Djerba (Tunisia)
Djerba is an island in the Mediterranean with an area of 500 km2. It is the southernmost resort in Tunisia. Djerba can be reached by ferry, which takes 10 minutes, or by plane from Tunisia.
The coastline of the island, which is mainly a strip of white clean beaches, stretches for 130 km. Djerba is all covered with greenery, because it has many springs. Here you can often meet flocks of pink flamingos, which are not at all afraid of people.
The capital of the island is Houmt Souk, which translates as “big bazaar”. The main attraction of the city is the fort Borj el-Kebir, the first fortified structure of which was built in 1284. On the outskirts of the city, in the mausoleum of Sidi Zitouni, there is the Museum of Local Lore. Here you can see a collection of traditional island clothing, jewelry, ceramics and wood carvings. One of the main elements of the architectural landscape of the island are menzels – massive square-shaped residential buildings with whitewashed domes. They look like small fortresses. Inside is a small courtyard surrounded by rooms in the form of an alcove.
Three mosques are located in the labyrinths of the old city: Jamaa el-Gorba (for followers of malekism), Eh Sheikh (the main mosque of the Ibadis) and Jamaa Etruk (Turkish mosque).
In the village of Riyadh there is a synagogue of the Mushroom (Ghriba), built in the VI century. BC e. Most historians recognize it as the oldest synagogue in the world.
In the restaurants of Houmt Souk, you can taste the most delicious fish in Tunisia with local wine or date liqueur. From the island you can make any excursions to the mainland of Tunisia.
Sousse (Tunisia)
According to SOFTWARELEVERAGE, Sousse is the third largest city in Tunisia. It is located 140 km south of the city of Tunisia on the east coast of the country in the Gulf of Hammamet. It was built in the 9th century BC. Phoenicians as a port. Today, Sousse is a popular beach resort surrounded by olive tree gardens, which also has many architectural sights.
The Old City (Medina) of Sousse was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Medina is surrounded by a powerful 2-kilometer defensive wall, which was built in 859. Its massive blocks are an excellent example of Roman defensive structures. To this day, two gates have been preserved in the wall. Opposite the entrance to Medina stands the Great Mosque. It is the only mosque in Tunisia without a minaret. Even from a distance, two of its towers are visible, which you can climb and view the Old Town from a height. The architectural complex of the mosque consists of a courtyard with galleries and a prayer room decorated with Roman columns.
Next to the Great Mosque is the oldest building in the Medina – the monastery-fortress Ribat. It was built at the beginning of the 9th century AD. The inner courtyard of the fortress is paved with white stone. Christian catacombs were discovered in the western part of the Old City at the end of the 19th century.2-4 centuries AD There are about 25,000 graves here. Near the catacombs, a large market opens every Sunday, selling all kinds of souvenirs and even camels.
Southwest of the Medina, the Kasbah fortification is interesting (a protective clay fortification that served as a shelter during the war). It was built in 859. Its 30-meter observation tower is the oldest in North Africa. Be sure to head to the HistoricalMuseum of Sousse. This is a unique museum where the history of the region from the 3rd to 4th centuries AD. depicted in picturesque mosaics. Excursions are organized from Sousse to the Roman ruins in the city of Dougga, to the Friguia park (the first wildlife park in the country), as well as a desert safari, during which you will visit the cities of El Jem with the remains of a Roman amphitheater and Cairowan with the oldest mosque in North Africa.
Sousse is a popular beach resort in Tunisia. It is interesting because the hotels are located in close proximity to the Medina, that is, tourists can combine a beach holiday with an excursion program without much loss of time. From Sousse to the north to Port El-Kantui, the resort area Boujaffar stretches for 10 km. There are white sand beaches, most of which are municipal. Sousse famous for its vibrant nightlife, discos and casinos. Port El Kantaoui was specially built in 1977 to receive tourists who want to relax on the sea. Here they created a harbor for yachts, opened a golf course, an Aquapark, an Amusement Park and a Zoo.
The beaches of the northern part of the city are even more attractive than in the resort area of Boujaffar. They are mostly private. Along the beaches are pirate ships and glass-bottomed submarines that offer tours of the Gulf of Hammamet. A small tourist train and buses run between Port El Kantu and Sousse. 24 km south of Sousse is the city of Monastir with the resort area Skanes.
In Port El Kantaoui there is an International Dive Center. Experienced instructors work here. In addition, in the center, and in almost any local hotel, you can rent diving equipment. The main dive sites of this region are located north of the resort area near the town of Hergla. Shrimps, crabs, red mullet and hake live in coastal waters.
