Skanes And Monastir
Skanes is an enchanting resort offering a long stretch of beautiful beach and is located in the port town of Monastir, which is a Tunisian Mediterranean port that attracts mostly British tourists to it's colourful streets lined with shops and restaurants and sun kissed shores. Even its ancient Ribat (fort) has been rebuilt and glamorised by being used as the setting for several movies like Monty Python's Life of Brian, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark and a TV series about Jesus of Nazareth. The modern gilt on Monastir may be a little false, but underneath this historic city retains its ancient air of having been Tunisia's holiest place, and an important strategic stronghold that was even once used as a base by Julius Caesar. Just a few miles from the centre of Monastir lies the extravagant stretch of grand hotels that have been built along the coast in the area known as Skanes. These magnificent architectural delights are set in acres of lush gardens, most of them encompassing their own patch of well-maintained sandy beach. The Skanes hotels are well connected to Monastir and other nearby resort towns, like Sousse, by a tourist road train and a plethora of cheap taxis. Monastir also has the advantage of having its own international airport. Parasols mushroom on the beaches in between water sports equipment stands and local vendors parading with a variety of wares, particularly pottery.
Similar to most of Tunisia, the opportunity to haggle for bargains in the local media is also available in Monastir. Monastir and Skanes are also well supplied with modern shopping centres catering to tourist needs.
Dining in Skanes is mostly only available in the hotel restaurants, however in nearby Monastir there is a wide range of excellent restaurants dotted around the enchanting marina. Here, restaurants, cafes, pizza parlours and snack bars abound. Most of these establishments are aimed at European tastes and alcohol is served. Many even happily accept Euros in payment. Those wanting to try genuine local fare can head for the back alleys where spicy dishes are served up with unleavened bread but no accompanying wine list, at rock bottom prices. Some recommended 'tourist' restaurants are Le Grill, le Chandelier, Calypso Panorama King's and le Captain.
Skanes offers a limited nightlife with mostly hotel entertainment available, including live entertainment, hotel bars and some discos.
The hotel beaches in Skanes offer a wide range of activity, including excellent water sports from paragliding to jet skiing. Those needing a break from the sun, however, will find plenty of interest in exploring the 8th-century Ribat, or fort, in Monastir, which houses an interesting museum containing a collection of ancient Islamic fabrics, pottery and other artefacts. Also worth a visit is the mausoleum of Habib Bourgiba, the first president of Tunisia, with its magnificent gilded dome. Most visitors enjoy a cruise in a felucca (sailing ship) or a camel safari into the local countryside. Golfers are in seventh heaven with a choice between the renowned Palm Links and Flamingo 18-hole courses.
On a less positive side beach traders and shopkeepers can be annoying to visitors in the area and there is not a high level of children's activities available to visitors except for the sandy beaches.
