Skanes Travel Guide

Skanes, with its beautiful, seemingly endless sandy beach, is a district of the Tunisian Mediterranean port town of Monastir. The area has transformed into a popular tourist destination, centred around a modern marina and a revamped medina, packed with souvenir shops and restaurants. Even its ancient Ribat (fort), originally built for military defence, has been refurbished and used as a backdrop for several films, including .

The historic city of Monastir retains its ancient character, having once been Tunisia's holiest city and an important strategic stronghold. It was famously used as a base by Julius Caesar during his conquest of North Africa. Just a few miles from the heart of Monastir lies Skanes, home to a luxurious stretch of grand hotels that line the coast. These architectural gems are set amidst lush gardens, many of which boast their own well-maintained stretch of sandy beach.

The hotels in Skanes are well connected to Monastir and other nearby resorts such as Sousse, with easy access via a tourist road train or taxis. Additionally, Monastir's international airport serves as a gateway for international tourists. The beaches are lined with parasols and umbrellas, and local vendors often sell souvenirs, while water sport rentals add to the beachside activities.

Shopping

As with most places in Tunisia, Skanes offers a fun opportunity to haggle for bargains in the local medina, but many tourists also visit the modern shopping centres that cater specifically to holidaymakers' needs. These shops offer a variety of souvenirs and local products, and they are typically more focused on tourists than locals.

For a more authentic shopping experience, the medina in Monastir is just a short distance away and offers a more traditional market atmosphere.

Restaurants

Dining is primarily centred around the hotel restaurants, which cater to holidaymakers' needs. These establishments often offer buffet-style meals or à la carte options. However, for those looking for a wider variety, nearby Monastir offers plenty of restaurants, particularly around the marina and its adjacent shopping centre.

Here, visitors can find a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, pizza parlours, and snack bars, many of which cater to European tastes and serve alcohol. Some establishments even accept payment in Euros. For those seeking genuine Tunisian cuisine, local restaurants in Monastir offer spicy dishes such as couscous, brik (pastry with egg and tuna), and tajine (a kind of stew), all served with traditional khobz (unleavened bread), at affordable prices.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Skanes is relatively low-key. Most of the entertainment is confined to live performances and dancing within the various hotels, which cater mainly to tourists. For a more active nightlife scene, guests often travel to Monastir, where there are more bars, clubs, and cafes offering an evening out.

Holiday activities

There's no need to leave the hotel beach to have an action-packed holiday in Skanes, as a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, paragliding, and windsurfing are readily available. For those who need a break from the sun, an interesting activity is a visit to the 8th-century Ribat (fort) in Monastir, which houses a museum featuring Islamic fabrics, pottery, and other historical artifacts.

Another must-see is the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president, with its magnificent gilded dome and serene surroundings. Visitors may also enjoy a felucca (traditional sailing boat) cruise along the coastline or embark on a camel safari into the nearby countryside.

Golf enthusiasts will be in paradise, with two renowned 18-hole courses nearby: Palm Links and Flamingo.

Any negatives?

Vendors and shopkeepers can sometimes be overly persistent, which may be frustrating for some tourists. While the beaches are ideal for families, there are fewer child-focused activities available beyond the beach, so parents may need to look elsewhere for entertainment.