Holidays in Mahdia: Along the Tunisian coastline, southeast of Sousse, is the picturesque fishing village of Mahdia, most known for its fishing and weaving industries, but also a wonderful and restful place in which to plan your next cheap holiday in Tunisia.

Mahdia, the capital of Tunisia since 921, has had an auspicious history involving changing hands several times over the centuries. Numerous attacks by the nomads, overtaken by the Genoese navies and the Sicilian armies, Mahdia, finally liberated by the Berbers, became a headquarters for the pirates of Dargouth, as well as central to battles with Spanish and Maltese knights. However, Mahdia has overcome these trials and is now a thriving community of fishermen and silk weavers, all awaiting your arrival for a restful, memorable and cheap holiday. Surrounded by a 10-meter thick wall, Mahdia was once the most protected village in Tunisia. Once the only entrance to Mahdia, the Skifa-el-Kahla, or the Black Passage, still stands as a proud reminder of the history of the city, though it had to be rebuilt after the Spanish destroyed it in 1554. The most exciting place to visit in Mahdia would be the Central Mosque, built during the 10th Century. However, time has taken its toll on the Mosque, as well as Spanish attacks, and it has had to be rebuilt more than once, undergoing a complete restoration in the 1990’s.

Being the charming town it is, Mahdia’s doors are ornately carved and painted, probably more than you will see in other parts of Tunisia. The door to a Tunisian home is the single most important portal the country’s people will pass through. Great care is taken in planning a door to a Tunisian home. As you stroll the narrow, cobble stoned streets of Mahdia, enjoy the decorative nature of the village and relish the sense of stepping back in time. Take the time to visit the open-air fresh fish market, a beehive of activity every day of the week, particularly on Fridays. Sold daily are octopi taken directly from the sea that abuts the town. In the town are many more historical buildings to drop in on such as the Borj el-Kebir, a fortress built in the 16th Century. Also in Mahdia is the Fatimid Port, once the only way in and out of Mahdia via sailing vessel. While there, stop at the Sailors’ Cemetery, offering each of its residents a view of the sea, and the Cap d’Afrique, the location of a large lighthouse and remains of some Fatimid fortifications.

When seeking accommodations, perhaps a stay at the hotel Thalassa Mahdia, with its white sandy beaches, balconies and terraces with sea and garden views and a five star staff awaiting caring for your every whim? With 233 guest rooms, each tastefully decorated to reflect the country’s norms, the Hotel Thalassa has a 1300 meter pool area, a private beach complete with palm frond umbrellas, a fitness center and a thalassotherapy spa, ready to remove the stresses that come with daily living. Also available for guests are four buffet style restaurants from which to choose and in the evenings, the hotel has a full line of night time entertainment, including a cabaret, theme parties or live music in the nightclub.

With its beautiful scenery, bustling town center all but inviting you to explore, and the welcoming attitude of the townspeople, when planning a cheap holiday in Tunisia, think of Mahdia, since it offers a vacation that’s sure to restore your mind, body and spirit in so many ways.

Alternative departures:
Tunisia holidays from London
Tunisia holidays from Midlands
Tunisia holidays from Newcastle
Tunisia holidays from Manchester
Tunisia holidays from Belfast
Tunisia holidays from Scotland
Tunisia holidays from Bristol and Cardiff