Playa de Hammamet

This long beach of golden sand and warm waters stretches almost interminably, lined with hotels and boasting the most complete range of tourism services.

The calm waters make it ideal for swimming and for young children to play safely. As one would expect, many activities are available here: windsurfing, water scooters, water skiing, canoeing and diving, amongst others. Something you won’t find here is solitude, as this pleasant coastal resort attracts many tourists.

Don’t be surprised if, whilst you are relaxing on the soft sand, a friendly child approaches to offer you some tasty local fritters. A simple “no, thank you” is enough if you are not interested, but we recommend that you try them as they are delicious.

The Hotel Riu Palace Oceana Hammmamet lies on the beachfront, offering all the services and facilities to ensure you enjoy this beach to the fullest.

Hammamet medina

Although it stands out for its range of hotels and large beaches, Hammamet also has a picturesque, lively town centre, especially the Medina, which is overlooking the sea. Until the late 19th century, its thick walls were the main nucleus of the town. Now its narrow whitewashed alleyways are lined with tearooms and craft shops. In the area outside the walls you will find several avenues overflowing with life: nightclubs, restaurants and colourful shops. Everything a tourist could wish for, except isolation.

Hammamet-Jinene

This complex, located 8km south of the centre, is host to the Riu Palace Oceana Hammamet and is next to the Yasmine urbanisation, with large avenues lined with palm trees. As well as a long beach, you will find an elegant marina and a modern Medina with shops and restaurants. The zone is a combination of oriental charm and the most select tourist offer.

Tunis

Like some of its Arab counterparts, at first glance Tunis is not very impressive. But the fact is that this town, which has a past that goes back thousands of years, has seen Berbers, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths and other peoples pass through it. This city’s charm is that it has to be discovered, because it won’t do that for you.

The Medina: The historical and cultural heart of the city, the Medina was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1981. Constructed in the 7th century AD, its importance only dwindled in favour of the ville nouvelle (new town) in the late 19th century, when the French took over.

One of its most emblematic buildings is the Zitouna mosque, dating from the 7th century AD. In the 9th century AD, two hundred Roman columns from Carthage were added to the central prayer room. Without doubt, a masterly feat of recycling. Non-Muslims may enter as far as the patio if dressed appropriately.

You will be drawn to the different souks by their intense aromas, most of them pleasant except for that of the meat, emanating from animals hanging from the ceiling. The souk of the perfumes, Souq el-Attarine, is without doubt the one that will treat your sense of smell, and sight, best. Apart from the mixture of essences, you will also notice the delicate glass perfume containers. 

Losing oneself amongst its intricate streets and discovering the trades in this huge market is a real pleasure. The intensity, atmosphere and charm of Arab streets find their maximum expression here.

Museum of El Bardo: Not to be missed. Somewhat shabby in appearance, the inside houses notable cultural treasures. The collections reflect the country’s rich historical legacy: Carthaginian, Roman, Paleo-Christian and Arab-Muslim. The Roman section contains some of the most beautiful mosaics in the world.

New Town: The mark left by the French can be seen in the streets of the ville nouvelle, with elegant colonial buildings adorned with forged iron railings and slatted windows; and numerous terraces, cafeterias and patisseries. After admiring the architecture, head for the cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul, an eccentric fusion of Gothic, Byzantine and North-African styles.

Sidi bou Said

On seeing its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, you would not be the first to ask yourself if you have suddenly been transported to a tiny Greek island. The key to this place is losing oneself in the narrow streets that lead up to the mystical cemetery with its sea views, and wind around to the picturesque main square, lined with numerous cafés where tourists and locals gather.

What was once a modest village is now a holiday town for the rich and famous. This change has by not diminished the interest of its radiant houses, decorated with elegant iron railings and doors famous all over the country for their intense blue colour and fine metallic ornamentations.

The arched patios, dotted with geraniums and bougainvilleas, will serve as a refuge from the sun and offer their delightful perfume. The position of the village, on a cliff top with magical views of the Gulf of Tunisia, merely adds further charm to this uniquely beautiful place.

Carthage

Carthage was the centre of the Carthaginian Empire that covered a large part of North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, Corsica and Sicily. With the arrival of the Romans and the passage of time, many of the Punic remains were lost. But a visit to this place is a must during any stay in Tunisia, because of its historical significance, cultural values and great views to the sea.

This fascinating place is comprised of the Roman amphitheatre, which was one of the largest in the Empire; the Thermae of Antonino and the Magon district, an impressive residential zone not only for its dimensions but also for its fantastic views of the sea; and the Tofet shrine, a place of sacrifice where the sons of noble Carthaginians were sacrificed and burnt to appease the deities of Baal Hammon and Tanit.

At the entrance to the complex lies the Cathedral of Saint Louis, which has nothing to do with the Romans but is nevertheless surprising for its colossal proportions. It was erected by the French in 1890 and dedicated to the King-Saint, who died at the shores of Carthage in 1270, during the eighth crusade.

Cap Bon Peninsula

The towns northeast of Hammamet are not exceptionally beautiful, but they are a refuge for the solitary and have a provincial tranquillity that is far removed from the big crowds. In the fishing village of Kelibia, untidy and with particularly welcoming locals, the beach of El-Mansourah will dazzle you. Even in midsummer you can lose yourself here and enjoy its fine, white sand and crystalline waters on your own.

At the tip of the peninsula, in Cap Bon to be precise, lies El-Haouaria, with caves that helped raise Carthage with their stone. The echo of the sea in the cavities and the intense blue of the Mediterranean awaken magical sensations, especially sitting in the tiny kiosk at the entrance, savouring a mint tea with Arab music in the background.

Family fun: Flipper Aquapark

This complex is ideal for children. Little ones running around, laughter, shouting and tears are a constant feature of this aqua park. Its slides, wave pools and sunbeds make it an enjoyable alternative to the beach.

Golf

We offer free transportation to either of these two courses from the Riu hotels:

Citrus Golf: The first thing you will notice is the lush vegetation dotted all around the course: olive, pine and citrus fruit trees and cacti. There are two 18-hole courses and another one with 9 holes.

Yasmine Golf: The wind, the bunkers and the water traps will put your technique to the test. The clubhouse, situated on the highest point of the course, has beautiful views of the sea, making it a great place to relax after a day of golf.

Shopping

Hammamet souk has less variety and focuses more on tourists than the one in Tunis, although this does not mean you cannot find beautiful crafts as you wander around its streets: copper objects, leather garments, fine glass articles, etc. As in most Arab countries, the sellers´ starting prices might be higher than the real price, so if you don’t want to overspend you will have to bargain. Don’t be shy about it, as local sellers find it normal and even necessary in any kind of commercial transaction.

Nabeul: The country’s most important traditional ceramics centre is 20 minutes by car from Hammamet. Its streets are lined with workshops and shops where you will find a wide variety of objects. 

Every Friday, there is a jewellery, leather, glass and copper market held in the city.

Specialities

Couscous: Tunisian couscous consists of a combination of vegetables, wheat semolina, merguez, fish and lamb or beef.

Tajines: The succulent tajines – very different to the Moroccan ones – are an egg loaf with lamb, vegetables, potato, maluska leaves and cheese, cooked over a low flame.

Condiments: The tajines, couscous and other local specialities are accompanied by harissa, a pepper paste that can be extremely hot and adds a little more flavour – if indeed that is possible – to the dishes.

Desserts: The patisserie highlight is the small, extremely sweet cakes made using natural products like dates, almonds, pistachios and sesame. Many of them have honey and lots of sugar sprinkled on them.

Mint tea: As in the whole of North Africa, this aromatic drink served with plenty of sugar is the delight of both locals and tourists.

Juices: Get ready to try some excellent juices. The orange juice, and above all the fig juice, are outstanding.