Gabes Oasis

Gabès holds the only oasis on the Mediterranean coast, a palm grove growing right down to the shore, and it is farmed in the traditional three-storey way: date palms above, fruit trees such as pomegranate and fig in the middle layer, and vegetables, henna and fodder on the ground. Chenini Gabès and El Aouadid are the older quarters within the grove. Industrial development and groundwater extraction have put the oasis under serious pressure.

The landscape

• The three-layer farming - dates above, fruit trees in the middle, vegetables below.
• The coastal position - the only oasis on the Mediterranean shore.
• The old quarters - Chenini and El Aouadid within the palm grove.
• The henna cultivation - one of the crops grown under the palms.

When to go

October to April is comfortable; summer is very hot and humid. Mornings are best for walking the grove. The date harvest is in autumn.

Practical notes

The oasis has been badly damaged by a phosphate processing complex on the coast and by falling water tables; large sections are dead or dying. Pollution in the area is a serious problem. The city itself is industrial.

Nearby

Matmata is southwest, and Djerba is southeast.

Key facts