Coastal town with a historic, sun-drenched golden-yellow sandstone fortress in the centre, surrounded by palm trees and white buildings along the sandy beach. The turquoise blue Mediterranean Sea can be seen in the foreground.

Monastir

Published: 11 June 2025, 09:30

Tunisia's enchanting coastal town

If you enjoy lying on the beach, snorkelling and soaking up the sun, Monastir is the place for you. This Tunisian coastal town and its surrounding area offer beautiful beaches to suit every taste. And that's not all: Monastir also has a rich culture and history to offer. The city on the Gulf of Hammamet was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Ruspina, which dates back to Phoenician-Roman times. Those who want to follow in the footsteps of history should definitely visit the Ribat, which once served as a fortress and was also a religious site. Today, the Ribat is one of Tunisia's most famous landmarks. Monastir also enchants visitors with its charming medina, where traditional souks with handmade goods invite you to stroll around. Another highlight is the Bourguiba Mosque, which impresses with its imposing marble façade and artistically designed domes.

Numbers, data, facts

Time difference: none
Population: 120,000
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Tunesian dinar (TND)

A city walk through Monastir

Bird's-eye view of an old fortress with sandstone architecture and a central tower. In the background, you can see a coastal promenade with palm trees, the blue sea and city buildings.

The Ribat of Monastir is one of the oldest fortifications in North Africa, built in the 8th century. It offers a magnificent view of the city and the sea. © robnaw/stock.adobe.com

Inner courtyard of a fortress with ochre-sand-coloured stone architecture. The square is surrounded by massive walls, arcades, green trees and a tall tower with a flag flying on top.

In the Ribat, formerly used as a defensive structure and religious site, you can gain valuable insights into Islamic architecture and history. © robnaw/stock.adobe.com

Paved square in a city. In the foreground is a large dome with ornate arches underneath. Next to it is a minaret. Palm trees, cars and houses can be seen in the background.

The ribat is part of the medina, the old town of Monastir. It is characterised by narrow streets, white houses and well-preserved Islamic architecture such as mosques. © Michael/stock.adobe.com

Magnificent white building with a golden dome in the centre and green domes on the sides. Arcades extend to the left and right of the building. The courtyard in front features a striking floor pattern.

The Bourguiba Mosque and its mausoleum are within walking distance of the Ribat. The site creates a fascinating atmosphere that combines art and history. © smilingsunray/stock.adobe.com

Coastal promenade. On the left side, the blue sea and a sandy beach with palm trees, parasols and bathers stretch out, while fortress walls can be seen on the right. A road with cars driving and parking, as well as palm trees, separates the promenade from the beach.

A walk along the waterfront promenade is a must during any city tour. Here, you can simply drift along or jump into the refreshing water to cool off. © efesenko/stock.adobe.com

The coastal region around Monastir

Monastir enjoys an excellent reputation as a sun destination and seaside resort. The North African Mediterranean region has something for everyone, from lively city beaches with good infrastructure and a wide range of water sports to quiet stretches of coastline. The fine sandy beach at Skanes is particularly popular, offering a good mix of comfort and activity. Here, visitors can not only enjoy the sun and turquoise blue water but also try out sports such as jet skiing, parasailing and windsurfing. A trip to the neighbouring coastal towns is also worthwhile: Sousse attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches and a medina that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mahdia is considered an insider tip and delights visitors with its picturesque location on a peninsula. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or culture, the beaches around Monastir have everything you could wish for.

Picturesque coastline and exciting activities

Picturesque coastal landscape with turquoise blue water, a golden rock in the sea, a sandy beach and a palm-lined promenade in the foreground.

The city beach of Monastir is located right next to the promenade. It is easily accessible and offers a lively atmosphere with numerous cafés and restaurants. © romas_ph/stock.adobe.com

Sandy beach with parasols made of raffia and blue and white deckchairs arranged in rows. The turquoise sea stretches out in the background.

Northwest of Monastir lies Skanes Beach, famous for its fine golden sand, good infrastructure and variety of holiday resorts. © TravelWorld/stock.adobe.com

Person parasailing with a blue parachute bearing the word ‘Tunisia’ above the sea. Palm trees and green vegetation can be seen in the foreground.

Swimming, snorkelling and relaxing: the turquoise sea is the place for all of these activities. Those looking for action and thrills can enjoy jet skiing or parasailing. © Samix/stock.adobe.com

Small harbour with many colourful fishing boats in the foreground. White buildings, palm trees and a lighthouse can be seen in the background.

About 45 kilometres south of Monastir, on a peninsula, lies the town of Mahdia, known for its quiet beaches and traditional Tunisian atmosphere. © Curioso.Photography/stock.adobe.com

Stretch of beach with a promenade. The water is clear, and people are swimming in the sea. Behind them are buildings and palm trees. The sky is blue.

Sousse is located about 25 kilometres north of Monastir. In addition to beautiful sandy beaches, there is a pretty medina that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © Valery Bareta/stock.adobe.com