What to see in Mahdia

3 places worth the drive in Mahdia, with the time to allow and the best period for each. Every place has its own page: history, customs, food and directions.

1. 1.El Jem Amphitheatre

   A colosseum rising from the olive groves

   Built around 238 AD for 35,000 spectators, Thysdrus's amphitheatre is one of the best-preserved in the world. You can climb the tiers and walk the tunnels where animals waited.

   Time : 2–3 hours · Best : Mar to May, Jul to Aug, Oct to Nov

2. 2.Mahdia

   White sand on a Fatimid peninsula

   A quiet peninsula town with fine white beaches, a fishing port, a seaside cemetery and the Skifa el Kahla gate. Famous for silk weaving and wedding dresses.

   Time : 1–2 days · Best : May to Sep

3. 3.Salakta

   A Roman port on a quiet beach

   South of Mahdia, the fishing village of Salakta stands on the remains of Sullecthum, a Roman port. A small museum, catacombs and ruins along the shore sit next to a long sandy beach.

   Time : 2 hours · Best : Mar to Oct