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Written by Gillian
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Hammamet is a popular resort in its own right for visitors to Tunisia. For those who are staying elsewhere, it is an interesting town to visit with many interesting buildings and a delightful history. Once a tiny fishing village, Hammamet has its share of admirers today, but has managed to avoid high-rise hotels, keeping a balance by developing a tourist complex near the medina with a cinema, cafes and plenty of shops for its many visitors. It is well known for its flowering jasmine, which is sweetly scented and is used in many perfumed souvenirs and sachets. Fishermen and the ancient fort rub shoulders with modern hotels and entertainments which have gradually arisen in the town.
The beaches are the reason Hammamet was chosen as the first tourist destination in Tunisia, and they are endless. Waterskiing, windsurfing and other water sports are popular, especially as it is often breezy along this coast. Horse riding is also available in the surrounding areas.
The International Cultural Center is housed in a villa which was once the home of millionaire, George Sebastian, who entertained Winston Churchill, Frank Lloyd Wright, Anthony Eden and other notable names from past politics. You can explore the gardens and the open-air theatre and be shown around the home by an old retainer who, if you are lucky, will give you the low-down on each piece of furniture, the who’s who of each guest bedroom and the mechanics of the ancient marble bathroom plumbing. Outside, the beautiful pool is surrounded by shady porticos.
Back in the centre of the town the restored Kasbah offers extensive views over the medina and the nearby coastline. In sharp contrast to this ancient view is the Cleopatra casino in the town and the ongoing tourist development at Hammamet Sud. This hotel and apartment complex is being planned around a yacht marina, but until then Hammamet retains its quiet charm and goes about its business as it has for centuries. |
