Sfax
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At a glance
- Country
- Tunisia
- Region
- Sfax Governorate
- Population
- 330,000
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Sfax–Thyna International (SFA)
- Coordinates
- 34.74°N, 10.76°E
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Overview
Sfax is Tunisia's second city and its commercial powerhouse, surrounded by olive groves that stretch for miles. It has few tourists, which makes its walled medina feel refreshingly local.
The old town is one of the best preserved in the country, its ramparts almost complete. Beyond the city, a ferry runs to the low, quiet Kerkennah Islands, and the great Roman amphitheatre of El Jem is an easy trip north.
Things to see
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Photo: IssamBarhoumi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Medina of Sfax
Intact walls enclose busy souqs where locals shop for fabric, spices and household goods.
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Photo: IssamBarhoumi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Great Mosque of Sfax
A ninth-century mosque at the centre of the medina, with a tiered minaret.
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Photo: Osalhi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Dar Jallouli Museum
A 17th-century merchant's house showing traditional costume, jewellery and domestic life.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Sarah Murray, CC BY-SA 2.0 Kasbah of Sfax
The old fortress at the corner of the walls, now home to a museum of traditional architecture.
Things to do
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Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain Ferry to the Kerkennah Islands
Flat, palm-dotted islands with fishing villages and an old-fashioned way of life.
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Photo: Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 2.0 Day trip to El Jem
One of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the world, rising above a small town.
Find tours -
Photo: Farid mernissi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat fresh seafood
Sfax is a fishing port, so look for grilled fish and octopus dishes near the harbour.
Where to stay
Ville Nouvelle
The French-built centre outside the walls, with most of the hotels.
Hotels in Ville NouvelleNear the medina
Simple guesthouses for those who want the old town on the doorstep.
Hotels in Near the medinaKerkennah
Quiet island hotels for a slower couple of days.
Hotels in Kerkennah
Getting around
The centre and medina are walkable, and taxis are cheap and plentiful.
The airport is a short taxi ride from the centre. Trains from Tunis take around four hours.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Summers are hot but tempered by the sea, and winters are mild.
Plan your trip to Sfax
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.