Tucked away like a precious jewel between Sousse and Sfax, this lovely port modestly conceals its prestigious and illustrious past. Mahdia was proclaimed the capital of Tunisia in 921 as its proximity to the sea made it a strategic military settlement. You will be reminded of this as you pass through the 10 metre thick wall which functions as the gate to the city. Inside the walls a labyrinth of narrow streets lead to charming squares where you can sip a cool drink whilst soaking up the history and exotic allure of this ancient fortress.
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Mahdia hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Mahdia include Hotel Riu El Mansour, Hotel Thalassa Madhia and Primasol El Mehdi.
More Tunisia holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Tunisia? Our Tunisia holiday destinations include Hammamet, Mahdia, Monastir, Port El Kantaoui, Skanes, Sousse and Yasmine Hammamet.
Beaches
With more than 700 miles of superb sandy beaches and year-round sunshine you are guaranteed an amazing beach holiday in Tunisia. Mahdia, in particular, is renowned for its turquoise waters and safe swimming. Watersports and diving are becoming more popular in Tunisia.
Eating out
The French, Spanish and Italians have all influenced Tunisian cuisine and the result is an exciting taste sensation. The most popular starter is the Brik - a lightly-cooked egg wrapped in filo pastry and sometimes served with tuna or prawns. Couscous (a steamed grain semolina) is the national dish and is often served with a lamb, poultry or fish stew. Tunisian deserts are often very sweet and include baklawa, a honey soaked flaky pastry with a nut filling. Local liqueurs include Boukha, an aromatic fig brandy, beer is also brewed locally if you fancy something a little lighter.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Mahdia centres around the hotels with sophisticated bars and entertaining discos available to keep you amused after sunset.
Shopping
The town's main attraction is its fascinating old 'medina' - a walled old town - the entrance to which is through an enormous 16th century gate - the Skifa el-Kahla. A walking tour of the medina should take about two hours, depending on how much time you spend in the cafes. At this massive medina you will find everything from birdcages to carpets to an array of hand crafted, traditional products, which are slightly easier to take home. Olive wood is used by locals to craft beautiful salad bowls, vases, lamps and bracelets.
Local information
From the medina's main cobbled street, Rue Ali Bey, you can easily walk to Place du Caire. There you will find a delightful range of cafes, shaded by trees and vines. Look out for the ornate arched doorway and octagonal minaret on the southern side of the square, which belongs to the 16th century Mosque. Continue east on the Rue Ali Bey and the Great Mosque rises into view; past that is the 16th century fortress, which stands on the highest point of the peninsula. Beyond the port is a sailors cemetery and the Cape Africa lighthouse.
Location
40km from Monastir airport
Transfer time
1 hour
Recommended
Luxury
