A busy seaside city with an ancient heart, Sousse is full of character and there’s loads to do. If history is your thing, you’ve hit the jackpot – Sousse medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as the largest in the Islamic world encircled by walls. Within the medina, Sousse’s Great Mosque and Ribat fortress are fine examples of Arabic architecture from the Middle Ages, while the Archaeological Museum holds a great collection of ancient mosaics.

Shoppers should leave some space in the case for all the fabulous souvenirs on offer in the souks. Look out for fine Tunisian handicrafts including bright Kairouan rugs, embroidered textiles, plus artisanal copper, leather and olive wood pieces. Easy day trips to Roman monuments, holy cities and the Tunisian capital are on offer.

Top three things to do in Sousse

Hit the beach

A gorgeous stretch of beach starts right in town and extends fifty kilometres north in an almost unbroken swathe, so there’s definitely space for everyone. For lively holiday vibes, you’ll find the beach suburb of Port Kantoui with its marina, golf club and buzzing nightlife fits the bill. For quieter, less developed beaches, aim for Hergla and beyond.

Delve into the Sousse medina

A good place to start your exploration is the Archaeological Museum which occupies an 11th-century Kasbah on a hill overlooking the city. Get your bearings historically and literally during your visit. The Ribat and Great mosque are equally unmissable monuments, but for a look at daily life, head for the produce market at Bab Jadid.

Explore ancient worlds

The important historical sights of El Jem and Kairouan are within easy striking distance of Sousse and can also be combined into a single trip. Kairouan is the fourth most holy Islamic city, home to one of the oldest mosques in the world, while El Jem has the largest Roman amphitheatre outside Rome, which would have hosted 30,000 spectators.