Visit Monastir Tunisia: Easy Sousse Day Trip -

Monasitr is the best day trip to take from the city of Sousse. Not only is it the birthplace of Tunisia’s first president, but you can also find one of the best ribats in the entire country here.

If you’re in Sousse Tunisia and you want to have a little adventure, try a day trip to visit Monastir. While Monastir is a fairly small town along the Tunisian coast, it has a strange little charm to it. You can easily see everything in one day- the Ribat, the coastline, the medina, etc. But if you’re looking for a few calmer days, you can also consider staying at one of Monastir’s many resorts. Monastir is also a great stop to add to your Tunisian road trip itinerary.

Monastir seems to be a popular site for retired foreign nationals with sailboats. When I was in Monastir in March 2024, we saw many American and British tourists wandering around town, especially at the marina. Monastir was one of my favorite Tunisian beach cities. It was a great place to visit as a day trip from Sousse and an easy way to see somewhere new. In this article, I’ll outline the best places to visit in Monastir, as well as how to get there, and where to stay if you decide to spend the night.

Where is Monastir Located?

Monastir is located along the Mediterranean Coast of Tunisia, in the Gulf of Hammamet. It is a small cape that sticks out, further into the sea than Sousse. It is just 30 minutes south of Sousse, making it the ideal day trip.

When Should I Visit Monastir?

I visited Monastir in March 2024. It was both off-season and the first day of Ramadan, so admittedly I did not see it as it usually is. Several of the shops inside the Medina were closed and the majority of the restaurants and cafes were closed. We did manage to find a couple of restaurants along the water that served food. In March, the weather was warm, hot even, but not hot enough to swim. There were a couple of kids in the water, but that’s it.

Summer is the ideal time to visit as Monastir is considered a bit of a summertime beach destination. There are many resorts in Monastir and family-friendly locations such as the Spring Land Amusement Park. Spring Land was closed in March. Because of its long stretch of beaches along the coast, summer is the best time to visit.

It is still sunny in the winter, but there are fewer things to do in Monastir.

Read More: Tunisia’s 7 Best Beach Towns

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Read More: 31 Things to Do in Tunisia

What to See in Monastir

Even though Monastir is not a big Tunisian city, you can still see quite a bit. Below I have outlined the best things to do in Monastir, Tunisia.

Take a Photo With the I Love Monastir Sign

I’m not sure exactly when every town in the world decided to have an “I <3 City” sign, but Monastir is not an exception to this international rule. The I ❤️ MONASTIR sign is located next to the Ribat, right along the sea. It is diagonal from the entrance to the Marina. Why not join in on a fun trend and take a photo with this sign!

This is the I LOVE MONASTIR sign with the sea behind it.

Observe the Bourguiba Grand Mosque

Foreign visitors, including women, are allowed inside the Bourgiba Mosque. Out of respect, you should be fully covered including a scarf over your head for women. You should not enter the prayer areas if you’re not Muslim, but you’re welcome to wander around the courtyard to admire its architectural beauty. It is very large and free to enter. The Bourguiba Mosque is opposite the Ribat, with a beautiful plaza between the two structures.

The Great Bourghiba Mosque has many red Tunisian flags in front of it

The Great Bourghiba Mosque has many red Tunisian flags in front of it. This is the inside of the mosque.

See the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba

Habib Bourguiba was Tunisia’s first president after independence from France, from 1957-1987. Because Habib Bourguiba was born in Monastir, he is immortalized here. Next to the cemetery, you can find the historical Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum. It is free to enter and closes at 4:30 pm. It is located at the end of a very long plaza with decorative brick designs. You’ll have to put your bag through an X-ray machine as you enter the mausoleum. You can see the tomb, as well as walk around the courtyard.

This is the Habib Bourghiba Mausoleum from a distance with several tiles on the ground like a big plaza

see the habib bourghiba mausoleum in monastir

Admire the Monastir Cemetery

Next to the Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum, you can find the Monastir Cemetery. It stretches wide across both sides of the plaza leading to the Mausoleum. The cemetery is also visible from the tower at the top of the Ribat. This cemetery does not have headstones, but large blocks of brick or cement to mark the place of loved ones passed on.

See the cemetery in monastir which is full headstones that are shaped like large boxes

The ribat of Monastir is right along the sea and you can see the whole city from here including the cemetery.

See the Views From the Monastir Ribat

The Monastir Ribat is very cool. I think this Ribat is better than the one in Sousse, which is a simple square. The Monastir Ribat has many twists, turns, stairs, and hiding places. It’s interesting to wander around and even get lost inside of it.

The best thing to do in the Monastir Ribat is climb to the top of the tower. From there, you have incredible 360 views of the entire city, from the sea to the medina. They have added a few iron chords connecting to each small peak to ‘protect’ you from falling but they felt weak, so be careful up top. I got a little bit of vertigo being up there.

The ribat of Monastir is right along the sea and you can see the whole city from here including the cemetery. Nicki sits on the stairs inside the ribat.

The ribat of Monastir is right along the sea and you can see the whole city from here including the cemetery. Nicki stands on top of the tower with the sea behind her.

Some scenes from Monty Python’s Life of Brian were filmed in this Ribat.

If you’re short on time, you should make visiting the Monastir Ribat a top priority. It is one of the best tourist attractions in the city.

Go Shopping in the Monastir Medina

The Monastir Medina may not boast as many busy streets as the Medinas in Sousse or Tunis but it has its charm. The alleyways are less touristy, less busy, and more residential. That said, you can still find the standard souvenirs you can find in the rest of the country- pottery, traditional Berber clothing, paintings, etc. To find the Monastir Market shopping area, look for the Yasmina Center Shopping sign, which is visible from several parts of the Medina. See the sign in the photo below on the right.

This is a small alleyway in the medina of Monastir with clothes hanging on the left side. The buildings are white with blue trim.

This is the outside of the medina walls. You can see the large shopping center sign above the medina.

Walk Along the Monastir Promenade

All along the Monastir coastline, you can find this great, wide brick promenade. It allows you to take a walk with great views, without getting your shoes sandy. On one side you have the Med, and on the other side are several restaurants and cafes with great views.

visit monastir and walk along the promenade with a great view of the sea

Have a Meal Overlooking the Sea

Unfortunately, the Café et Restaurant El Grotte was closed when I was there due to Ramadan, which was disappointing. I had big dreams of having lunch in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. However, if you go to Monastir outside of Ramadan, I suggest having a meal or a coffee here. They have outdoor dining areas to sip a coffee under the sun with the sea breeze blowing by. You can also have a little adventure by going into the underground cave below the restaurant that has tables for dining.

Have a tea at the cafe Grotte on the sea.

Have a Coffee at the Marina Cap Monastir

Take a stroll around the Monastir Marina. This is a hotspot for boat owners. Not only can you see all the beautiful boats docked here, but the perimeter is full of cafes and restaurants. Next to the marina, there are also vacation rentals and apartments. The vibe inside the area feels a little exclusive while still being open to the public. If you sail in on your boat, you have everything you need in this area without having to leave- a place to sleep, a gym, restaurants, cafes, etc.

There are many sailboats in the Marina Cape in Monastir. Cafes too.

See the Sea At La Falaise

On the south end of Monastir, you can find an area called “La Falaise.” Two giant rock formations jut out into the water in opposite directions. There is a small walkway built out to them. The rock formation on the left even has stairs carved into it for easier walking. Looking down into the water below you, you can see everything as it is super clear. I imagine that in the summer this place is popular for swimming and cliff jumping. It also seems to be a teen hangout spot, where they smoke cigarettes, drink beer, and try to be cool.

Visit Monastir and see La Falaise which is are two large rocks that extend into the water. Here Nicki stands at the edge of the falaise.

Visit Monastir and see La Falaise which is are two large rocks that extend into the water.

Despite the teens, this was one of my favorite places to visit Monastir. The water is bright blue and bright green. It is so clear you can see the details of the rocks below. It gets pretty windy up here but the sea breeze felt great.

View the Sidi Mansour Mausoleum

If you continue south along the promenade from La Falaise, you’ll run into the Side Mansour Mausoleum. It is on a patch of land that sticks out a bit further into the sea. The inscription on the side of the building reads: “A mausoleum dedicated to Sidi Mansour Ba Yazid, a mystic who lived in the XVII century. The monument goes back to the XVII XVIII centuries.” Unfortunately, you can’t see inside, but it was interesting to walk the perimeter and see the white building contrasted against the blue sea.

Visit Monastir and see the Sidi Mansour mausoleum that is right on the cliff next to the sea. Nicki stands in front of the blue door.

see the Sidi Mansour mausoleum that is right on the cliff next to the sea

Put your Toes in the Water at Monastir Beach

The entire coastline of Monastir is filled with beaches. There are a few cafes and restaurants on the beach along the water. Unfortunately, some of them are filled with chainsmokers which ruins the atmosphere (here’s looking at you Jon Beach Cafe) of what would otherwise be pleasant.

Obviously, summer is the best time to enjoy the beach but even in the spring, you can enjoy nature with your toes in the Mediterranean Sea. The sandy beaches are white, and the water is crystal clear blue.

This is a view of the Monastir Beach from the top of the ribat.

Excursions in Monastir

If you find yourself in Monastir with a desire to do a group activity, then you’re in luck. There are not a lot of tour companies around town like there are in other countries (like Dahab, Egypt for example). However, you can definitely find excursions for Monastir on sites like GetYourGuide and Viator.

Quad Bike Ride in Sousse or Monastir

One of the more popular tours is the quad bike tour which lasts 2 hours and costs about 40 USD. Pick-up and drop-off from your Monastir (or Sousse) accommodation are included, as well as a guide, a drink, and safety briefings.

Book the Quad Tour NOW

Private Half-Day Excursion to the Authentic Monastir

This is a 4-hour guided tour around Monastir for around 60 USD per person. You will explore the Medina, the Ribat Fortress, and the Bourguiba Mosque. Pick-up and drop-off are included in the price.

Book the half-day Monastir Excursion HERE

Sousse/Monastir: Private Horseback Riding Trip

This is a 3-hour trip from either Sousse or Monastir, for about 60 USD. You’ll have the chance to ride horses through the region’s countryside and seas. Pick-up and drop-off, coffee/tea, and water are included in the price. Lunch is not included.

Book a Private Horseback Riding Trip NOW

Day Trips from Monastir

If you decide to base yourself in Monastir, rather than the larger city of Sousse nearby, there are plenty of day trips from Monastir to do. You can also make Monastir a quick stop along your Tunisian road trip.

Sousse

You can easily visit Monastir from Sousse (and vice versa), which is just 30 minutes north of Monastir. It’s fully worth a day trip. If you’re basing yourself in Monastir, you need to make a trip to visit Sousse at least once. Visit the Ribat, the Sousse Medina, the Dar Essid Museum, and more. You can take a louage to Sousse for 2.400 TND from the louage station at the edge of the Monastir Medina.

Things to do in Sousse: Visit the Ribat, it's an old fortress. Here you can see the inner courtyard and the tower in the back corner.

Read more: 21 Things to do in Sousse

Tunis

If you flew directly into Monastir and skipped Tunis, it is worth at least a day trip. But keep in mind, if you’re just going for one day it will be a long day. The drive between Tunis and Monastir will take about 3 hours. You can take a louage between Tunis and Monastir, or rent a car. There are several per day. There is just one train time between the two cities, so if you take the train, you’ll need to spend the night.

Nicki stands walks at the Carthage site in Tunis, baths of antonin

Read More: 25 Things to Do in Tunis

Mahdia

Mahdia is another Tunisian town along the coast. It is located one hour south of Monastir and can be reached via louage. The main part to visit in Mahdia is near the very point of the small peninsula it is on. If you’re looking for beaches, you’ll need to stay a bit outside of the Mahdia old town, and closer to where the bigger hotels are.

This is pottery that you can buy in the Mahdia medina

Kairouan

Kairouan is 75 minutes west of Monastir and can be reached via louage, but you’ll have to pass through Sousse. It is the first Islamic town in Tunisia, and the 4th holiest Muslim city in the world. There are hundreds of mosques in this small town.

This is inside the barber's mausoleum in the holy city of Kairouan in Tunisia. It is inside a courtyard and there are porticos around the perimeter and all the walls are covered in tiles.

Hergla

Hergla is located one hour north of Monastir and can be reached via louage. It’s a small fishing village with beautiful views of the sea. Hergla is known for baskets and other items made of Halfa Grass.

What to see in Hergla: The outdoor theatre. There are several rock steps in a half round shape looking out over the sea.

Read more: What to see in Hergla

Getting to Monastir

If you’re planning to visit Monastir, there are a number of ways to get there. See below for how to get to Monastir.

Getting to Monastir by Plane

Tunisia is a small country and it is very easy to travel by train or louage. But if you prefer to fly, the main airport for the area is just outside Monastir, called the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport. It is a 10-minute taxi ride from the airport to the center of town.

Check Skyscanner to view flights to the Monastir airport.

Tunis to Monastir by Train

No train goes between Sousse and Monastir, but you can take the train from Tunis to Monastir. There is only one train per day from Tunis with a stop in Monastir. The train leaves the Gare de Tunis at 5:20 pm, and arrives in Monastir at 8:15 pm. Click here to see the timetables of the trains leaving from Tunis for the winter 2023-2024. This is the main website for trains in Tunisia.

This is the front of the Tunis train station. It has the words in Arabic on the top in blue. In white it says "Gare de Tunis." There is a Tunisian flag on the top.

The train schedule between Tunis and Monastir and Mahdia.

Sousse to Monastir by Louage

It is easy to travel between Monastir and Sousse by louage (shared taxi van). The cost is 2.400 TND (0.80 USD). You need to purchase your ticket from the ticket booth at the station. After that, someone will ask where you’re going and point you to the correct van to get in. The van will leave as soon as it’s full.

Visit Monastir by louage. This is the louage station in Monastir.

Here are the locations for the Louage stations in:

Sousse (photo top right): Al Lawajat Station
Monastir (photo top left): Station Louage Monastir

You can also take a louage from Monastir to Tunis, Kairouane, and Nabeul.

Read More: How to Take a Louage in Tunisia

Is Monastir Worth Visiting?

If you only have a short time in the country, you might be wondering- Is it worth visiting Monastir Tunisia? I spent an entire month in the city of Sousse, so I was happy to get out and see the surrounding towns, Monastir included. It was a nice day trip from Sousse, but it is also very small. If you have a short time in Tunisia, I think it would be fair to say that you can skip Monastir.

For the most part, I enjoyed Monastir and its mesmerizing Ribat and super blue waters. The answer is this- if you have time, Monastir is worth visiting. If you are tight on time, Monastir is not worth visiting (unless you love sailboats and beaches). If you’re coming to Tunisia specifically for the beaches, this is one of your best options! It is smaller and less touristy than Sousse and Hammamet.

Read More: 20 Things to do in Hammamet

Is Monastir Tunisia Safe?

Monastir felt very safe to me, as does all of Tunisia. I never felt threatened there. Monastir gives small-town vibes and safety seems to come from that.

While I did feel safe, I also felt annoyed at times, which is something else entirely. We ran into several groups of teenage boys hanging around town who shouted things at us, asked for 1 dinar to take a taxi home, or walked up to us and made silly faces and sounds. Sometimes you just want to walk around in peace, but the Monastir teens worsened our experience a bit, to be honest.

Where to Stay in Monastir

Monastir may be small, but there are plenty of places to stay around town. Prices will increase in the summer months, particularly in August. If you plan to head to Monastir in the spring/early summer, you’ll be met with very reasonable prices.

Marina Cap Monastir- Appart’Hôtel

This hotel is located right inside the marina with a great view overlooking the boats from the balcony. You’re close to all the marina cafes and restaurants, and just a 5-minute walk to the Ribat and other beaches. The rooms are clean and bright; towels and linens are provided. You have basic kitchen necessities here. The hotel has 56 apartments, so you’ll feel like you’re in a small community here.

Book your stay in the Monastir Marina HERE. Rooms fill up quickly.

Hotel Mezri

The rooms here are simple, but more than anything, you’re paying for the location which is right in the center of the promenade, steps from the beach. There is also a small swimming pool inside. Breakfast is included in the price. Some of the rooms have a sea view. This is a great place for solo budget travelers.

Book your stay along the Monastir Coast HERE.

Dar Benti

The Dar Benti is a beautiful and modern hotel right in the center of the Monastir Medina. There is an inner courtyard and a rooftop swimming pool. Staying here is more of an experience than just a hotel. The breakfast is impressive as are the traditional Tunisian style decorations. Prices are lower in January, February, and March, and increase in the summer months, which is something to consider when planning to visit Monastir.

Book your stay inside the Monastir Medina HERE.

Monastir Final Thoughts

Monastir has its pros and cons, like any place you might travel to. I visited Monastir on the first day of Ramadan 2024, which certainly changed the vibe of this Tunisian city, as many restaurants and eateries were closed. Also, I found myself often frustrated with the interactions of the teenage boys who seemed to linger in groups around every corner.

On the other hand, Monastir is also strangely charming. The ribat was beautiful and impressive. The water along the coast was clear and turquoise. The Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum was interesting as he was Tunisia’s first modern president. Monastir is probably not a place I would return to again and again, but it was a place I was happy to see once on a day trip from Sousse. If you have time, visit Monastir.

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