Hammamet

Between the Mediterranean and the Sahara lies the pride of the Tunisian Riviera: Hammamet. The sophisticated holiday resort town has a perfect sweep of beach, an ancient and exciting medina, healing mineral baths, and renowned hotels.Once a sleepy fishing village, Hammamet (meaning 'the baths') was awakened to its tourist potential back in the 1920s when a flock of wealthy American and Europeans decided to make it their playground.Today it has become a destination mainly for middle-to-upper range package tours from Europe, the streets abuzz with holidaymakers speaking Swedish, German, English and French. Despite its modern architecture, Hammamet retains its sense of exotic history. It is dominated by its 15th-century medina and souk(bazaar), with treasures like carpets, brass ornaments, jewellery, traditional kaftans, pottery, and leather goods.The narrow winding alleys also conceal bright, whitewashed windowless houses behind splendid ornate doors. The town's baths, famed since Roman times, are also situated in the crowded medina, alongside ancient mosques and over-shadowed by the medieval castle or kasbah.The big attraction of this seaside town, though, is its six-mile (10km) stretch of palm-fringed shore, boasting beautiful sandy clean beaches, decorated with colourful fishing boats. South of the old town along the beach, a plethora of attractive Moorish-style low-rise hotels set in stunning lush gardens has mushroomed, offering visitors luxury accommodations, watersports, entertainment, gourmet restaurants, and all the trappings of a perfect holiday.