The pride of the Tunisian Riviera
Moorish-style hotels in lush gardens, a perfect sweep of beach, healing mineral baths, gourmet dining and low-key night life give the sophisticated resort of Hammamet all the trappings of a quietly perfect holiday.
Hammamet – pride of the Tunisian Riviera – lies on the coastal motorway sandwiched between the Mediterranean and the Sahara desert, 40 miles (64km) south of Tunis. Once a sleepy fishing village, it was awakened to its tourist potential back in the 1920s, when arty American and European holiday-makers made it their playground. Despite modern incursions, however, Hammamet retains its sense of exotic history, the 15th-century medina and medieval castle overlooking ancient mosques and the baths from which the town derives its name.
Hammamet’s big attraction is its six-mile (10km) stretch of palm-fringed shore boasting beautiful sandy beaches decorated with colourful fishing boats. From here, water sports from water-skiing to snorkelling are on offer, along with boat trips to view dolphins. Away from the water you can play golf or tennis, go horse riding or, more exotically, exploring on camelback. Enthusiastic local excursion operators will arrange shopping trips to Tunis, expeditions to the ruins of Carthage, desert safaris and outings to the nearby pottery town of Nabeul.
Shopping in Hammamet’s medieval bazaar (souk) is a memorable experience for many holiday-makers, who go home laden with treasures like exotic carpets, embroidered kaftans, 'hubbly-bubbly' pipes, brassware, jewellery, leather goods and pottery. In the souk you are expected to haggle over prices, but there is also a modern shopping centre for more traditional shoppers.
In Hammamet, European fast food outlets sit happily beside pavement cafes selling local dishes such as couscous (steamed semolina, often highly spiced), brik (savoury pastry), chorba (creamy soup), and makroudh (honey cake). For authentic Arabic cuisine you can’t beat La Brise on the Avenue de La Republique. The quiet night-time ambience in the resort is not for all-night clubbers. Although there are numerous bars and discos, these normally close by midnight, but most hotels offer dancing and entertainment for visitors.
For the latest Hammamet holiday deals, check out Co-op Holidays.