Mahdia: Tourist Information

General Information about Mahdia

Mahdia is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, 210 km south of Tunis and 45 km from Monastir – the arrival point for the resort. Mahdia is a developing resort and is suitable for calm and measured family vacations and vacations with children. The city occupies not only the peninsula itself but also a significant area inland. Its population is about 50 thousand inhabitants. It is visited by relatively few tourists each year.

The city arose on the site of the ancient city of Ruspina, although its exact location is sometimes identified with the city of Monastir. It was founded in the 8th century by Phoenician colonists who arrived on the shores of Tunisia and later became part of the Carthaginian Empire. Thanks to its favorable location, the city developed very quickly and became a major trading port. After the fall of Carthage, the city was ruled by the Roman Empire (in the 2nd century BC). In 916 AD, Mahdia was restored by one of the Fatimids – Caliph Ubayd Allah, who proclaimed himself the "Savior," which translates as "Mahdi," hence the name of the city. Mahdia became the capital of Tunisia and remained so until the 13th century. Ubayd Allah's achievement was the construction of powerful defensive walls 10 meters wide, which became the city's main protective structure. Later, they were repeatedly attacked by Sicilians (11th century), Arabs (12th century), Normans (12th century), the French (14th century), and the Spanish (16th century). During the French protectorate in the 19th-20th centuries, the city gained the status of a major trading city.

All the main sights are located in the Medina area and near it. These are the main gates of the old city – Skifa el Kahla, the Archaeological Museum located next to them. The Great Mosque and the Fortress, which are found in every Tunisian city. It will be interesting to stroll along the old port and Cape Africa, passing by the extensive marine cemetery. From the city, you can also take small trips to the surrounding areas and nearby towns.

There are almost no nightlife entertainment venues here. However, Mahdia is famous for its best beaches and white sand combined with clear turquoise sea and gentle sun. In general, it is more suitable for beach holidays. Besides, during the day you can stroll along the promenade, go snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, or play golf.

The city is known as one of the major trading ports, so you can always taste various dishes made from freshly caught fish here.

Weather, Seasons in Mahdia

The climate in Mahdia is very mild and comfortable throughout the year. The average air temperature from May to September is 25-30°C, at night it can drop by 5-7°C, water temperature is 23°C. In the cooler season – October, November, and April – the air warms up to 18-20°C, water to 15°C. The coldest months are December, January, and February, with air temperatures up to 15°C and water temperatures down to 12°C, precipitation is possible.

It is best to go to Mahdia in summer, late spring, or early autumn. However, a trip in winter (the period from November to March) may bring little pleasure, as although you can sunbathe, you will have to forget about comfortable swimming and heat.

Mahdia Hotels, Where to Stay

There are not many hotels in Mahdia, only about 30, so during the tourist season it is worth taking care of booking a hotel in advance. They are located along the coast to the northwest of the Medina. There is a star rating for every request and budget. Most hotels are located along the coast and have their own territory with magnificent gardens, swimming pools, bars, restaurants, playgrounds, beach access, and other amenities. As a rule, there is not much to do outside the hotel walls. Also, in the city, there are a couple of inexpensive hotels and even studio rooms for rent for $30-40. Five-star hotels usually have their own thalassotherapy centers, for example: Golden Tulip Mahdia Palace, Iberostar Royal El Mansour, Mahdia Palace Thalasso, Vincci Nour Palace. Meals are mainly offered on an "all-inclusive" basis.

You can find and book a hotel in Mahdia using the search form below. The search is conducted in the popular Southeast Asian search engine Agoda.com, Russian language and Russian-language support are available: