This coastal town in Tunisia is known for its sandy beaches and ancient medina. Visitors can explore the 15th-century fortress or relax at one of the many seaside resorts.
Hammamet, a coastal town in northeastern Tunisia, stretches along golden Mediterranean beaches. The city's history dates back to Roman times, with remnants still visible today. Walk through winding alleys in the 13th-century medina, climb the Kasbah fortress for panoramic views, or explore the Pupput Roman ruins just outside town. Hammamet's location also makes it easy to visit other historical sites like the ancient city of Carthage.
Hammamet's Beaches
Long stretches of sandy beaches line Hammamet's coastline. The public beach in the town center gets busy during summer, but you can find calmer areas by walking north or south. Many beachfront hotels have private sections for their guests. The Mediterranean is warm enough for comfortable swimming from June through October. On most beaches, you can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs from local vendors.
The Medina of Hammamet
The compact medina of Hammamet dates from the 13th century. As you enter through the main gate, you'll walk on narrow streets lined with white buildings. Several mosques are scattered throughout, including the 15th-century Great Mosque near the center. Small shops sell ceramics, leather goods, and woven textiles. In the early evening, many locals take their daily walk through the medina.
The Kasbah Fortress
The 13th-century Kasbah fortress stands at the northeastern corner of the medina, overlooking the Mediterranean. From the top of the fortified walls, you can see across the town and coastline. Inside the Kasbah, a small museum displays artifacts from the area. At sunset, the stone walls of the fortress take on a warm color in the fading light.
George Sebastian Villa
Just outside the medina walls, you'll find the George Sebastian Villa, built in the 1920s by a Romanian millionaire. The villa's architecture combines Art Deco elements with traditional Tunisian styles. Tours of the house show period furnishings and artwork. The villa's garden contains tropical plants, fountains, and Roman-era mosaics. The grounds occasionally host art exhibitions and concerts.
Pupput Roman Ruins
About 2 km south of central Hammamet lie the ruins of Pupput, a Roman settlement from the 2nd century AD. While smaller than some other Roman sites in Tunisia, Pupput shows what life was like in a provincial town. You can see remains of homes with mosaic floors, a forum, and thermal baths. A small on-site museum exhibits artifacts found during excavations.
Yasmine Hammamet Resort Area
Yasmine Hammamet, a modern resort area, is located about 5 km south of the old town. It has large all-inclusive hotels, a marina, golf courses, and the Carthage Land amusement park. Yasmine has more amenities and activities for families than the old town. A seaside promenade connects it to central Hammamet, allowing you to combine beach time with visits to historical sites.
Day Trips from Hammamet
Hammamet's central location makes it a good base for exploring northern Tunisia. The capital Tunis is an hour away by car or train, where you can visit the Bardo Museum and walk through the UNESCO-listed medina. The ruins of ancient Carthage are about 90 minutes north. For a change of scenery, you can hike in the forested hills of Zaghouan, home to a large Roman water temple.
Local Food in Hammamet
Tunisian cuisine incorporates Mediterranean and North African ingredients and cooking methods. In Hammamet, you can try local seafood like grilled sea bream or octopus salad. Other typical dishes include brik (thin pastry filled with egg and tuna), couscous with lamb and vegetables, and spicy merguez sausages. For dessert, you'll often find sweet pastries soaked in honey. Many restaurants in the medina have rooftop seating with views over the old town.
Transportation to and in Hammamet
The closest airport is Enfidha–Hammamet International, about 40 km south of town. You can also fly into Tunis–Carthage airport and take a taxi or train to Hammamet. In Hammamet, taxis are an affordable option for short trips. To see more of the region, you can rent a car or join excursions offered by hotels and travel agencies.
Hammamet's Climate and When to Visit
Hammamet has warm weather from May to October with little rainfall. July and August are the hottest months, when daytime temperatures often go above 30°C (86°F). In spring and fall, the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists. Winters are cool and sometimes rainy, but still mild compared to northern Europe, with daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
