Sousse

Sousse is situated on the east coast of Tunisia, about an hour and a half’s drive south of the capital Tunis. The Monastir Habib Bourguiba International airport, which is used by the majority of charter companies, is only 9 miles south, cutting down the transfer times to hotels dramatically, compared to some Spanish resorts!

Sousse’s popularity has spanned many hundreds of years. Since the 9th century BC, when it was first established by the Phoneticians as a trading port for exporting salt and vegetables, Sousse has developed both architecturally and culturally into a rich and vibrant resort. Evidence of the impact of the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs is still evident in the town’s medina and historical buildings. Today the vast majority of the people who visit Sousse are tourists who are drawn to the historic town and its beautiful beaches.

Sousse is blessed with long white sandy beaches which are clean and family friendly- shallow, and warm. The beach is 6 miles long and runs from the middle of Sousse north to Port el-Kantaoui and, apart from a few private areas owned by hotels, is fee. As you would expect there is a wide variety of water borne activities, such as waterskiing, windsurfing etc. which will keep the small and big kids happy. If you fancy a bite to eat there are numerous restaurants close by which serve pizza and chip and other Tunisian delicacies!

Many of the top hotels run children’s clubs which offer a variety of entertainment for your little darlings. However, don’t miss the chance of exploring Sousse itself and its medina with its winding narrow streets or visit the castle/Kasbah which was built over twelve hundred years ago.

If your family fancy a little adrenalin rush then head north to Port el-Kantaoui where there is a water park called Aqua Palace. Alternatively for something a little dryer there is Hannibal Park which has a rollercoaster, fairly tale rides and a children’s playground. You may find that the older children may want to pay a visit to Hergla Karting Park, about 3 miles north of Port el-Kantaoui, which offers karting for adults. It also has several fun rides, amusements and has a restaurant.

The souk in Sousse is not for the faint hearted, some people who are not familiar with the Tunisian sell, sell, sell mentality may find the shop keepers overbearing. This is not say you shouldn’t venture into the souk, as to miss this place is missing out in a valuable cultural and shopping experience. Here you can buy Tunisian souvenirs like, woollen blankets, carpets dyed cloth, copper ware, pottery and jeweller. How you purchase them is a different matter, as you have a choice, you can either buy from fixed price shops (Soula Shopping Centre) or you can chance your arm and buy the traditional way – haggling! Just remember, know your budget and walk away if you are not getting the deal you want, no matter how persistent the shop keeper is. Local markets are held on a Friday at Hammam-Sousse just 2 miles north of the centre of Sousse and on a Sunday in Hammam-Sousse, on the road to Sfax.