Cheap holiday to Monastir
Monastir is the birthplace of modern Tunisia: an 8th-century ribat by the sea, the mausoleum of President Bourguiba and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Perfect base for El Jem, Kairouan and the Kuriat Islands. 7 days from approximately €620 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Monastir →Updated on 12 August 2026
When is the best time to visit?
May, June, September and October are ideal: temperatures of 25 to 29 degrees and sea water of 19 to 26 degrees without the peak season crowds. September has the warmest swimming water (26 degrees) combined with 15 to 25 percent lower hotel prices.
Avoid July and August: busiest and most expensive, with temperatures up to 31 degrees. Winter (November to March) is mild (17 to 19 degrees) but the water is too cold for swimming.
Best neighbourhoods in Monastir
- Medina (Old Town) The historic heart directly next to the Ribat: narrow alleys, authentic souks, genuine Tunisian market atmosphere. Compact and fully explorable on foot in 1 to 2 hours.
- Marina Cap Monastir The modern marina within walking distance of the medina, with floating fish restaurants, terraces and a beautiful sunset panorama.
- Zone Touristique Skanes Three to nine kilometres towards the airport: rows of large all-inclusive hotels with private beaches. Good for comfort, but little authentic atmosphere.
- Hay Souani (city centre) The real city beyond the tourist zones: market hall, bus station, louage stand and local restaurants. Prices 40 to 60 percent cheaper than at the marina.
Top 5 things to do in Monastir
- Ribat of Monastir The 8th-century Islamic fortress is the symbol of the city, well preserved with one of the finest panoramas over the Mediterranean. Famous for: scenes from Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) were filmed here. Entrance: 8 TND (approx. €2.40).
- Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba The impressive tomb of Tunisia's founding father, with golden and green domes. Free admission. Modest dress required.
- El Jem Amphitheatre (day trip, 55 km) The third-largest Roman amphitheatre in the world, better preserved than the Colosseum in Rome. Original capacity 35,000 spectators, the arena floor is largely intact. Reachable by louage (shared taxi) for approx. €2.50 return. Entrance: 10 TND (approx. €3).
- Kuriat Islands boat trip Two uninhabited protected islands off the coast: crystal-clear water, sea turtles and traditional Tunisian lunch on board. Price: approx. €33 per person for 4 to 6 hours; book ahead in high season.
- Medina and Bourguiba Mosque The authentic small medina directly next to the Ribat, with souks for ceramics, spices and Tunisian textiles. Free entry. The parallel back alley has the same goods at local prices (30 to 50 percent cheaper).
Flights and transport from the Netherlands
There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Monastir (MIR). The best and cheapest route is via Tunis: Transavia and TUI fly several times a week direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Tunis-Carthage (TUN) from approx. €141 return. Then take a louage (shared taxi, approx. €7 per person) for the 2.5-hour journey to Monastir.
Alternative: a connecting flight via Frankfurt or Brussels, from approx. €272 return but with a longer journey time. Taxi from the airport (MIR, 9 km from the centre): 10 to 20 TND (approx. €3 to €6). The Metro Sahel light rail connects Monastir with Sousse (30 min, 2.10 TND) and Mahdia (1 hr 12, approx. €1).
What does a Monastir holiday cost?
Hotels: budget guesthouse from €18 per night, mid-range hotel €46 to €83, all-inclusive resort €50 to €90 per person including meals. Food is affordable: street food (brik, sandwich) €0.80 to €2.50, local restaurant 3-course from €4, marina fish restaurant €18 to €35. Local transport is very cheap: city taxi €1 to €3, Metro Sahel to Sousse €0.63. For 7 days all-in (including flight via Tunis) budget approximately €620 to €750 per person mid-range.
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Frequently asked questions about Monastir
When is the best time to visit Monastir?
May, June, September and October are ideal: 25 to 29 degrees and warm swimming water (19 to 26 degrees). Avoid July and August if you want to avoid crowds and high prices.
How do I get from the Netherlands to Monastir?
There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Monastir (MIR). The smartest route: fly with Transavia or TUI direct from Amsterdam Schiphol to Tunis (from approx. €141 return) and then take a louage (shared taxi, approx. €7) for the 2.5 hours to Monastir. Alternative via Frankfurt or Brussels (from approx. €272 return).
How much does a Monastir holiday from the Netherlands cost?
Budget approximately €620 to €750 per person for 7 days including flight via Tunis, mid-range hotel and day activities. Local costs are low: meals in a local restaurant from €4, taxi ride €1 to €3.
What sights should I not miss in Monastir?
The Ribat of Monastir (8 TND, approx. €2.40) is an absolute must: an 8th-century fortress with panorama over the city and sea. The Mausoleum of Bourguiba is free. Take a day trip to El Jem (55 km): the third-largest Roman amphitheatre in the world, better preserved than the Colosseum (10 TND, approx. €3).
Is Monastir safe for Dutch tourists?
Monastir and the Tunisian Mediterranean coast are considered relatively safe for tourists by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere in North Africa.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Monastir?
Hotels, resorts and holiday homes in Monastir on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
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