What to do in Hammamet, Tunisia? Hammamet is a Tunisian Mediterranean resort popular with holidaymakers from many different countries. It used to be a popular destination for charter flights from Sweden, and after a long hiatus, these trips are now starting to pick up again. Here are our top tips for things to see and do in Hammamet and the surrounding area.
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Hammamet in Tunisia
In Hammamet there is a well-preserved medina from the 15th century, but also a modern marina and many large and luxurious hotels. From June 2023, regular flights between Stockholm Arlanda and Tunis will resume, and Swedish charter operators are also starting to offer trips to Hammamet and Sousse.
Hammamet is located on the Tunisian Mediterranean coast, about 20 miles south-east of the capital Tunis.
What to do in Hammamet, Tunisia?
So what can you see and do in Hammamet? We travelled to Tunisia on a press trip to coincide with the launch of the new airline and looked around Hammamet. We have gathered our best tips for the city and its surroundings.
1. Strolling in the medina in Hammamet
Of course, one thing you won't want to miss in Hammamet is strolling around the historic medina, which dates back to the 15th century.
Here, the white staircase houses are tightly packed, and arches, doors and various blue details, as well as all the cats, invite photo sessions.
2. Admire the fortress in Hammamet
When visiting the medina, it is also a good time to check out the Fort of Hammamet. The walls date from the 13th century and frame the entire old city centre. When you climb the walls, you get a great view of both the sea and the city.
3. Shopping for crafts
The souk, or market, is full of small shops where you can buy everything from clothes and accessories to local crafts. Amongst the handicrafts are the beautiful ceramics, carpets and shawls.
4. Eat ice cream at Mongelli
Do you like really good ice cream? If you're visiting Hammamet, don't miss Mongelli. In addition to delicious ice cream, it offers a good selection of gluten-free products, both in the form of cones and pastries.
5. Sunbathing and swimming
What most people want to do in Hammamet is of course sunbathing and swimming. There are nice sandy beaches in several places, and especially at most of the holiday hotels.
Those who prefer pools can also find them in most larger hotels. At the hotel where we stayed (Phenicia hotel) there are several different pools, sometimes with water gym and other activities ...
6. Relax with a spa and thalassotherapy programme
Thalassotherapy is a treatment using sea water, for example in the form of a water pressure massage, jet spray shower or mud wrap. Today it is often combined with spa, hammam and classic wellness treatments such as massage, as well as various beauty treatments.
Thalassotherapy is popular in Tunisia and is offered at several different hotels in Hammamet. At the link below you can read about when we tried the treatment on the island of Djerba a few years ago.
7. Play golf at Golf Citrus
Another popular activity in Tunisia is golf. Just outside the centre of Hammamet you will find Golf Citrus, a very nice golf course with 45 holes.
We had lunch here, on the nice outdoor terrace, and the lunch was very, very good.
8. Try Tunisian wine
If you like wine, take the opportunity to try local Tunisian wine during the trip. We visited the vineyard Domaine Neferis, which is just over half an hour from Hammamet by car.
At the farm we were shown around by a young female winemaker, who explained the process and the different wines.
Finally we tasted red, white and rosé. Very good! And yes, there were a few bottles in the suitcase. Please read more about Tunisian wine here.
9. Experience cosy Dar Zaghouan
Dar Zaghouan is a wonderfully cosy place, located about an hour from Hammamet, right in the country. It has a restaurant, but also a hotel and spa, in a cosy environment with an ecological focus.
We had lunch here, and it was a fantastic meal that started with bread, olives and various sauces such as harissa and mechouia. This was followed by chicken, meat or fish with couscous mixed with dried fruit. Wow, so good!
As mentioned, there is also a nice spa here, as well as a small shop with organic aroma oils and fragrances, which are produced on site.
10. Take a trip to Uthina
Uthina, or Oudna as it is also called, was an ancient Roman/Berber city, which is now an archaeological site. Located about an hour from Hammamet by car, the site includes the mighty Uthina amphitheatre and the Capitol temple.
11. See the capital city of Tunis
When you visit Hammamet, you may also want to take the opportunity to see Tunisia's capital, Tunis. Here you will find the old city centre, the medina, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Tunis is also home to the large Bardo Museum, which is filled with collections from different historical eras.
12. Learn about history in Carthage
Carthage is an archaeological site located just outside Tunis. Today you can see the remains of what was a powerful Phoenician kingdom in ancient times, before the Romans destroyed it and made it part of the Roman Empire. The most impressive sight on the site is the Baths of Antoninus, dating from 145-165, which is considered the largest ancient baths in North Africa.
13. Hang out in glorious Sidi Bou Said
Not far from Carthage, just over an hour by car from Hammamet, is the charming little town of Sidi Bou Said, known for its charming white houses, decorated with blue doors and shutters. The town is also famous for all its galleries, cafés and boutique hotels.
More to see and do in Hammamet for culture and history lovers
Want even more tips for things to do in Hammamet? Here are some more suggestions for culture and history lovers, both in the centre of the city and in the surrounding area.
- George Sebastian Villa, or the Hammamet Cultural Centre, showcases architecture and more.
- Kerkuan is an archaeological site in northeastern Tunisia near Cap Bon.
- Crossroads of Civilisations and Religions Museum is a museum of high culture and religion.
- Nabeul is a town on the Cape Bon peninsula, known for its colourful mosaics.
- The Great Mosque is the Great Mosque of Hammamet.
- Zaghouan Aqueduct is an impressive ancient aqueduct.
More things to do in Hammamet for those travelling with children or teenagers
Travelling with children or teenagers? Here are more tips for things to do in Hammamet and the surrounding area that might suit you.
- Dreamy Sea Waterpark is a floating water park.
- Friguia Zoo is a zoo, just south of Hammamet.
- Marina Yasmine is a marina with boats, restaurants and shops, but also organisers of diving and snorkelling.
- Carthage Land amusement park is an amusement park with rides and other attractions.
Where to stay in Hammamet?
There are of course many different hotels to choose from in Hammamet. We stayed at Phenicia hotel, which is a large tourist hotel with several restaurants, pools, a sandy beach and various activities.
We were upgraded to a large apartment that was in its own house, right next to the pool, with our friends in the house next door. It felt wonderfully luxurious!
We also got to look into a smaller hotel room, which also looked nice and was equipped with a "pillow buffet", i.e. a long row of pillows in different hardnesses.
There is an à la carte restaurant at the hotel, but we only ate at the buffet. Buffet is not really our thing really, but it is common in the big Tunisian tourist hotels. There is also a beach bar, tea/shisha bar and a lot more.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
Do you have the time and opportunity to look around Tunisia? Then you can check out Sousse and Monastir, take a boat trip to the Kuriat Islands or detect the amphitheatre in El Djem, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find even more tips for Tunisia below.
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More tips for things to do in Hammamet?
Have you visited this Tunisian charter resort? If so, what are your top tips for what to see and do in Hammamet?
Frequently asked questions about Hammamet
What language is spoken in Hammamet?
The local population speaks mainly Arabic, and also French. In places where there are a lot of tourists, English also usually works well.
How to get around in Hammamet?
Getting around by taxi is easy and not too expensive. There are also many ready-made excursions to book.
Which holiday resort to choose - Hammamet or Sousse?
Both Hammamet and Sousse are great holiday destinations. For excursions, Hammamet is closer to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said, while Sousse is closer to the amphitheatre of El Djem.
Facts about Hammamet in Tunisia
- Country: Tunisia
- Area: Nabeul
- Location: On the Mediterranean coast, in north-eastern Tunisia, 6.5 miles south-east of the capital Tunis.
- Population: More than 73 000 (2014)
Good to know about Hammamet
- Language: Arabic and French (English works in tourist areas)
- Time difference: Sweden is 1 hour ahead of Tunisia
- Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Travelling to Hammamet
- Flight: Direct flights from Stockholm Arlanda to Tunis operate once a week, on Mondays, with the airline Nouvelair.
- Charter: Charter holidays go to Hammamet, including with Detur and Apollo.
History in Hammamet
- 100s: A settlement existed on the site, under the name of Papput.
- 20th century: The site became a Roman colony.
- 13th century: Walls were built around the city.
- 15th century: The medina was built.
- 1601: The city was successfully attacked by the Spanish, who named it 'La Mahometa'.
- 1605: The city was again attacked by Spaniards, this time with disastrous results for the attackers.
- 1964: The Festival international d'Hammamet was founded.
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BP says:
Reading about Hammamet and Sousse almost takes me back to the 1980s. Much is the same, especially the carpet shops and the ceramics/porcelain sales. The only thing that seems to be much better now is the standard of the hotels and the food. You don't go there if you want to lose weight, so to speak;-)
02 July 2023 - 18:29
bmlarstravellingblog says:
We have to say that Tunisia is on our wish list for a possible winter trip.
It's always good to combine sights such as Carthage and the amphitheatre with sun, swimming and possibly some golf.
02 July 2023 - 19:41