Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport: where to stay, areas…

Habib Bourguiba airport in Monastir is the opposite of Enfidha's: it lies within the same coastal strip of Skanes where the resorts are concentrated, so much so that some hotels are less than 2 km from the terminal. Monastir's historic centre, with the Ribat and the marina, is instead about 9 km away (15 minutes, official taxi around 30 dinars), and Sousse, the biggest city in the area, is another 20-21 km further on. For those sleeping in Skanes the transfer is almost nil; the real choice is whether to stay in the beach strip or move towards the marina and the Ribat of the historic centre.

Skanes

Airport area · The Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace complex is about 1 km from the airport; the Hilton Skanes is a little farther, 6 miles (about 10 km) from the centre of Monastir and 8 miles (13 km) from Sousse; by car or taxi, just a few minutes from the terminal to any hotel in the area.

Best for: Those who want the shortest possible transfer and a beach resort stay, a stone's throw from the terminal.

Pros

Among the shortest distances from the airport of the whole Tunisian coast: useful for those with a dawn flight or a short layover
Sandy beaches and large resorts with pools, thalasso and golf courses (the Monastir Flamingo Golf Course is right next to the Hilton)

Cons

Around the resorts there is mostly the Zone Touristique of Skanes: for the Ribat or the marina of Monastir you still need a 10-15 minute taxi
Some advertised addresses mention "Sousse" in the name even though they are in Skanes: always check the real municipality before booking

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort: The first Hilton in Tunisia, 346 rooms with a view of the Mediterranean, two outdoor pools and a wellness centre with an indoor pool; next to the Monastir Flamingo Golf Course, 6 miles from the centre of Monastir.
Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace: Right on the beach of Skanes, about 1 km from the airport and 7 km from the centre of Monastir: among the hotels closest to the terminal in this whole guide.
Beach, pool and slides Sousse Monastir 41: Residence with a water park and children's pool in the Zone Touristique Dkhila of Skanes, about 7 km from the airport (paid shuttle available); despite the name mentioning Sousse, the real address is in the municipality of Monastir.

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Monastir centre and marina

City centre · About 9 km from the airport, 15 minutes by taxi for about 30 dinars at the official rate (0.60 TND starting fare plus 1 TND/km).

Best for: Those who want the Ribat, the Bourguiba mausoleum and the marina on foot, without staying in the resort strip.

Pros

Marina with restaurants and shops one minute on foot away, the Ribat of Monastir and the Bourguiba mosque 10-15 minutes away
Private beach of the marina, a more urban alternative to the large resorts of Skanes

Cons

Fewer resort facilities (few pools, no thalasso centres at Skanes level)
Scores that swing depending on the room: some reviews note quality differences between apartments in the same residence

Recommended hotels in this area

Cap Marina monastir: Aparthotel on the seafront, one minute on foot from the marina of Monastir and 10 minutes from the Ribat; apartments with a kitchen, private beach and seven restaurants in the marina village.

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