Things to do in Monastir: 2-day travel itinerary

Welcome to Monastir, a popular holiday destination in Tunisia known for its modern resorts, historical sites, and gorgeous beaches.

Whether you wish to climb the watchtower of the Ribat for panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, get lost the cobbles alleys of the medina and shop for woven baskets and souvenirs at the souks, visit the marina and enjoy water activities like diving and paddle boarding, or spend your days in a 5-star resort with a private beach in the northern suburb of Skanes, there is so much to look forward to when staying in this vibrant coastal town in Tunisia.

To help you organise your trip, we’ve decided to create this 2-day travel itinerary that allows you to experience Monastir from a unique perspective. The itinerary includes a list of the best tourist attractions to visit, as well as recommendations on where to eat and where to stay. As a bonus, we’ve added tips on things to do in Monastir with kids and a few ideas for day trips.

Day 1

Morning: Marina Cap Monastir

Walk along the city’s pretty seafront promenade until you reach the marina. Lined with small boats and luxurious yachts, this area is the best place in Monastir to organise fishing trips and other boat tours ranging from excursions to the nearby Kuriat Island to dolphin-watching tours. The marina in Monastir is also an ideal place for watersports like windsurfing, paddle boarding, sailing, and diving. Surrounded by chic restaurants and cozy bars, it is a popular breakfast spot among both tourists and locals.

Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

Your next stop in the morning is the final resting place of Tunisia's first president after independence from the French. With its impressive tilling work and beautiful gold domes and minarets made of Italian marble, this majestic mausoleum designed by the famous French architect Olivier Clement Cacoub is a work of art. The entrance to the mausoleum is free, but you can book a guided tour for a fee to learn more about the history of the building.

Panneau "I Love Monastir"

It seems that every city in the world has an “I Love…” sign, and Monastir is no exception. The sign is located just a short walk from the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba and right next to the Ribat. You can snap a photo in front of the sign.

Day 1 - Monastir Tour Map

Afternoon: Ribat of Monastir

Your afternoon walk begins in front of the Ribat of Monastir, the city’s most famous monument. Built in the 8th century, it is actually one of the oldest fortresses in the region and was originally used for military and religious purposes. Nowadays, the Ribat of Monastir is a beloved tourist attraction. Visitors can climb the watchtower for panoramic views of the medina and the Mediterranean Sea and check out the inner courtyard and the prayer room. An interesting fact is that the Ribat of Monastir was used as a filming location for popular films such as the Jesus of Nazareth and the Life of Brain.

Museum of the Ribat

Situated within the Ribat complex on the upper floor, you will find a small Islamic Museum which houses artifacts related to the history of the fortress. You will have an opportunity to see traditional fabrics, as well as a nice collection of pottery, jewelry, and coins. There is also an astrolable on-site, which is a cool device used for measuring the distance between the stars in the galaxy.

Bourguiba Mosque

Visit one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Monastir, the colorful Bourguiba Mosque. With its golden mosaics and pink marble pillars, the mosque looks beautiful. Don’t miss the giant prayer room which can accommodate more than 1,000 visitors. The entrance to the mosque is free of charge.

Monastir Museum of Folk Arts & Traditions

Located just a stone’s throw from the Bourguiba Mosque, this small ethnographic museum boasts a lovely display of traditional Berber and Tunisian clothing and jewelry. Explore the museum’s rooms and discover everything from traditional dresses and a bridal section to an area dedicated to copper jewelry. It will take you about 30 minutes to visit the Monastir Museum of Folk Arts & Traditions.

Day 1 - Monastir Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Monastir Medina

In the morning, discover a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with shops and stalls offering ceramics, traditional Berber clothing, paintings, spices, leatherwork, souvenirs, and much more. Although the medina in Monastir has been modernised and doesn’t have many tourist attractions, it is still one of the best areas in the city to walk around and experience Monastir’s historic charm.

Bab Brikcha Gate

This majestic gate built by the Ottomans in the 17th century is one of the entrances to the ancient Medina. Also known as Bab Brikcha, the city gate is well-preserved and known for its animal figures carved in stone.

Marché central de Monastir

Foodies visiting Monastir will definitely want to spend an hour or two at Marché Central de Monastir. Packed with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and meat to veggies, cheese, and fruit, it is the most crowded food market in Monastir. The collection of seafood here is amazing! From fresh sea bream, shrimp, and red mullet to sardines and shark steaks, Marché central de Monastir truly has it all.

Day 2 - Monastir Tour Map

Afternoon: Palace of Science

This extraordinary venue is one of the city’s best-hidden gems. You won’t see many tourists at the Palace of Science, a spacious venue that hosts scientific conferences, workshops, and activities for kids that revolve around science. There is a spacious theater room that accommodates around 600 people, as well as a media library for students.

Plage Monastir (Qaraiya) beach

This is the closest beach to the Medina in Monastir. It is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a wide range of water sports. Qaraiya Beach is lined with cafes and offers an array of dining options. Keep in mind there is not a lot of shade here, so make sure to pack sunscreen and water to stay hydrated.

Café et Restaurant El Grotte

With a beautiful outdoor terrace that offers magnificent views of the sea, this is probably the most popular café on the beach. We recommend booking a table at Café et Restaurant El Grotte one hour before the sunset, as it is the best place in the city to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea. The restaurant offers a diverse menu with options ranging from pizzas and chips to coffee and cocktails.

Day 2 - Monastir Tour Map

Other things to see in Monastir

• Skanes: If you wish to stay in an all-inclusive hotel with a private beach or book a luxurious villa while vacationing in Monastir, look no further than the northern suburb of Skanes. The upper-class neighborhood is the most popular area for tourists visiting Monastir. The medina and the main tourist attractions in Monastir are just a 15-minute drive away.

• Cimetière de Monastir Sidi Mezri: Monastir's atmospheric cemetery is located right next to the Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum. Instead of headstones, the cemetery has giant blocks of bricks that mark the beautiful old tombs. The most popular tomb is the final resting place of a Muslim holy man called Sidi el Mazeri who was buried here in the 12th century.

• Yasmina Center Dorra: Shopaholics visiting Monastir can spend a few hours at the largest mall in the city, the Yasmina Center Dorra. The three-story complex is a place where you will find whatever you need under one roof, from jewelry and perfume to handmade souvenirs, shoes, clothes, and leather goods.

• Imagine Espace Créatif: A picturesque boutique with a serene garden and wonderful decorations, Imagine Espace Créatif is all about recycled-artistic crafts and unique pieces including handcrafted souvenirs, accessories, and gifts. They also offer workshops and craft courses. Don’t leave before trying their delicious homemade biscuits, tea, and lemonade.

• Kavos coffee: Coffee lovers can stop by Kavos, a nice coffee shop located just outside the Medina. You can even bring your dog along, as this is a pet-friendly place. The coffee is excellent, as well as their signature brownie cookies. In addition to tasty coffee and sweet treats, Kavos has a few board games that you can play.

• Biscottino's: Welcome to this French/American bakery in Monastir that offers fresh pastries, cakes, and coffee. Biscottino's is known for its pistachio ganache tart and homemade cheesecakes. As for drinks, we recommend getting the Frappuccino caramel.

• Mustapha Ben Jannet Stadium: Sports enthusiasts visiting Monastir can check out this nice little stadium. Hosting both football matches and athletic events, Mustapha Ben Jannet Stadium can hold up to over 20, 000 visitors. If you wish to watch a football match, you can purchase your ticket at the stadium itself. The only downside is that the stadium doesn’t offer guided tours of its grounds.

• Presidential Palace of Bourguiba: Located on the outskirts of the city in the direction of Skanes, the former presidential palace of Bourguiba has been transformed into a lovely museum. This masterpiece of modernist architecture is spread across three floors and houses an impressive collection of the president’s personal effects. Expect to see everything from his massive presidential portraits and an octagonal salon to photo albums and a beautiful dining room with mirrored walls. The main star of the show is definitely the luxury Mercedes Benz 60 car, equipped with a cigarette lighter, mini bar, and a phone. Only a few of these luxurious cars were made and all of them were owned by presidents including Fidel Castro and John F. Kennedy.

• Centre Oxygen Spa & Beaute: Looking for spa treatments while visiting Monastir? Visit Centre Oxygen Spa & Beaute, a wellness center that offers hammam, scrubs, facial masks, seaweed wrap, and different massages. The staff is professional and super kind. We recommend the full package that includes a hammam, body treatment, facial treatment, and 1-hour massage.

• Monastir Plongée & Diving: You will find this excellent diving club in the marina in Monastir. Jamel and his team are very professional and offer state-of-the-art equipment and memorable dive experiences for both beginners and experienced divers from their boats. They even do diving lessons for kids. If you wish to explore the wonderful marine life in Monastir, Plongée & Diving has got you covered.

Day trips from Monastir

• Sousse: Located just a 20-minute drive from Monastir, the vibrant city of Sousse is known for its historical UNESCO-listed medina with colorful alleyways, beautiful beaches, a few museums, and the iconic Ribat of Sousse. If you don’t have a car, a regular train line connects these two cities.

• Kuriat Islands: A popular day trip from Monastir, the two small Kuriat Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The islands are located about 10 km from the mainland and the easiest way to get there is via one of the local boat tour operators that you will find in the marina.

• Hammamet: It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Monastir to this popular seaside resort in Tunisia. From a historical medina with a gorgeous fort and picturesque beaches with fine sands to a modern development with malls and casinos, the city of Hammamet is packed with cool tourist attractions. This coastal town is also known as one of the best areas in Tunisia for water sports.

• Nabeul: Located 110 kilometers from Monastir, the small town of Nabeul is where travellers go to experience some peace and quiet and enjoy a laid-back vibe. You can visit one of the many pottery shops, admire the beauty of the town’s citrus groves, and spend a day on the pristine beaches in Nabeul.

• Amphitheatre of El Jem: Often compared to Rome’s Colosseum, the Amphitheatre of El Jem is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tunisia. You will need at least an hour to get there by car. Once you arrive, explore the fourth-largest amphitheater in the world. There is also a cool museum nearby with exquisite Roman mosaics.

• Mahdia: A laid-back coastal town famed for its beaches, Mahdia makes for an excellent day trip from Monastir. Whether you wish to see the historical medina, explore the Borj El-Kebir fortress, or just chill on the beach all day long, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Mahdia. The town is located 50 kilometers from Monastir.

• Kairouan: History buffs can go on a day trip to the first Islamic city in the country, Kairouan. This holy Muslim city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses historical attractions such as the Great Mosque of Kairouan and the Medina of Kairouan. The drive from Monastir to Kairouan is approximately 90 minutes long.

Best golf courses in Monastir

• Flamingo Golf Course: A popular golfing destination, the city of Monastir is home to this challenging 18-hole golf course surrounded by palm and olive trees. The Flamingo Golf Course is known for its salt pools and well-maintained greens and fairways. There is also a modern clubhouse that offers both a restaurant and equipment rentals.

• Palm Links Golf Course: This premium golf course is located in a popular tourist area, just a short drive from the International Airport in Monastir. Its seaside location among some of the finest all-inclusive hotels in the city makes it a popular spot for many golfers on vacation in Monastir. The clubhouse has everything needed for a memorable golfing experience, from golf carts and equipment available for rent to locker rooms and a wonder on-site restaurant that serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Things to do with kids in Monastir

• Monastir Karting: Karting is a perfect activity for both adults and children. At Monastir Karting, you will find one circuit for adults which is 980 meters in length, and one smaller circuit suitable for kids. The karting center also has a cafeteria and a restaurant.

• Monastir Promenade: Go for a walk along the car-free Monastir Promenade with your children. Also known as the Corniche, this coastal promenade lined with palm trees, hotels, and restaurants stretches all the way to the port.

• Spring Land / Adem Park: No visit to Monastir with kids is complete without spending a day at the Spring Land/ Adem Park. This amusement park houses a variety of rides and other attractions including the fast train game, float boats, water rides, and roller coasters. There are also electronic video game machines, as well as an on-site café where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and light meals.

• Horse Riding: The best place to enjoy horse riding with your children is at the Eki Club Sousse Monastir. Abdallah and his staff can pick you up from the hotel and drop you off after a few hours of enjoying this popular recreational activity. The horse riding tour starts with a little tour of the stables where you will see that the horses here are well taken care of. Your guide/instructor will show you everything there is to know about horse riding before you go on a 90-minute adventure on a lovely trek through beautiful pine groves.

Where to eat in Monastir

• Marina The Captain: When it comes to dining in the harbor area in Monastir, Marina the Captain is definitely the best option. The restaurant specialises in fish and seafood, but they also have a nice selection of meat dishes, especially steaks. The grilled sea bass is delicious, as well as the seafood platter. If you prefer meat, we recommend fillet mignon or raw rump steak that you can cook to your liking on a hot stone.

• La Cucina: If you are in the mood for typical Tunisian cuisine and are staying in the Medina area, you won’t go wrong with La Cucina. The eatery seems to be always packed with locals, which is typically a good sign. The menu is limited and usually includes a few daily specialties. The couscous with chicken is very tasty and can be often found on the menu.

• Soprano: For tasty pizza, book a table at Soprano. The restaurant is relatively small, but the service is swift, and pizza is reasonably priced. You can choose between tomato sauce and white sauce. Guests say how the Country pizza is good and add that Pepperoni is prepared to perfection.

• Le Roi du CousCous: Travellers in the mood for some seriously delicious couscous should definitely pay a visit to Le Roi du CousCous in Monastir. The portions are generous and their spicy royal couscous is the most popular dish on the menu. The tuna brick is also good.

Where to stay in Monastir

• Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace: Most upscale resorts in Monastir are located in the Skanes district. When talking about 5-star hotels in Monastir, the Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace comes first to mind. With a private beach area, gardens lined with palm trees, an elegant outdoor pool area, and the legendary seasonal Aquafun pool with 10 waterslides, it seems that this 5-star property has it all. In case you wish to stay in shape, the hotel has a large fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. Wish to relax your muscles after visiting the city’s old town? Visit the hotel’s spa center that offers massages and a sauna.

• Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort: Another 5-star resort in Skanes, this extraordinary retreat is located just 3 kilometers from the international airport. Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort is a beachfront property with a private beach area, water sports facilities, a tennis court, 7 restaurants and bars, and both an indoor and an outdoor pool. If you are traveling with kids, you will be pleased to hear that the resort boasts different game rooms for the little ones and teenagers.

• One Resort Aqua Park: Thanks to its 4 swimming pools and fun waterslides, One Resort Aqua Park is a perfect hotel for families with kids on vacation in Monastir. Guests love the pool bars and say how the burger bar and the pasta station are amazing. The beach is beautiful and situated within the complex. As for dining options, they are plentiful with a few restaurants serving everything from Tunisian to American, Mediterranean, and even Caribbean cuisine.

• Dar Benti: If you wish to stay in the old town, book a room at this tastefully decorated boutique hotel with a gorgeous inner courtyard and an Instagrammable rooftop swimming pool. Dar Benti is known for its Tunisian-style decorations, airy rooms with traditional designs, and a dining area that looks like straight out of a magazine. This hidden jewel in the medina was designed by the host who is actually an architect. To sum it all up, Dar Benti is the most beautiful boutique hotel in the Medina. Did we mention they also have a hammam?

• Marina Cap Monastir - Appart Hôtel: This apartment hotel located right in the marina in Monastir has everything needed for a memorable stay in the city. There is a lovely garden, a cute kid’s club, a shared lounge where you can interact with other guests, and spacious rooms with balconies from which you can enjoy the most amazing views of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea.

Best time to visit Monastir

Since Monastir is a touristy resort town known for its 5-star hotels and beautiful beaches, the peak season here is in summer between June and September. Keep in mind that temperatures in Monastir often rise well above 30 °C during July and August. Therefore, the best time to visit this charming seaside town is in June and in September. During these months, the average day temperature is 29 °C.

Monastir Festivals

• Festival International de Monastir: The lovely coastal town of Monastir hosts the famous Festival International de Monastir. Held every summer within the Ribat area since the 1960s, it is actually one of the oldest annual festivals in all of Tunisia. Expect to see cinema, music, and theatre performances, as well as different workshops.