Hammamet Holidays

Style and charm

This sophisticated resort on the northwest coast of Tunisia has been compared to St Tropez. It certainly mixes up its old-world charm with beachfront cafés and discos – though the walled medina with its tangle of alleyways might just give it the edge.

Sandy beach

Hammamet has a three-kilometre stretch of sand to its name. Handily, it’s also nabbed a south-facing position, so you won’t go short on sun. The beachfront hotels have staked out their spots, but there are still plenty of sunloungers around to rent. And you’ll be sharing the place with the local fishermen who spend afternoons repairing their nets here.

Buzzing nights

After dark, there’s a real buzz about Hammamet. The sound of Arabic music fills the bars, and places often put on belly dancing displays. It’s a Muslim country here, but they’re a pretty open-minded lot at this resort so expect happy hours and drag shows. And things stay lively pretty late – even the cafés are still going strong well after 1am.

Daytrips to Tunis

About an hour and a half’s drive gets you to the capital, Tunis. This place pulls out all the stops on the shopping front – the medina here is said to be one of the best in the Arab world. And culture-wise, you’ve got the Bardot Museum. It comes housed in an old Tunisian palace, and is packed with Roman mosaics.