Purple Hearts: Hammamet Tunisia
Blazing sunshine, a rich blend of Mediterranean style and North African Culture, holidays in Hammamet Tunisia really are where it’s at. It might only be three hours away from the UK, but it feels worlds apart. If you’re a history buff, a beach bunny or a family of four, the Hammamet area of Tunisia is the perfect place to holiday. Spend long lazy days on perfect, white sandy beaches, haggling at the markets or exploring beautiful villages.
An important note to mention is that there is plenty of talk about holidaying in Hammamet Tunisia, particularly for women, but as long as you have your common sense switched on, don’t worry too much about it. Tunisia is more like holidaying in a southern Mediterranean country. If you’re worried, read our post about travelling there or keep an eye on the Foreign Office website.
Image via @ Wentuq
Tunisia Travel Guide, things to do in Hammamet Tunisia
Meddle at a Medina Definitely visit a medina and try to grab yourself a couple of souvenirs. There’s everything from the tacky to the bizarre and don’t be afraid to haggle, the locals certainly aren’t.
The Great Mosque a fun historical day out, there is architecture to discover and a couple of shops to get your haggling skills started. A tip: remember to bring a cover up if you want to go inside.
Like in the movies Tunisia’s been the location for plenty of Hollywood movies, so a day trip to explore the locations is a must for movie lovers. El Djem was the setting for the digitally remastered theatre in Gladiator. Matmata was the base for Tattooine in the original Star Wars, Chebika was the location for scenes from The English Patient.
For history buffs Visit Carthage. The ancient city was once the centre of a powerful empire, before being destroyed by invaders sometime in the 7th century. Now it’s worth stopping off to discover the museum and Acropolium, baths and ruins.
Another great way is to go on a Legends Tour, where a guide will help you discover thousands of years of history from Tunisia’s past. Visit the amphitheatre and walk the underground passageways where slaves were sent to do battle.
Bring the kids to CarthageLand If the place itself sounds like a handful with little ones, head for the fun park of CarthageLand, not quite an authentic experience, but the kids will love jumping and playing around there.
Image via @ WOMeos
Hit the beach The Hammamet Sud beach is one of our favourites, but there are plenty to choose from, with paragliding, jet skiing or banana boating.
Visit (or stay in) the new town Yasmine-Hammamet A dedicated tourist resort, this is not the place to go to find a true slice of Tunisian life. It’s filled with hotels and Arabic themed restaurants but the beaches are good for a day out in the sunshine.
See the boss’s villa The area was first built up by Romanian millionaire George Sebastian, who built a house right on the beach. It was once described by Frank Lloyd Wright as the most beautiful house he knew. Well worth a visit around its 14 hectares which feature swimming pool, a solid marble bath, and mock Greek theatre.
Where to stay in Hammamet Tunisia
Hotel Marhala, Matmata, the place itself is well worth a visit, while a stay in this troglodyte cave hotel is a true one off experience.
Caribbean World Venus Beach 3* A couple of minutes from the beach and a quick taxi trip to the centre of Hammamet, the 3* Caribbean World Venus Garden is an excellent all inclusive choice for families. There are plenty of on-site sports facilities, kids entertainment and indoor and outdoor pools.
Hotel Residence La Paix 2* A great choice for anyone watching their budget, the hotel is right in the centre of town and just a couple of minutes to the beach. Close to the airport and two golf courses, it’s a great choice with lots of facilities.
Iberostar Belisaire, 4* Just seconds from a private beach of Yasmine-Hammamet and with two golf courses nearby, the comfortable Iberostar Belisaire is ideal for couples or anyone looking for a relaxing holiday.
Hotel Diar Lemdina 4* Right in the heart of the resort, this is a great choice for couples looking for something extra special. The 4* Hotel Diar Lemdina has its own theme park, spa and swimming pool and is just a couple of metres from the beach.
Laico Hammamet 5* Perfect for Honeymooners, there is an onsite thalassotherapy centre to ease you into your holiday. Found on the beautiful Gulf of Hammamet, you won’t be short of romantic views, buckets of sunshine and each other.
Click here for more about cheap holidays to Tunisia, from (ABTA member) Purple Travel
Image via @ Wentuq