Monastir holidays

Holidays to Monastir put a big tick in the history box, and bring beaches and desert daytrips to the party, too.

Coastal character

Monastir is a seaside city set midway along Tunisia’s lengthy, eastern edge. It’s on a pointy headland that juts out into the Gulf of Hammamet, which means the urban interior’s cuddled by loads of beaches and bays. And the cultural credentials really stack up – there’s everything from a fortress to traditional souk shopping stalls.

Monasteries and museums

It’s easy to swot up on Monastir’s history, thanks to the city’s generous helping of museums. Lamta Archaeological Museum houses Roman relics and mosaics, and the Islamic Museum has artefacts dating back thousands of years. For grand architecture, make a beeline for the Ribat – this ancient fortress looks like a giant sandcastle, and has been around since 796 AD.

Sands, sports and sails

There are plenty of different sides to Monstir’s waterfront, ranging from primed for chilling to ready for rip-roaring activities. Hotels gather along the shorefront at Skanes Beach, which is a fave for watersports fans. Further along, the promenade by Falaise Beach is great for a seaside saunter. It leads all the way to the city’s smart marina. It’s like a magnet for dinner-seeking parties, who make a beeline for the seafood and grill restaurant beside the berths.