The former Tunisian presidential hometown has a 16th-century fortress, Mediterranean beaches, and a large marina. Local fishermen still use traditional wooden boats.
Monastir extends into the Mediterranean Sea on a peninsula 162 kilometers south of Tunis. Walk through the narrow streets of the medina to find the 9th-century Great Mosque, or climb the watchtowers of the 8th-century Ribat fortress for views across the bay. You can spend afternoons on the six-kilometer stretch of sandy beaches, or explore the golden-domed Bourguiba Mausoleum with its four 25-meter minarets.
Getting to Monastir
Habib Bourguiba International Airport in Skanes lies 9 kilometers from the city center. Regular trains connect Monastir to Tunis and Sousse in the north and Mahdia in the south. The train station is conveniently located 200 meters from the airport terminal.
Coastal Areas and Beaches
Six kilometers of coastline wrap around the peninsula, with sandy beaches alternating between rocky sections. The northern shore leads to Route de la Falaise and Skanes, where you'll find professional golf courses and beachfront hotels. You can swim in the Mediterranean from May through October, and several diving centers run courses and excursions throughout the season.
Modern City Life
The University of Monastir brings academic energy to the city with its sixteen faculty departments. In the marina area, you'll find waterfront restaurants and cafes. Sports fans can watch US Monastir's football and basketball teams at the 20,000-capacity Stade Mustapha Ben Jannet - the basketball team won the Basketball Africa League in 2022.
Around the Medina
The 9th-century Great Mosque anchors the medina quarter, though non-Muslims can only view its exterior. The surrounding streets lead to the traditional souk. In the center of a large cemetery, the Bourguiba Mausoleum's golden dome and four 25-meter minarets rise above the city skyline, containing the tomb of Tunisia's first president.
The 8th-Century Ribat
This coastal fortress has thick stone walls facing the Mediterranean. Originally built to defend against Byzantine naval attacks, the Ribat later became a filming location for movies including Jesus of Nazareth and Monty Python's Life of Brian. The Islamic Arts Museum inside contains nearly 300 artifacts, including wood fragments, funerary stones, and polished ceramics from different Islamic periods.
