Hi we had our first holiday to Tunisia in July,we went to Skanes which is right accross from Monastir airport so no need for a transfer just jump in a taxi(£4 ish if that) dont exept their first offer barter with them...Monastir is only 10 mins away by taxi,it cost us 6TD (2.4TD to the pound) we only spent a few hours there,we were advised to go to Monastir than Sousse because Sousse is busier. But we are going back in october to have a good look around...but thats just our view..

thanks KW. where did you stay. what is the beach like.?

Sousse seems like my second home now having been there so many times. As Kilted Warrior says it is much busier that Skanes but that means there is rather more to do, whereas Skanes is mainly just hotels. You should visit Monastir though, if only to see the Mausoleum which is absolutely beautiful. Port El Kantaoui is very popular and many people prefer it but it is a fairly modern purpose-built resort and to me does not seem quite so authentic. I suggest you print off a map of the various areas (somewhere on this forum but I'm useless at doing links) as that will give you an idea of where most of the hotels are.

thanks Aslemma , still looking ,any advise appreciated .we just go for weather and nearby beach mostly, with some shops etc, nearby just in case we fancy a wander. Debs . I will look at hotels in sousse now also. is it a nicer area?

As Aslemma says, you`ll find more to see and do in Sousse, but the beach at Skanes takes some beating. What we liked about Port El Kantoui , even though it is purpose built and lacks authenticity, was being able to walk around and look at things without being hassled, at times in Sousse this became quite unpleasant. Wherever you end up going, it`s very easy, and cheap, to get around by taxi, just settle a price first before setting off.

why not try the Marahabra Palace in Port El kantaoui. This is a very big and lovely hotel situated right on the beach and about a 10 minute walk to the marina with its selecton of cafes, restaurants, shops and a few bars. It has plenty of taxis available and the tuk tuks taking you further afield if need be. It is a purpose built resort mainly for the tourist and having stayed there myself 6 times I absolutely loved it.

got to agree with Deb on that one. We stayed at Marharaba Palace last ear and loved it. The hotel is fantastic and right on a wonderful beach. There is even a bar/restarurant on the beach. You can walk to the port - which is 10 mins away, either along the beach, or along the road , which is lovely and has some good shops and plenty oif bars, etc. we went through Sousse and although there wa obviousley more to do, from what you say you are looking for, I would definately advise PEK.

kev

Someone says one can wander around shops in PEK without hassle?

OMG, don't know when were you there but this year (end June) it was beyond a joke.

Unless you mean the fixed price shop there? Every other one was a nightmare with the shopkeepers.

Sousse - exactly the same (apart from fixed price).

Everyone tries to practically drag you into their shop with the same cheesy line "hello myfriend, are you Irish? English?...." and "No hassle, just have a look" etc

Walking through a square (the one with the fountains) in PEK in the eveings was yet another nightmare. My be the local pick up spot.

Although I was there with my OH holding my hand - still young Tunisian men "on the pull for a British passport holder" did not feel they should not try to chat me up/grab my hand etc.

Sorry but completely not my scene.... LOL

Saying that - I enjoyed the hotels, the beaches and everything else. Just stayed away from shops and so called "public places"

So far, after being in kerkennah (twice), Hammamet, Sousse and PEK - Kerkennah is my own strong favourite because of the friendly, genuine local people and peace and quiet.......

The only problem there is the transfer time - if they start flying to Sfax again I will be off to kerkennah like a shot

I have to say I agree with Anna. I never experianced any major hassle in Tunisia but have to say PEK was worse for shop keepers making you come in to their shops than Sousse. In fact I prefered shopping in Sousse. In PEK its hard to go in out of the shops without shopkeepers following you and asking where you are from. In sousse in the shops we were pretty much left alone. Soula centre and shoe palace where great! Didn t chance the medina though! Prices are much better in Sousse they charge nearly double in PEK!

I agree prices are generally better in Sousse though I've had some good bargains in PEK. I'm not actually too keen on the Soula Centre as they follow you around and stand behind you as if they're afraid you're going to steal things. I was really annoyed once when the man on the door insisted I leave my straw basket outside before allowing me in. I collected it when I left and nothing was missing but I certainly resented the insinuation.

Yes, the assistants at soula centre do follow but they don t say anything. Which can actually be more uncomfortable as you know they are right behind you. But the Soula is great indicator as to how much you should pay for something. And leather goods are fantastic! We went into shops in Sousse where locals went and we found some great bargains and it was pretty much hassle free.
I found Sousse to be more authentic and I would definately go back there. PEk is great maybe for first time but I felt it could be anywhere in the world but you can easily get a taxi to Sousse from there.