Mahdia Things to Do

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Surrounding the Borj el Kebir, Mahdia's cemetery would certainly be a stunning place to decompose. In summer, it may seem a bit hot and dusty, but in springtime the white gravestones contrast with lush green grass and bright yellow dandelions, with an azure sea as a backdrop. Judging by the empty drinks cans and the sheep droppings, it is a favourite location for both picnics and grazing.

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Follow any of the streets towards the end of the promontary, and you can't really miss Borj el Kebir. It is the large castle-type thing that looms over everything. Inside is a museum of sorts, although it is not the the most interesting exhibition in the world. In fact, you'll struggle to find a single exhibit, although a few do languish in some of the darker rooms. No...what you are really paying for is the view from the roof. On one side, you have the cemetery and lighthouse, in springtime covered in bright yellow dandelions...on the other side, fantastic views over the old town. Early morning would be a good time to come, assuming the guardien opens the door early enough...evening light is also great for photography, but unfortunately he decides to close up early, well before sunset...perhaps due to all the local couples and the many dark secluded hiding places inside....

From what I remember, it costs a couple of TD to enter, plus an extra dinar for photography.

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i'm sure many a package tourist has stayed in Mahdia and not ventured out of the zone touristique by the beach. But to spend all your time by the beach is a real shame, as you'll miss out on Mahdia's old town, one of the most atmospheric of Tunisia's coastal cities. The old part is stuck out on a narrow promontary at the end of the beach, full of narrow alleyways and shady squares. It isn't that big, so no danger of getting lost, but it really is worth speeding through the touristy Skifa el Kahla (the entrance to the old town where all the souvenir shops and their pushy touts lurk) to reach Place du Caire with its outdoor cafes and the quiet and narrow streets beyond. There are not that many sights to hunt out, just wander round aimlessly, and sooner or later you'll find yourself by the sea again.

If you visit on a Friday, the medina will be teeming with people...it is market day, and stalls stretch all along the main road from the fishing port to the Great Mosque...but get there early, as most stalls start to pack up early afternoon.

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Traditionally, in Tunisia, fishes can be carved over the entrance of a house in order to give wealth to those living in the house. They are more or less easy to identify as they have been sometimes covered by paint or even coat but if you look carefully, you will see a good many. More often, there is only one. I wonder if the presence of two fishes means here increased wealth !

This second ship-owner's house has almost the same look. The design if the wall tiles is different from one house to an other and some have a superb design. Sorry, I have not taken any close-up.

This house has also another feature typical of Tunisia, the delicately carved cast iron windows at the windows of the second level. You can also find in the souks birds cages made in the same way.

Along Ferhat Ached Boulevard stand the houses of wealthy ship-owners. They have a typical architecture that allows to identify them at first glance. They have a twin-arched porch decorated with brightly colored wall tiles.

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Riding camels, mouth to mouth feeding camels with the piece of cactae, in the oasis you get to taste bedouin's bread and a special drink - tasted like a really strong tea.... learn how to dance their dance....

Tip - take longer shorts, the pad on the camel can scratch - it's stuffed with hay and also the camel behind you can slobber on you leg, since the camels are very close to each other...

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Nice half day trip on the boat along the seaside with an interesting program - you get a chance to ride the boat dressed as a pirate.... you have a chance to try the famous scene from Titanic... taste the pirate's cuisine - grilled fish.... you can jump from the boat and swim while the pirate's prepare the meal for you.... careful you can see jelly fish....