Sousse & Hammamet: beaches, medinas and day trips
These two coastal cities are Tunisia's classic beach destinations. Both combine long sandy beaches with an old walled medina, and both are well placed for day trips.
Sousse
Sousse has a UNESCO-listed medina, the Ribat fortress and an archaeological museum with Roman mosaics. It is livelier than Hammamet and a good base if you want restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Hammamet
Hammamet has a small old town with a kasbah above the sea, plus the Yasmine Hammamet marina and many resorts. It feels calmer and more resort-focused.
Getting there and day trips
Enfidha-Hammamet airport serves both cities, and trains from Tunis to Sousse take about two hours. From Sousse you can visit the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem and the holy city of Kairouan in a day each.
Frequently asked questions
Sousse or Hammamet: which is better?
Choose Sousse for a bigger medina and more going on, and Hammamet for a calmer resort feel and a marina. Both have good beaches.
When can you swim in Sousse and Hammamet?
The sea is comfortable from about June to September, and often into October.
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