Why Monastir is the perfect place for a vacation in Tunisia 2026

March 10, 2025, 4:55 p.m. | Reading time: 5 minutes

Monastir, a picturesque coastal town at the southern end of the Gulf of Hammamet, is, like Sousse, one of the most developed tourist resorts on the Tunisian coast. The modern university town was once built on the remains of an old Roman settlement and still impresses with its rich history today. Sunnytrips presents the best sights for a holiday in Monastir.

Just 20 kilometers from Sousse is Monastir, a town built on the remains of the Phoenician-Roman settlement of Ruspina. With its emerald blue waters, golden beaches and ever-present history, Monastir is the perfect destination for those looking for a mix of beach vacation and culture. The coastal city in the east of Tunisia combines oriental charm with historical buildings such as the mighty Ribat and the magnificent Bourguiba Mausoleum, but it also impresses with modern resorts and numerous leisure options. Find out more about the sights you shouldn't miss in Monastir, Tunisia.

Vacation on the east coast of Tunisia

The main attractions in MonastirEl RibatFortressThe new medina of MonastirThe Bourguiba mausoleum for the first president of TunisiaEl Djem colosseum

El Ribat Fortress

The new medina of Monastir

The Bourguiba Mausoleum for the first president of Tunisia

El Djem Colosseum

Vacation on the east coast of Tunisia

Monastir combines elements of a beach holiday with a city break, making the city on the east coast of Tunisia the ideal travel destination. Not only do you find fine sandy beaches and a sunny climate here, there are also numerous sights to discover. The old town of Monastir invites you to stroll with its traditional markets and narrow streets. In the numerous shops you can buy, among other things, artistic ceramics, spices and leather goods. The modern marina, on the other hand, primarily offers restaurants and cafés right on the water, which ensure relaxing href="https://schonemama.de" target="_blank" rel="noopener">moments.

Monastir also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine: from fresh fish to typical Tunisian specialties such as couscous and brik, there are many ways to enjoy the local cuisine. Thanks to the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, the city is also easily accessible and is also a suitable starting point for trips to Sousse, El Djem or Mahdia. Particularly recommended is the beach at Skanés, which is located in the north of the coastal town and runs all the way to Sousse. In addition to the airport, the riverside road also passes several small salt lakes and a golf course. During the high season, a small train runs several times a day between the coastal and seaside resort of Skanés and Monastir. A regular rail connection exists between Monastir and Sousse.

The main attractions in Monastir

In addition to the beaches and maritime flair, Monastir is particularly impressive with its rich history and the numerous sights to be discovered there.

El Ribat Fortress

Monastir's landmark is the Ribat, the oldest fortress in North Africa and one of the most visited attractions in Tunisia. Its imposing watchtower offers breathtaking views over the city and the Mediterranean coast. A visit to the historic fortress is particularly worthwhile as part of a stroll through the city. Built as a bulwark against the Byzantines, the Ribat was built in the 8th century under Harun ar-Rashid. Today the complex houses the Museum of Islamic Art, which fascinates with an impressive collection.

The new medina of Monastir

The shopping center for Monastir is located in the new medina in the Chraga district. The district is surrounded by a city wall with city gates. Modern shops, supermarkets, banks and souvenir stands characterize its character.

The Bourguiba Mausoleum for the first president of Tunisia

The pompous Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum was built in honor of the first president of Tunisia, who is also considered the founder of Tunisian independence. It is designed in the traditional Arab-Muslim style and, with its golden dome and two 25-meter-high minarets, it looks like a mosque. In addition to the remains of Habib Bourguiba and his family, it also houses a small museum with personal belongings of the former Tunisian president. The mausoleum is located at the end of a 200 meter long avenue, not far from the Ribats and the Marina of Monastir.

El Djem Colosseum

From Monastir you should definitely take a detour to the El Djem Colosseum. At 148 meters long, 122 meters wide and 22 meters high, the third largest amphitheater in the world is only slightly smaller than the Colosseum in Rome. The building, built in 260, now serves as an open-air theater. Outside Ramadan, the Tunisian Colosseum can be visited daily until sunset. However, if you want to take photos, you need permission.

(Text collaboration: Marianne Rittner)

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