Welcome to Hammamet, a beautiful coastal town located in the northeastern part of Tunisia. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, Hammamet is a popular tourist destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun, explore ancient ruins, indulge in local cuisine, or experience the lively nightlife, Hammamet has it all. This travel guide will provide all the information you need to plan your perfect Hammamet getaway. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Hammamet.
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hammamet
For me, Hammamet was one of the first places when I started discovering Tunisia. It’s a popular tourist destination that reminds many other Mediterranean holiday destinations. So, how about this summer you choose Hammamet instead of Malaga in Spain or Crete island in Greece. The main differences are the lower prices and slightly hotter weather.
After my first visit, I have visited Hammamet multiple times to enjoy my summer holiday or as a day trip to swim in the Mediterranean sea. Now further ado, let’s jump into the ultimate travel guide to Hammamet!
What is Hammamet?
Hammamet is a coastal town in the northeastern part of Tunisia. It is situated on the southern shore of the Hammamet Bay of the Mediterranean Sea, about 60 kilometers from the capital city of Tunis. Hammamet is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and hot Mediterranean climate. The town has a population of around 60,000 people. But its population swells during the tourist season from April to October.
Five reasons to travel to Hammamet- Hammamet travel guide
Maybe you are wondering if Hammamet is a good holiday destination? Beautiful Mediterranean weather and affordable prices are great reasons to choose Hammamet as your next holiday destination. But let me share with you five more reasons.
- Beautiful beaches: Hammamet is known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm Mediterranean climate. Whether you want to relax and soak up the sun or enjoy water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, there’s a beach in Hammamet for everyone.
- Delicious cuisine: Tunisian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and North African flavors. Hammamet has plenty of restaurants serving local specialties. Fill your stomach with fresh seafood, couscous, and traditional dishes such as brik and merguez.
- Relaxation and wellness: Tunisia is famous for its traditional hammams, also known as Turkish baths, which offer a range of spa treatments and relaxation options. Enjoy massages, facials, and other treatments in a tranquil setting.
- Family vacation: Hammamet is a great destination for families with kids. The city has many family-friendly activities and attractions that children will enjoy. Carthageland is a theme park that offers a range of rides and attractions suitable for children of all ages.
- Nightlife: Hammamet has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed bar to enjoy a few drinks or a high-energy nightclub to dance the night away, Hammamet has something for everyone.
How to get there?
There are several ways to get to Hammamet, depending on where you are traveling from.
By plane
The closest airport is Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport is located approximately 40 km away. Many international airlines operate flights to this airport, including Tunisair, Ryanair, and TUI Airways. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or hire a car, or maybe your holiday package includes a bus transfer to your hotel. The shuttle buses drive between Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport and Hammamet. The shuttle buses are operated by several companies and can be booked online or at the airport.
Tunis-Carthage International airport is about 70km from Hammamet. The most convenient option is to take a taxi directly to Hammamet. Take a white taxi which is a tourist one that can drive outside Tunis. Depending on your arrival time, you could take a taxi first to Tunis railway station and a train to Hammamet Bir Bouregba (and again a taxi to your hotel). But this option is obviously more time-consuming.
By train
If you are traveling from within Tunisia, you can take a train to Hammamet. The city has its own train station called Bir Bouregba, which is served by the national railway company SNCFT. The station is a few kilometers from the hotel resorts, so take a taxi to your final destination. Trains run regularly between Hammamet and other major cities in Tunisia, such as Tunis, Sousse, and Monastir.
Note! The Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport and Tunis Carthage International Airport aren’t connected to the railway network.
By bus
There are also regular bus services that operate between Hammamet and other cities in Tunisia. Between Tunis-Hammamet, the best option is to go to the bus stop called Bab Alioua in Tunis. There you can purchase the ticket (buying online isn’t possible). This bus is faster and more comfortable.
Where to stay in Hammamet?
Are you looking for a hotel in Hammamet or hesitating about which area to stay in? In this chapter, I will help you choose the most suitable zone and give you some hotel options.
Different areas in Hammamet
All of the areas are suitable for holidays and popular among tourists.
- Hammamet Yasmine: This is a newer area of Hammamet that was built in the 1990s. It features a modern marina, upscale hotels, restaurants, and a large shopping complex. It’s a great option for those looking for a luxurious vacation experience.
- Hammamet Medina: This is the old town area of Hammamet, known for its traditional architecture and narrow streets. The Medina is home to the Kasbah, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Explore shops and markets selling local crafts and souvenirs.
- Hammamet Sud: This area is located south of the old town and is known for its beautiful sandy beaches. It’s a popular area for sunbathing and swimming. There are also several beachside cafes and restaurants.
- Hammamet Nord: This northern part of Hammamet is a quieter area with a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s an area for a peaceful vacation away from the crowds. I like most the beaches and swimming in this area.
Hotels in Hammamet
Here I have listed one hotel option per area listed above. Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Yasmine Hammamet is a 5-star hotel in the Yasmine Hammamet area, just a few steps from the beach. It has a spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and multiple restaurants. Medina Solaria & Thalasso is also a 5-star hotel. It is located in the Medina area of Hammamet. It has a thalassotherapy center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and several restaurants. In the heart of Hammamet Sud, you will find a 3-star hotel, Club Eldorador Salammbo. It’s just a few steps from the beach. It has a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. La Badira is a beautiful 5-star hotel on a private beach in Hammamet Nord. It has an infinity pool, a spa, and multiple dining options.
The best beaches in Hammamet
Hammamet is a beautiful seaside resort known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the best beaches to visit in Hammamet:
- Hammamet Beach: This is the main beach in Hammamet and one of the most popular beaches in Tunisia. Its long stretch of golden sand is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby, making it a great place to spend the day.
- Plage El Mrezgua: A marvelous beach near Hammamet. It’s favored by locals and tourists and quieter than Hammamet Beach. Also, the previous president used to own a summer house here.
- Nabeul Beach: Nabeul is a neighboring town to Hammamet, and its beach is just as beautiful. This is a quieter and less crowded beach than Hammamet Beach, making it perfect for those looking for a more relaxing day by the sea.
- Yasmine Beach: Yasmine is another popular beach in Hammamet, located in the Yasmine Hammamet resort area. The beach is well-maintained and surrounded by hotels, shops, and restaurants. You may try different water sports activities, including jet skiing and parasailing.
- Maamoura Beach: Maamoura is a little further out from Hammamet, but it’s worth the journey. This beach is quieter than some of the other beaches in the area, and it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery and some rocky cliffs. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Here you find the complete list of the best beaches in Tunisia.
Things to do - Hammamet travel guide
You have a trip booked. It’s time for the nice part of the planning: what to do in Hammamet? To give you some inspiration, I have listed some activities to keep you busy on your vacation.
Nightlife in Hammamet
Hammamet has a lively nightlife scene that caters to all tastes, from beach parties to nightclubs, bars, and discos. Spend your evening dancing at beach parties which can be found at most of the beach clubs and bars in the town. These parties are usually held during summer and feature DJs and live music. Or maybe try one of the nightclubs that are open until the early mornings.
Medina of Hammamet
The Medina of Hammamet is the historic old town of the city, and it is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. Explore a maze of narrow streets and alleys and fill your luggage with souvenirs such as ceramics, carpets, jewelry, and textiles. Here you find the list of 13 things to buy from Tunisia. And don’t forget to visit The Kasbah, the old fortress in the heart of the Medina.
Activities for kids
Spend too many hours by the beach swimming, sunbathing, and playing? Spend a day in Carthageland, a theme park nearby Yasmine Hammamet, or maybe your kids would enjoy a camel or horse ride by the sea.
Renting a car - Hammamet travel guide
Rent a car for a day or two and have a little road trip around Tunisia. Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is only an hour a drive away. Another great option is Nabeul, a town famous for handmade ceramics, and it’s located only 20 minutes’ drive from Hammamet. Located about 4 hours from Hammamet, Matmata is a unique Berber village known for its underground dwellings. Explore the troglodyte houses, which were carved out of soft rock, and learn about the Berber way of life. Maybe something a little bit closer? If you are willing to drive 200km, the well-known Roman amphitheater El Jem is situated in the center of Tunisia.
Wellness and spas in Hammamet
During your stay in Hammamet, you must try one of the countless Hammams. Hammam, also known as the Turkish bath, is a type of bathhouse and steam room. This centuries-old wellness ritual has a long history in Arabic culture. If you are a first-time visitor, you might be wondering about all kinds of questions about this wellness ritual. For this reason, I have created a hammam guide that covers everything you need to know. In that guide, I answer questions such as, what to wear in a hammam, how long you stay in, how much it cost, and what they do in a hammam. Many hammams and spas are located within hotels and resorts, but you find independent hammams from the Medina.
This was my version of the ultimate Hammamet travel guide. Have you visited Hammamet already? Where are you traveling this summer? Let me hear your thoughts and questions in the comment section.
can you tell me if there are alot of street dogs that are ill treated, I cannot go somewhere if i see animals injured or hungry or mistreated.
Hi there!
In general, there are some street dogs in Tunisia (more cats) but I have seen other places that have more. If the street dogs are definitely no-go for you then I would not choose Tunisia. The dogs are not mistreated but normally you will see some dogs.
BR, Hanna