Sousse
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At a glance
- Country
- Tunisia
- Region
- Sousse Governorate
- Population
- 270,000
- Best time to go
- May to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Monastir Habib Bourguiba International (MIR)
- Coordinates
- 35.83°N, 10.64°E
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Overview
Sousse is one of Tunisia's main resort cities, but behind the beach hotels lies a UNESCO-listed medina that has been a port since Phoenician times. Its walls, fort and great mosque are among the finest in North Africa.
Stay by the sea and dip into the old town, or base yourself centrally and use the city as a springboard for El Jem and the holy city of Kairouan.
Things to see
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Photo: Bert in England, CC BY-SA 3.0 Medina of Sousse
Walled lanes, souqs and ancient monuments, at their best early in the morning.
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Photo: Christian Manhart, CC BY-SA 3.0 igo Ribat of Sousse
An eighth-century fortified monastery whose watchtower gives views over the medina and sea.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Great Mosque of Sousse
A plain, fortress-like mosque from the ninth century with a large open courtyard.
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Photo: Yamen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sousse Archaeological Museum
Superb Roman mosaics displayed in the kasbah at the top of the medina.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 2.0 Day trip to El Jem
Walk the tunnels and tiers of a colossal Roman amphitheatre, about an hour south.
Find tours -
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain Day trip to Kairouan
A holy city with a magnificent Great Mosque, old cisterns and carpet shops.
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Photo: Tony Hisgett, CC BY 2.0 Beach day
Swim off Boujaafar beach in the city or head north to the marina at Port El Kantaoui.
Where to stay
Medina and centre
For culture and value, close to transport.
Hotels in Medina and centreBoujaafar
Seafront hotels within walking distance of the medina.
Hotels in BoujaafarPort El Kantaoui
A purpose-built marina resort to the north, good for families.
Hotels in Port El Kantaoui
Getting around
Taxis are cheap and metered. The Métro du Sahel light railway links Sousse with Monastir and Mahdia.
From Monastir airport the coastal train or a taxi reaches Sousse in about 30 minutes; Enfidha airport is a little further north.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are warm and sunny with the sea at its best. July and August are hot and busy, and winters are mild but quieter.
Plan your trip to Sousse
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.