Hammamet

About

Settled since the first century, Hammamet became a Roman colony in the 2nd century, before passing under the control of every empire that ruled the region, including the Spanish and Turks. Reduced to a small fishing village by the 20th century, Hammamet was revitalized when Romanian millionaire George Sebastian and the European jet set began vacationing here. While the beachfront is lined with hotels, early planning constraints dictated that they should not overreach the height of a tree, meaning it’s maintained the air of a small-town air. The waterfront is watched over by a 15th century fort, which offers excellent views of the coast, but doesn’t have much inside. In the fortified medina, you’ll find streets bustling with shops, vendors, and restaurants, charming side alleys, and some interesting museums dedicated to local culture.