Monastir boasts both beautiful scenery and stunning architecture which is attracting more and more tourists each year. The city features a fortress along with a well preserved Ribat, which has the appearance of a grand monastery. It was built as a means of defense against sea-faring invaders in the year 769 AD. Within the fortress there is also a museum of Islamic arts and artifacts. In the summer months the "son et lumiere" presentations light up its walls strikingly. Regardless of the fact the fortress and Ribat have undergone some remodeling and restoration, the authenticity has not been lost.
Overlooked by the impressive architecture of the Ribat, the city also has a clean sandy beach whose shores are lapped by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. There are many opportunities for watersports including scuba diving, waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and fishing. With to the excellent year round climate, a variety of other sports can also be enjoyed, such as golf, tennis, camel riding, hiking and desert safaris.
Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to try the Flamingo course, designed by the renowned American architect Ronald Fream. Fream is also responsible for the Palm and Bungo Raya courses which accommodate the Malaysian Open. The Asian Golf Monthly 2005 described the Palm course as “The Best Championship Course in Asia”, while Golf Digest 2005 ranked Bunga Raya in the "Top 100 Best Courses outside the USA”.
As well as being a place to enjoy both cultural and sporting activities, Monastir is simply wonderful for just relaxing. Take advantage of the lovely water front promenade which has a wealth of cafes, restaurants and shops. There is also a Medina where you can wander around the maze of alleyways and shop for local goods like leather, jewellery, copperware and carpets.
Monastir is well situated as an excellent base to explore the surrounding areas. Be sure not to miss an exciting desert safari trip or go to neighbouring towns Hammamet or Sousse. The amazing Roman amphitheatre at El Jem is certainly worth a visit. The public transport system generally works well and with the large volume of tourists, guided tours are widely available.
Climate
Monastir has a superb climate with temperatures reaching 38 ˚C during the summer months and rarely falling below 15˚C during the day in winter months from November to early March.
Getting there
Direct flights from the UK to Habib Bourguiba International airport in Monastir take less than 3 hours. There are regular charter flights from London Gatwick and Stansted, and a variety of regional airports including Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow and Manchester among others. Depending on your location, charter flights may be available via First Choice Airways, Nouvelair, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomsonfly Charter, My Travel Airways, Excel or Karthago Airlines.
For regularly scheduled carriers try Air France or Luxair out of London’s City Airport, connecting to Tunis Air via Paris or Luxembourg respectively. Some connections to Tunis Air are possible leaving London Heathrow using British Airways or BMI, with a connection via Germany or Brussels.
Once you arrive at Monastir’s airport, it is only a short drive or taxi journey into town.
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