Travel Eye on Hammamet (Tunisia)

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Overview:

For visitors and Tunisians alike Hammamet is another word for vacations and its ritual of sun bathing on spotless beaches, the gasp of cool water on bronzed skin, dinner on the patio of a beachfront hotel , midnight swims, discos and watching the sun rise in the mirror of the sea.

Hammamet, the "Tunisian Saint Tropez", is all this and more. Its a way of life, taking the time to relax , meet old friends and make new ones.It's fishermen in brightly painted boats setting out at dawn, the medina surrounded by its ramparts and crowned by an ancient fort overlooking the sea, fashionable boutiques where resplendent traditional tunics and caftans rival the shimmering sun.

This area caters for middle- to upmarket couples and families looking for a beach holiday with a difference. The area particularly popular with French, German and British pensioners in winter.

Most of the hotels are 3- or 4-stars, generally fairly remote and scattered haphazardly along the "Touristic Roarutes" which extend for 4 or 5 mls in each direction from the centre. Many of them are virtually self contained, with their own leisure and entertainment programmes and bazaars. Self catering is rare apart from a couple of aparthotels.

The Gulf of Hammamet shelters miles of fine sandy beaches, sparkling seas and modern hotels dedicated to the comfort a well being of their guests. A variety of sea sports, folklore, exhibitions, festivals and amusements are provided for an memorable vacation.

Locality:

Hammamet is on the north east coast of Tunisia. (45 mls SE of the capital Tunis and its international airport. 60 mls N of Monastir airport). It is on the north end of the Gulf of Hammamet, with a backdrop of nondescript low hills, olive groves and vineyards.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Shopping in the medieval souk (bazaar) in Hammamet is one of the most memorable holiday experiences for most people, who go home laden with attractive souvenirs. A treasure-trove of irresistible goods like exotic carpets, embroidered kaftans, glittering 'hubbly-bubbly' pipes, brassware, jewellery, leather goods and pottery are on offer to delight avid shoppers, who are expected to haggle over prices. A good rule of thumb is to start bargaining at about one-third more than you are prepared to pay. Those needing to buy more practical goods will find what they require in the modern shopping centre.

Most hotels catering for tourists in Hammamet have their own restaurants, but the town itself overflows with a variety of eateries and pavement cafes where it is possible to find anything from fish and chips to pizza. No visit to Tunisia is, however, complete without sampling the renowned local dishes, though they can be overly spicy.

Among the specialities to sample are Couscous (steamed semolina grains mixed with vegetables, fish, chicken or meat), Brik (pastry filled with egg, herbs and tuna), Chorba (thick, creamy tomato soup), and Makroudh (a syrup-soaked honey cake stuffed with dates). The top restaurant in Hammamet, by reputation, is the Chez Achour, but for authentic Arabic cuisine you cannot beat La Brise on the Avenue de La Republique.

Nightlife in Hammamet is low-key, with no all-night hot clubbing experiences on offer. Most hotels offer dancing and entertainment, and there are numerous bars and discos catering for visitors, most closing by midnight however.

Most holidaymakers come to Hammamet for the beach and sea, and there are a host of watersports on offer from water-skiing to snorkelling for those who want to do more than just laze in the sun. On top of the water, boat trips to view dolphins are a popular past time.

On land there are some good golf courses, tennis courts and the chance to go horse riding or, more exotically, explore on camel-back. Hammamet is well situated for a variety of excursions, offered enthusiastically by local operators. Among these most popular are shopping trips to Tunis, expeditions to the ruins of Carthage, desert safaris and outings to nearby Nabeul, headquarters of the ancient but still thriving local pottery industry.