Gabes is a city on the southeast coast of Tunisia, in Africa, and it is often called the Gateway to the Sahara. It sits where the Mediterranean meets the desert, which gives it a character that few other places on the coast share.
A coast meeting the desert
The city's most distinctive feature is its oasis. Here, lush palm groves reach right down to the sea, so that green fronds and the Mediterranean share the same stretch of shore. This seaside oasis is what draws many visitors, and it is a natural sight that is unusual in the region.
An industrial port
Gabes is also a working port with an industrial side. Visitors should expect a city shaped by commerce and production rather than a purely resort town. This mix is part of what makes it interesting: the calm of the palms sits alongside the activity of the harbour.
What a visit offers
- A close look at a palm oasis that runs down to the coast
- A base for exploring the desert edge of southern Tunisia
- A chance to see a port city that is not built around tourism
Gabes suits travellers who enjoy contrasts: sea and sand, green and dry, working city and quiet grove. Those seeking a polished beach resort may find it more modest, but those curious about how the coast and the Sahara meet will find the visit worth making.