- Weather and climate
- Beaches and entertainment
- Hotels and infrastructure
- Shopping
- Cuisine and restaurants
Both of these resorts are located in Tunisia, they are quite mastered by tourists from Russia and are similar in their natural and climatic characteristics. If we compare which is better - Mahdia or Monastir, then one can hardly answer unequivocally. Monastir is more developed in terms of infrastructure, it even has an international airport from where you can get to Mahdia. But Mahdia is full of its charm - it is not crowded on the beaches, suitable for a secluded and relaxing holiday.
Weather and climate
Both resorts have an even climate with a warm average annual temperature. It is almost always clear there, and if it rains, they are short-lived. The temperature from July to September to +32, and in the winter months - December-February, the thermometer drops to +17.
Beaches and entertainment
Tourists come to Monastir for inexpensive sea activities, as well as an excellent choice of thalassotherapy centers. However, if you compare the beaches of Monastir and Mahdia, then the latter significantly benefits. Mahdia has beaches with clear water, gentle slopes and descents into the water. As for Monastir, there is a lot of seaweed and not a very successful coast.
And yet in this world of water, sun and sand there is something to see: a view from the observation deck of Ribat on the outskirts of Monastir; the mausoleum of the first president of Tunisia; visit salt evaporation ponds; enjoy the spectacle of flocks of pink flamingos. Mahdia is more diverse in terms of entertainment. Here you can see: national clothes and gold jewelry in the museum of Mahdia; The Great Mosque and the Mosque of Mustafa Hamza; local lighthouse and Mahdi cemetery.
Hotels and infrastructure
In Mahdia you will find more than a dozen hotels, among which there are five-star and three-star hotels. Most of them were built in the recent past, around the 90s of the last century, so they are quite fresh and bearable. There are expensive options, and there are also quite budget ones. Most are on the first line. The recently opened Iberostar Royal El Mansour hotel is still the leader in terms of service.
In Monastir, it is a little tough with top-class hotels - there are practically none. The best choice is four stars, but most are mid-range. There is one five-star hotel in nearby Skanes. There is a great hotel there. But, as in most hotels in this place, there is no entertainment nearby, they go to Monastir.
Shopping
Both in Mahdia and in Monastir, it makes sense to buy only souvenir products. Among the distinguishing features of these places is silk production, so you can buy local Tunisian national clothes as a souvenir. By the way, Mahdia is distinguished by the traditions of silk production, so local silk is a visiting card of local places and the pride of the inhabitants of Mahdia.
A lot of small trinkets can be bought anywhere in both Monastir and Mahdia. In Monastir, it makes sense to buy oil from the popular Ruspina brand - it is just here that it is produced. Here in Mahdia you can taste another famous Zouila oil. It is extremely popular here, as is the excellent soap prepared on its basis.
Cuisine and restaurants
There is a yacht port in Monastir, where a wonderful fish soup is prepared. You should definitely try it. In general, it is in this small marina that all the restaurants specializing exclusively in the preparation of fish dishes and seafood are concentrated.
By the way, the national cuisine of both resorts is very similar. It includes a variety of salads with a local flavor, lots of interesting soups and sweet couscous. Here you can also order the usual European concoctions such as spaghetti and pizza with sandwiches. The prices are different, but it is quite acceptable and tasty to dine in the so-called folk cafes. What's in the city center. There are long lines, which is an indicator of good food at affordable prices.
Which brings you to Mahdia:
- the opportunity to lie on a good beach;
- desire to relax with a child and family in a quiet place, calm and quiet;
- reasonable price of rest.
You should go to Monastir if:
- you love Asian weirdness;
- you dream of local souvenirs;
- you like the warm sea and always good weather;
- you are a lover of Tunisian cuisine.
