Decorated boats
The oasis is based upon sources, 150 spread around the place, giving 650 litres of water each second. The agricultural produce here is not of the highest quality, as the dates can't be used for export, and other kinds of crop is cultivated in-between the dates.
Around the sea oasis
Children
The sea oasis of Gabes is both a gift from above, and under constant threat from nature. The richness and the fertile conditions are under constant challenge by the damp sea air. While agriculture goes on as always, not leaving an inch unused, but many of the more than 300,000 date palms are in increasingly poor condition.
Palms
Fruit tree
In the from the proper sea oasis, lying between the market centre and the port, many other oasis communities lies. Chenini (not the same as the village near Tataouine) and El Aouadid are the most noteworthy. The latter even offers a crocodile farm, open for visitors. The extra-wide panorama picture shows an area in the this region.
Market of baskets
Market
Baskets are a local product of Gabes, clearly reflected in the many variations for sale in the market area in the modern town. Few of them are designed for tourist purposes - Gabes doesn't see the large numbers of foreign visitors - which make them more of a true souvenir. And you might even well use your basket for carrying other souvenirs through the rest of your trip. Gabes is also well known for its henna, the colour paste used by mainly women to create temporary tatoos. In ancient times, silk was made here, making the city's name then, Tacape, famous.
Stall
Crowded fishing port
Fishing port
The fishing port is best visited early in the day, when the boats come in and the catch is brought ashore. Later, the tempo goes down, and mending the fishing nets become the main activity.
Fishing boat
Practicalities
Courtyard of the simple but nice Hotel Regina
Hotels and Alternatives
There is a good selection of cheap hotels in town, even if many places mentioned in guide books have closed down. Value for money is very good, and some places have a charming old-colonial style and class. There are only 2 up-market options, and value for money here is only limited.
Restaurants and Alternatives
There are not as many restaurants in town as one could hope for, but still more than enough to cover your needs for a couple of days. There is a selection of cheap eateries along the Avenue de la République.
For those with more money to spare, Gabes has also a handful of classier places. like Restaurant el Mazar and Oasis (in the 3 star hotel of the same name).
Nightlife
Nothing, except the facilities found in the 2 better hotels.
Change Money
No problems. Banks, ATMs and exchange service in the receptions in the better hotels. Many shopkeepers will accept to be paid by VISA or MasterCard, provided that you buy above 10-15 dinars.
Transport
It is almost impossible to travel between the south and north of Tunisia, without passing through Gabes. This is reflected in the quality of transportation services.
The train will comfortably bring you north (Gabes is the end station) to destinations like Sfax, El Jem, Sousse and Tunis. Getting to Tunis will take about 7 hr. In Mahres (2 hr north) you can change lines for Gafsa and Metlaoui, but this service is slow compared to buses and shared taxis. There is a wide selection of bus connection and shared taxis covering every possible destination. These are normally faster than the train and have more departures per day. But they are a bit more expensive and far more crowded. If however, you're going south of Gabes, you have no choice but using bus or shared taxi. And if you're going to destinations beyond the train lines, you're better off with a direct connection with bus or shared taxi. Remember that if you're going to Matmata, you're advised to take the bus, as few shared taxis do this stretch. Otherwise, you can freely choose between buses and shared taxis according to your liking. As always, shared taxis are faster, slightly more expensive, but do not allow as much luggage as the bus.
