Monastir

Overview

What to see

• The Ribat of Harthema

  Founded in 796, this fortified monastery is the oldest ribat on the Tunisian coast. Explore its courtyards, vaulted rooms and ramparts, then climb the watchtower for a panorama over the sea and the mausoleum.

• The Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum

  Recognisable by its golden dome and twin minarets, this mausoleum holds the tomb of the father of independence. A monumental esplanade leads to it from the marine cemetery, and a small museum traces his life.

• The Great Mosque

  Built in the ninth century and enlarged under the Zirids, this austere mosque stands near the ribat. Its unadorned architecture bears witness to the town's long history as a religious centre.

• The Medina

  Small and entirely enclosed by restored walls, it can be explored in a single stroll. White lanes, colourful doors and a few artisans' shops create a peaceful atmosphere.

• The Marina

  This modern pleasure port with white façades is a lovely place for a late-afternoon walk. Admire the sailing boats with views of the ribat and El Ghedamsi islet.

• The Museum of Traditional Costume

  Located in the medina, it displays festive costumes, jewellery and embroidery from various regions of Tunisia, especially the Sahel, showcasing refined craftsmanship.

Things to do

• Trip to the Kuriat IslandsTake a boat to these two islets with turquoise water off Monastir for a day of swimming and relaxing. The islands are also a nesting site for sea turtles.
• Stroll along the cornicheWalk the seafront from the ribat to the marina alongside local families and strollers, especially at sunset.
• Diving and snorkellingThe rocky sea bed around the peninsula and the islets is ideal for underwater exploration in clear water.
• Golf in MonastirSeveral courses set between the sea and olive groves attract golfers to the Monastir and Skanes area, with a favourable climate all year round.
• Visit the Sahel villagesExplore Ksar Hellal, renowned for its weaving, or Moknine and its potters, just a few kilometres from town.

Beaches & nature

Monastir offers fine sandy beaches with very clear water, from the central beach near the ribat to the long, family-friendly beaches of Skanes. The Kuriat Islands, with their turquoise water and protected wildlife, are a small natural paradise. Further south, the Khniss peninsula and lagoon shelter migratory birds and wild coastal scenery.

Food & local specialities

Proud of its traditions, Monastir cuisine gives pride of place to fish, Sahel olive oil and slow-cooked festive dishes.

• Octopus couscousA Sahel coast speciality in which semolina comes with a fragrant broth of octopus, vegetables and harissa.
• Grilled fishSea bream, sea bass or red mullet simply grilled, served with mechouia salad and a drizzle of olive oil.
• MloukhiaA meat stew made with powdered jute mallow leaves, almost black in colour, slowly simmered and served on special occasions.
• BambalouniA fried doughnut dusted with sugar, best eaten warm while strolling by the sea.

Where to stay

Shopping & markets

The medina and its surroundings offer woven goods, embroidery, leather items, ceramics and jewellery. Monastir's weekly market is a chance to observe local life and buy fruit, spices and olive oil. For textile crafts, nearby Ksar Hellal carries on a long weaving tradition, while Moknine is known for its pottery.

Getting there

• By plane

  Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport is just a few kilometres from the town centre and receives many direct flights from Europe.

• By car

  From Tunis, allow about 2 hours via the A1 motorway to Sousse and then the coastal road to Monastir, a distance of some 160 km.

• By train

  The Sahel Metro links Monastir with Sousse and Mahdia, with connections in Sousse to main-line trains.

• By louage (shared taxi)

  Louages connect Monastir with Tunis, Sousse, Mahdia and the country's main towns.

Getting around

The centre, the ribat, the medina and the marina are easy to visit on foot. Taxis are convenient for reaching Skanes or the airport. The Sahel Metro, with several stops in town, takes you to Sousse or Mahdia without a car, while a rental car is useful for exploring the surrounding villages.

Day trips nearby

FAQ