Mahdia was fouded in 916 by the Calife Obaïd Allah El Mapital city, leader of the Fatmide muslims community, who made of it his capital.

It is located on a peninsula at 250 kilometers south of Tunis and on the south east of Sousse.

It represents the first fishing port of the country, and this destination attracts more and more tourists. The historical site of Mahdia is located on the peninsula, but the city expanded to involve the cities of Hiboun, Zouila and Borj Erras.