by Stella Kaye

Created on: September 12, 2010   Last Updated: April 12, 2011

Hammamet -Tunisia’s ‘Garden Resort’

The resort of Hammamet is located on the coast of Tunisia, the most northern country on the African continent and is an increasingly popular choice of holiday destination for tourists from all over Europe due to its proximity and accessibility. Fights are frequent and inexpensive from many European countries and are of very short duration. At less than three hours' flying time from the UK it is possible to experience a totally different culture for less than the cost of a typical family package holiday to Spain.  

Known as North Africa’s answer to St. Tropez, Hammamet which is the longest established resort in Tunisia offers the visitor a wide range of activities for a fun-packed family holiday. It is popular with young couples and also the retired who are seeking long-term winter breaks. The calm, clear waters of the Mediterranean make it an ideal destination at any time of year.

Hammamet is a one and a half hour transfer from Monastir airport by road as it is the most northern resort in comparison to Sousse and Port el Kantaoui. There is a nearer airport in Tunis the capital, but currently most of the cheaper package deals don't use this route.

Of the main resorts in Tunisia, Hammamet is perhaps the most picturesque. It is known as ‘The Garden Resort.’ The area is particularly known for the jasmine flower which lends its name to the more modern part of the town. This is Yasmine Hammamet where the more recently built exclusive hotels, exotic boutiques and an opulent marina are to be found. The new shopping malls with their unique architecture and marble concourses are very appealing to those visitors who prefer set prices and don't wish to waste time haggling.

Alternatively the old medina area still has a timeless charm.  At sunset there is every opportunity to take wonderful shots of the sun setting over the mountains and the Gulf of Hammamet. Here you can relax in a coffee bar with the apple-scented aroma from Hubbly Bubbly pipes wafting on the air. There is a hop-on hop-off ‘Noddy’ train and everything is fairly central for the visitor on foot. Taxis are inexpensive, reliable and plentiful.

Inside the Medina itself - the old walled part of the town – the visitor will find plenty souvenirs at affordable prices: spices, leather goods, perfumes, brassware and jewellery are particularly good value. You can even buy magic carpets - well not quite, but if

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