, depending on traffic coming into Tunis.
Can you explore the Sousse medina on your own?
Yes, it is small and easy to get around. An official guide can, however, add a lot to a visit to the Ribat and the museum.
