Hammamet Flights and Travel Guide

On the coastal motorway sandwiched between the Mediterranean and the Sahara desert, 40 miles south of Tunis, lies the pride of the "Tunisian Riviera": the sophisticated resort town of Hammamet with its perfect sweep of beach, ancient and exciting medina, healing mineral baths and renowned top class modern hotels. Once a sleepy fishing village, Hammamet (the name comes from the Arabic al-hammamat, meaning "the baths") was awakened to its tourist potential back in the 1920s when a flock of wealthy and arty Americans and Europeans decided to make the beautiful bay their playground.

Today it has become a destination mainly for middle-to-upper range package tours from Europe, the streets abuzz with scantily clad vacationers speaking Swedish, German, English and French. Despite its modern architectural and human incursions, Hammamet retains its sense of exotic history, dominated by its 15th-century medina and souk (bazaar), where donkeys and bargain-hunters navigate the labyrinth of Aladdin's caves packed with treasures like carpets, brass ornaments, jewelry, traditional kaftans, pottery and leather goods. The narrow winding alleys also conceal bright, whitewashed windowless houses behind splendid ornate doors. The town's baths, famed since Roman times, are also situated in the crowded medina, alongside ancient mosques and over-shadowed by the medieval castle or kasbah. The big attraction of this seaside town, though, is its six-mile stretch of palm-fringed shore, boasting beautiful sandy clean beaches, decorated with colorful fishing boats. South of the old town, along the beach, a plethora of attractive Moorish style low-rise resort hotels, set in stunning lush gardens, has mushroomed, offering visitors luxury accommodations, watersports, entertainment, gourmet restaurants and all the trappings of a perfect holiday.

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Hammamet Insider Information

• Medina: Dating back to 1500, Hammamet’s medina is made up of just a few streets that intersect and steep in authenticity. The walls, erected by the Hafsids, hold what was once an exchange ground for trade and local economic activity. Now, you can find small, bustling restaurants, and quaint shopping areas. If you pick up souvenirs while you’re there, be sure to save your receipts for your return Hammamet flight.
• Beaches: Those booking flights to Hammamet surely have one destination in common: the beach. Miles of sand span along the coast, where swimming and land games meet. Stroll the entire length, but be careful when crossing over private beaches of high-end hotels. Most areas are clean and not very crowded, welcoming families, but not teeming with children. If you’re still out in the evening, watch as the white-washed houses turn pink, yellow and orange with the arrival of sunset.
• Kasbah: Dating back to the 12^th century, the Kasbah attracts quite a bit of history buffs booking flights to Hammamet. Although it’s not as busy and thriving as it once was, walking along the base allows for a unique experience inside the newly restored (and sometimes desolate) interior. It’s also the perfect place to catch views of the Gulf of Hammamet.
• Town: If you’re aching for something more productive than your beach catnaps, complete your Hammamet travel with a visit to its blossoming town, full of fun and memorable opportunities. Incredibly pedestrian friendly, streets are safe for children, and are jam-packed with restaurants and shops perfect for families, couples, or the independent voyager looking to get lost in the shuffle. The small center with two long avenues isn’t loaded with overbearing architecture, just a simple environment to meet people and experience local lifestyle.
• Sebastian’s Villa: What was once a hopping party palace in the 1920s is now a cultural center open for visitors booking flights to Hammamet. Owned by George Sebastian, the villa spared no expense creating the perfect atmosphere for luxury. Its arcaded swimming pool, sitting bath, huge archways, and glorious views welcome hundreds of visitors a day to experience is lavish setting.

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Hammamet Airports

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