Monastir

Monastir, Tunisia

Located in north-eastern Tunisia, Monastir is a major tourist resort. With its attractive marina and old fishing port, the city is an excellent base for a beach holiday, offering a wide range of activities such as water sports, fishing, excursions and golf. Whatever the season, you will find an ideal climate to enjoy some of Tunisia’s finest sand beaches and crystalline water, along with a dizzying choice of waterfront hotels and restaurants featuring both international and local cuisine.

Population:

93.306

Currency:

TND (Tunisian Dinar) = 1000 millimes

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 197
Fire: 198
Ambulance: 190

Opening Hours:

In general public services, banks, museums and shops are open from 8.00 to 12.00 noon and from 14.00 to 17.00. During the summer, afternoons may run from 15.00 to 18.00. Some banks may be open non-stop from 8.00 to 16.15 from Monday to Friday. Museums are closed on Monday. Shops are closed on Sunday.

Newspapers:

Le Renouveau
Le Quotidien
Essahafa

The City

Monastir was founded in the 9th century on the ruins of the Punic-Roman city of Ruspina. Traditionally a fishing port, the city today is a largely purpose-built tourist town of pristine streets and lavish landscaping. However, you will also find a well-preserved old fortress, the Ribat, located right on the waterfront. Home to a Museum of Islamic Art and Artefacts, this is the main historical attraction of Monastir, along with the impressive golden-domed Bourguiba Mosque. The combination of the Ribat’s ancient atmosphere fused with a modern resort complex makes Monastir a very popular destination among travelers looking for a beach holiday with an accent on tradition.

You will enjoy great promenades along the marina in the shade of the walls, with on one side a glimpse of the bluest Mediterranean and on the other side open air terraces of hotels, coffee houses and restaurants. Most of Monastir’s tourist hotels are situated 5 to 6 km (3 to 4 miles) west of the town center at Skanes, close to the airport. The beaches are great; Skanes and Dkhila being the finest, with sand and very clean water. You will enjoy many sea sport activities such as sailing, windsurfing, underwater sightseeing and much more. If you have time, a day tour to discover ancient Roman, Arab, Berber or Phoenician sites is recommended. Or pay a visit to the cities of Sousse or Kairouan, where you will taste the real flavor of North African culture.

Do & See

You will find a well preserved old fortress, the Ribat, located right on the waterfront and restored many times. Home to a Museum of Islamic Art and Artefacts, this is the main historical attraction of Monastir, along with the impressive golden-domed Bourguiba Mosque. The combination of the Ribat’s ancient atmosphere fused with a modern resort complex makes Monastir a very popular destination among travellers looking for a beach holiday with an accent on tradition.

Dining

The food in Monastir and Tunisia is largely based on olive oil and spices. The national dish is the famous Berber couscous: durum wheat steamed and soaked in a sauce. It can be made with vegetables, fish, fresh or dried octopus, beef, veal and lamb. You will find plenty of good restaurants in the old town and the marina.

Cafes

There are plenty of cafes in Monastir, almost all hotels have a coffee and in the bazaars you´ll find both coffee and the traditional mint tea. Following are a few addresses to cafes in Monastir, you will probably find your favorite hang out easily just walking down the street. Why not try some shisha to your tea?