Things To Do
in Monastir
Monastir, located on the central coast of Tunisia, is known for its picturesque beaches with clear turquoise waters and golden sand. The city boasts a rich history, with landmarks such as the Ribat fortress and the Bourguiba mausoleum offering insights into its past. Monastir also has a vibrant medina where visitors can explore narrow streets filled with shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Additionally, the city is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and sailing.
- "Sabah el khir" - Good morning
- "Chukran" - Thank you
- "La shukran" - No, thank you
- "Afek" - Excuse me
- "Bikhir, shukran" - I’m fine, thank you
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $70
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Ribat of Monastir, a historic fortress offering stunning views of the coastline. Explore its ancient architecture and learn about its significance in Tunisian history.
After lunch, visit the Bourguiba Mausoleum, a beautiful site dedicated to the country's founding father. Stroll through the serene gardens and admire the intricate mosaics.
End your day at a beachfront café, enjoying fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. Take a leisurely walk along the sandy beach afterward.
Spend a relaxed morning at Skanes Beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the clear sea. Grab a local breakfast at a nearby café to fuel your day.
Try your hand at water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding for some fun and adventure. Alternatively, relax under an umbrella with a good book.
Dine at a beachside restaurant and enjoy Tunisian specialties like couscous or brik as the stars start to twinkle. Finish with a stroll along the shoreline.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites like the Ribat of Monastir.
- Beautiful Mediterranean beaches ideal for relaxation and water activities.
- Vibrant local markets offering traditional Tunisian crafts and cuisine.
- Pleasant Mediterranean climate, making it a year-round destination.
- Proximity to other tourist attractions in Tunisia, such as Sousse and Kairouan.
- Limited public transport options, which may require reliance on taxis or rental cars.
- Can experience overcrowding during peak tourist season.
- Some areas may have underdeveloped infrastructure.
- Language barrier as English is not widely spoken, with French being more common.
- Economic challenges and limited job opportunities for locals.
Best Activities in Monastir
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoying the beautiful beaches, swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
Playing a round of golf at the Palm Links Golf Course with stunning sea views.
Exploring the sea with boat trips, snorkeling, or scuba diving to discover the marine life and underwater landscapes.
Visiting the historic Ribat, a fortress offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Monastir's past.
Tours
Uncover the best of Monastir with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Monastir
Visit one of these nice places.
A historical site offering panoramic views of the city and the coast, perfect for photography
A beautiful mausoleum with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea, ideal for photography enthusiasts
Scenic views of the marina and the sea, great for capturing memorable moments
Food in Monastir
Monastir Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin pastry filled with egg, tuna, parsley, and capers, then deep-fried to perfection. Try this delectable dish at local street vendors or cafes like Cafe des Nattes.
Must-Try!
A staple Tunisian dish made from steamed semolina grains, typically served with a rich stew of meat, vegetables, and chickpeas. Sample this traditional specialty at Restaurant Le Pirate or Chez Chouchou.
A spicy chili paste made from roasted red peppers, serrano peppers, and a blend of spices. It's a popular condiment that adds fiery flavor to many Tunisian dishes. Purchase authentic Harissa at local markets like Souk El Had.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Monastir better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest and most vibrant traditional markets in Monastir, offering a wide variety of local produce, spices, and street food. Don't miss the opportunity to savor flavorful snacks like grilled merguez sausages, falafel, and sweet Tunisian pastries.
Head to the bustling fish market near the port to witness the daily catch being auctioned off and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Monastir. Feast on grilled fish or prawns while taking in the lively atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Monastir, Tunisia, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It is also polite to use the appropriate titles when addressing someone, such as 'Monsieur' for men and 'Madame' for women.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Monastir. It is important to show deference and courtesy towards older individuals, and to address them with respect.
When visiting religious sites or participating in formal events, it is important to dress modestly and conservatively. This means covering the shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing clothing.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Monastir with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Monastir
Ensure a smooth experience
In Monastir, Tunisia, tipping is appreciated but not always expected. It is common to leave a small tip of around 5-10% at restaurants, especially if the service was good. Tipping hotel staff and taxi drivers is also a nice gesture, but not always mandatory.
In Monastir, Tunisia, cash is widely used for transactions, especially in smaller establishments. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and stores, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand. ATMs are available in the city for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Monastir.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Ideal time to visit Monastir with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes.
Hot and dry weather, perfect for beach activities and enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and great for exploring historical sites.
Cool and mild climate, suitable for sightseeing and experiencing local culture.
Monastir at Night
Hiking in Monastir
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking area with trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Mediterranean coast.
A lovely forested area ideal for hiking, featuring diverse flora and fauna, and well-marked trails.
Located a short drive from Monastir, this forest features trails for various skill levels and is known for its rich biodiversity.
A rugged area with challenging hikes and spectacular views of the Bay of Monastir and historical sites.
An ancient granary offering a unique cultural hiking experience coupled with historical exploration.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Monastir through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Monastir by plane.
Located in Monastir, it serves as the main airport for the region and handles both domestic and international flights.
Situated approximately 40 km from Monastir, this airport mainly serves tourist destinations along the Tunisian coast.
Located about 160 km from Monastir, this is the main international airport serving the capital city, Tunis.
Approximately 80 km from Monastir, serving the city of Sfax with both domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 130 km from Monastir, this airport serves the island of Djerba and is popular for tourism.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Monastir, representing the majority of the population and primarily consisting of Tunisian Arabs.
Indigenous people of North Africa, with a smaller presence in Monastir compared to Arabs.
Historical minority group, primarily of French, Italian, and Maltese descent, present during the colonial period.
A small but growing demographic group, often consisting of students and migrant workers.
Includes various smaller communities and expatriates from different regions.
The Soul of Monastir
Discover the essence of Monastir through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Monastir, with a strong following and local clubs competing in regional leagues.
Handball has a significant presence in Monastir, with several clubs and facilities that promote the sport at youth and competitive levels.
Basketball is widely played in Monastir, with local teams participating in various competitions and a growing interest among the youth.
Athletics, including track and field events, is popular in Monastir, with many local athletes participating in competitions.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in both recreational and competitive settings, with clubs and teams at various levels of play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Monastir.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Tunisian cuisine prominently features meat, many restaurants and cafes in Monastir offer vegetarian options such as couscous with vegetables, hearty salads, and flavorful vegetable stews. Vegetarian and vegan visitors can also enjoy delightful mezze platters with hummus, baba ganoush, and fresh bread.
Travelers with gluten intolerances can savor grilled seafood, fresh salads, and rice-based dishes without worry. Additionally, local markets provide an assortment of naturally gluten-free fruits, nuts, and dried fruits for convenient snacking.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Monastir with these cultural adventures.
