The captivating resort town of Sousse lies on Tunisia's east
coast, about two hours drive south of the capital, Tunis. From the
9th century onwards the Phoenicians, Byzantines, Arabs and Romans
discovered the delights of this fertile spot, dubbed 'the pearl of
the Sahel' in ancient times, and today the mild climate, beautiful
Mediterranean shoreline and warm people work their magic on
holidaymakers from Europe. Sousse is also favoured by Tunisians
themselves as a get-away destination, and the friendly natives
enjoy mingling with the visitors on the sandy beaches and busy
promenade. The proliferation of modern resort hotels along the
beachfront has not detracted from the charms of the inner city, and
Sousse is still regarded as having probably the finest (though not
the largest) old city, or Medina, in Tunisia. A warren of narrow
covered alleyways nestling below the Ribat, or fort, hide hundreds
of colourful shops selling a myriad of local goods from carpets and
porcelain to leather bags and olive oil. Outside the Medina there
is also a vast modern shopping complex. Sousse is not all just
shopping and beach bathing, however. The town's museum, situated in
the old castle or kasbah, is renowned for its collection of
mosaics, masks, statues and other relics of the Roman occupation.
There are also several miles of well-preserved ancient Christian
catacombs and marble tombs in the town. Sousse offers its many
package-tour visitors all the facilities and surroundings of a
relaxing seaside holiday, overlaid with the undeniably foreign and
exotic atmosphere of North Africa, all at extremely affordable
prices.
