Sfax: A Fascinating Blend of Modern and Ancient
The bustling Sfax is Tunisia’s second largest (and most populous) city and one of the top places in the country to sightsee and experience contemporary Tunisian life. It is located 170 miles southeast of the capital Tunis. The city was established in 849 AD on the ruins of Roman Taparura. Today, Sfax is a wonderful place for discovering how the modern and the ancient seamlessly integrate.
Best Time to Visit
Springtime is the most ideal season to visit Sfax particularly from April to June. September and October are also good months since the heat of the summer starts to dissipate and its harvest time for dates. Sfax gets abuzz with tourist surge also within these months. July and August may be considered shoulder season but it’s when the International Festival of Sfax takes place and features music, dance and theatre performances almost daily. Things loosen up in November which is the least expensive month for traveling as well as Sfax, Tunisia hotel rates.
What to Do & Area Attractions
At the heart of the city stands Sfax Archaeological Museum, a good place to start your trip to learn about Tunisia's history. Worth a visit is The Sfax Kasbah, which you can explore in about an hour and with great views from the top. Have a side trip to Stade Taieb M'hiri, a multi-purpose stadium for football matches. The upscale Movenpick Hotel Sfax is walking distance to some of these attractions while ibis Sfax sits on a bustling street. The 5-star Les Oliviers Palace is a 14-minute walk from the busy Medina quarter.