Overview

Hammamet is a beautiful and fashionable resort town located in the northeast of Tunisia. It is one of the most touristic cities in Tunisia which attracts people from all over the world. Known for its pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant cultural heritage, Hammamet offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Relax at the tranquil beaches, take a journey through history and culture, or discover the taste of authentic Tunisian cuisine, this area has it all.

Beyond its beaches and historical landmarks, Hammamet is famous for its cultural events, notably the International Festival of Hammamet, which showcases music, theater, and dance from around the world. Hammamet’s combination of beach relaxation, historical charm, and cultural vibrancy makes it an excellent destination to visit.

Things to See and Do

The Medina of Hammamet is a maze of narrow winding streets encircled by 15th-century walls. This historic district is home to beautiful Arab-Islamic architecture, white-washed buildings, and bustling markets. Here, you can haggle for souvenirs, sample the local cuisine, and soak in the history of this traditional Tunisian town.

Two of the city’s most notable mosques are located within the medina: the Great Mosque and the Sidi Abdel Kader Mosque. While non-Muslims aren’t allowed to enter either building, it’s worth admiring their magnificent features from the outside.

Keep an eye out for the beautiful dome that protrudes through the center of the mosque. Surrounding Mosquée Kabir is a string of madrasahs (religious schools), where Islamic scholars come to study ancient texts.

Hammamet Beach, stretching from the Medina to the marina, is a picturesque beach famous for its fine white sand and blue waters. Some neighborhoods are restricted to resort guests, though many others are open to the public. It is a perfect beach for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to relax and enjoy the view along the beach.

The iconic Kasbah fortress, also known as Fort Hammamet, stands proud over the northern edge of the Medina. This striking square-shaped building dates back to the 9th century and is home to a history museum that details the Spanish occupation and the town’s tumultuous pirate past. Climb the stairs of the ramparts to enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Hammamet Beach.

The Hammamet Cultural Center, also known as Dar Sebastien, is an extravagant white-washed villa and an important museum and cultural institution for the area. Constructed by a wealthy Romanian migrant named George Sebastian, the captivating mansion hosts an excellent collection of priceless antiques. Many exhibits date back to the 1920s when Sebastian constructed his elegant home.

As the name suggests, this lavish building also serves as a cultural center hosting numerous annual events. Every summer (July and August), the Hammamet Cultural Center serves as the venue for the Hammamet International Festival, which showcases traditional music, drama, and art.

Marina Yasmine Hammamet is an elegant yacht harbor great for waterfront dining or a fancy sunset drink. The clear, tranquil waters and fancy million-dollar yachts make for a lavish setting great for strolling around the canals to get a closer glimpse. Stop in one of the trendy waterfront restaurants serving up Tunisian flavorful dishes.

Jabal al Hammamat (or Djebel Hammamet) is a local hilltop located just outside Hammamet's city center. Covered in leafy trees, it offers a welcome change from the region’s typical dusty landscapes. There are several hiking trails that lead to the summit where you can take in the sweeping views of the city and sea. For an alternative route, there are some rugged 4-wheel drive tracks crisscross up to the summit as well.

Pupput is an archeological site of Roman ruins about 4 miles west of Hammamet. Discover a display of original Roman structures, from necropolis remains to standing columns and ancient stone brick homes. As you explore, you’ll notice the intricate mosaics depicting patterns, Latin phrases, and geometric shapes. This site has been eroded and is not as well-preserved as other Roman ruins, but it’s the perfect site to visit for any avid history buff.

Cuisine and Dining

Tunisian cuisine is famous for couscous and brik. Of course, Hammamet offers a variety of dining options and all popular culinary traditions are represented, but the Tunisian cuisine is something you should definitely try. Local specialties with fresh produce in Hammamet include seafood, prawns with pineapple and tuna. The couscous from the tajine is available with vegetables, chicken or traditionally with mutton. Tunisian wine is also available, and it's good!

Traditions and Customs

Culturally, Hammamet has a combination of Islamic and typical European customs. Since the middle of the last century, local women have equal rights with men, which is very unusual in Islamic cities. The residents in Hammamet are accustomed to a large number of tourists and perceive features of other cultures with understanding. The locals have their own unique style of clothing. Many of the local women wear a more European style of clothing such as trousers and classic blouses in their everyday life. The look very fashionable and elegant. As for men, they do tend to a freestyle of dress, however, they do not appear in public in shorts and T-shirts.

Despite the obvious influence of European culture, ancient beliefs form an integral part of the national way of life. This part of the local culture is integrated in many different areas of life. For example, locals use the hand of Fatima as a talisman. This mascot can be seen in essentially every home and car. Locals use henna to protect themselves from evil. Palms and soles of the feet are decorated with it, many women paint their hair with henna.

Day Trips

Almost more top things to do and see are located outside Hammamet just a short drive away by rental car or an organized trip. In the tourist centers, pretty much every hotel offers the possibility of renting a car even for just one day. The north of Tunisia is unexpectedly green and varied compared to the desert south around Djerba. A couple of suggestions include:

Takrouna, about a 50-minute drive from Hammamet, is a Berber village situated on a rock, surrounded by fields of olive groves. Here you can learn more about the culture and history of the Berbers, who settled here before the Arabs. The beautiful view towards Hammamet, the sea, and the Sahel alone is worth the trip to this attraction.

Carthage is very close to Tunis, known to everyone through Hannibal, who rode elephants across the Alps. Ancient Carthage was once one of the most powerful empires in Europe and fiercely resisted the Romans. The remains of this warlike empire are one of the highlights in the Hammamet area and a must-see when visiting Tunisia. The central city of the past empire, Carthage was founded in 1446 BC and destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC and the Arabs in 698 AD.The excavation site with many contemporary testimonies is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tunis, located about 45 minutes away, is the capital and largest city in Tunisia. Explore the numerous ancient buildings, some transformed into museums or cultural centers, others into restaurants and tea rooms. The great metropolitan area of Tunis, is often referred to as Grand Tunis. Situated on a large Mediterranean Sea gulf (the Gulf of Tunis), behind the Lake of Tunis and the port of La Goulette, the city extends along the coastal plain and the hills that surround it.