Mahdia is a calm resort for a secluded beach holiday. Couples with small children, elderly tourists and lovers of peace and quiet will like it here.
Mahdia is not so well known among Russian tourists, like or . People come here to relax on calm and clean white sand beaches, wander through the narrow streets of the medina, and relax in spa salons during thalassotherapy sessions.
Mahdia received its name from the nickname of Caliph Ubaidallah. He was called “Mahdi” (“Savior”), and the city founded by him became the capital of a powerful caliphate. In Mahdia, thousand-year-old harsh fortresses and ruins have been preserved, remembering bloody battles.
Hotels
Mahdia began its development as a resort recently, so the hotel stock here is new. Most hotels have a 4 star category. Hotels are located on the coast; there are none in urban areas. In addition to their own section of the beach, the hotels have thalassotherapy centers (in hotels,).
Beaches
The beaches in Mahdia are sandy, very clean and spacious. Thanks to the seclusion of the resort, there is enough space in the sun for everyone. The entrance to the water is very gentle, the little one splashes happily in the shallow water. Soft white sand and calm seas attract families with children to vacation here.
Attractions
The most famous landmark of Mahdia is the fortress (Old Fortress). Incredibly thick walls (about 10 meters) and location on the edge of the cape made it virtually impregnable to invaders. Entrance to the fortress is paid - 3.5 euros. There is almost nothing interesting inside, except for ancient cannons. However, it is worth a visit to climb the wall and admire the fantastic seascape.
The entrance to the medina of Mahdia is located in the fortress gate, which bears the name. The long and gloomy corridor of the gate (about 21 meters long) will lead travelers to the bustling oriental bazaar, scattered among the ancient narrow streets. In the medina there is a museum where you can see an exhibition of national clothing, jewelry and household items.
Tourists often take pictures next to a stone arch on a cliff, in the port near snow-white yachts. Visitors to the Sidi Salem coffee shop (located next to the medina and the fishing port) admire the view of the sea while sipping aromatic coffee on the ledge terraces.
Where to go on an excursion
From Mahdia, tourists often go on a cruise to the islands of Curiat or Lampedusa. Along the way, they entertain themselves with sea fishing and swimming in the open sea. There are several islands near interesting places for diving. dishes - tagine (roast lamb), stuffed peppers, vegetables. Local chefs also skillfully prepare fish dishes and serve them with a side dish of couscous.
Souvenirs
In addition to olive oil, cosmetics, ceramics, and leather souvenirs, you should definitely pay attention to silk stoles. Mahdia is a center of silk weaving. Scarves, stoles and tunics are made here by hand using ancient technologies. This pleasure is not cheap - about 60 dinars per scarf.
https://tours.tutu.ru/tunisia/kurort/mahdiya/">Find out prices for tours to Mahdia
I was amazed by this city, as if it had stepped out of the paintings of the French impressionists. Indeed, Mahdia left only the most pleasant impressions in my soul.
Founded by the Phoenicians, the city of Mahdia was a pirate stronghold on the coast Mediterranean Sea. Yes, once upon a time there lived bloodthirsty pirates who came here to spend their stolen goods in local taverns. Translated from Arabic, “Mahdi” means “Savior” - that was the name of one caliph who established the capital of his caliphate here.
Now Mahdia is a calm Mediterranean town with a small population. I liked the city with the clean narrow streets of the Medina (Old Town), charming beaches with white sand (they seemed to me the best of those I’ve been to in Tunisia) and the warm sea, as well as seascapes that evoke peace and tranquility.
As a resort, Mahdia is more suitable for older couples or families with children. There are few hotels here, and therefore few tourists, so you can enjoy a pleasant holiday in the company of close people.
I also recommend that those travelers who are staying not in Mahdia itself, but at another resort, visit this town if possible. This is where you can experience that unforgettable, relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere, when it seems that life is wonderful and will never end.
How to get there
There are no airports in Mahdia itself: the city is too small. Tourists fly either to Enfidha, or to Carthage, or to Monastir airport. And then you can take a bus, taxi or rent a car.
By plane
The nearest airport to the city is near the city, about 40 minutes away. This is Habiba Bourguiba Airport. It accepts only a few Russian charters and charters from Eastern Europe. The airport building is old and there are minimal amenities. Nearby there are salt lakes where pink flamingos and herons live.
I talked in more detail about how to get to Tunisia in.
By train
I would like to immediately warn you that in terms of comfort the train is far from “number one”, and their website periodically does not work. Trains may be late, so it is better to check the schedule at the station in advance. It may also vary (days and times).
If you are coming from Habib Bourguiba Airport in Monastir, you must first take a taxi to the station (15 minutes, 2.5 EUR), and then take the train that leaves for Mahdia every 40 minutes. The journey will take about 1.5 hours. The cost of a one-way ticket is about 3.5 EUR. You can buy it at the station.
There is no direct train connection from Hammamet to Mahdia. First, from Enfidha airport you need to take a taxi to Sousse station (40 minutes, from 5 EUR), and from there take a train to Mahdia (about 2 hours, 4 EUR).
If you arrive at Carthage airport, you first need to take a taxi to the station (15 minutes, from 5 EUR), then take the train to Mahdia (almost 3.5 hours, from 5 EUR).
In Mahdia, from the station to the Tourist Zone, again, you can only get there by taxi (15 minutes, from 2.5 EUR).
By bus
Minibuses and buses depart from Monastir to Mahdia, but their comfort leaves much to be desired. The ticket price is approximately 4 EUR. The journey will take about 1.5 hours. First, we take a taxi from the airport (15 minutes, from 2.5 EUR) to the bus stop.
There is also a bus from Hammamet, once a day, the ticket price is 4 EUR, the travel time is about 3 hours.
From Enfidha to the bus stop in Hammamet you need to take a taxi (40 minutes, from 5 EUR).
In Mahdia, from the bus stop you can catch a taxi to the Tourist Zone - 15 minutes, from 2.5 EUR.
By car
Taxi
Hiring a taxi from the airports of Carthage and Enfidha will cost a pretty penny, and plus it is not a fact that there will be a driver who will agree to take you, since the distances are significant: from Carthage to Mahdia - 230 kilometers, from Enfidha - 130 kilometers. You can already take a taxi from Monastir: it is closest to Mahdia - 45.5 kilometers. There is no fixed price. As for the price - as agreed with the driver. It is better to leave the airport building and bargain with those who are standing next to it.
Rent a Car
Renting a car in Tunisia costs approximately 25–30 EUR per day, in season - 40 EUR. You won’t be able to do this directly at the airport (except for Carthage Airport, but it will be more expensive there than in the city, from 35–40 EUR per day), so you’ll have to get to the city and hire a car there. You will only need a passport and a license (both Russian and European ones will do). You can compare prices and choose a suitable offer, say.
If you go by car, you need to follow the signs and move towards Kairouan.
By yacht or boat
From Monastir or Sousse you can get to Mahdia by yacht or boat if you rent one of these, but such a pleasure is not cheap: from 750 EUR per day. There is no ferry service.
Clue:
Mahdia - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 2
Kazan 2
Samara 3
Ekaterinburg 4
Novosibirsk 6
Vladivostok 9
When is the season? When is the best time to go
In Mahdia, the season starts from the end of May and lasts until the beginning of October. At this time, during the day the temperature here remains around +30, +35 °C, the sea is very warm, and sometimes even hotter near the shore. In the evening it becomes cooler, +25 °C on average.
It is better to go either at the beginning of June or from the end of August to September: at this time there is no unbearable heat from which you want to hide indoors, the temperature is high but comfortable, you can swim calmly. You can choose a tour (with air tickets, hotel, transfer and insurance) to Mahdia.
Mahdia in summer
Mahdia is very hot in summer. A light breeze from the sea does not help either. The average temperature reaches +35 °C, and in the evening it is a little colder. If you go for a walk in the city, it is imperative to carry a hat and a bottle of water in your bag.
Mahdia in autumn
Autumn in Mahdia begins in October. At this time the temperature drops to +25, +20 °C. There may be rain, sometimes quite heavy. A strong chilly wind blows from the sea, which blows heaps of sand into the houses.
Mahdia in spring
Spring begins in mid-March, when the day gradually becomes warmer (up to + 25 °C), and the sun appears in the sky more often. In April, locals already start swimming in the sea, although it is still cool. But from May you can safely go to the beach and swim for fun.
Mahdia in winter
In winter the average temperature is +12, +15 °C. Sometimes there may be sunny days, but there are frequent rains with strong winds.
Mahdia - weather by month
Clue:
Mahdia - weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?
There are few hotels in Mahdia itself, about twenty in total. And almost everything, to the delight of tourists, is located on the first coastline, that is, walking to the beach is very close. All hotels are located in the so-called tourist area, which is outside the city limits (except for the Le Phenix hotel in the city center).
Among the hotels there are 5-, 4-, and 3-star hotels, which are mixed together.
If your budget allows, choose the Iberostar Royal El Mansour (the building impresses with its monumentality and interesting details, such as arches); Vincci Nour Palace (well-equipped rooms, and nearby large swimming pool) or Golden Tulip Mahdia Palace (where you can undergo thalassotherapy, and the building has an indoor swimming pool).
More modest hotels: Topkapi Beach (good for families with small children, there is a beautiful beach nearby); Club Thapsus (there is a spa and thalassotherapy courses); Les Princes (located in a very beautiful Arabic-style building) or Sirocco Beach (good cuisine and infrastructure) are suitable for people on a small budget. However, the Topkapi Beach and Sirocco Beach hotels have one flaw: locals like to go there to have a drink or two and have fun, but the other two are located closer to the end of the tourist area, so locals can’t get there.
If you are more of a lover of historical attractions, then choose Le Phenix, which has a very decent restaurant with local dishes. The couscous here is definitely excellent!
For absolutely budget holiday The Dimess Hotel is suitable - modest but clean, located on the second coastline.
I usually look for hotels on booking - and check if there are more favorable price, Can . You can conveniently view rental offers for private apartments using this link.
Of course, Mahdia is a small and well-protected city by the police, but it’s still better for girls not to go out alone in the evening and at night. Only in company, and it is desirable that there are men nearby.
What are the prices for holidays?
On average, a hotel package costs around 470–550 EUR per person for 10–15 days. Depending on the type of hotel, a room can cost from 16 to 78 EUR per day.
As for food, the city has good cafes with terraces (for example, very close to the Medina) and a variety of restaurants. The price tag in the cafe is as follows: coffee or tea plus dessert will cost 2.5–5 EUR. In a restaurant you will pay about 17.5–20 EUR for a full lunch or dinner.
Taxis charge from 0.5 EUR to 2.5 EUR depending on the distance. But you are unlikely to need it. The city is small, almost all the attractions are located in the center or near the Medina, so you can easily get around it on foot in less than 1 day.
Main attractions. What to see
In Mahdia, which is small at first glance, there is a lot to see. When going for a walk around the city center, it is better to start from the Medina. All the main attractions are gathered around it, and the main souvenir shops too.
The main attractions of Mahdia on the map:
Be sure to wear a hat, as the sun beats down mercilessly in summer, and don’t forget to keep an eye on your bag and belongings, because it is in the Medina that there can be pickpockets. It is better to go for a walk in the morning, since museums are open at this time and it is not too hot yet.
Top 5
Bordj El Kebir
One of the main attractions of Mahdia, striking. This is a fortress built by the Turks in the 16th century.
Strong fortress walls, and cannons with their muzzles looking into the sea, and endless passages inside have been preserved here. Entrance fee - 3.5 EUR. Open from September 16 to June 16 from 09:00 to 16:00; from June 17 to July 17 - 09:30–17:00; from July 18 to September 15 - 09:00–19:00. Actually, there is nothing particularly interesting inside the fortress, but from the very top there is an amazing view of the sea.
Medina (Mahdia's Old Town)
This is, of course, the heart of Mahdia. Wander through the narrow streets (they are kept clean here for tourists), check out the small souvenir shops along the road, and sit in a wonderful cafe with a large terrace.
Some houses are covered with ivy and flowers, and there is generally a passage where the roof is ivy, honeysuckle and flowers - very tennisy and a nice place. Coming out of this passage, you come to a building brightly decorated by local artists.
Skifa el Kahla
You can exit the Medina through the Black Gate, or “Skyfa El Kahla” in Arabic. They are named so not because of their color (the gate itself is sandy), but because in order to pass through it, you need to overcome a dark passage underneath.
The gate is the remains of ancient fortifications of the city, and they date back to the 10th century. In the passage below them, local souvenir sellers now set up shop.
Punic Cemetery (Old Cemetery)
At the extreme point of the cape, near the lighthouse, you can see small white slabs.
Despite its gloomy purpose, the cemetery itself rather evokes peace and tranquility.
The Old Port
If you walk along the water's edge (be careful, there is a lot of garbage and an extremely unpleasant smell), you can see what remains of the other structures of the fort, which once protected the pirates of Mahdia from attacks by the Spaniards. In the end, it was they who destroyed the coastal fort.
Be careful when taking photos there, as the coast is very steep and goes abruptly into the sea.
Beaches. Which ones are better
It was the beaches with soft, pleasant-to-the-touch white sand that impressed me in Mahdia. They stretch from the Club Thapsus hotel almost 3 kilometers to the right (on the map I highlighted the beaches of the tourist area in red, and the best, in my opinion, in green).
All beaches are public and free, very clean and quite spacious. There is no special infrastructure. But the coast in this area is soft sand, so you won’t have to trip over rocks.
In the city itself, near the road, the beaches are not very convenient. The shores there are too rocky with large boulders and a lot of algae. Mostly locals go there.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Mahdia has a couple of notable mosques: the Great Mosque and the Mosque of Mustapha Hamza. They represent two completely different architectural eras.
The first one was built back in the 10th century and, thanks to restoration carried out in the middle of the last century, is in excellent condition. You can go inside, but women need to cover their heads with a scarf.
The second mosque dates back to the mid-18th century, built during the period of Turkish rule. It is more colorful, elegant and rich in detail. You can go there, but, again, women should cover their heads with a headscarf.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
On Cairo Square, if you exit to the right from the Black Gate, there is the Mahdia museum, which displays perfectly preserved mosaics from the Punic period and the times of Roman rule, ceramics, a huge collection of gold coins of the Byzantine Empire, as well as cultural and everyday objects of local residents. Ticket price - 4.5 EUR. Opening hours: from September 16 to June 16 - 09:00–16:00; from June 17 to July 17 - 09:00–16:00; from July 18 to September 15 - 09:00–13:00 and 16:00–18:00.
The second museum is the Borj El-Kebir fortress, which I already wrote about above.
Parks
In the city there is a small park “Borj Ohmani” (Park Borj Ohmani). It is located next to the Great Mosque. There is nothing particularly noteworthy in the park, except for one interesting monument and tall palm trees with thick trunks, majestically rising to the sky.
There is also a botanical park called Cap Africa, which borders directly on the sea surface. It is located next to the fortress and includes a cemetery, the ruins of a fort and numerous cliffs plunging vertically into the sea.
Tourist streets
Basic tourist street is the embankment on January 14, 2011 (Quay 14 January 2011). This is the date of the so-called revolution in Tunisia, as a result of which the current president came to power. The embankment runs along hotels and small houses. It's nice to walk here in the evening. There are also benches where you can relax.
What to see in 1 day
If you start in the morning, you can walk along the Medina, exit through the Black Gate, go to the Mahdia Museum, plunge into ancient history there, and then have a snack at one of the fish restaurants. After visiting the Borj el-Kebir fortress, take photos against the backdrop of wonderful seascapes and the remains of a fort on the seashore.
If you wish, you can climb the hill to the lighthouse, where you can leisurely stroll among the white tombstones of the Punic cemetery. And finally, of course, buy a few souvenirs!
What to see in the area
There are towns near Mahdia that are worth visiting. For example, not Big city ok Moknin, where you can see the Sidi Bou Abana mosque, which houses a good Archaeological Museum. You can get there by car or by train. This will take about 40 minutes.
There is another one in the city, the Ethnographic Museum, where you should go to get to know the local culture better.
In the same 40 minutes you will reach Monastir. This Small town, mainly aimed at tourists. You can get there by car, bus or train.
Here it is worth visiting the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba in the center, the local ribat nearby, as well as the Habib Bourguiba Museum, located at the entrance to the city.
A 20-minute drive from Monastir is Sousse, a large city with a more Europeanized appearance. Both trains and buses go here. But the most comfortable way is to go by car.
Usually people come to Sousse to shop: in the city center there are a lot shopping centers, shops where they even speak Russian. Medina Sousa, a ribat with an Archaeological Museum, is interesting.
You can go from Mahdia to, the drive is just over an hour. - an ancient Tunisian city that was once its capital. From Mahdia you can only get there by car: there are no direct bus or train connections.
The medina of Kairouan is very large, surprisingly even clean, there are interesting houses, as well as the Three Doors Mosque and the Uqba Mosque, the third holy mosque after Mecca. The city is large and densely populated.
Nearby Islands
The closest islands to Mahdia are the Kuriat island chain, consisting mainly of stones, boulders covered with sand, and the island of Lampedusa, an Italian island that was once a base for Barbary pirates, and is now popular place among Europeans due to their marine fauna and pleasant climate.
There are few houses on Curiata, there is a small lighthouse, and that's about it. Lampedusa more large island, it is interesting for its landscapes, the opportunity to go diving or fishing.
You can get to Lampedusa from Mahdia only with transfers: first take a train or bus to Tunisia (almost 4 hours), then take a ferry to Sicily, and then take a ferry to this island. Lampedusa is part of Italy, so you will need a Schengen visa.
Food. What to try
As is typical for any seaside city, Mahdia's cuisine is based on fish and seafood. Among the dishes served in local restaurants, try couscous with fish.
There is a specific dish called ezhr - a sauce based on tomato paste with a variety of seafood. Why is it specific? They add incredible a large number of hot pepper. When I tried it, I had to eat a quarter of a baguette to come to my senses. Try ordering it mild, telling the waiter “mish hara,” that is, “mild.”
There are other fish and seafood dishes, but you need to be careful with them, as Tunisians love to add tons of pepper to their culinary creations.
For dessert, you can order traditional mint tea or tea with nuts, but you need to be careful with coffee: it is brewed very strong.
There are quite a few different cafes and restaurants in Mahdia with different price tags. On average, you can spend between 7.5–17.5 EUR per person.
Particular attention should be paid to the following fact: in Tunisia there are exclusively men's cafes (only men sit there, and the invasion of the fair half, albeit foreign, will be strange) and mixed cafes for men and women. It’s easy to identify them: men’s cafes are usually filled with young and old Tunisians who came here to take a break from their wives and children and play cards.
One more detail: not all restaurants or cafes have alcohol. Mostly alcoholic drinks are served in hotel bars.
Budget
Some good budget places include the Sidi Salem cafe. It is located next to the fortress and port, descending steps to the sea. From there it opens beautiful view on the sea. In the morning here you can drink coffee or tea with pine nuts, and in the afternoon and evening order some fish dish. The average price tag is 7.5 EUR.
Next to the El Borj Hotel in the Tourist Area you can find the restaurant "Romatica". Reasonable prices, excellent dishes and a cozy design with lighting and dim lighting, as if inviting couples to a romantic dinner. The average price tag is 7.5 EUR.
In the city center, near the Carrefour store, there is the Ali Baba restaurant. It’s good to come here with a family with children, since its main focus is pizzas, sandwiches and all similar dishes. The average price tag is also 7.5 EUR.
In the coastal area there is a good pizzeria “Nino” - this is an Italian restaurant that serves the best pizza and pasta in Mahdia. Located on the road leading to the Corniche. The average price tag is 7.5 EUR.
Mid-level
Places where you can have a good lunch, but with higher prices (10–12.5 EUR), include the Neptune restaurant, which specializes in fish dishes and seafood. Stuffed squid and grilled fish are especially delicious there. The terrace offers beautiful views of the sea.
Another restaurant worthy of attention is Dar Shat, located right on the seashore next to the El Mansour hotel. Here you can try excellent fish delicacies and various seafood.
A 15-minute drive from Mahdia, in the small town of Saida, there is a restaurant called Dar El Hout. Superbly prepared dishes, a stunning view of the sea and a pleasant atmosphere are its main advantages.
Expensive
From more expensive places with a price tag starting from 17.5 EUR, we can highlight the Le Quai restaurant. Oriented more towards local residents, it offers couscous with fish, grilled fish, and seafood dishes.
Very close to the Iberostar hotel there is a restaurant called El Asfour. A menu with many offers, good quality of service and a wonderful view of the sea - for these reasons it is worth a visit. An ideal place for families and couples.
The Lido restaurant has a good reputation, which it has maintained for 40 years. Only the freshest seafood and fish are served here, the service is beyond compare, and the atmosphere is conducive to relaxation.
Holidays
In the second half of July (after the 18th), the Maritime Festival takes place in Mahdia, during which you can take part in sports competitions, parades around the city, exhibitions and various cultural events.
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The city is transformed at this time and becomes different from itself. The festival lasts for about 12 days.
Safety. What to watch out for
Despite its small size, in Mahdia, as in other Tunisian cities, you need to be wary of pickpockets. When walking around the city, you should take care of your personal belongings and not particularly show off your expensive phone/bag/jewelry.
As for single girls, it is better to avoid walking alone altogether. As you know, Arabs react extremely violently to Slavic women, so it is better to find company in a hotel.
It is generally not recommended to have affairs with Tunisians in hotels. Those who work there are usually young people without education and a specific goal in life. The purpose of the novel for them is to extract as much money as possible from their victim.
Be sure to bargain in the souvenir shops. Sellers there like to inflate prices.
The tourist area is well guarded: upon entry there is a mandatory police checkpoint that checks all suspicious persons.
Things to do
Thanks to the rich underwater fauna and flora, you can practice diving in Mahdia. If you have no skills at all, then you can take a 5-day training course, which costs on average 175 EUR. The school Club de Plongeé Cap Africa is located near the coast, near the cemetery. There's a big billboard nearby, so you can see it right away.
For other entertainment, you can try fishing or go for a walk on the sea on ships stylized in the 16th–17th centuries.
Shopping and shops
For all of Tunisia, Mahdia is the center of silk weaving. Stoles, shawls, scarves, dresses, bags - here you can find all this, made according to ancient traditions on a wooden machine. Shops selling silk products are clustered mainly in the Medina and also under the Black Gate.
In addition, you can buy typical Tunisian souvenirs such as excellent olive oil, hookahs, coffee, olive oil soap, etc.
I wrote in more detail about typical souvenirs that can be brought from Tunisia in my review article. Specifically from Mahdia you can bring silk scarves, stoles or national dresses; it will cost from 20 EUR to 25 EUR. The price of a liter of olive oil is 3–3.5 EUR.
Taxi. What features exist
Taxis in Tunisia are traditionally yellow. By raising your hand up, you can attract the driver's attention. Many taxi drivers do not understand either English or French, but they will understand simple words like “hotel”, “airport” or “restaurant” in one of the languages. Trip price from 0.5 EUR to 2.5. You can call a taxi from the hotel, but there is not much difference when it comes to safety.
Trams
I think that local residents have never heard of this type of transport. Unless you saw it on TV.
Another important feature is that some roads in Mahdia run very close to the seashore, which is very rocky.
It's difficult for two cars to pass each other here, so be careful. Moreover, the roads are winding and not entirely smooth.
If you are planning to go to another city, keep in mind that the roads in Tunisia are toll. Traveling through them costs from 0.5 EUR to 1 EUR. You need to pay when leaving the road. Gasoline costs are as follows: from 5 EUR to 10 EUR for 150–215 kilometers.
Mahdia - holidays with children
It is better to go to Mahdia either with very young children or with children of primary or secondary school age. Teenagers and young people will find it a bit boring here.
The hotels have animators who will entertain your children, comfortable swimming pools, and Hotel Caribbean World Mahdia even has a water park, and El Mouradi Cap Mahdia offers horse riding. You can view offers for these hotels.
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 white sand beaches and pure 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 an observation deck that you are allowed to climb to. 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 the 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 the former building of the Sfar Mosque at Place du 7 novembre, Mahdia 5100, also near the Scythian 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, clothing, lamps, fragments of architectural structures, and 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
Mahdia is not as developed as Sousse and other neighboring cities. tourism infrastructure. 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.
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- 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.
Offered 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.
Mahdia is one of the most beautiful cities in Tunisia and the southernmost resort on the mainland. Many people ignore it, and completely in vain. Holidays in Mahdia has advantages that are not available in the overcrowded city with its littered municipal beaches or in the Port of El Kantaoui, built only a few decades ago, or in the noisy city full of intrusive traders and pickpockets.
Beaches of Mahdia they are pristine and in some parts you can walk tens of meters of coastline without meeting a single person, the locals are friendly and will not pester you with unnecessary attention, and if you get tired of swimming in the sea, you can always visit one of the many historical attractions of the city.
From the article you will learn
A little history
During its existence, the city changed hands many times and for some time even served as a haven for pirates. This part of its history will not go unnoticed for you: at the piers of Mahdia you will find many ships decorated as pirate ships. Children will be especially happy to ride them and meet the crew - dressed as pirates, of course!
In addition to tourism, the economy of Mahdia rests on three pillars: fishing, silk and olives. Fish is consumed so widely here that it is even added to dishes that usually include meat. At local restaurants you can order fish dishes that you are unlikely to find in other parts of Tunisia, or buy fresh fish at local markets.
There, especially in the medina (enclosed by the walls of the old part of the city), you can buy silk products, from the simplest to those woven with such skill that they can take their rightful place in a museum.
Silk here is woven almost by hand - using decades-tested foot-powered looms - and dyed, and then turned into clothes, bags, shoes and even household items; working with him is considered a man's occupation. From olives, local residents make not only food, but also a huge range of cosmetics and personal care products.
If you are planning to acquire something from the original Mahdian products, we strongly recommend that you wait until Friday. On Friday, a market opens in the city, where you can find much rarer things than on ordinary days, and in much greater variety, and even get a discount.
Remember: in Tunisia, bargaining is more than appropriate, and by doing this you can not only knock some dinars off the original price, but also earn the respect of the merchant!
Holidays in Mahdia: general information
Mahdia - not too much populous city, and there are not as many visitors here as . It is perfect for a calm, measured holiday. Actually, tourists don’t have much choice: there is practically no “nightlife” in Mahdia, unlike Sousse or even Hammamet.
But here there is wonderful spacious beaches, two diving centers and one of the best thalasso centers in Tunisia, Mahdia Palace Thalasso. Unlike the spa and thalasso centers in most hotels, (which is considered a cradle), here you can take a wellness course without even being a guest. Moreover, the staff here speaks Russian quite fluently! Another advantage is that you don’t have to choose a course from the options offered. Name the desired procedures and the price you expect, and it will be created individually to suit your needs.
Perfect fit Mahdia For holidays with children. Hotels provide a full range of relevant services: from animation designed for children to children's menus in hotels or ordering a nanny. Many hotels have separate children's pools or at least special sections in the pools, and some - for example, Nour Palace Resort & Thalasso or Caribbean World - even have full-fledged water parks.
According to reviews from city guests, the attitude of local residents of Mahdia towards visitors differs from that in other resorts in better side. Hotel service are on average more attentive and friendly, merchants are much less intrusive and usually understand the word “no” (or corresponding gestures) the first time, and when walking down the street you are much less likely to be the target of comments or uncomfortable intrusions into your personal space.
Beach holiday in Mahdia
In the eyes of vacationers, magnificent white beaches of Mahdia– one of its main advantages. They are wide, with very fine sand that is pleasant to the touch, and almost always clean - even those areas that do not belong to any hotel. From the last hotel, located on the coastline, to the neighboring village there is a three-kilometer strip of pristine beach, where you will hardly meet people.
A strip of shallow water where Children can splash freely, is also very wide, sometimes more than 100 meters. The beach infrastructure is less developed than in Sousse, Hammamet or Port El Kantaoui, but still includes everything you need. The beaches are not only equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, but also have the full range of active water activities typical of seaside resorts: boats, water skiing, parasailing.
There are few or no stones found on the beach or seabed. Sometimes a storm washes ashore seaweed, but it is quickly removed. Water in Mahdia Very transparent, so you can go diving here, either independently or with the help of an instructor at one of the diving centers.
Weather in Mahdia. When is the best time to go on vacation?
Holiday season in Mahdia about the same as in other parts of Tunisia: from late April to October inclusive. But, thanks to its southern location, there are also some peculiarities here.
Weather in Mahdia even after the onset of autumn it remains warm for a long time. The sea is also cooling slowly, which is why in November we can expect May temperatures, and water temperature in November(on average, +20-+21 ºС) even higher than in May(+18-+19 ºС). Due to the fact that it almost never gets colder than +10 ºС even at the height of winter (in December-January), and the fact that it works in Mahdia, tourists come here all year round.
The hottest days are on July and August, but even in these months the average temperature does not exceed +30-+32 ºС, which is much more comfortable than at the same time in some other Tunisian resorts (for example, Hammamet). The heat will not interfere with rest, and just in time July and August the water warms up to +27-+28 ºС, which makes it ideal for bathing children. IN June, September and October is also comfortable, since its temperature averages +22-+24 ºС, sometimes reaching +27 ºС in September and more than +25 ºС in October.
IN April-May, unfortunately, it will be too cool for most vacationers. The sea has not yet warmed up, and the average daytime air temperature is about +20 ºС.
Therefore, the optimal time to visit Mahdia- V June, September and October. But here it is worth noting that in October the level of precipitation increases sharply, and it rains even more often and more heavily this month than in November. Even though Tunisian rains rarely last more than an hour, they can interfere beach holiday or sightseeing. Since there is not much other entertainment here, this is definitely worth taking into account when planning holidays in Tunisia.
Sights of Mahdia. What should a tourist see?
In addition to excursions around Tunisia, which can be purchased in almost any resort town in the country (this includes, for example, a two-day trip to the Sahara Desert), Mahdia can offer tourists many interesting places to visit. Most of them are located right within the city, or, more precisely, within the walled medina (old quarter).
The medina is the first of these attractions. Its narrow streets are lined with dozens of shops where merchants sell homemade goods, and where you can buy just about anything, from silk scarves and painted pottery to fresh fish and olive oil-based cosmetics.
You can enter the medina through Gate of Scythian El-Kala(Black Gate) along a long (about 21 meters) dark corridor. You can not only go through them, but also climb to the top of them, where the Observation deck. From this site there is a beautiful view of the city and the sea. From here you will also be able to see other attractions of Mahdia, in particular the Borj El-Kebir fortress, the medieval tower of Borj er-Ras, two mosques, an old port and a working lighthouse.
Bordj El-Kebir Fortress is another place you can visit if you want to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding landscape. It is also of interest in itself: despite the fact that only bare walls remain, history buffs will certainly be attracted by the well-preserved bastions and many narrow passages inside the fortress.
There are two significant mosques in Mahdia, and one of them is still in operation - the so-called “ Great Mosque", built in the 10th century. It was rebuilt several times, but overall retained its original appearance.
Unfortunately, only Muslims can get inside the Grand Mosque, which cannot be said about the now non-working Sfar Mosque. It houses a silk weaving museum. Since the art of creating silk and sewing clothes from it developed relatively recently in Mahdia, you will not find ancient exhibits there. But you can look at samples of fabric and silk clothing, as well as all the tools necessary to create them.
There is another one in Mahdia Museum, Dar El-Khimma, unlike the first – archaeological. Here you can see antiquities found in the city and beyond: household items, jewelry, clothing, mosaic samples. Particularly interesting are the exhibits brought from the excavations of neighboring El-Jem.
El Jema Amphitheater- another attraction that you must see upon arrival in Mahdia. It is located some distance from the city, but regular excursions are organized here. The amphitheater was built similar to the Colosseum in Rome and is almost as large in size, being one of the largest and best preserved Roman buildings in the world.
Also, if you decide to leave Mahdia, you can visit the nearby cave city Matmata. All dwellings and even the interior furnishings of the premises in this city are dug into solid ground, and the houses are often multi-story, and local residents move from floor to floor using rope ladders. The city is still inhabited, but most of the houses are not private property and are open to tourists.
Mahdia hotels. Reviews from vacationers
There are not many hotels in Mahdia, but from those that exist, you can choose to suit every taste and budget. Since Mahdia positions itself as a resort for family vacation, almost every hotel in Mahdia offers a full range of services for families with children. Many hotels are located right on the coastline, so you can count on a well-kept private beach.
Below we provide a list of several of the most popular hotels in Mahdia according to reviews and ratings from tourists.
- Vincci El Mansour 4*- one of the most modern and popular hotels in Mahdia, decorated in Arab-Andalusian style. It offers a huge variety active entertainment and entertainment programs for children and adults. There is also a wellness center, and there are also many small shops, bars and restaurants on site.
An all-inclusive tour to the Vincci El Mansour hotel for two for two weeks in July will cost 100 thousand rubles from Anex, and from Pegasus a tour to this hotel costs 111 thousand rubles. This price includes flights, hotel and meals.
- Caribbean World Mahdia 4* (Caribbean World) gained popularity primarily due to its own water park with several high slides of different shapes. But there is plenty to do here besides them, since the hotel provides a wide range of opportunities for sports games and other entertainment. The hotel's food system is all-inclusive, and even alcoholic drinks are included.
An all-inclusive tour to the Caribbean World Mahdia hotel for two for two weeks in July will cost 120 thousand rubles from Anex. This price includes flights, hotel and meals.
- Mahdia Palace Thalasso 5*- Not only largest center thalassotherapy and spa in Mahdia, but also one of the best in all of Tunisia. Despite the fact that you can live in it as in a regular hotel, most vacationers move here for the sake of thalasso health and beauty treatments. The equipment here is the most modern, and the specialists are qualified, and they also communicate in Russian. They will help you choose an individual thalassotherapy course that is right for you. →
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, only a fishing village remained from the former greatness of Mahdia Old city, which has preserved traces of the presence 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 fort of Borj el-Kabir of the 16th century, Great Mosque, Mustafa Hamza Mosque, 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. It's fabulous eastern city, where time and space seem to stand still, 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.
