Sfax is a port city on the eastern coast of Tunisia, the administrative center of the Sfax Governorate, on the Gulf of Little Sirte, 270 km southeast of Tunis. In 2014, it had a population of approximately 273,000 (2013). It is the country’s second-largest city. The city boasts a strong chemical, food, textile, metal, footwear, and craft industries.
Sfax, located on the coast, is Tunisia’s second-largest city, its main port, and its most important industrial center. The Roman settlement of Taphura was once located here. Medina Walls – The residents of Sfax are very proud of the walls, which form a stone ring around the medina and stretch for 2 km. They were built in the 9th century by the Aghlabids. Rue de la Grande Mosque – One of the main streets of the medina begins at the Great Mosque and runs directly south towards the medina walls. The Great Mosque was built in 859, modeled on the mosque in Kairouan. It is located in the center of the medina at the intersection of two main roads. It took its current form in the 18th century. The minaret, of great historical and artistic value, has three floors richly decorated with Kufic script and floral motifs. Rue Borj Ennar – This narrow street runs along the southern section of the walls. It’s a typical medina street, lined with workshops and shops. There are also small mosques. A stroll along Rue Borj Ennar, while perhaps not aesthetically pleasing, will give you a glimpse into the real life of the medina’s inhabitants. Burj an-Nar, or “tower of fire,” gets its name from the light signals it emits. Built at the same time as the city walls, it was one of the main defensive towers of old Sfax. From the top, there are magnificent views of the medina and the French part of the city. It houses the Medina Preservation Center, which, in addition to information about the history of the area, also offers good maps of the old city. Place de la Republique – This part of the city dates back to the French protectorate. It was then that the administrative center and port were built outside the medina walls. Several interesting buildings in various historical styles, as beautiful as those in Tunis, have survived from this period. A monument to Habib Bourguiba stands in the square. The Kasbah occupies the southwest section of the walls. Built in the 9th century, it served as the seat of government for years. Gradually expanded, it attained the dimensions of a large fortress. Today, it houses a small but interesting museum showcasing examples of traditional Tunisian architecture. Festivals are held here in July and August. Adjacent to it, a modest art gallery with temporary exhibitions is housed in several small rooms. Medina and Souks – The medina of Sfax is one of the most pleasant and best-preserved in all of Tunisia. Its shape resembles an ellipse measuring 400×500 meters. You can stroll its dark streets, pausing for a moment in the shops that resemble sesame seeds filled with treasures. The old town is divided into bazaars (souks) – those selling perfumes, spices, textiles, handbags, gold, and rugs. A visit to the Suleiman Hammam located here will give you a better understanding of the ritual of the Tunisian hammam. Note the beautiful lanterns and window grilles. Hedi Chaker Avenue is one of Sfax’s most prestigious streets. It leads from the square in front of the town hall to Bab ad-Diwan – the main gateway to the medina. Here you’ll find a theater, travel agencies, pharmacies, restaurants, music shops, and banks. The town hall was built in the early 20th century in a neo-Moorish style, with a tall, minaret-like clock tower at the corner and a dome over the main hall. Today, the ground floor houses a modest Archaeological Museum, housing exhibits from the Punic, Byzantine, and Roman periods. Aqvenue Habib Bourguiba – one of the main streets in the new part of the city. Here you’ll find good restaurants and hotels, pharmacies, nightclubs, banks, travel agencies, and a post office. Modern architecture blends with stylish townhouses reminiscent of Parisian homes. The Dar Jallouli Museum of Arts and Traditions is located in the Humat ar-Rigga district. It’s housed in the interior of a former, wealthy home. Small details, like a bucket filled with water, are designed to give the impression that the owners still live there. On the ground floor, furniture, objects, and kitchenware are displayed. Here, you can also learn the recipe for the hot Tunisian spice harissa and learn about the art of making essential oils for perfume. On the first floor, you’ll find collections of costumes, clothing, and jewelry.
When to visit this city? Because Sfax is located on the coast, it offers a typical Mediterranean climate. What does this mean in practice? You can easily visit even in the height of the Tunisian summer. It will be hot, but thanks to the proximity of the sea, the perceived temperature shouldn’t hinder you while sightseeing or exploring the surrounding area.
Borj Dhiafa is a 5-star hotel located in Sfax and offers a bar. Guests can enjoy a restaurant, a shared lounge, an indoor pool, and a sauna. Room service and a business center are available. Currency exchange is available. Free WiFi is available. Some rooms also feature a balcony. A buffet breakfast is served. The area is popular for fishing and cycling. Car rental is available at the property. Staff at the 24-hour front desk speak Arabic, German, English, and French and are always happy to assist. Sfax International Airport is 1.2 mi away.
Located in Sfax, Résidence Kyranis appartement Gyptis offers a garden, free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a shared lounge. The apartment offers free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. The apartment features a terrace, 1 bedroom, a living room with a flat-screen TV, a kitchen with standard equipment such as a refrigerator and an oven, and a bathroom with a shower. Guests can enjoy sea views. Towels and bed linen are provided. An à la carte or continental breakfast is available. Résidence Kyranis appartement Gyptis also includes a playground. Sfax Airport is 15 km away.
Located in Sfax, the 4-star HOTEL PALAIS ROYAL offers a bar. Facilities include a restaurant, room service, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning, a desk, and a flat-screen TV. Some units also feature a balcony. All rooms have a minibar. Sfax Airport is 8 km from the property.
