10 Best Beaches in Hammamet

Hammamet is an old city lined with lively, well-maintained beaches. Beachgoers gather under parasols and vendors walk the sand selling fruit and daily papers. The central stretch of the coastline welcomes crystal-clear waves and the waters here are shallow enough even for young children to swim in. The wide expanses of golden sand at Hammamet Sud are popular with tourists and locals alike.

There are tons of opportunities for water sports here, from parasailing to jet skiing and surfing. Scuba diving is popular in the area, as you can swim alongside diverse marine life or explore the wrecks of sunken WWII vessels.

Tunisians will tell you that Hammem Laghzez has one of the best beaches in the country. Located on the west coast of Cap Bon, this area is relatively remote and offers reprieve from the tourist crowds – although in peak season you can’t expect to have a beach this beautiful all to yourself.

Characterised by sandy, wide-open stretches, this is a great place for finding a little peace and listening to the soft murmurs of the sea. There are no restaurants nearby, so pack a picnic and cook yourself dinner on the beach barbeques.

Plage du Petit Paris is a little slice of paradise: super soft sand and water so clear that it sparkles in the sun. As it has been rated one of the best beaches in the country, you’ll want to visit on weekday mornings to enjoy it with less of a crowd.

Smaller than its sister beach, Plage de la Mansourah, Petit Paris is bordered on both sides by moss-covered rocks and has a cosy feel. After your morning swim, take a seat at one of the restaurants just beyond the beach and enjoy lunch with a view.

The coastal town of El Mâamoura has a lovely beach with clear waters. Easily accessible from the town, this beach is popular with families for its cleanliness and shallow waters. The small town has an inviting atmosphere and wandering in from the sandy shore you’ll find a few cafes and restaurants run by friendly locals.

Although it can get crowded in high season, most of the year this Cap Bon spot is relatively tranquil. Mark this one down for a family-friendly beach vacation.

The beach at Mrezga, also referred to as Hammamet Nord, tends to draw fewer crowds than the central and southern Hammamet beaches. This beach is fringed with palm trees and boasts beautiful panoramic views of the sea. Beachfront cafes offer refreshments and great vantage points for people-watching or sunset viewing.

During the summer season the clubs and bars overlooking this beach can be loud and lively, while in the off seasons the area is fairly calm. Come here for a more tranquil experience still close to all the offerings of the city.

The cliff-top town of Hergla is a truly picturesque backdrop for a beach vacation. Filled with the characteristic white-and-blue Tunisian architecture, this small town is known for its traditional charm and stunning beaches.

Although some sections of the beach are accessible only to beach club and resort residents, there are long stretches that remain open to the public. Some areas are bordered by rocky cliffs while others are wide open swathes of sand. The waters here tend to be calm and suitable for swimming. Divers will find colourful fauna near the shoreline.

Just north of the popular Hammem Laghzez beach lies Plage Ezzahra, a smaller beach well-suited to groups and families. A perfect spot for a day of play or relaxation by the sea, feel the beach’s powdery sand between your toes and watch the turquoise-hued water come to the shore in gentle waves.

The beach is clean and offers plenty of seating, plus umbrellas for relief from the afternoon sun. There is a free parking area located just steps from the shore.

Béni Khiar is a coastal town halfway between Hammamet and Nabeul that offers a rural atmosphere near to cosmopolitan conveniences. Popular with the ex-pat community, locals here usually speak a bit of English. What the town beach lacks in amenities it makes up for with a long shoreline where beachgoers have plenty of space to relax and soak up some sun.

Wandering the town’s narrow streets, you’re likely to see weavers at work making blankets and rugs. Fruit trees dot the streets, branches heavy with figs and oranges. Although it has grown a lot through the tourism boom, this fishing town still retains its local trades and charm.

Daroufa is a hidden gem on the Tunisian coast. This pristine beach manages to avoid crowds by being more difficult to access; reaching it requires visitors to walk a long, winding path for nearly a kilometre from the main road.

The remote nature of this spot means you’ll have to pack a lunch and come prepared with supplies. It also means you’ll have tons of space to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean blue and spread out on the sand. Far from the noise of the resorts and tourist crowds, this is also a wonderful place for camping under the stars.

Bou Jaafar is one of the most well-known beaches in Tunisia. Located on the shoreline of the city of Sousse, this is a busy beach, with tourists and city-dwellers flocking to the shore from the early morning. Beachgoers flock to the idyllic shoreline to sunbathe, build sand creations and zip over the glassy waters on jet skis.

The corniche just behind the beach is popular with joggers and cyclers. Beach visitors have easy access to loads of restaurants and shops along the promenade, the historic Sousse Medina and all that the city itself has to offer.