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Medina of Mahdia & Skifa Kahla
The fortified medina opens onto the sea through Skifa Kahla, a monumental 10th-century Fatimid gateway.
Mahdia Governorate
Coastal medina, Skifa Kahla gateway and 35 km of beaches
415K pop.2 951 km²205 km from TunisNearest airport: Monastir Habib Bourguiba (45 km)
On Tunisia's eastern coast, Mahdia blends a fortified medina, an active fishing port and long white-sand beaches. The Fatimid capital of the 10th century has kept a quiet, low-key atmosphere — a refreshing change from the bigger resort towns. People come for the iconic Skifa Kahla gate, chapati sandwiches, water sports and the imposing Roman amphitheatre of El Jem nearby.
What It's Known For
The signatures that make Mahdia unmistakable
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Mahdia chapati
A soft round flatbread stuffed with tuna, egg and harissa — the city's signature street food, best tasted at Chapati Mounira.
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El Jem Amphitheatre
One of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the world, a UNESCO site, 60 km south of Mahdia city.
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35 km of coastline
Fine-sand beaches, turquoise waters and well-known spots for kitesurfing, diving and paddleboarding.
Must-See Landmarks
Explore the treasures that make Mahdia unforgettable
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Skifa Kahla Gate
Fortified Fatimid gate, monumental land-side entrance to the medina.
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Borj Erras
Ottoman fort at the tip of the cape, with panoramic views over the sea and the medina.
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Mahdia Fishing Port
One of Tunisia's busiest fishing ports — daily fish market and colourful boats returning at sunrise.
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Traditional Medina
Whitewashed alleys, silk-weaving workshops and the central Place du Caire at the historical heart.
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El Jem Amphitheatre
Massive 3rd-century Roman amphitheatre, UNESCO-listed, that could seat 35,000 spectators.
Daily 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (summer until 7:00 PM)12 TND
Local flavors
Local Specialties
Traditional dishes you must try
01Local flavors
Mahdia chapati
Soft round flatbread stuffed with tuna, egg, harissa and cheese — the city's signature sandwich.
02Local flavors
Fish couscous
Semolina couscous steamed over red-fish broth with vegetables and harissa — the quintessential Sunday dish.
03Local flavors
Grilled fish
Sea bass, sea bream or red mullet caught the same day, wood-grilled and served with lemon and tastira.
Where to eat
Recommended Restaurants
From fine dining to local favorites
€€
Top recommended
L'Antika Restaurant
Charming spot inside the medina, refined Tunisian cuisine in a restored old house.
Must-try:Fish couscous
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Editor's pick
Restaurant L'Espadon
Harbour view and seafront terrace, focused on fresh fish and seafood.
Must-try:Seafood platter
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Editor's pick
Chapati Mounira
Local institution for the stuffed chapati — expect a queue at lunchtime.
Must-try:Tuna-egg-harissa chapati
€€
Local favorite
Lamparo Café Resto
Modern seafront café-restaurant, Mediterranean and Tunisian fare with a contemporary twist.
Must-try:Seafood pasta
Getting Around
How to reach the governorate and move around once there
Reaching the governorate
From Tunis
Bus
3 h · 25 – 30 TNDSNTRI buses from Tunis South coach station (Bab Alioua).
Car
2 h 30A1 motorway then P1; roughly 2h30 driving.
Once you're there