Scary? But this is not our fantasy; Russians have found themselves in such situations many times. Why did it happen? It’s just that the hotel entered into a lucrative contract with one of the European clinics.
We can only give one piece of advice. Carefully study the reviews of the hotel, and the reviews of exactly those people who were in this hotel during this particular season.
The next drawback is that Hammamet does not have its own international airport. Tourists have to get to the hotel either from Enfidha airport (60 km, an hour by bus) or from the city airport (115 km, two hours by bus, pictured on the left). Be careful when purchasing a tour, pay attention to the airport of arrival, give preference to a tour with an arrival in Enfidha.
Weather and season
The beach season in Hammamet lasts from mid-April to the end of October - the same as in other Tunisian resorts.
Rain will not cause much inconvenience. According to statistics, only 370 millimeters of precipitation falls per year, and most of it falls in the winter months, with 150 millimeters during the holiday season.
In the photo on the right is the sidewalk after rain, it was in May 2016. As you can see in the photo, the rain only wet the asphalt a little, not scary.
However, the rains on the Mediterranean coast of Tunisia have one unpleasant feature. Rains are always accompanied by very strong winds of up to 20 meters per second.
Attractions
Medina and Kasbah
Villa Sebastian
Waterpark "Flipper"
Excavations of the city of Pappit
This attraction is not considered very important, so we do not have a separate article about it. The ancient city of Pappit has long been stolen for building materials. Now hotels and houses stand in its place; it is impossible to carry out full excavations. However, some areas were accessible to archaeologists. Now one such excavation site is open to tourists. Let's be honest, there's not much to see.
Where to shop
There is one store in Hammamet (Carrefour Market), it is located on Avenue Abu-Dhabi. Shop General is located near the medina. Trade in the city is carried out mainly by small shops.
The largest tourist market is located inside the medina. Souvenir shops are scattered throughout the part of the city adjacent to the tourist area.
Have a good holiday, and read our reviews about Tunisia ( links below).
Most often, tourists who travel from Athens to Santorini use ferries. I advise you to consider the port of Piraeus, which is located in the south of Athens, as a departure point. You can get to it not only by taxi, but also by public transport: metro or buses. The cheapest way to travel is the metro. Ferries also depart from the port of Rafina, which is located in the north of the Greek capital and can be reached either by bus or taxi.
The trip on a regular ferry will take about nine hours, but on a high-speed ferry you can get there in half the time. One-way fares range from 35 to 70 euros.
30. Hammamet is not only a good resort, but also an interesting place in terms of various attractions and entertainment. Along with ancient historical monuments, the city has a sufficient number of modern entertainment centers.
You should start getting acquainted with the sights of the resort from the old part of the city, where you can take a sightseeing tour, but not on foot, but on a tourist train. The old town is located in the center of the resort on a small peninsula, and this is the place that tourists try to visit first. The size of the city is small, it is surrounded by fortress walls. Despite its small size, you can wander through the narrow streets of this place for an endlessly long time. Here tourists can see white houses, hammams, fountains and other objects typical of eastern countries. Now the Old Town is a large and beautiful market with various shops, cafes, and hookah bars.
The main pride of local residents is the Great Mosque, which was built in the 15th century. The mosque is decorated with a tetrahedral minaret, and the material for its construction was the remains of the ancient Roman city of Pupput. Tourists can only admire the beauty of this mosque from the outside, since non-believers are not allowed inside.
Near the Old Town there is a Spanish defensive fort dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. This fortress has several names, but the most famous is Kasbah Fort. The shape of this fortress resembles a square with a tower. You can only get inside from one entrance. Getting into the interior, tourists can see the mausoleum of one of the local warriors, as well as admire the beautiful views that open from a height of 13 meters.
Hammamet has the largest water park in Tunisia. It's called Flipper and offers entertainment for visitors of all ages. There are two adult complexes and one children's complex in the park. The slides are designed for different age groups. The water in the water park comes in purified form directly from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors are impressed by the large sculptures of whale, dolphins, elephant and giraffe.
You can rest and relax in the largest thalassotherapy center in Tunisia. The Bio Azur Thalasso center was opened in 1996, and in 2010 a large-scale reconstruction was carried out. This place is distinguished by its ideal cleanliness, the highest level of service and a large selection of various procedures and comprehensive programs. The prices are far from the most affordable, but if compared with similar European centers, it will be much cheaper. At the same time, we should not forget that Tunisia is the world leader in the field of thalassotherapy, so along with entertainment and sightseeing, you can spend time with health benefits.
Considering the popularity of Hammamet, it is not surprising that many nightclubs are concentrated in this resort and the main audience in them are European tourists. Russian tourists are also found, but not as often as the British, French or Germans. The most popular is the Calypso nightclub, which was opened in 1968. Not only local DJs, but also world-famous DJs regularly play their music in the club. In addition, every week there are various themed parties and interesting performances.
Hammamet is a resort that has a highly developed infrastructure, a large number of attractions, as well as excellent opportunities for recreation and entertainment.
It has a surprisingly interesting location along the bay of the Cap Bon Peninsula (Cape Bon). Today, the city is one of the most original tourist centers in Tunisia. With sandy beaches and a well-preserved Old Town (Medina), you can get to know the culture and traditions of North Africa.
Sightseeing is usually a secondary factor - beach holidays come first. However, if you discover an irresistible desire to take a break from the sand, Hammamet is very conveniently located within the accessibility of the main attractions of Cape Bon.
1. Medina
The Medina - or Old City - is a district of Hammamet, surrounded by a 15th-century stone wall, and is a labyrinth of narrow and winding streets. Traditional Tunisian architecture is well preserved here.
Some streets are covered with awnings, so even in the summer heat the Medina remains shady and cool. A walk in this area will be a great break from the local harsh sun.
The area has many shops selling local embroidery, ceramics, leather goods, carpets and other goods. In most cases, everything is on display, however, it is worth noting that the prices for such products in Medina are quite high.
2. Hammamet Cultural Center (Villa Sebastian)
The Cultural Center is located in the southern hotel zone of the city (behind the Continental Hotel). The center occupies the luxurious Villa Sebastian. George Sebastian from Romania became the first of the wealthy Europeans who began to settle in Hammamet at the beginning of the 20th century. He built his villa in the 1920s.
In the beautiful local gardens, every July and August, the International Festival of Music and Drama is held - Hammamet's largest annual event. If you are in the city at the right time, we advise you not to miss it.
If you come to visit the villa and have some interest in history, you can go a little further along the coast to the excavations of the ancient Roman settlement of Pupput (between the Samira Club and the Tanfous Hotel). There are not so many ruins at this site (which, by the way, is the first settlement of Hammamet), and therefore it will only interest those who are seriously interested in history.
3. Great Mosque
The Medina has many restored examples of traditional Tunisian architecture. The two most noteworthy sites are adjacent to each other: the Great Mosque and the Sidi Abdel-Kader Mosque.
The Great Mosque was built in the 15th century and restored in 1972. Its rectangular minaret is a striking example of Islamic architecture. The Sidi Abdel-Kader Mosque was built in 1798 and today functions as a madrassa (Islamic school).
4. Kasbah
The 13th-century fortress in Hammamet (the word “kasbah” means “fortress”) is not as well preserved as the landmark of the same name in the city of Sousse, but it is still worth a visit. Inside the fortress there is an interesting museum that reveals the fascinating history of pirate hideouts in the city and the period of Spanish occupation. Climb the fortress wall and you will have a magnificent view of the Medina and the picturesque fishing bay.
5. Nabeul
Nabeul is the largest town of Cape Bon, which ends in a long sandy beach along the Bay of Hammamet. The city's Friday Market offers a huge selection of fresh produce from local farmers, which is why photographers love it. Such an abundance of vegetables and fruits is not surprising, since there are agricultural areas around the city.
Nabeul is also a center for crafts, and here you can buy handmade pottery and woven rugs. By the way, textiles here are cheaper than directly in Hammamet.
The local archaeological museum is a great place to learn about the history of Cape Bon. In particular, the museum presents Carthaginian and Roman finds from local excavations (however, the best objects are exhibited in the Bardo Museum in the city of Tunis).
Nabeul is located 10 km north of Hammamet.
6. Kerkuan
It is believed that the city of Kerkuan, discovered in 1952, was a Phoenician settlement back in the 6th century BC, long before the founding of Carthage. Once a settlement of fishermen and dyers, the city was destroyed by the Romans during the Third Punic War. Since then it has not been restored, as a result of which an untouched layer of the Phoenician settlement has been preserved here.
The city was built in the shape of a horseshoe and surrounded by a double ring of walls with two gates. Excavations revealed the network of streets that existed here, as well as the foundations of houses with marble floors, on which two-color red and white mosaics were used (mostly preserved). In many houses, living rooms were located around a courtyard with a fountain. It is noteworthy that almost every house had its own bathroom. There are also drainage canals, which indicates the presence of a developed sewage system in the city.
The remains of a dyeing factory are no less interesting. Baths were carved into the rocks in which special shellfish were stored, used to obtain a purple dye. The Phoenicians had a virtual monopoly in the production of dye from shellfish, and it was the most expensive in the ancient world (about 5,000 shellfish are needed to obtain one gram of dye).
A small museum near the excavation site reveals the history of Kerkuan and the archaeological work carried out here since 1966.
The city is located 86 km north of Hammamet.
7. El-Hawaria
The fishing village of El Jauaria is located at the northern tip of Cape Bon. The area is famous for its falcon viewing opportunities in the spring, when the birds stop here during their migration to Europe. The village has an ancient tradition of training falcons to hunt quail. If you happen to be here in May, don't miss the Falconry Festival, during which local craftsmen demonstrate their skills.
A few kilometers northeast of the village are the Roman Caves. They were formed during the mining of coastal sandstone, first by the Carthaginians and then by the Romans. Here you can see a thirty-meter ancient stone quarry site.
The village is located 109 km from Hammamet.
8. Kelibia
The Kelibia fortress is located on a cliff 150 m high. It was originally built by the Byzantines, and was later expanded and strengthened during the Hafsid dynasty. The fortification walls are perfectly preserved. They offer a magnificent view that, in good weather, extends all the way to Sicily.
You can find the fortress 76 km from Hammamet.
9. Corbus
The hot springs of Corbus have been known since Roman times, when the area was called Acqua Calide Carpitane. Ahmed Bey rediscovered the springs in 1801 and opened a health resort here. The mineral-rich water from the springs is believed to help with skin conditions such as eczema, and also relieve pain from rheumatism and arthritis.
There are other hot springs 2 km north of Korbus. For example, the wonderful source of Hamma El Atrous, where the water runs down to the sea through multi-level pools, and its temperature reaches 50 degrees.
Corbus is located 68 km northwest of Hammamet.
Other interesting sights
Soliman
As a local center of trade, Soliman is surrounded by fertile lands and boasts a picturesque Old Town area whose architecture has a strong Andalusian influence. The two most interesting buildings in the area are the Maliki Mosque, which has a roof covered with semicircular tiles, and the Hanafi Mosque with an octagonal minaret.
If you just want to spend a relaxing afternoon in the sun, then Soliman Beach is perfect for this purpose.
All this is located 40 km from Hammamet.
Sunny Coast
About 8 km from Soliman, the MC 128 runs along the rocky coastline known as the "Cote du Soleil" or "Sunny Coast". This twelve-kilometer stretch is the most beautiful road in Tunisia. On the right, steep hills rise up to 419 m, and on the left, no less steep cliffs descend straight into the sea. Along the road there are several observation points where you can stop and enjoy the views stretching west all the way to Carthage.
In the Phrygia animal park, in front of the main entrance there is a dolphinarium with a huge swimming pool. The magnificent dolphin show can be seen at 9.45 and 11.00 in the morning and at 15.45 and 17.00 in the evening. Young spectators also take part in the performance.
After the performance, you can swim in the pool with dolphins.
Hammamet
The name of the city is associated with the Arabic term "hammam", which means bath. The city stretches along the coast and attracts travelers with its olive and jasmine groves, blooming orange and lemon gardens. In Hammamet you can spend hours walking through lush parks and wide beaches. Thalassotherapy centers are popular among tourists.
Hammamet is the real pride of the Tunisian resort area; many world-famous artists and other celebrities prefer to relax here. The resort area of the city is approximately 14 km long and stretches along the coast. Despite the rather small population, which is only about 90 thousand people, Hammamet is served by two international airports located in the neighboring cities of Tunis and Monastir.
The climatic conditions here are simply amazing - the climate is mild subtropical, Mediterranean type. Even the Romans attributed special healing properties to it. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below +12 degrees, and in summer it fluctuates around +23/+35. The sky over Hammamet is almost always cloudless. In addition to the unique climate, this city is simply surrounded by greenery. This was achieved thanks to the competent management of the development, which included building heights no higher than cypress trees. The beaches are clean, the sand is fine and soft, and there are no corals or algae in the water. The atmosphere in Hammamet is calm and even a little conservative, attracting crowds of European tourists, of whom the city can receive at least 42,000 at a time.
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Bay of Hammamet
The Gulf of Hammamet is separated from the Gulf of Tunis by Cape At-Tib. In 180 BC. The Romans founded the colony of Putput. Subsequently, the Arabs changed its name to Hammamet ("bathing place"). Which, as it were, predetermined the future resort and tourist biography of the city. The bay got its name from the city.
The restaurant is located near the main entrance to the animal park. Here you can relax after visiting the park, witnessing the unforgettable Zulu show "African Evening". During the show you can try traditional Tunisian dishes and drinks. All this takes place in a thatched hut to the music of Tunisia and South Africa.
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Central square of Hammamet
Youth center with many cafes and shopping centers. The city is very clean outside the fortress walls, and there is also a local bazaar. Bargain! There are many sculptures in the square. taken from oriental fairy tales, such as Aladdin, etc.
The most popular attractions in Hammamet with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Hammamet on our website.
Individual and group
More attractions of Hammamet
Hammamet is a very interesting place to relax, because it has everything you need: kilometers of sandy beaches, amusement parks, shopping spots and historical attractions. Moreover, you can visit everywhere on your own.
You can start exploring the city from the old city - Medina. The medina is a market surrounded by a medieval wall. The market is famous for its inexpensive leather goods (bags, belts, flip-flops, etc.) and souvenirs.
Entrance to Medina
There is a fortress on the territory of Medina. Entrance inside costs 7 dinars and one dinar for the right to take photographs. From the high fortress walls there is an excellent panorama of the sea coast, the city and the Medina. You can get to the Medina by taxi (from Yasmina it costs about 7 dinars), by local bus or on foot along the coast if your hotel is located in the historical center.
View from the walls of the fortress on the coast
Villa of Romanian millionaire George Sebastian, built in the 20s of the last century. They say that Winston Churchill and other celebrities once stayed there. The villa is made in the Moorish style, next to it there is a botanical garden and an open-air theater.
In addition to the old city, Hammamet also has a new, modern part - the Yasmine tourist area. Yasmina is home to most of the hotels, the port and all kinds of entertainment.
The New Medina is a large shopping arcade with counters on both sides, where they sell everything the same as in the old city. Externally, the new Medina is stylized as antique.
Carthage Land is an amusement park, a great place to visit with children. On its territory there are attractions (carousels, trampolines, trains, a labyrinth, etc.), a mini-zoo, a water park and a cafe.
Port Yasmin - you can walk around, see the berths with yachts and nothing more.
Phrygia Zoo-Park is located 30 kilometers from the city. On 35 hectares of the park, tigers, giraffes, buffaloes roam freely, and there are many birds. There is also a dolphinarium on site, where dolphin and sea lion shows are shown twice a day. Opening hours: 9-00 to 18-00. You can get there from Hammamet by taxi.