Hammamet and Yasmine Hammamet: the complete summer 2026 guide

Hammamet has been a holiday town for almost a century, since the painter Sebastian Henry built the first villa here in the 1920s. Today, the area is split between two distinct neighbourhoods, and choosing the right one is the most important decision you will make for your stay.

Old Hammamet

The original town, with the kasbah, the medina, the colourful fishing harbour and a long beach lined with low-rise hotels and restaurants. It is more authentic, easier to walk, and home to most of the country's celebrated villas. Choose old Hammamet if you want a relaxed atmosphere, real Tunisian streets and easy access to local restaurants.

Yasmine Hammamet

A purpose-built resort area south of the old town, opened in the early 2000s. It centres on a marina ringed with cafés and a recreated medina (Medina Yasmine), with a long beach in front of the larger five-star hotels. Choose Yasmine if you want everything in one place, a livelier nightlife, or an all-inclusive holiday.

What to do

• Visit the kasbah of old Hammamet for sunset over the bay.
• Walk the small medina and Sidi Bou Hadid mosque.
• Spend an afternoon at the marina in Yasmine.
• Day-trip to Carthage Land theme park if you have children.
• Take a half-day excursion to the Roman site of Pupput.

Beaches and water

The beach extends from the old town all the way south past Yasmine, around 14 kilometres of fine sand. The slope into the water is gentle, the bay is sheltered, and the water is clean. Most large hotels have private sections; smaller hotels share the public stretches, which are perfectly clean and have lifeguards in summer.

Getting there and around

The closest airport is Enfidha-Hammamet (NBE), about 40 minutes away. Tunis-Carthage (TUN) is 70 to 90 minutes away depending on traffic. Within Hammamet, distances are short but summer heat makes walking hard, a Rumble taxi from old town to the Yasmine marina takes 8-10 minutes.

Hammamet is the easy yes of a Tunisian summer. The hard part is choosing between the bohemian charm of the old town and the all-in-one comfort of Yasmine.

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