Hammamet

The historic Medina is one of the city's simply unmissable sites - thick walls around it used to contain the settlement preceding that of modern Hammamet (up until late 19th century); today its windy narrow alleys and souqs are packed with ample shopping and dining spots.

Yasmine is a gargantuan resort complex just outside Hammamet proper. As of today, Yasmine amounts to a miniature city with a Medina of its own and various facilities such as markets, hotels, entertainment centers, and a waterside promenade - all of it covering an area of nearly 300 hectares.

Some of the major attractions of coastal Hammamet are its beaches, extending miles upon miles north and south of town. While some areas may belong to resorts, there are plenty of spots along the shore that are open to the public. Water sport enthusiasts will find rentals dotted along the coast.

Having at different points in time hosted prominent figures such as Winston Churchill and served as a Nazi headquarters, the lavish mansion has regrettably lost much of its extravagant allure over the years. It today contains art exhibitions and plays host to the annual Festival of Music and Drama.

The ruins of Kerkouane are a rare vestige of a civilization long-gone. The area was once inhabited by Phoenicians (who lived off fishing and manufacturing colored dye - particularly a purple shade produced from shellfish), but fell victim to the Romans during the Third Punic War. Some traces of its former glory still remain today.

The settlement of El Haouaria is primarily known for two things - its craft of falcon training (the village even serves host the annual Falconry Festival in May, and the wild gracious birds are often sighted here in spring) and the Roman Caves, carved inside sand cliffs several kilometers to the north.

The northern town of Kelibia is a good vantage point for a clear sunny day - if you're in luck, you may even be able to see as far the coast of Sicily. Other than its hilltop fort, the town is known for its beaches, which are claimed by some to be some of the best in the Mediterranean.

The hot springs of Korbous have been celebrated for their medicinal properties for centuries, ever since they were first discovered at the turn of the 19th century. Some skin conditions and health issues such as arthritis are believed to be if not healed, then largely eased by the thermal waters.

Wildlife-lovers are bound to write the Friguia animal park into their Tunisian itineraries - species present here range from tigers and crocodiles to flamingos and sea lions, all well-kept inside the spacious reserve welcoming tours and individuals to its animal shows and countless entertaining activities for young ones.

The archaeological site of Pupput is often empty of visitors - those arriving early in the mornings may find themselves one-on-one with the scant remains of a former settlement and some rather well-preserved - for the time being, at least - Byzantine mosaics.

The name "Hammamet" itself translates as the plural of "bath", so a visit to one of the local spas is bound to figure on your local itinerary. For a budget option, try the public baths in the Hammamet Medina (next to the Grand Mosque). Several spas and thalasso centers operate within the city limits, some much favored by holidaymakers. El Mouradi Yasmine Hammamet +216 72 249 199 Bio Azur Thalasso Groupe Les Orangers +216 72 278 310