Monastir, Tunisia

Monastir is a city on the central shore of Tunisia, in the Sahel area. Traditionally a fishing port, Monastir is now a major tourist resort. Located in north-eastern Tunisia, it is the capital of Monastir Governorate.

Monastir boasts 9th century walls and an imposing Ribat tower over a modern resort. There is a marina nestled in the shade of the walls which provides an enjoyable promenade as does the long avenue that offers the bluest of Mediterranean seas on one side and open air terraces of Hotels, restaurants and coffee houses from where you can enjoy the view.

The "monastery" after which the town was named, was built by an Islamic religious order in 797 to defend the town from roaming nomadic tribes and Byzantine warships. The fortress houses a lovely museum of Islamic art and artifacts.

Things to See & Do

* The Ribat
* Mausoleum of Bourguiba
* Monastir marina
* Promenade

General Information

Cruise Season – Feb to Dec
Currency – Tunisian dinar (TND)
Language – Arabic
Population – 41,400 approx.
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code – + 216


Port Location – The port is located in the downtown area of Monastir, flanked by a waterfront promenade.

Travel Links – The city has L'Aéroport Habib Bourguiba with flights from most Western European countries. It is run by TAV Airports.
There are regular train services to Tunis and Sousse to the North and Mahdia to the South. The railway station is located conveniently for the city center.