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Monastir: what to see, what to do and where to stay

Published on 14 November 2026 · Nreservi team

Monastir, on Tunisia's Sahel coast, has two faces. One is a quiet small town built on a peninsula, with a fortress facing the sea, the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, a medina and a marina. The other is Skanes, a long strip of all-inclusive beach hotels a few minutes from the airport. You can spend a holiday by the water here without giving up on sightseeing. Here is what to see, when to go, how to get there and where to stay.

Where is Monastir?

Monastir is a coastal town in east-central Tunisia, south-east of the Gulf of Hammamet and about 20 km from Sousse. The old town, the ribat and the marina sit on the peninsula; the Skanes tourist zone stretches along the beach towards Sousse and Habib Bourguiba airport. Mahdia lies further south on the same coast.

What to see in Monastir

  • The ribat. Founded at the end of the 8th century to defend the coast, this fortress facing the sea is the symbol of the town. Climb its watchtower, the nador, for the view over the marina, the mausoleum and the Mediterranean. The ribat houses a museum of Islamic arts and has been used as a film set, notably for Monty Python's "Life of Brian".
  • The Habib Bourguiba mausoleum. Tunisia's first president was born in Monastir and is buried here. His mausoleum, close to the ribat, is easy to spot with its golden dome and twin minarets. It is a place of remembrance: visit quietly and dress modestly.
  • The Great Mosque and the medina. The Great Mosque stands next to the ribat and is best admired from outside. The medina is small and easy to explore on foot, from gate to gate, through lanes and shops.
  • The marina. Cafés, restaurants and pleasure boats at the foot of the old town; it is also where boat trips leave from.
  • The Kuriat islands. Off the coast of Monastir, these islands are reached by boat in the warm season for a day of swimming. Loggerhead turtles nest there: keep to the marked areas and do not touch the animals.
  • The beaches of Skanes. A long strip of sand lined with hotels and a calm sea, popular with families.

Around Monastir

A suburban train line, the Sahel metro, links Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia: check the day's timetable before you set off.

When to go

  • Summer: the beach, the pools and the water parks of the Skanes hotels.
  • Spring and autumn: sightseeing and the sea, without the crowds.
  • Winter: the weather stays mild, but it is no longer the season for swimming in the sea. Many Monastir hotels have an indoor pool and a spa: see where to spend winter holidays in Tunisia.

For a month-by-month view, read the best time to visit Tunisia.

Getting there

By air, Monastir Habib Bourguiba airport is right next to the Skanes zone: several hotels are a few minutes' drive away. Check that it is served on your dates; otherwise travellers arrive via Tunis or Enfidha-Hammamet. Our article which airport to choose in Tunisia compares the options.

By car from Algeria, many families from eastern Algeria drive. Before leaving, check the border formalities and vehicle papers with the authorities.

Formalities and safety. As a rule, Algerian citizens do not need a visa for a short tourist stay in Tunisia; for any other passport, and in every case, check the current conditions with the authorities before travelling. Also read your government's official travel advice and our article is Tunisia safe?.

Where to stay in Monastir

All our addresses: hotels in Monastir.

Quick answers

  • Skanes or the town centre? Skanes for the beach, the pools and all-inclusive; the centre and the marina to sightsee on foot and go out in the evening.
  • How long do you need to visit? The ribat, the mausoleum, the medina and the marina are close together: one day is enough, and the rest of the stay goes to the beach and day trips.
  • Monastir or Sousse? Monastir is quieter; Sousse is bigger and livelier. The two towns are close enough to combine.
  • Can I pay in Algerian dinars? Yes, from Algeria: see below.

Book your hotel

On Nreservi you see live prices and availability and book online. From Algeria, you pay in Algerian dinars (BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency), without a bank card. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment.

See hotels in Monastir

Sources: Wikipedia (Monastir); Le Routard (ribat of Monastir); OK Voyage; Unusual Nomad; Phys.org / AFP (Kuriat islands); Nreservi hotel pages (checked on 14/11/2026).

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.

Read also: The most beautiful beaches in Tunisia and where to stay · All-inclusive Tunisia: Hammamet, Sousse or Djerba? · One week in Tunisia: 4 seven-day itineraries from Algeria

See hotels in Monastir