Bahrain's grand mosque, named after the founder of the country, is a sight to behold. It's one of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating 7,000 worshipers and containing a library with many ancient volumes. Its precious materials were brought from all over the world and processed by local craftspeople. Visitors have been endlessly fascinated by the huge domes and the beautiful calligraphy ornamenting the walls. Guided tours are available in both English and Arabic.

White sand and turquoise water are the key ingredients to Monastir's beaches. The most obvious choice would be to head straight to Karaia (Qaraiya) beach, which is one of the focal points of the city. However, it does get very busy in high season. For those willing to venture a little further afield for some R&R, the beaches of Sousse such as Bou Jaafar and Las Vegas Beach are particularly beautiful. The coast between Monastir and Sousse is a bit more utilitarian but could prove to be an interesting adventure as the locals will often come there to cast a fishing line on the beaches and for all horse lovers, there is riding and racing further inland at the Monastir Hippodrome and the Eki Club. Just beware that there is not a lot of shade on offer along the waterfront, so be sure to pack the SPFs.

This majestic mausoleum dedicated to the 'Father of Modern Tunisia' Habib Bourguiba is decked out from top to bottom with white marble and decorative touches of emerald green, making it gleam in the hot sun of Monastir. The two towers poised on either side of the entrance to the tomb resemble the minarets of a typical Maghreb mosque. Indeed, most of the architecture that was designed by French architect Olivier Clement Cacoub bears a strong resemblance to traditional Islamic places of worship. Inside the mausoleum lies the Tunisian president of the 1960s, encased in an ornate marble sarcophagus which can be viewed up close on the ground floor or from above by accessing the balcony through an unassuming door to the right of the main entrance. Although it is free to enter the mausoleum, some may prefer to gain further insight into the history of the building by booking a tour from one of the licensed tour operators in the main city. It is inadvisable to hire the services of those guides operating within or beside the grounds of the mausoleum as most are unqualified. Opening times may vary and if the main entrance is closed, visitors can enter through a separate entrance on the other side of the building.