Things to Do in Hammamet

Hammamet is often seen as a beach destination first, but it works better when visitors treat it as a mix of beach time, old-town atmosphere, and straightforward holiday activities. It is a destination that rewards easy pacing rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.

That makes it especially useful for family trips, longer resort holidays, and travellers who want the option to do more than just sit by the pool without needing to plan an intense itinerary.

Explore the medina and kasbah

The medina of Hammamet is one of the most pleasant in Tunisia — smaller and less commercialised than Tunis or Sousse, with narrow lanes, whitewashed walls, and a relaxed atmosphere. The main entrance is through the Bab el-Bhar gate. Inside, you will find souvenir shops selling ceramics, leather goods, and textiles, along with a few small cafes. Allow approximately 1–2 hours for a relaxed wander.

The kasbah sits on the headland at the medina’s northern edge and offers panoramic views over the beach and the Gulf of Hammamet. Entry costs approximately 5 TND as of 2026. The ramparts are well-preserved and provide good photo opportunities, particularly in the morning or late afternoon light. The small museum inside the kasbah covers the history of the town and the surrounding region.

Relax on the beach

The beach is the most obvious draw, and for many travellers it is the main reason to come. Hammamet’s main beach stretches for several kilometres along the bay, with sandy shores that slope gently into calm, sheltered water — sea temperatures reach 26–28°C in July and August. Most hotels along the beachfront provide sunbeds and umbrellas for guests (included in the room rate at all-inclusive properties). Public beach access is also available at several points.

The beach at Yasmine Hammamet (approximately 10 km south) is wider and less crowded on weekdays, though it has a more manicured, resort-zone feel. Beach vendors sell cold drinks and snacks — expect to pay approximately 3–5 TND for a fresh juice or 5–8 TND for a portion of grilled corn.

Visit the International Cultural Centre (Dar Sebastian)

The International Cultural Centre, also known as Dar Sebastian, is a 1920s villa built by Romanian millionaire George Sebastian. The building blends Art Deco and traditional Tunisian architecture, with lush gardens, a Roman-style swimming pool, and an open-air amphitheatre that hosts the annual Hammamet International Festival (July–August). Entry to the grounds costs approximately 5 TND as of 2026. The gardens alone are worth the visit — they include cypress avenues, citrus trees, and jasmine. During the summer festival, performances include music, theatre, and dance from Tunisian and international artists. Festival tickets typically range from 20–50 TND depending on the performance.

Take a boat trip

Several operators along the beachfront offer boat excursions from Hammamet, ranging from short coastal trips to half-day outings. A standard 2-hour boat trip along the coast costs approximately 30–50 TND per person as of 2026. Some trips include stops for swimming in open water. Glass-bottom boats are also available, costing approximately 20–30 TND per person for a 1-hour trip. Boats depart from the beach near the medina or from the Yasmine Hammamet marina.

For a more substantial outing, full-day catamaran trips with lunch, swimming stops, and open bar cost approximately 80–120 TND per person.

Spend a day at Carthage Land

Carthage Land is a theme park in the Yasmine Hammamet zone, aimed primarily at families with children. It includes rides, water slides, and Carthage-themed attractions. Entry costs approximately 25–35 TND per person as of 2026 (children pay less). It is not a world-class theme park by European standards, but it provides a solid half-day of entertainment for families, particularly children aged 4–12. The adjacent Aqualand water park offers a full day of water slides and pools for approximately 30–40 TND per person.

Play golf

Hammamet has two well-established golf courses:

• Yasmine Golf Course — an 18-hole course in the Yasmine Hammamet resort zone, designed by Ronald Fream. Green fees are approximately 80–120 TND per round as of 2026
• Citrus Golf Course — an 18-hole championship course set among orange and olive groves, approximately 10 km from the town centre. Green fees approximately 100–150 TND per round. Club hire is available at both courses for approximately 30–50 TND

Both courses are well-maintained and offer good value compared to European equivalents. The playing season extends year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures.

Visit a thalassotherapy spa

Tunisia is one of the world’s leading destinations for thalassotherapy (seawater-based spa treatments), and Hammamet has several centres offering programmes ranging from single treatments to multi-day packages. Hotels such as the Steigenberger Marhaba Thalasso and Bio Azur have on-site thalasso centres. A single treatment session costs approximately 50–80 TND as of 2026, while a half-day package runs approximately 120–200 TND.

Take a day trip

Hammamet’s central position on the Tunisian coast makes it a useful base for day trips:

• Tunis and Carthage: approximately 1 hour by car or taxi (approximately 60–80 TND each way). The TGM connects Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and central Tunis once you arrive
• Nabeul: approximately 15 minutes by car, famous for its Friday pottery market and ceramics workshops. Pottery pieces from approximately 5–30 TND
• El Haouaria: approximately 1.5 hours by car, at the tip of Cap Bon. Known for its Roman caves (entry approximately 5 TND) and spring falconry festival
• Kélibia: approximately 1 hour by car, with a well-preserved Byzantine fortress (entry approximately 5 TND) and a quieter beach

Browse the Hammamet souk

Beyond the medina, a larger market area operates outside the old walls, particularly busy on Thursday mornings. Here you can find fresh produce, spices, clothing, and household goods alongside more tourist-oriented souvenirs. Prices are lower than inside the medina — a kilogram of dates costs approximately 5–10 TND, and locally made olive oil approximately 15–25 TND per litre.

Use Hammamet for slow travel days

One of the best uses of Hammamet is simply to build easier days into a wider Tunisia itinerary. After more intense sightseeing in Tunis or inland travel, Hammamet works well as the place where the pace softens. A couple of days here between city exploration and a southern desert trip helps avoid travel fatigue.

Who Hammamet is best for

Hammamet is especially good for travellers who want:

• A simple, comfortable holiday with good beach access
• Family-friendly resort infrastructure with pools, kids’ clubs, and entertainment
• Some cultural atmosphere without a demanding city pace
• A convenient base for day trips along the Cap Bon peninsula
• Enough variety to keep a week-long stay enjoyable without feeling overscheduled