Sfax, Tunisia

Capital City

With a population of 265,131, Sfax is Tunisia's second-largest city, but its charms come with some harsh realities. The economy is propped up by industries like olive processing and fishing, yet the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. And while the climate is generally mild, the city's sheltered location means it receives far less rainfall than the capital Tunis. Those seeking an authentic Tunisian experience may find Sfax's gritty, industrial character quite appealing, but the city is unlikely to wow visitors seeking a picturesque Mediterranean idyll.