Sousse unites what others separate: a UNESCO medina whose walls touch the beach (its ribat among Islam's oldest), resorts stretching to elegant El Kantaoui marina. Day trips crown it: Kairouan's Great Mosque, El Jem's colossal amphitheatre, Monastir — each an hour. Base a week at Kantaoui; September is the sweetest month: warm sea, departing crowds, falling prices.