Hammamet holidays

Famous world-wide, couscous is a must-try on your Hammamet holiday. A staple of Tunisian cuisine, this lightly spiced dish is prepared in a variety of ways, usually with chicken, pork or lamb. In Hammamet, you’ll find couscous with seafood – perfect with a cold beer on a hot day. For a breakfast that will set you up for the whole day, head to a local café for ojja. Similar to shakshuka, eggs are cooked in a tomato sauce, with garlic and hot peppers for an added kick. In Tunisia, it’s common to find ojja with merguez, a spicy sausage made from beef or lamb. If you’re a fan of street food, then you’ll love brik a l’oeuf. This delicious deep-fried pastry comes with a variety of fillings including chicken and minced meat, but the most popular version is made with tuna. Try one after a night on the town – you’ll be back for seconds!

The beach is the star of the show in Hammamet, a never-ending stretch of white sand bordering warm azure waters. Dotted with palm trees and backed by large hotels, you get to experience wonderful days on the beach with all the conveniences you could need nearby. Travel south along the coast for 20 minutes and you’ll find Yasmine, a newly built resort town with an upmarket marina and a pristine Blue Flag beach. Golfers can choose from 2 championship courses, while scuba divers get to experience the area’s amazing reefs and wrecks. For history in Hammamet, look no further than the Kasbah, an impressive fortress built in the 9th century. Adapted in the 16th century for firearms, the fort was in military use until the 1800s. Today, the castle walls provide amazing views of the city and ocean.

Scuba diving: Hammamet’s a great place to learn how to scuba dive – you’ll find plenty of accredited schools that will show you the ropes in open water. If you’re more advanced, there are some exciting spots to check out, including a WW2 wreck and the tunnel reefs of Tabark.

Kite surfing: Another thrilling sport you can try on your Hammamet holiday is kite surfing. The gentle winds and warm, shallow waters are ideal for beginners – your instructor will have you flying in no time! Head to Yasmine for the biggest choice of schools in the area.

Parasailing: If you’ve got a head for heights, then don’t miss out on a parasailing ride. Flying tandem or solo, you’ll climb 400ft above sea level as you’re towed along by speedboat. It’s a fun way to get your holiday kicks, and the views are out of this world.

Pirate ship adventure: For adventures on the high seas, step aboard the Hammamet Pirate Ship! Little ones will love the stunts and dance routines, while grown-ups can sit back and enjoy the show or join in the fun. You can even jump from the side of a boat for a swim before heading back to port.

Shopping: Shopaholics – make a beeline for the Medina, where you get to negotiate a bargain price for those exotic souvenirs. Haggling is all part of the fun, but if you prefer a more chilled out experience, head to Costa Mall for hassle-free shopping at a fixed price.

Waterpark: When it comes to cooling off in summer, nothing beats a water park! At Aqualand in Yasmine, you’ll find slides for adults and bigger kids, and plenty of splash-about fun for little ones. With mini slides, a 4-lane racer, and a giant lagoon pool, it’s a top day out for the whole family.