The small town of Mahdia in Tunisia began to develop as a full-fledged beach resort recently. Just 20 years ago it was just a small fishing village. However, its cultural and historical value, calm sea and wonderful sandy beaches could not help but attract the attention of foreign tourists thirsty for novelty.
Historical reference
Initially, on the site of Mahdia there was a large Phoenician colony, which existed for quite a long time, until the arrival of the ancient Romans on the peninsula, who founded a large Trading port. The city received its current name from the popular nickname of Caliph Ubayd Allah - “Mahdi”, which means “savior”. Ubaid Allah was the founder of the powerful Fatimid dynasty, which ruled the region for quite a long time. Creating his own caliphate at the beginning of the 10th century, he chose Mahdia as the capital, built a fortress on the peninsula and “closed” the passage with a 10-meter thick stone wall.
Several hundred years later, after the collapse of the caliphate and the arrival of the Sicilians in the region, Mahdia, because of its fortified walls and advantageous position, was chosen by Arab pirates. Gradually, all that remained of the former greatness of Mahdia was a fishing village and the Old City, which retained traces of several empires.
Where is
Mahdia is a small resort town in the north-east of Tunisia, located 45 km south of Monastir on a small picturesque peninsula ending in Cape Africa. The distance to the capital of Tunisia is 212 km, to Sousse – 60 km.
Transport connection
The nearest airport to the resort is in the city of Monastir (48 km). Between Monastir and Mahdia there is a Railway and there are regular buses. You can also travel from Mahdia by train to Sousse or Tunisia. Such a trip is inexpensive and can significantly diversify your vacation.
Climate
Compared to the northern resorts of Tunisia, the climate of Mahdia is very mild and warm. There are no strong winds, sweltering heat or sudden temperature changes here. The active tourist season begins at the end of May and lasts until mid-September. The average air temperature in June is +30, in July +35, in August +32 degrees.
Hotels
There are few hotels in Mahdia, only about twenty, and they are all concentrated along the northern coast of the resort. Since the tourist infrastructure began to develop here only in recent years, almost all the hotels were recently built, are located on the first line and have quite decent-sized territories. It is pleasantly encouraging that in Mahdia you can choose a hotel for every taste and budget - from first-class “fives” like Iberostar Royal El Mansour and affordable “fours” like LTI Mahdia Beach to budget “three” Club Thapsus or Topkapi Beach.
Beaches
The many kilometers of beaches of Mahdia with snow-white powdery sand are one of the reasons for the popularity of the resort among European tourists. And their privacy and cleanliness only add to the attractiveness of the resort compared to Sousse or Monastir. Each hotel has its own wide beach, and lovers of complete peace can find an even quieter haven - from the outskirts of the last hotel to the nearest village of Becalta, a wild deserted beach stretches almost 3 km long.
Entertainment and excursions
While vacationing in Mahdia, first of all, you should take a walk to the Old City - Medina, where you can see the “Dark Gate” of Scythian el-Kahl (all that remains of the fortress walls), the perfectly preserved Borj el-Kabir fort of the 16th century, the Great Mosque, the mosque Mustafa Hamza, Mahdia Museum, Dar Museum, Fatimid port, lighthouse and ancient cemetery. There is also a traditional oriental bazaar where you can buy souvenirs, postcards and, of course, the famous Mahdi silks. Silk fabric is woven here on ancient looms and processed by hand. The beauty and quality of Mahdi silk are known throughout North Africa.
Despite the development of beach tourism, Mahdia still remains the main fishing port of Tunisia. Therefore, in local restaurants you can always have a delicious meal made from fresh seafood. A visit to the famous Sidi Salem coffee shop, which is located on the edge of a cliff in the Old Town, will bring aesthetic pleasure.
In addition to the standard set of Tunisian excursions (sunset in the Sahara, Carthage, folklore performances), in Mahdia you can visit an amusement park and a small zoo, where you can feed and communicate with animals, and also sign up for thalassotherapy treatments at one of the resort hotels.
Mahdia is ideal for a calm, measured holiday. This is a fabulous eastern city, where time and space seem to have frozen, and any sudden movement or loud sound can disrupt the harmony. Elderly people or newlyweds, as well as experienced couples looking for peace and quiet, will feel great here. Young people and families with teenage children may find Mahdia boring and uninteresting.
We'll tell you how to relax in the popular resort of Mahdia in Tunisia. Let's talk about attractions, weather, tours and much more. Read it.
The resort town is located in Tunisia. It is the center of the vilayat (region) of the same name. Together with the cities of Sousse and Monastir, they unite into an agglomeration with a population of one and a half million people.
Mahdia is famous for its beaches with white sand and clear water. The rhythm of life here is calm, so the resort is suitable for a family or private holiday. Thalassotherapy - treatment developed sea water and swimming.
Most of the hotels - three, four or five stars - are located on the first coastline. So, if you come to this city, you won’t have to walk far and drive to the beach.
Historical reference
The founder of Mahdia is Caliph Ubayd Allah. He founded the city in 916, and in 921 he made it the capital of the caliphate. The caliph's nickname was El-Mahdi, which roughly translates to "The Just" or "The Savior." It was in honor of this that the city founded by El-Mahdi was named.
Mahdia, located on the peninsula, had a strategic advantage. To strengthen the defense, fortifications were erected along the perimeter, and in the narrowest place the Scythian el-Qala gate was built, which separated the city from the mainland.
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In the 12th century, the city was nevertheless stormed by the soldiers of Roger II, the ruler of Sicily. It later came under the rule of the pirate commander Dragut. He waged war with the Spaniards, and in the 16th century their army destroyed most of the fortifications. When the wars ended, the current resort fell into the possession of France, and today it is known as an important port and one of the centers of silk weaving.
Mahdia on the map of Tunisia
Weather in Mahdia
It has a relatively warm, mild climate, which is significantly influenced by. The time from to when the air warms up to +30 °C and the water warms up to +23 °C is considered favorable for swimming. However, it can be cold at night - up to +5 °C. Take warm clothes with you for evening walks.
From now on, the weather is more conducive to excursions and shopping than to swimming. At this time, the air temperature is up to +20 °C, and the water temperature is up to +15 °C. It is coldest in Mahdia in winter and early spring. Air usually does not warm up more than +15 °C, and water - more than +12 °C. It often rains in winter.
How to get to the resort
You can fly to Monastir International Airport named after Habib Bourguiba (the first Tunisian president). It is located almost 50 kilometers from the city. You can get here from Monastir by bus, train or luage (economy class minibus, simply a minibus).
Transfer possible, including from larger ones international airports- Enfidha or Tunis (capital).
You can get to different parts of the resort itself by train, which runs along the coast (ticket - about five dinars). You can also take a taxi (about three times more expensive than the train). Buses and buses operate within the city.
The city's attractions
Objects related to the history of the city belong to different periods. Gordian Amphitheater - from the times Ancient Rome, the Arab fortifications date back to the 10th–11th centuries, and the Dar el-Khimma Museum dates back to the 19th–20th centuries.
Amphitheater Gordiana
This place is often dedicated tourist excursions. The amphitheater externally resembles the Colosseum in Rome, since it was built in its likeness. Years of construction - 232–238 AD. Of all the Roman amphitheatres, this is the fourth largest, it was designed for thirty thousand people. They managed to decorate it with mosaics, but it was not used for performances for long: the empire soon faded away.
Since the 7th century, the Arabs have slowly used the sandstone of the amphitheater for their own construction. However, most of the structure has been preserved. It is much less damaged than the Colosseum in Rome, which is why films about gladiators are often filmed in Mahdia. Since the last century, the surviving mosaics have been kept in the archaeological museum, and the amphitheater itself is included in the UNESCO heritage.
Fortifications from the Caliphate
The most famous of the surviving structures is the Scythian el-Kala gate, also known as the Black Gate. They have observation deck which is allowed to be climbed. From there you can see the old part of the city and Cape Africa.
On this cape is located Borj el-Kebir, a fortress that was built during the heyday of the caliphate. Entrance to the fortress is inexpensive, only 3 dinars. You should definitely admire the scenery from one of the towers. The remaining fortifications, mostly ruins, are located near the water at Cape Africa, near the lighthouse building.
Not far from the gate of Skifa-el-Kala stands Great Mosque. It was originally built in 921, but over time it completely collapsed. In 1965 it was restored according to exact old plans. Distinctive feature building is that it is a mosque-fortress. This is exactly how the Arabs built during the turbulent times of conquest.
Dar el-Khimma Museum
This museum is located in former building Sfar Mosque at Place du 7 novembre, Mahdia 5100, also near the Skifa el-Qala gate. In fact, the building houses two museums - archaeological and silk.
In archaeological research over the past decades, various historical finds- from the times of Ancient Rome to the pirate wars. Here you can see weapons, clothes, lamps, fragments architectural structures, works of art.
The Silk Museum tells the story of the success of the Jews from Libya, who founded several workshops in Mahdia in the 19th century. In just a few decades, their products, along with the world famous Lyon silk, became popular in different countries. The museum displays looms, as well as masterpieces made with their help, from clothes to ribbons.
Museum opening hours:
- in summer - from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00;
- in winter - on the same days, but from 9:00 to 16:00.
Entrance price - 1 dinar. Permission for photography costs the same.
Resort entertainment
In Mahdia, the tourist infrastructure is not as developed as in Sousse and other neighboring cities. However, there are several five-star hotels, and quite a few three- and four-star ones. Most of them are located in the green zone outside the city center, and you need to get to them by taxi or by tourist train that runs along the coast.
Stormy nightlife not here: at night the city really sleeps. The main entertainment in summer and early autumn is visiting the beaches. The swimming area is designated Zone Touristique de Mahdia and is located on a peninsula.
The local cuisine deserves special attention. When you come to relax, it’s easy to understand why it is called the fish capital. They cook seafood here huge variety dishes that can be tasted in expensive restaurants and street cafes. Mahdia is the only region of Tunisia where couscous is prepared with fish rather than vegetables or lamb.
- Travelata, Level.Travel, OnlineTours - look for the hottest tours here.
- Aviasales - save up to 30% on purchasing air tickets.
- Hotellook - book hotels with discounts up to 60%.
- Numbeo - look at the price order in the host country.
- Cherehapa - take reliable insurance so as not to worry on the road.
- AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.
Diving center
If you like diving, get carried away aquatic species sports and boat trips, visit the Subway Dive Center. It is located at Vieux Port de Peche Mahdia, Mahdia 5100. Open daily from 8:00 to 19:00 during all swimming and bathing hours.
The cost of instruction and the services themselves depends on the time of year, the workload of the center and which instructor you contact. In some cases, you can bargain.
Excursions in the surrounding area
As already mentioned, there are not many entertainment centers in Mahdia itself. Thalassotherapy centers are located near the city center. Horseback riding is carried out, and Arabian horses take part in them - the same ones known throughout the world.
We offer tourist tours to Tunisia (the capital), Djerba, Sousse, Hammamet, Monastir - resorts with more active entertainment. You can also visit the cave city of Matmata, preserved and partially reconstructed. It reliably conveys the appearance of Berber dwellings. Matmata is also known for the fact that fragments of “ Star Wars" - those that take place on the desert planet Tatooine.
Shopping
Since weaving is developed in Mahdia, you can buy a lot of silk products here: clothes, hats, silk-lined shoes, handbags, shawls, palanquins. Most of the shops are located in the old part of the city. The average cost of silk products ranges from fifty to several hundred dinars.
If you are not inclined to sleep until lunchtime, visit the Friday market near the Skifa el-Kala gate. They sell clothes here, including festive ones, with silk decorations, only cheaper than in stores. Most transactions are made in the morning; by noon, trading usually ends.
In addition to jewelry and souvenirs, olive oil and olive soap with moisturizing ingredients are brought from here. These goods are sold very cheaply: only six to seven dinars per liter of oil and about a dinar per bar of soap.
It is no coincidence that Tunisia is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations. This African resort is famous sandy beaches, clean sea, high quality service. However, approaching Monastir airport, through the airplane window you can only see areas of sandstone and sparse thickets of bushes.
The picture somewhat resembles a Moroccan landscape, but this is only the first impression. It becomes completely different in the city of Mahdia, which is located a hundred kilometers from the airport. This city is the end point of the journey.
- Live status tourist center Mahdia was discovered not so long ago, about twenty years ago, and the city has a rich and fascinating history. IN different times On the territory of Mahdia there was a Phoenician colony, a Roman settlement, then it became the center of a powerful Arab caliphate. Later, this place was chosen by pirates, here they exchanged their loot for the necessary supplies and rum.
- Modern Mahdia is a cozy town with narrow streets and the legendary Arab Medina. The white sandy beaches of the resort center are worthy of special admiration. The place is relatively quiet, an excellent option for families with children. One should not expect noisy fun with beach parties from a holiday in Mahdia; this is not typical for this Arab resort. It is important to remember that, as in any other Arab city, the silence will be broken several times a day by the reading of the Koran.
- For those who come to Mahdia for the first time, it may seem that the streets of the city are unkempt and dirty. But this is typical for many Arab countries; in Morocco or Egypt the picture is similar. Tourists need to be prepared for the fact that outside the hotels they will be greeted by dirt, poverty, and garbage on the lawns.
Resort climate
The tourist season lasts in Tunisia from early spring to late autumn. You can travel around this country in winter, but swimming in the cold season is not comfortable; the most you can enjoy is sunbathing.
Average temperatures
- In the period from March to May, the air temperature during the day is 24 - 31 C, at night 20 - 27 C, water temperature 23 C.
- During the period from September to October, the air temperature during the day is 15 - 18 C, at night 12 - 14 C, water temperature 15 C.
- In the period from November to December, the air temperature during the day is 13 - 15 C, at night 9 - 12 C, water temperature 13 C.
Choosing hotels
For a traveler whose purpose of travel is Mahdia, it is important to remember that booking a tour must be taken care of as early as possible. In that resort town there are about 30 large hotels, several small city hotels, there is also a small number of cheap apartments - studios, but overall this is not a lot.
But among the available hotels, you can easily find an option for every taste and budget. Every tourist, starting from amateurs economical holiday, ending with discerning VIP tourists will be satisfied.
Hotels are located along the coast. Most facilities operate on an all-inclusive basis. They have large territories, their own beaches, and amazingly exotic gardens. Hotel infrastructure usually includes:
- pool;
- sauna;
- laundry;
- children's club;
- souvenir shop.
For this reason, there is no need to leave the hotel territory; most likely, nothing worthy of the tourist’s interest will be found outside of it.
Some five-star hotels have thalassotherapy centers. Among them:
- Vincci Nour Palace,
- Golden Tulip Mahdia Palace,
- Mahdia Palace Thalasso,
- Iberostar Royal El Mansour.
Resort attractions
Tourists will not be bored in Mahdia. In addition to a “lazy” holiday on the beautiful sandy beaches, several attractions of the city are recommended for a mandatory visit. Among them, in first place is the mysterious Old city- Arab Medina.
In the 10th century, impenetrable walls were built around the city.At that time, it was possible to get into medieval Mahdia through the only gate of Skiffa El Kahla, which translates as “black.” Several centuries later, in 1554, the Spaniards destroyed the walls. Now only the gates of Skiff El Kahla remind of the former greatness of the Arab Caliphate. This is another attraction of the resort.
You should visit the “black gate” not only to admire its monumentality and splendor; there is another reason. Not far from this attraction, a traditional market is held on Fridays. A tourist who comes here is immersed in a unique atmosphere and begins to feel like a hero from one of the fairy tales of “1001 Nights”.
Local weavers, seamstresses, and embroiderers surprise guests of Mahdia with their skills. Right in front of tourists they create silk products, souvenirs, National costumes. The jewelry market deserves no less attention.
Among the monuments of Mahdia it is worth mentioning:
- market on Farhat Hached Square,
- old port,
- local cemetery,
- Borj el-Kebir,
- weaving museum,
- Dar Hamza Museum.
A visit to these places will allow you to feel the spirit of the country and local flavor.
Medina of Mahdia
Medina is the old part of the city, traditional for Arab countries. It is both a concentration of historical attractions and a traditional market. Here you can see how the local population lives today.
Medina Mahdia is located on a peninsula and is surrounded by powerful walls. It also has its own white sandy beaches, but they are always deserted. Once inside, the tourist finds himself drawn into the whirlpool of life of the local market with its unique atmosphere. Here you can buy a variety of products:
- vegetables,
- fruits,
- seafood,
- handicraft goods.
In addition to visiting the market, it will be no less interesting to wander through the narrow streets among the white houses of local residents and end your walk in one of the coastal cafes. It is difficult to get lost in Medina Mahdia. The main street is divided into two parts (right and left), and the lanes intersect at right angles.
Mosque
- acquaintance with the monuments of Mahdia will not be complete without visiting the Great Mosque. It was built in the 10th century and is the first Fatimid mosque. According to legend, only the legendary Mahdi and his entourage could enter it;
- The mosque has been destroyed and restored many times over the centuries. In the form in which it can be seen now, the mosque was restored in 1965 according to the surviving plans of the 10th century;
- The mosque looks like a fortress, has a simple and laconic architecture, and is striking in its monumentality. Inside the building there is a prayer courtyard measuring 42 by 50 m. It is important to note that the porch is the only fragment remaining from the original mosque, built in 916-920.
Museum
The Mahdia Museum is located next to the Skiffa El Kahla Gate. It contains exhibits relating to different periods of history, both of Mahdia and the country as a whole. Many of them were raised from the seabed in the 19th century. These are, for example, two Greek columns that were transported on Roman ships as trophies. Also in the museum you can see exhibits dating back to the Roman period: mosaics, statues, amphorae.The museum displays objects dating back to the Fatimid era. They talk about the Islamic period of Mahdia's history. These are handicrafts, jewelry, and national costumes.
Museum opening hours:
- In summer: from Tuesday to Sunday 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 19.00, Monday - closed.
- In winter: Monday to Sunday 09.00 – 16.00.
- The cost of visiting the Mahdia Museum is 5 dinars.
- You are allowed to take photographs for a fee of 1 dinar.
Cape
- a walk to Cape Africa and the Bordj el-Kebir fortress is another interesting route for the Mahdia researcher. The fortress was built in the 16th century during the Fatimid era;
- powerful walls in some places reach a thickness of 10 m. The fortress was built as part of the palace. Later it expanded, strengthened and served as a bulwark against the attacks of the Spaniards and the Knights of Malta from the sea;
- From the height of the fortress walls there is a beautiful view of the lighthouse, Cape Africa, and the cemetery. It is important to note that in the ancient cemetery some of the burials date back to the 10th century. It is also called the sailors' cemetery.
Mahdia now
The new part of the city is a tourist area with modern hotels and luxurious beaches. It is the snow-white beaches with soft sand that are business card resort. Beaches stretch along the coast.The hotel zone is 5 km away. from the city. By public transport and you can take a taxi to the Medina and from there start exploring the sights of the city. It is important to note that all of them are in close proximity to the Medina.
We look forward to your comments about this wonderful and exciting place.
Square
From a bird's eye view, Tunisia's rare vegetation resembles Morocco. Here and there green bushes can be seen on the sandy ground. The plane arrives at Monastir airport, from which it takes about an hour to reach our destination - the city of Mahdia. Let's start the journey!
Description of the resort Mahdia
In ancient times, not crowds of tourists, but pirates from all over the Mediterranean came to the port town of Mahdia to exchange their loot for necessary things and rum. Now the pirate pier is a cozy town with snow-white beaches and the Arab Medina. It is a great pleasure to wander through the narrow streets. By the way, personally, the white walls of the city remind me of that same one.
Mahdia is a fairly calm resort, suitable for family vacation. Parties, noise, loud music are not typical for a quiet Arab city. Only a few times a day the reading of the Koran can be heard from mosques.
How to get there - take a tour or fly on your own?
Around the desert
The easiest way to buy a tour is to Mahdia. True, flights are only from Moscow or St. Petersburg. For example, the cost of a 7-day all-inclusive tour from Moscow in October 2018 is 25 thousand rubles per person.
A flight ticket from Moscow to Monastir airport will be 28 thousand rubles round trip, plus accommodation will cost about 10-15 thousand. Therefore, it’s definitely better to take a tour first and scout out the situation. And then you can go to independent travel in Tunisia.
Air travel delays
They happen often. Therefore, you should know that if the delay is 2 hours, the airline is obliged to provide you clean water, more than 5 hours - dinner, more than 24 hours - housing and meals for this time.
The drive from Monastir airport is 56 km, buses run constantly. Well, or you can take a taxi, here it is several times cheaper than in Russia. Another option is to take the train to the resort. But to the station in the city of Monastir you will have to take a taxi (it will cost 150 rubles). There you can take a train to Mahdia, it runs every 30 minutes. The ticket price will be 280 rubles.
How to get a visa for Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians
Russians do not require a visa for a 3-month holiday. The only documents you will need are a passport. For each child, you also need a foreign passport, a birth certificate and permission from the second parent. At the border, according to the usual scenario, you need to fill out a migration card.
- Visa to Tunisia for Belarusians. If you are traveling on a tour, you do not need a visa, just present your passport at the border. But to travel around Tunisia on your own, you need to obtain an entry visa and provide an excursion plan. To obtain a visa you will need to go to Moscow; unfortunately, there is no Tunisian representative office in Belarus. To apply for a visa, you will need a 3/4 cm photo, a certificate of income, a civil passport, a copy of the passport, a completed visa application form, and hotel reservations.
- Visa to Tunisia for Ukrainians. Like Belarusians, a visa is not required to travel on a tour. And for independent trip you will need to communicate with the Tunisian embassy, which is again located in Moscow.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I TAKE FOR A VACATION?
Tunisia - budget country, you can buy cheap food at the market if your hotel is not all-inclusive. City transport is also cheap. The main costs are for a tour or airfare plus accommodation. Take with you about 20 thousand rubles per person for 7 days.
Currency of Tunisia
Dinar, which contains 24 Russian rubles.
Unusual sights - must-sees for tourists
It is recommended to come on holiday to Tunisia from the end of May to the beginning of September. Despite being in Africa, the country is located on the Mediterranean coast, which warms up to warm temperatures only during these seasons. Of course, at the peak of the heat in July it will be difficult to relax here; the temperature in the shade is about 40 °C. Although if you are from such hot Russian cities as Krasnodar, then essentially this temperature will not seem unbearable to you.
Bordj El Kebir Fortress
Dating back to the 16th century, there was previously a Fatimid palace here, from which the development of the city of Mahdia began. Be sure to go upstairs, you will see a picturesque view of the peninsula and the harbor.
Opening hours: from 9.00 to 19.00. Entrance - about 250-300 rubles. To be honest, the cost is quite high, especially since there is not much to see inside the fortress. For this money you can only climb to the top.
Magnificent Arabian medina Mahdia's Old Town
Personally, I just love Arab medinas; when I travel on my own, I try to stay in a Riyadh in the middle of the oldest medina. This is an Arabic flavor!
Narrow multicolored streets
Here are the houses of local residents in snow-white shades with blue window frames, cafes with open terraces, a market (Souk), handmade souvenirs are sold on every corner (and of course, Chinese, be careful).
Black Gate of Skifa el Kahla
The gates will be finished modern city from Medina, you definitely won't miss them. But when seeing them for the first time, tourists wonder: why are they black if they are sandy in color? The answer is because gladiolus. In fact, they are black because of the slightly dark tunnel through which you will have to go.
Old Cemetery
I found this place very interesting. The cemetery is located near the lighthouse and consists of a dozen snow-white slabs. The churchyard does not look creepy, unlike the Russian ones. On the contrary, the cemetery is filled with silence and peace.
The Old Port
Yes, yes, this is the same pirate port! Of course, the Ford is now very much destroyed, but you can still imagine what was here before. Near the port there are boats of local fishermen and huge seagulls flying.
Beaches of Mahdia
All coastline- wide sandy beaches. Entrance to them is free and they are public. Not all hotels have their own beaches, so women in burkinis may well be swimming next to you and Arab horsemen gawking at the naked bodies. The most best beaches found in the distance, go to the farthest left of the port.
What to try from food?
Typical in Tunisia Arabic cuisine, here you can try grilled seafood, couscous, lamb with harissa sauce.
For something unusual, try salted lemons, brik pasties, and tagine. And of course, don’t pass by the sweets, they are simply delicious here!
Average check
Will be 300-400 rubles. In Medina you can eat for 100-150 rubles.
For Tunisian alcohol, try Seltia beer, Tibarin liqueur and fig vodka.
The dangers of Tunisia
Tunisia is enough safe country. But no one is safe from scammers! Do not fall for any offers with the words “free”, “gift”. Nothing comes for free here! Even if you were told “take a bun for such beautiful girls for free.” Don’t take it, you won’t be able to get away from the annoying beggar later. He will shout that you stole his bun and threaten the police. Save your nerves!
- Before getting into a taxi, check whether the meter is installed. Otherwise you will pay 5 times more.
- For women, it is still recommended to follow a dress code: do not wear short shorts or miniskirts, and avoid a deep neckline. You just can’t get rid of the local Arabs, do you need it?
- Go south to the deserts that border Libya and Algeria only with a guide. Otherwise, you become a target for criminals.
- Don't take pictures of women wearing veils!
- During Ramadan, do not eat on the streets, do not smoke or drink alcohol in public. Locals will regard this as disrespect.
- Don't drink tap water.
- Before traveling, it is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever, tetanus and diphtheria.
- Don't forget safe sunscreen SPF 50 ().
Public transport
The city is quite small, so all attractions are within walking distance. You can take a taxi to remote beaches. The price of a trip is about $1 around the city.
Traveling around Tunisia by car
Of course, you can rent a car to travel around the country. Rental prices are liberal, but it is best to rent a car from European companies, not from Arabs. Be sure to photograph every scratch so that there are no complaints against you later.
Roads in Tunisia are tolled - about $2, gasoline is also not cheap. Here, as in any Arab countries, there are big problems with traffic rules. There is chaos on the roads! People, cows are running, cyclists, carts, scooters, cars are flying. You need to be as careful as possible!
Review of Thalassa Mahdia - pros and cons
Thalassa Mahdia 4* is one of the most popular hotels among Russians! Suitable for budget holiday. At the reception upon check-in, you may be asked to pay $30 to select a room; you have the right to refuse. There is no need to convert currency here; the hotel will keep a large percentage for itself.
Keep track of the towels - as many as you were given, be sure to return the same. Otherwise the fine is $100. For one person you should be given a large bath towel, 1 small towel for the face and a separate one for the feet. Only 3 per person!
TOP 5 ADVANTAGES OF THE Thalassa Mahdia HOTEL TOP 5 MINUSES The hotel has its own beach, because it is located outside the city, this is a big advantage Paid Wi-Fi (day - $2) Clean, nice area (there are water slides, places for children to play) Only 1.5 liter bottle of water per room per day The food is varied (meat, fish, fruits, omelettes, national and European dishes are prepared) There is a shortage of utensils in the restaurant Does the room have air conditioning The pool bar serves disgusting powdered carbonated drinks, beer and low-quality local alcohol, they don’t make cocktails Rooms are cleaned daily If the room's windows overlook the hotel courtyard, you will suffer from the constant noise of music and children's screams. By the way, it takes about 2.5 hours to get to the hotel from the airport. The city of Mahdia is 4 km away, you can catch a taxi or walk if you like walking.
Review of Iberostar royl el mansour - advantages and disadvantages
IBEROSTAR ROYL EL MANSOUR 5* - a better level than Thalassa, so it’s better to overpay and choose this hotel. When you check in, they will bring you delicious refreshing cocktails; they don’t ask you to pay $30 for a room. But for beautiful view you always have to pay extra.
It takes about 2 hours to get to the hotel. This, by the way, is the only 5-star hotel in Mahdia.
Review of El mourandi cap mahdia - features and disadvantages
EL MOURANDI CAP MAHDIA 3* is one of the cheapest holiday options in Mahdia, but it has its advantages.
Those same sofas under the grape shade
In principle, a 4-star hotel is not much different from a 3-star one. In this case, there is no point in overpaying. But I would recommend you IBEROSTAR ROYL EL MANSOUR 5*, this hotel at least tries to live up to its top five, although it is not much more expensive than others.
What can be exported from Tunisia and what are the prohibitions?
You must declare amounts above $1000 and professional video cameras.
- You can take out any alcoholic beverages with a strength of up to 25° - 2 liters, stronger than 25° - no more than 1 liter.
- Cigarettes - up to 20 packs.
- Perfumery compositions (perfumes and eau de toilette) - up to 60 ml.
- The import and export of Tunisian currency, strong medicines, pornography, drugs, weapons, and antiques is prohibited.
- If you bought carpets or jewelry, be sure to present the receipt to customs.
The city of Mahdia is located on a small rocky peninsula (Cape Africa) and is the economic center of the Southern Sahel. The Governorate of Mahdia has an area of 2,966 square kilometers and the population in the area is 380,000 inhabitants, with Mahdia itself home to about 46,000 people. Because of its successful geographical location the city of Mahdia, Tunisia, has always been of great strategic importance. Even the Phoenicians and Romans used the peninsula where Mahdia is located today as one of their strongholds in North Africa.
History of Mahdia
During the Fatimid period, Caliph Abdallah al-Mahdi created the city of Mahdia as his capital in the 9th century and surrounded it with a city wall more than ten feet thick. Access to the city could be gained through the still existing Skiffa El Kahla gate, which has a passage of approximately 40 meters. The city of Mahdia at that time was practically impregnable to enemies attacking on the ground. However, Mahdia was vulnerable to attacks from the sea. Already in 1087, Genoa and Pisa attacked Mahdia. In the 12th century, a notorious pirate stronghold was established here and Mahdia was occupied by the Normans, who expanded their holdings in North Africa. On June 1, 1390, a fleet set off from Genoa, the purpose of which was to attack Mahdia.
Raids by Muslim pirates seriously alarmed the rulers of European states, since pirates not only attacked and robbed peaceful merchant ships, but also sold the crew members of these ships in the slave markets of the Maghreb. Therefore, in the end, the French and Genoese decided to act as a single fleet against the pirates. They besieged the city of Mahdia for about 9 weeks, but the Tunisian Arab army did not come to the rescue.
When the Spaniards attacked Mahdia in the 16th century, the city walls were breached, of which only some parts remain today.Sights of Mahdia
Mahdia has a Medina (old city) which is considered the most beautiful part of the city. On Friday there is a market held here in Farhat Hached Square. Other attractions in Mahdia include the Grand Mosque, the traditional weaving museum, the Skiffa El Kahla Gate, the old port, the Borj el-Kebir fortress and the Mahdia Cemetery.
We highly recommend you visit the Friday market, which can be found near the Skiffa El Kahla gate. This bazaar is similar to the bazaars described in the fairy tales "1001 Nights". Here, old weavers, embroiderers and seamstresses create very beautiful, traditional costumes, silk products and other goods for sale. In addition, there is also an interesting gold jewelry market here.
In addition, we advise you to visit the Dar Hamza Museum on Manoubia Street. In this museum you can see the works of traditional Tunisian craftsmen.Medina of Mahdia
The picturesque and charming Medina of Mahdia, with its imposing fortifications and magnificent but deserted sandy beaches, makes visiting Mahdia a very interesting experience. The unprecedented Skiffa El Kahla gate was built in 1595, when the Ottomans carried out the restoration of the city walls after the destruction of the 12th century walls by the Spanish. At that time, the Skiffa El Kahla Gate, with its 40-meter doorway, was the only way to enter the city by land.
Just outside the gates begins the Medina, which looks especially picturesque on market days. The Medina of Mahdia is actually divided by the main street into right and left parts. Unlike most other Medinas in Tunisia, the division of streets and alleys in the Medina of Mahdia occurs at right angles. Some of the Medina's buildings date back to the 10th and 11th centuries.
Despite significant expansion potential tourism infrastructure, the development of tourism in Mahdia is very slow. However, the production of traditional Tunisian souvenirs is experiencing a new boom here. Mahdia produces wool, silk and beautiful embroidered textiles. You might be interested in the traditional weaving section of the museum, located in Farhad Hachet Square, near the Skiffa El Kahla Gate. Every week on Friday, at the market near this gate you can see exquisite products of craft guilds: clothes embroidered with gold and silver threads, wool and silk products and much more.Great Mosque
Another iconic landmark in Mahdia is the Great Mosque (Mosquee Obeidite). It emerged in 916-921 as the first Fatimid mosque in the country and served as the model for the Fatimid mosque in Cairo. After several reconstructions in 1554, the mosque was largely destroyed, and nothing appeared in its place until the 18th century. In 1960, the Tunisian government decided to restore the original Fatimid mosque.
The Great Mosque in Mahdia, due to its strict and simple forms and monumental appearance, looks more like a fortress from the outside. In addition, the mosque does not have minarets. The porch of the mosque is the only old part of the building that remains from the original mosque, built in the 10th century.
Today, the Great Mosque of Mahdia has a prayer courtyard measuring 42 by 50 meters.Mahdia Museum
The Mahdia Museum is located in Farhat Hachet Square, next to the monumental Skiffa El Kahla Gate, so it is very easy to find. This is a simple small museum with various Roman mosaics, marble statues from the El Jem Colosseum, some amphoras from Punic and Roman times and a number of oil lamps. The Mahdia Museum is not exclusively an archaeological museum because it also includes exhibits from the Christian and Islamic periods, traditional wedding clothes and other interesting exhibits.
Opening hours of the Mahdia Museum in Tunisia:
Summer: Tuesday - Sunday from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00, closed on Mondays.
In winter: Monday - Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00.
Entrance fee: 1.1 TND, photo permission: 1 TND.Cape Africa
On the hill of the peninsula, on Cape Africa (Cap D "Afrique) is located the mighty fortress of Borj el-Kebir. The castle was built in the 16th century as a square building as part of the main Fatimid palace. Only in 1595, during the period of Ottoman rule, the fortress was significantly expanded and turned into a bulwark against expected attacks by the Spaniards and the Knights of Malta.
Cape Africa and the castle on it are currently one of the most interesting places in Mahdia and throughout Tunisia.Mahdia today
Modern Mahdia for many tourists is a hotel area and beautiful beaches. The hotel area of Mahdia is located approximately 5 kilometers from the city. So if you want to go to the city center, then you can go there by taxi or take a bus. However, we advise you to have a map with you so that you can quickly find all the places that interest you. You can ask a taxi driver to take you to the Medina, and here you can find out the way to any place you are interested in from the local residents. Almost all the most interesting places Mahdia is located near Medina.
