Medenine governorate
This intriguing part of the country stretches from the Djerba coastline to the Dahar mountains, and like Gabes is also known for its rich Berber heritage.
Head to this region of southeast Tunisia to experience firsthand the fascinating Berber culture, picturesque Berber villages and the Toujane valley.
Gabes Governorate at a glance
Filled with fascinating Berber culture and picturesque Berber villages
Hike along shephard’s paths in the Toujane valley
Bike in Matmata during a traditional art festival
Run through Chenini-Nahal, the only maritime oasis in the Mediterranean basin
Birdwatch in the Gulf of Gabes, one of the largest wintering grounds for waterbirds in the Mediterranean
Paraglide over troglodytes in Matmata
Immerse yourself in local culture while hiking the Toujane valley
At the end of a long track from Matmata, hidden behind a mountain, Toujane is a gorgeous Berber village perched 630m up in the mountains, basically clinging dramatically to the side of the rock. You can hike along the shepherd’s paths and even climb to the ksar (old citadel) at the top of the mountain. As you explore the area, make sure to visit the village and its labyrinth of alleys, checking out the cave houses and the traditional oil mills.
While there, several other activities are possible during a trip to the village, including cooking classes with locals, observing the intricacies of carpet weaving, sharing tea with neighbors, following shepherds in the mountains, participating in the olive harvest or learning to play kharbga (a local game) with the elders.
“Cooking classes with locals, observing the intricacies of carpet weaving, sharing tea with neighbors, following shepherds in the mountains, participating in the olive harvest or learning to play kharbga (a local game) with the elders”
Slowly cycle your way through local Berber villages
With so many traditional Berber villages in the region, seeing them by bike is the way to go. Highly recommended are tours that take you from Gabes-Matmata and Teboulbou-Matmata, and if you can plan your trip in the spring, you will be rewarded with an outdoor art festival in Matmata, 43 km south of Gabes. Enjoy local crafts, painting, weaving, folklore and caravan shows, songs, music and dances by local, national and even international artists.
So many waterbirds!
The Gulf of Gabes is one of the largest wintering grounds for waterbirds in the Mediterranean, bringing together more than 330,000 birds. It is a unique ecosystem, characterized by the seasonal variation between freshwater and saltwater that attracts such a mass quantity of water birds. Ducks, birds of prey, passerines, gulls, and waders are just a few of the birds that birdwatchers come to see. The watershed of Oued Gabes is located just 15km southwest of Gabes and has been classified as a nature reserve since 2010.
Experience of of the most unique running races in the world
Running any half-marathon is a memorable event, but doing so in the middle of the only maritime oasis in the Mediterranean basin (the Chenini-Nahal oasis) brings a new challenge. The Tacapes association organizes this sporting event that comes with quite the unforgettable view of the oasis.
“The Gulf of Gabes is one of the largest wintering grounds for waterbirds in the Mediterranean, harbouring more than 330,000 birds”
Paraglide over troglodytes in Matmata
Matmata is a small Berber-speaking town in southern Tunisia famous for its residents who live in traditional underground “troglodyte” structures, striking architectural remnants of the land’s ancient past. If it looks familiar, it’s probably because scenes from a number of Star Wars
Check out these 3 regions in Tunisia
Ben Arous Governorate
Having such a privileged coastal location, water sports were always the main adventure draw in this northern Tunisia destination. But with Djebel Ressas and Boukornine National Park also located here, land exploration by foot or bike to experience the diverse flora and fauna has become popular recently.
Gabes governorate
Head to this region of southeast Tunisia to experience firsthand the fascinating Berber culture, picturesque Berber villages and the Toujane valley.