Travel Eye on Monastir (Tunisia)

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Overview:

Monastir, with its 9th century walls and an imposing Ribat tower over a modern resort complex and the result is amazingly harmonious. Monastir captures that blend of the traditional and modern that characterizes Tunisia.

A marina nestled in the shade of the walls provides a 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.

This area suits the young budget to middlemarket families and more mature couples. Particularly popular with Germans, French and British.

The accommodation here is medium to large self-contained hotels with their own entertainments, shops and facilities. Many are directly facing the beach.

Locality:

Monastir can be found on the north east coast of Tunisia, 105 mls SE of the capital, Tunis. Monastir airport is immediately to the S of the resort centre. It is situated at the south end of the Gulf of Hammamet, on a small, low headland surrounded by flat, arable land, olive groves and sparse pine woods.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

The beach here is over 10 mls of broad, gently shelving, white sand stretch from the edge of Monastir in the E, towards Sousse in the W. The sea is safe for bathing, and most hotels have their own private sections of beach, complete with lifeguards, beach furniture and organised water sports in summer.

There are limited souvenir shopping for rugs, pottery, local jewellery, cheap trinkets and beach paraphernalia, mainly in the centre of Monastir. Haggling is a way of life and a form of entertainment. Little else outside town, although most hotels have their own little shops, bazaars and boutiques.

During the daytime the activities are predominantly beach based, with water sports in summer only. Other activities also include golf, horse and camel rides and local sightseeing.

The nightlife here is low-key in the resort and town centre. It is mainly centred on the various live entertainment programmes and nightclubs offered by the hotels.

Eating out is largely confined to a varied selection of hotel restaurants. There is a choice of restaurants and small pavement cafes are clustered around the marina in Monastir, serving international dishes and traditional fare. One or two pizzerias. Kebabs but virtually no other fast food.