Beach Havens

HAMMAMET

Fringed by a wide stretch of white sand that sweeps around the coast, Hammamet is a historic fishing town in the east of the country that grew to become Tunisia's first tourist destination. Most holidaymakers come here to enjoy the beach and watersports available, and the resort is perfectly equipped for all types of holiday, whether you are travelling with family, friends or as a couple.
 
Known as Tunisia's 'garden resort', Hammamet is peppered with citrus trees and olive groves, as well as fragrant jasmine, which gave rise to the name of the town's purpose-built tourist resort of Yasmine Hammamet. Shops and restaurants abound here, and the choice of accommodation ranges from budget hotels such as the fresh and intimate Residence Romane to large luxury resorts such as the five-star Vincci Taj Sultan.
 
SOUSSE

Sitting at the southern end of the azure Gulf of Hammamet, the pretty resort of Sousse is a great base for travellers who enjoy a combination of beautiful beaches and cultural sights. Its wide swathe of seemingly-endless powdery white sand curves more than 10km around the coastline, backed by dozens of smart hotels and tourist facilities. But the town has individual character too. It has retained its arabesque charm and boasts a number of interesting treasures including a UNESCO-listed medina, Roman catacombs and a 9th-century mosque. If you're looking for five-star luxury in Sousse, a stay at the plush beach-front Movenpick Resort and Marine Spa will tick all the boxes. Alternatively, the attractive adults-only Scheherazade Hotel is the ideal romantic retreat for couples.
 
DJERBA

This secret paradise of myth and legend is the perfect destination for beach connoisseurs. Set in the Mediterranean just off the eastern coast of Tunisia, Djerba is thought to be the legendary 'Land of the Lotus Eaters' from Homer's epic Odyssey: an island so lovely that it lulled Odysseus' men into a state of bliss and led them to forget their mission. Most hotels on the island back onto the magnificent stretch of sand and turquoise waters along the north-east coast. But, though it's a quiet island, there's history and culture here too. Visitors can explore countless archaeological sites, admire quirky Berber architecture, and visit Houmt Souk, the island's chief city built on the site of an ancient Roman settlement. Accommodation tends to be centred on the north-east coast, ranging from top-quality chain resorts such as Radisson Blue Palace Resort and Thalasso to smaller boutique-style options like the Hotel Petit Palais and Spa.