Skanes is essentially a modern extension of the historic town of Monastir and is one of Tunisia's foremost tourist destinations, mainly because the airport here is capable of handling large numbers of charter flights. Extending for 10 mls along the coast towards Sousse, this is the location for the bulk of tourist accommodation. About 4 mls to the E, the bustling old town centre of Monastir remains reasonably picturesque, with as much Arabic charm and atmosphere as can be expected from a mass-tourism destination. Dominated by its walled old town (medina) and an ancient but well-preserved fort, it is also home to a presidential palace and mausoleum of the late president Habib Bourguiba. The usual host of small, unsophisticated shops, bazaars, pavement cafes and restaurants are abundant in numerous side streets and clustered around the pleasant, modern yacht marina of Cap Monastir. Monastir is equally a working community - involved primarily with fishing and local commerce.

Young budget to middlemarket families and more mature couples. Particularly popular with Germans, French and British.

Medium to large self-contained hotels with their own entertainments, shops and facilities. Many are directly facing the beach.

Over 10 mls of broad, gently shelving, white sand stretch from the edge of Monastir in the E, towards Sousse in the W. The sea is safe for bathing, and most hotels have their own private sections of beach, complete with lifeguards, beach furniture and organised water sports in summer.

Limited souvenir shopping for rugs, pottery, local jewellery, cheap trinkets and beach paraphernalia, mainly in the centre of Monastir. Haggling is a way of life and a form of entertainment. Little else outside town, although most hotels have their own (more expensive) little shops, bazaars and boutiques.

Daytime: predominantly beach based, with water sports in summer only; golf; horse and camel rides; local sightseeing. Nightlife: low-key in the resort and town centre, mainly centred on the various live entertainment programmes and nightclubs offered by the hotels.

Largely confined to a varied selection of hotel restaurants. A choice of restaurants and small pavement cafes are clustered around the marina in Monastir, serving international dishes and traditional fare. One or two pizzerias. Kebabs but virtually no other fast food.

Abundant yellow and black taxis ply the coast road and streets of Monastir; they're fairly inexpensive (but haggle) and are a better alternative to the erratic and poorly maintained bus service. Minitrain operates twice daily. Trains to Sousse and beyond.

Full day: inland to Kairouan; Hammamet and Nabeul; Tunis/Carthage and Sidi Bou Said; safari to El Jem, Gabes and Matmata. Two days: safari to El Jem, Matmata, Kebili, Douz and Tozeur.

On the NE coast of Tunisia, 105 mls SE of the capital, Tunis. Monastir airport is immediately to the S of the resort centre.

At the S end of the Gulf of Hammamet, on a small, low headland surrounded by flat, arable land, olive groves and sparse pine woods.

Post Code: 5000
Website: www.tourismtunisia.com/togo/monastir/monastir.html

Airport : Monastir
Airport Code: MIR
Flight time from ther U.K.: 3 hrs