Gabès, a port city in south-eastern Tunisia (155,000 inhabitants), is home to a unique phenomenon in the world: a maritime oasis of 1.8 million palm trees extending right to the sea.
Gabès, a port city in south-eastern Tunisia (155,000 inhabitants), is home to a unique phenomenon in the world: a maritime oasis of 1.8 million palm trees extending right to the sea. The Chenini-Gabès palm grove and its terraced cultivation system (palm trees, fruit trees, vegetables) are recognised by UNESCO as an agrarian system of world importance. The traditional spice market and colonial architecture add to the charm.
Ancient Tacapae (Gabès) was a Phoenician trading post and then an important Roman port on the route from Tripoli to Carthage. The maritime palm grove already existed in antiquity. In the 7th century, the Arab conquest preserved the oasis system. The Aghlabids and later the Hafsids developed the city as a trading port.
Under Ottoman rule, Gabès remained a modest city. The French protectorate (1881–1956) turned it into an industrial port (phosphates, cement). During the Second World War, Gabès was on the Mareth Line (1943) defended by Rommel's Germans: fierce fighting ensued. After independence, industrialisation intensified (chemicals, petrochemicals), putting the palm grove at risk. In 2018, UNESCO designated the Chenini-Gabès agrarian system as a 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System'.
5 must-see sites selected by our local team.
1.8 million palm trees extending to the sea. Terraced cultivation system (palm trees, fruit trees, vegetables). UNESCO 2018.
Ancient Berber village in the heart of the palm grove. Partially troglodytic architecture, natural springs.
Traditional souk of henna, spices and medicinal plants. Most authentic in the south.
Sanctuary of a Companion of the Prophet, a local pilgrimage site.
Beaches north of the city. Industrial pollution to the south, avoid.
A journey through the ages that shaped Gabès.
An ingenious system of tiered agriculture combining palm trees (upper tier), fruit trees (middle tier) and market gardens (lower tier). Irrigation by springs and foggaras (underground galleries). A model of sustainable agriculture adapted to arid zones. UNESCO 2018 (Ingenious system of the world's agricultural heritage).
A few remains of the ancient Roman city: baths, fortifications.
Car: 2 hours (150 km via P19). SNTRI bus: 3 hours, 12 DT.
Carriages in the palm grove. Affordable taxis.
For its unique UNESCO maritime oasis in the world (palm trees to the sea). For its traditional spice market and henna. A cultural stopover between Djerba and the Sahara.
Half a day is enough: palm grove + market. Often a stopover between Djerba and Matmata or Tozeur.
Our local team designs your ideal Gabès programme. Private car or group place, the cheapest on the market.
