The central section of Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast has some of the country’s finest beaches making it an attractive place to relax at the end of a tour. The area is also noted for its impressive chain of coastal fortresses (‘Ribats’) and historic old medinas.
Sousse (ancient Hadrumetum) Originally a Phoenician settlement is a popular resort town with wonderful white sandy beaches. The town’s impressive walled medina, Grand Mosque, and fortified Ribat date from the 9th century Aghlabid period and are best explored on foot. Sousse’s important museum is housed in the Kasbah and contains some of the finest examples of mosaics in Tunisia. Sousse’s extensive medieval souqs offer excellent shopping opportunities.
Monastir is located on a beautiful stretch of coast that is justly popular for beach holidays. In 46 BC the town was Julius Caesar’s headquarters in the war against Pompey. However, Monastir is now more popularly associated with Habib Bourguiba - the first President of the Tunisian Republic - who was born and buried here. Bourguiba’s impressive mausoleum with its 18 carat central golden dome dominates the city centre. Nearby, is the attractive and imposing fortified Ribat and the walled medina.
Mahdia is a scenic whitewashed town located on a narrow peninsula which juts out into the Mediterranean Sea. The town is named after Obaid Allah, the founder of the Fatimid dynasty known as the ‘Mahdi’, who moved his capital to Madhia in 916 to secure a strong point which it could be defended against his enemies. A walk through the historic town centre with its cafes and small shops usually begins at the heavily fortified Skifa el Kahla gate and continues past the 10th century Great Mosque to the imposing Ottoman period castle known as the Borj el Kebir.