Sousse , is a city of Tunisia. Located 140 km south of Tunis, the city has 173, 047 inhabitants (2004). It is in the central-east of the country, on the Gulf of Hammamet, which is a part of the Mediterranean Sea. The name may be of Berber origin: similar names are found in Libya and in the south of Morocco (Bilād al-Sūs). It is the capital of Sousse Governorate with 540,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate). Its economy is based on transport equipment, processed food, olive oil, textiles and tourism. It is home to the University of Sousse.
Sousse is one of the older cities in Tunisia possessing an authentic medina, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly with Russian, Serbs, British, German and East European people. Located on the coast it has good beaches and a clear turquoise sea.
Sousse is home to many resorts and fine sand beaches backed by orchards and olive groves. It has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and warm, gentle wet winters. It also has a skilled population, and serves as a strategic geographic location.
Although Sousse is associated with olive oil making, this is far from being the only industry in the city. Tourism has become a central activity, with some 1,200,000 visitors every year coming to enjoy its many fine hotels and restaurants, trendy nightclubs, casinos, beaches, sports facilities, museums, and the Medina (the old city).
120 hotels with a capacity of 40,000 beds extend over a 20 km strip from the north of town down south to a traditional downtown area and bazaar, where wares are directed mainly at tourists.
PLACE TO VISIT
Great Mosque. A surprisingly tranquil place despite its location in the middle of the city. Built c. 850 AD, this mosque is simple and austere in the Aghlabite style, no decoration whatsoever aside from a string of angular Arabic and curved arches. Even the prayer room is covered in reed mats instead of the usual carpet. You must be properly dressed to enter, but green wraps can be rented for a token fee to cover up.
Mosaic Museum, in the gently crumbling old kasbah on the edge of the medina.
The Traditional Tunisian House. This charming little museum located just within the old city walls some 200 yards north of the main bus terminal is the home of a long standing Tunisian family that has now become a museum with the passing of the last family member.
The property centers on a open courtyard from which access to all the rooms can be gained, including bedrooms for the first and second wife and, in turn, to the children's rooms.
All are delightfully fully furnished, with some curtains dating back 200 years, and with German clocks imported from the 1800's.
The house is complete with a tower, orginally used to watch the stars for the onset of Ramadan, from which views over Sousse can be gained.
Ribat
Whilst not as impressive or extensive as the Ribat in Monastir this fortified holy site is a worthwhile visit and served as home to a branch of Islamic warriors very similar in nature and creed as the Hospitaller Knights that lived in Rhodes. Climbing to the top of the watch tower affords you fantastic views over the Medina.
SHOPPING
Don't expect to have language issues as merchants speak almost anything common (French, English, Spanish, German...) - you can mix all languages if you want to :-)
Medina including the souk located in the center of the city. The old section of the city containing the local bazaar, expect to haggle or barter.
Soula Centre just outside the souk has fixed prices, it is useful to establish values before bargaining in the souk (of course there is no fun).
Everything is pretty cheap. When bargaining, establish (for you) the price you are willing to pay and drop the price that the merchant asks for half. Negotiate from there, act a little (as they do too) and have fun.
Don't waste your and their time if you don't intend to buy anything. Say nicely and with a smile that you are not interested or that you don't have any money left. However don't feel obliged to buy if you can't agree a price.
Don't keep thinking in the price after you buy something. Think on the good deal that you have made and the price that you would've paid in your home country.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - The most convenient airport is Monastir which is to the south on the coast, 20 minutes away and frequently used by holiday charter flights; however Tunis is still easily accessible with numerous train and shared taxi options.
By train - Sousse is on the main line from Tunis in the north down to Sfax and Monastir to the south. Example fares from Tunis to Sousse are 12/10/6 dinars in Grand/1st/2nd class.
By car - Highway A1 connects Sousse with Tunis. A toll applies for using the highway. Additionally, Sousse is crossed by National Road 1 (RN1), connecting the city with the south of the country, and Libya. Roads are in very good condition. Additionally, a car ferry connects Sousse with Palermo in Italy three times a week. Please note that driving in Tunisia can be a very dangerous and harrowing experience, with drivers rarely observing even basic rules of the road, accidents being extremely frequent.
By bus - Buses (car) connect the city with most other parts of Tunisia. Additionally, there is a louage (shared-taxi) service covering the entire country. The bus station and is close to the gates of the Medina. Prices are slightly lower than those of second class train tickets, but many buses do not have air conditioning.
By boat - Car ferries and express boats connect Sousse with Marseille and Palermo about three times a week (depending on season). It takes 4-5 hours to Palermo in an express boat (or 7-8 in a ferry). Private boats and yachts can use the marina at Port El Kantaoui (a resort about 12 km north of Sousse).
