Making the most of Gabes
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The distinctly industrial harbour is within walking distance of town.
Bring a printable map with you.
Gabes has the unusual distinction of being the world's only seaside oasis. Although the city itself is unremarkable, exploring both parts of the oasis, one between town and sea and another between town and desert, is absorbing.
Visit the fishing harbour early, when boats return and their catches come ashore. Activity slows later in the day, when repairing nets becomes the principal task.
Gabes' leading landmark is the Mosque and tomb of Sidi Boulbaba, barber to the Prophet Mohammed. Its attractive courtyard displays fine tiles, intricate patterns and inscriptions.
Beside Sidi Boulbaba Mosque, the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions exhibits artefacts illustrating the history of Gabes.
Several attractive sandy beaches around Gabes provide places to unwind, with Lemawa or Lemaya beach the most popular.
Getting around
A horse-drawn carriage offers a distinctive tour through the oasis.
Chenini du Gabès, the most frequently visited oasis village, lies 4km/2.5mi west of Gabès and is noted for fine basketwork. From Gabès, follow the Sfax road, turn left immediately before the bridge across Oued Gabès and continue according to the signs.
Tour operators compete to attract cruise passengers with rich and varied programmes visiting a series of local attractions. Stops include Chenini, home to the world's largest maritime oasis; Djara market, renowned for "Henne"; a handicraft shop; and Sidi Boulbaba's Museum of customs and popular traditions.
The Regional Tourism Office also arranges trips to Matmata, known for well-preserved troglodytes and Berber heritage, and El Hamma, which is famous for thermal waters.
Nearby places
Nearby choices include Matmata and Djerba, whose capital Houmt Souk lies 108 km east of Gabes.
Food and shopping
Baskets are a Gabes speciality, evident in the many forms sold at the modern town's market. Because relatively few are designed for tourists, reflecting Gabes' limited foreign visitor numbers, they make an authentic souvenir and can carry further purchases during the rest of a trip.
Gabes is also known for henna, the coloured paste mainly used by women for temporary tattoos. Mixed with water for body decoration, it is also part of Tunisian wedding tradition, when a girl receives henna designs particularly on her hands and feet before marriage. The paste is used to colour hair as well.
Money
The Tunisian dinar is the local currency.
Staying connected
Arabic and French are spoken.
Opening Hours and
Most shops close on Friday afternoons.