10 Best Things to Do in Monastir

Monastir beach resorts are popular holiday destinations, as the city of Monastir is located on a peninsula, with water on 3 sides. On one side is the Gulf of Hammamet and on the other is Lac du Monastir Sahline. Monastir’s proximity to water makes it an idyllic destination for a beach resort holiday. 

The beach resorts offer plenty of amenities, such as convenient beach access, pools, on-site restaurants and helpful resort staff. The name-brand hotel chains, like Hilton and Regency, have properties in Monastir, but there are also boutique and lesser-known resorts in the area, too. Some of the resorts also offer all-inclusive packages and access to private beaches.

History enthusiasts won’t want to miss Ribat of Monastir, a defensive structure dating back to 796 A.D. Today, Ribat of Monastir is an important monument in the city. The building is characterised by its reddish-sandstone facade and the towers on each corner.  

The Ribat has been preserved and extensively expanded. You can tour the historic building, and if you’re physically able to, climbing to the top of the towers is worth it for the panoramic view of the city and the sea. Just know that it’s a steep climb. The prayer rooms are also a good place to step into and one of them houses a collection of medieval artefacts.  

The Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba was built in honour of the beloved leader, Habib Bourguiba, who was once the president of Tunisia and instrumental in the country’s independence from France. The mausoleum was constructed in an ornate Arab style and is open to visitors within the Sidi El Mézeri cemetery. 

A small museum within the mausoleum houses the president’s personal belongings, including photographs, clothes, passports and his desk from the presidential palace. Anyone with an eye for architecture will be impressed with the building’s touches of marble and gold and large central dome. 

To see some stunning architecture and travel back in time, visit the old Presidential Palace of Bourguiba. Habib Bourguiba was the first president of Tunisia, from 1957 to 1987. His palace was built by Franco-Tunisian architect Olivier-Clément Cacoub and decorated by the top designers of the time. 

What might you see in the Presidential Palace of Bourguiba? The president’s 1965 Mercedes limousine, gold-leaf bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling handwoven tapestries and eccentric oil paintings of the man himself. The marble palace remains unoccupied and open to visitors as a museum.  

When visiting Monastir, Tunisia, one of the best things to do is to visit the Bourguiba Mosque and learn more about traditional Islamic culture. The Bourguiba Mosque was built in 1963 and dedicated to Tunisia’s first president Habib Bourguiba.  

The mosque is near the former president’s mausoleum, another point of interest worth visiting in Monastir. The prayer hall is perhaps the most stunning feature of the ornate building with more than 80 pink pillars. The large building has room for up to 1,000 worshippers at a time.

The Great Mosque of Monastir is a sight to behold, and worthy of visiting if you’re in Tunisia. Anyone with an interest in history or religion will appreciate the intricacies of this Islamic Mosque. The mosque is near Qaraiya Beach on the northeastern side of the city and also within walking distance to the Bourguiba Mosque. Visit both on the same day and create your own mosque tour.  

Originally built in the 9th century, the Great Mosque has expanded quite a bit since then. If you are not Muslim but still want to tour the mosque, be sure to look up the customs relating to attire, worship times and how to enter and exit.

Parc Falaise de Monastir is a coastal park offering stunning ocean views. You can’t miss its large arch entrance. Come for a cliffside stroll or seaside picnic, and nearby you can find bikes for rent or go down to the beach and enjoy the warm water. 

The restaurants close by are also a big draw to Parc Falaise de Monastir. Café la Falaise, for example, is popular because of its outdoor seating and eclectic menu. Other restaurants in the area focus on local food and small lunch options.

Did you know that Tunisia had Roman colosseums, and that the Amphitheatre of El Jem is the largest colosseum in North Africa? These ruins are a must-see if you’re staying in or around Monastir. The structure is preserved by several heritage agencies and is an official UNESCO World Heritage site.

In its prime, this large oval amphitheatre held up to 35,000 spectators. Over the years it has been used as a filming location for TV shows and films. And while the Amphitheatre of El Jem is just as grand as the Colosseum in Rome, there are far fewer tourists, making it a worthwhile visit.

Just up the coast from Monastir in Sousse, the architectural complex of Sousse Medina is one of the best things to see when vacationing in Monastir. Why? The military port is overflowing with history dating back to the year 800. Here you will find mosques, ribats and a kasbah.

Sousse Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honouring its preservation of early Islamic architecture. As such, it would be a shame to visit Sousse and not tour the Sousse Archaeological Museum. The artefacts and plaques at the museum help to put the area’s history into context.

At EkiClub, you can see the Tunisian countryside from the back of a horse. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced equestrian, the rides are tailored to your skill level with each ride lasting 1–2 hours. If horses make you nervous, rest assured that a professional rider will be with you at all times.  

On the ride, you’ll follow a dirt road through picturesque olive groves. EkiClub riders also act as tour guides, giving information about the surrounding area while you trot along. Before heading back, it’s worth stopping to get a photo to remember your time in Monastir.