Hammamet

Hammamet lies at the southern end of the Cap Bon peninsula and the town spreads along the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Hammamet, with the new resort of Yasmine Hammamet marking the southern end.  The old Medina, with its narrow alleys, is still largely residential, but there are plenty of souvenir and handicraft shops, as well as a 15th century Spanish fort and a museum of traditional wedding dresses.

There are two top class golf courses within easy reach of all hotels.  The new tourist resort of Yasmine Hammamet has a magnificent marina and a re-created Medina with shops, cafés, restaurants and a casino.  Beside it is the Carthageland Theme Park.

What to see

The Medina

A chance to barter for souvenirs and handicrafts, while the Spanish fort offers wonderful views over Hammamet from its ramparts. Tucked away in the maze of alleys is the traditional wedding dress museum - small but delightful.


The Kasbah

The focal point of the town is the Kasbah that dates back to the 15th century. It provides the main entry to Hammamet's small medina which is packed with souvenir shops. It is certainly best enjoyed from the outside, where it watches over the ocean and the beach.


Sebastian's Villa

Set in the green and peaceful grounds is Sebastien’s Villa, an architectural gem built in the 1920’s by the Romanian architect Georges Sebastian, and much visited and admired. Stroll around the grounds or take a coffee beside the colonnaded pool.

Pupput

Lying about 3 kms to the north-west of the medina of Hammamet and is submerged by the tourist zone built over the major part of the archaeological site. It reveals a very large town with remains of temples, villas and enormous necropolis.

 

Yasmine Hammamet

The newly created resort at the southern end of the Bay, has a lovely hotel lined esplanade,a magnificent 700 berth marina and a re-created Medina (the Medina Mediterranea) with shops, cafés, restaurants and a casino. Beside it is the Carthageland Theme Park.


Nearby

Nabeul (12 Kms)

Lies about 12 kms north of Hammamet and has the biggest weekly market in the area, held every Friday morning. The town is famous for its pottery and ceramics and is also a holiday resort with long stretches of sandy beach.

 

Zaghouan (40 Kms)

The town of Zaghouan nestles at the foot of Zaghouan Mountain.  Here the Romans built a water temple on the site of a natural spring and channelled spring water from the mountain, via aqueducts, all the way to Carthage some 70 kms or more.

 


Kelibia (58 Kms)

Located on the Cap Bon coast, Kelibia is a picturesque and thriving a small fishing port. The town is overlooked by a fort built on a hill top, offering excellent views of the surrounding area.


El Haouaria (80 Kms)

It is a charming town, famed for its birdlife (there is a wildlife information centre just outside the town) and its annual falconry festival, held at the beginning of summer.



Kerkouane ( 80 Kms)

Between Kelibia and El Haouaria, lies the punic site of kerkouane next to the sea which reveals a remarkable and unique punic town with its houses, temple and ramparts.The small museum close to the site has some Punic artefacts and jewellery.


Takrouna (36 Kms)

Takrouna, set atop a rocky outcrop on the plains south west of Hammamet, has always been a prized defensive position.  Indeed this area so a great deal of action during the North Africa campaign in World War 2. Views from the village over the surrounding area are spectacular.