Hammamet

Overview

What to see

• The medina and kasbah

  Surrounded by 15th-century ramparts, the medina lines up white alleys with blue doors. From the kasbah you get a lovely view over the sea, the beach and the seaside cemetery.

• The Great Mosque

  At the heart of the medina, this mosque dates back to the 15th century and stands out for its minaret. Prayer halls are reserved for Muslims, but the exterior can be admired while wandering the alleys.

• The International Cultural Centre

  The former villa of Romanian patron George Sebastian, built in the 1920s in a vast garden, hosts the Hammamet International Festival in its open-air theatre.

• Pupput

  South of town, the remains of this Roman city preserve mosaics, baths and a large necropolis. An instructive stop on the way to Yasmine Hammamet.

• Yasmine Hammamet and its marina

  This modern resort is built around a lively marina with a promenade, cafés and shops. Its recreated medina echoes traditional Tunisian architecture.

• The seafront

  The promenade below the ramparts and the central beach are where locals gather in the late afternoon, especially on summer evenings.

Things to do

• Thalassotherapy and hammamHammamet is one of Tunisia's thalasso capitals, with many seawater spa centres and traditional hammams.
• Water sportsJet skiing, parasailing, kayaking and paddleboarding are available on the beaches of the tourist zones, in generally calm waters.
• Hammamet International FestivalEvery summer, concerts, theatre and dance follow one another in the amphitheatre of the International Cultural Centre.
• Leisure parksIn Yasmine Hammamet, amusement and water parks delight families.
• GolfSeveral courses surround the town among olive groves and orchards, in a mild climate for much of the year.

Beaches & nature

Hammamet has some of Tunisia's finest beaches: long ribbons of fine sand and shallow water, ideal for children, from the centre all the way to Yasmine. Around the town lie citrus orchards, olive groves and jasmine gardens, while the Cap Bon peninsula to the north-east offers wilder landscapes.

Food & local specialities

Hammamet's cuisine reflects the richness of Cap Bon, a land of citrus, vegetables and chillies, and the generosity of the sea.

• Fish couscousA classic of coastal towns, served with a broth spiced with harissa.
• Brik with eggA crispy malsouka pastry filled with egg, tuna, capers and parsley, eaten with your fingers.
• KaftejiA mix of fried and chopped vegetables, peppers, tomatoes and egg, a very popular snack.
• Orange juice and citrusCap Bon's Maltese oranges make famously fresh juice, especially in winter and spring.

Where to stay

Shopping & markets

The medina is full of small craft shops: ceramics, carpets, leather goods, Sidi Bou Said-style birdcages and jasmine posies. The recreated medina in Yasmine also offers souvenirs and handicrafts. For pottery and the weekly market, neighbouring Nabeul is a must. Bargaining is customary in the souks.

Getting there

• By plane

  Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport is about 45 minutes to the south. Tunis-Carthage Airport is about an hour away.

• By car

  The A1 motorway links Tunis and Hammamet in about an hour.

• By train

  A railway line connects Tunis with Hammamet and Nabeul via Bir Bou Regba, with a station in the town centre.

• By louage (shared taxi)

  Shared louage taxis run frequently to Tunis, Nabeul, Sousse and nearby towns.

Getting around

The centre and medina are best explored on foot. Yellow taxis are plentiful and convenient between the centre, the tourist zones and Yasmine. A small tourist train runs in some areas, and a rental car is useful for exploring Cap Bon.

Day trips nearby

FAQ