Monastir holidays:
Probably the only city whose name belies the French’s one-time occupation of Tunisia, Monastir, derived from the French word “monastère” or monastery, is a pleasant blend of both the modern and ancient. Located on the north central coast of Tunisia, Monastir is certain to give a memorable and cheap holiday in Tunisia, no matter what time of year you plan your visit.

Arriving on Monastir is easier due to the city’s having an International Airport, the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, though it is serviced mostly by charter airlines with frequent cheap flights arriving daily from all points on the globe. Monastir is home to a 9th Century monastery after which the town was named and was founded from the ruins of the ancient city Ruspina. The town’s centerpiece is the Ribat, a fortification built along the coast to watch for hostile ships in the waters leading up to the city. Once a military stronghold, the ribat later became home to Ulema, literally translated “people of Islamic knowledge”, and as a hostel for sea travelers navigating the trade route; now the ribat is host to a museum of Islamic art and artifacts. Two movies were filmed at the ribat in Monastir, The Life of Brian and Life of Christ. Surrounded by walls built in the 9th Century, Monastir can seem an imposing presence but upon entering these walls, visitors are introduced to a city teeming with history, entertainment, sandy beaches and water sports galore!

Tunisia’s first president, Habib Bourguiba, was born in Monastir and he is much loved and admired. Upon his demise in 2000, he was buried in the local cemetery and a beautiful mausoleum was built in his honor. It is not uncommon for tourists to visit his gravesite nor is it unusual for Tunisians to visit to pay homage to the former president. An additional tribute to the man is a gold statue close to the town hall, mounted on the former site of the school Bourguiba attended when he was young. Another primary site to visit would be the marina there, where dozens of yachts moor, but is also home to a large number of shops and sidewalk cafés. Tourists and locals alike will sit at the tables along the promenade that dares you to ignore its ambiance and perfection as a place to stroll as you window shop or to sit at a table in one of the many cafes, sipping your tea, watching the world go by.

When searching for accommodations in Monastir, look for a hotel along the coastline as the beach is resplendent and invites you to enjoy its gifts and pleasures. One such hotel might be the Skanes Rivage Monastir, right on the beach, offering luxury lodging for a budget-minded cost. Situated amongst a grove of palm trees and lush gardens, the Skanes Rivage is an all inclusive resort with several bars, one hosting live music nightly, and two restaurants, with the Hotel Skanes Rivage Restaurant serving international and local cuisine. At any of these places, most drinks and meals are included in the room rate, leaving you some change in your pocket for shopping along the promenade each day. Offered by the hotel are a variety of water based entertainment such as jet skiing, scuba diving, skiing, parasailing or water polo, to name a few. While some of these are provided by the hotels at no charge, others may carry a fee.

Monastir is a delightful combination of old-world charm and modern day excitement and interests with relaxation just a couple hours away from most locations in Europe. When planning your next cheap holiday to Tunisia, Monastir certainly deserves more than a second look. Most amenities are provided or easily obtained and travel to and from the city, from all over the world, is as easy as flying into the local international airport.

Alternative departures:
Tunisia holidays from London
Tunisia holidays from Midlands
Tunisia holidays from Newcastle
Tunisia holidays from Manchester
Tunisia holidays from Belfast
Tunisia holidays from Scotland
Tunisia holidays from Bristol and Cardiff