Hammamet
Temperature
25°
Time
3:03 PM
Hammamet
Holiday-geared Hammamet has long attracted international vacationers, a fact to which the glorious decades-old Yasmine resort complex serves as testament. The town itself offers just the right dose of thrills to culture enthusiasts looking to break the lethargy of an all-inclusive respite with some sightseeing and shopping – all within the ancient walls of a cream-colored, low-rise Medina.Find your trip
The historic Medina is one of the city's simply unmissable sites - thick walls around it used to contain the settlement preceding that of modern Hammamet (up until late 19th century); today its windy narrow alleys and souqs are packed with ample shopping and dining spots.
Yasmine is a gargantuan resort complex just outside Hammamet proper. As of today, Yasmine amounts to a miniature city with a Medina of its own and various facilities such as markets, hotels, entertainment centers, and a waterside promenade - all of it covering an area of nearly 300 hectares.
Some of the major attractions of coastal Hammamet are its beaches, extending miles upon miles north and south of town. While some areas may belong to resorts, there are plenty of spots along the shore that are open to the public. Water sport enthusiasts will find rentals dotted along the coast.
Having at different points in time hosted prominent figures such as Winston Churchill and served as a Nazi headquarters, the lavish mansion has regrettably lost much of its extravagant allure over the years. It today contains art exhibitions and plays host to the annual Festival of Music and Drama.
The Great Mosque towers over the spread of Medina's dwellings, and makes for a fine example of Tunisian architecture (which, in this case, is a fusion of Moorish and Turkish tradition). Adjacent to the Grand Mosque is the now religious school (formerly another mosque) Sidi Abdel Kader.
The fortification, first erected in the 13th century, still stands today - and relatively well-preserved, at that. An on-site museum tells the brief history of the fort, but its main draw is, perhaps, the unbeatable view over the Medina and the sea surface - things may get a bit crowded at sunset.
One of the largest towns in the area, Nabeul is best visited on a Friday, when the famous local market is set up all along the city's main artery. Other attractions include the very pleasant beach and the city Archaeological Museum, containing findings and artifacts found in the area.
The ruins of Kerkouane are a rare vestige of a civilization long-gone. The area was once inhabited by Phoenicians (who lived off fishing and manufacturing colored dye - particularly a purple shade produced from shellfish), but fell victim to the Romans during the Third Punic War. Some traces of its former glory still remain today.
The historic Medina is one of the city's simply unmissable sites - thick walls around it used to contain the settlement preceding that of modern Hammamet (up until late 19th century); today its windy narrow alleys and souqs are packed with ample shopping and dining spots.
Yasmine is a gargantuan resort complex just outside Hammamet proper. As of today, Yasmine amounts to a miniature city with a Medina of its own and various facilities such as markets, hotels, entertainment centers, and a waterside promenade - all of it covering an area of nearly 300 hectares.
Tremendously popular with local and international diners, Le Barberousse is another restaurant set directly on the Medina ramparts. Views from here are superb, and the menu doesn't fall far behind, listing a wide assortment of fresh fish and seafood dishes.
La Belle Vue is a decent quality eatery serving a pleasant selection of local and international dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant's name does not betray expectation - views from here unfold over the Hammamet beach with a line-up of scenic boats, with the setting sun as backdrop.
Located on the waterfront, Fatma is a safe bet when it comes to picking a dining spot in the vicinity — dishes here are of honest quality, with an emphasis on local fare and seafood. The restaurant is set only a few meters away form the beach, and is a good people-watching location.
Chez Achour ranks amongst the finest in Hammamet - in terms of seafood, at the very least - the display of freshly caught marine creatures entices diners with its abundance, and dishes are served in the restaurant's intimate, shaded courtyard. Located steps away from the Medina.
The refined Mediterranean restaurant enjoys a great reputation locally, and serves a variety of well-made dishes, fusing French, Tunisian, and other culinary traditions. The outdoor terrace is especially inviting at night, when the space is dimly lit.
The restaurant's imposing sign is hard to miss — especially so at night, when the letters light up. La Bouillabaisse serves French cuisine with an individual spin, with cooked-to-perfection meats, seafood (escargot in garlic sauce), and other dishes gracing tables of loyal customers.
La Bella Marina is a vacationer's darling — apart from serving some excellent seafood, the restaurant also provides a complimentary shuttle-to-hotel service, making it very easy to access. Do not skip on the starters and fresh bread with a selection of spreads.
The restaurant is set directly on the beach, offering diners unobstructed views of the water and — during the evening hours - the golden sunsets. Cuisine served is a mix of Mediterranean culinary traditions, with an emphasis on Italian flavours and seafood. Mind that alcohol is not served here.
Tremendously popular with local and international diners, Le Barberousse is another restaurant set directly on the Medina ramparts. Views from here are superb, and the menu doesn't fall far behind, listing a wide assortment of fresh fish and seafood dishes.
La Belle Vue is a decent quality eatery serving a pleasant selection of local and international dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant's name does not betray expectation - views from here unfold over the Hammamet beach with a line-up of scenic boats, with the setting sun as backdrop.
The maze of Medina's streets is dotted with shops and stores selling all manner of items, from authentic clothing to local art and crafts (ceramic goods, ornate rugs, leather items, and even edible delicacies). Haggling is often expected, but only start if your intention is buying.
Those in search for a hassle-free shopping experience will have found the right address here, at Costa - a fixed-price store (rather than a mall) that eliminates need for haggling. Items on sale range from local souvenirs to clothing, accessories, food, and spices.
MG is the place to go for travellers on a budget - it's a great spot to stock up on local and international snacks and drinks (and any small necessities) at very reasonable prices. Located at the Centre Commercial, right by the Medina of Hammamet.
Every Friday, the nearby town of Nabeul serves host to a bustling market, where everything from fresh produce to intricate handicraft designs are put up for sale. The market isn't only a shopping spot but an attraction in itself - a good way to soak in the character of an oriental bazaar.
The maze of Medina's streets is dotted with shops and stores selling all manner of items, from authentic clothing to local art and crafts (ceramic goods, ornate rugs, leather items, and even edible delicacies). Haggling is often expected, but only start if your intention is buying.
Those in search for a hassle-free shopping experience will have found the right address here, at Costa - a fixed-price store (rather than a mall) that eliminates need for haggling. Items on sale range from local souvenirs to clothing, accessories, food, and spices.
Hammamet may be reached via two different airports, both located at approximately the same distance from town (about an hour's drive away). Buses to Tunis-Carthage Airport run three times daily, departing form and arriving to the central bus station on Avenue Habib Thamaeur. The newly opened Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport is best reached via privately arranged transfer (these can be pre-booked in preparation for your trip). Both airports have taxi stands, cabs may be hired upon arrival.
Buses to various destinations depart from bus stops along the main avenue of Yasmine Hammamet (the main stop is directly outside the Yasmine Medina). Tickets may be purchased on board. Another local means of transportation is a so-called "louage" - a smaller, fixed-fare mini-bus (white in color with red stripes on the sides). To take one of those to Tunis, go to Place Pasteur. For other destinations (Kairouan and Sousse), you will need to head out to Barrak-es-Sahil - a couple of km north of town.
Yellow taxis circulate around Hammamet, and may be easily hailed off the side of the road or taken at taxi stands. Do make sure to either agree on the price before departure, or check that the meter is running to pay the correct fare.
Several pharmacies operate in the area. One address is: Pharmacie Drira Omar 278 Avenue de la Libération +216 72 279 521
There are two post offices on Ave de la Republique - one right next to Centre Commercial, and the other (main branch) further up the Avenue.
+216
220-240 volts
Hammamet may be reached via two different airports, both located at approximately the same distance from town (about an hour's drive away). Buses to Tunis-Carthage Airport run three times daily, departing form and arriving to the central bus station on Avenue Habib Thamaeur. The newly opened Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport is best reached via privately arranged transfer (these can be pre-booked in preparation for your trip). Both airports have taxi stands, cabs may be hired upon arrival.
Buses to various destinations depart from bus stops along the main avenue of Yasmine Hammamet (the main stop is directly outside the Yasmine Medina). Tickets may be purchased on board. Another local means of transportation is a so-called "louage" - a smaller, fixed-fare mini-bus (white in color with red stripes on the sides). To take one of those to Tunis, go to Place Pasteur. For other destinations (Kairouan and Sousse), you will need to head out to Barrak-es-Sahil - a couple of km north of town.
