Sulayman (Soliman)

The historic Medina is one of the city's simply unmissable sites - thick walls around it used to contain the settlement preceding that of modern Hammamet (up until late 19th century); today its windy narrow alleys and souqs are packed with ample shopping and dining spots.

Yasmine is a gargantuan resort complex just outside Hammamet proper. As of today, Yasmine amounts to a miniature city with a Medina of its own and various facilities such as markets, hotels, entertainment centers, and a waterside promenade - all of it covering an area of nearly 300 hectares.

Some of the major attractions of coastal Hammamet are its beaches, extending miles upon miles north and south of town. While some areas may belong to resorts, there are plenty of spots along the shore that are open to the public. Water sport enthusiasts will find rentals dotted along the coast.

Having at different points in time hosted prominent figures such as Winston Churchill and served as a Nazi headquarters, the lavish mansion has regrettably lost much of its extravagant allure over the years. It today contains art exhibitions and plays host to the annual Festival of Music and Drama.

The Great Mosque towers over the spread of Medina's dwellings, and makes for a fine example of Tunisian architecture (which, in this case, is a fusion of Moorish and Turkish tradition). Adjacent to the Grand Mosque is the now religious school (formerly another mosque) Sidi Abdel Kader.

The fortification, first erected in the 13th century, still stands today - and relatively well-preserved, at that. An on-site museum tells the brief history of the fort, but its main draw is, perhaps, the unbeatable view over the Medina and the sea surface - things may get a bit crowded at sunset.

One of the largest towns in the area, Nabeul is best visited on a Friday, when the famous local market is set up all along the city's main artery. Other attractions include the very pleasant beach and the city Archaeological Museum, containing findings and artifacts found in the area.

The ruins of Kerkouane are a rare vestige of a civilization long-gone. The area was once inhabited by Phoenicians (who lived off fishing and manufacturing colored dye - particularly a purple shade produced from shellfish), but fell victim to the Romans during the Third Punic War. Some traces of its former glory still remain today.

The settlement of El Haouaria is primarily known for two things - its craft of falcon training (the village even serves host the annual Falconry Festival in May, and the wild gracious birds are often sighted here in spring) and the Roman Caves, carved inside sand cliffs several kilometers to the north.

The northern town of Kelibia is a good vantage point for a clear sunny day - if you're in luck, you may even be able to see as far the coast of Sicily. Other than its hilltop fort, the town is known for its beaches, which are claimed by some to be some of the…

The hot springs of Korbous have been celebrated for their medicinal properties for centuries, ever since they were first discovered at the turn of the 19th century. Some skin conditions and health issues such as arthritis are believed to be if not healed, then largely eased by the thermal waters.

The settlement of Soliman (on the Gulf of Tunis side) is worth the 40km trip for its characteristic feel - the town is very reminiscent of Moorish architecture typical of the Spanish south. Soliman is home to a couple historic mosques, and is only a short drive away from the nation's capital of Tunis.

Wildlife-lovers are bound to write the Friguia animal park into their Tunisian itineraries - species present here range from tigers and crocodiles to flamingos and sea lions, all well-kept inside the spacious reserve welcoming tours and individuals to its animal shows and countless entertaining activities for young ones.

The archaeological site of Pupput is often empty of visitors - those arriving early in the mornings may find themselves one-on-one with the scant remains of a former settlement and some rather well-preserved - for the time being, at least - Byzantine mosaics.

Half-way between Hammamet and Nabeul lies the Flipper Aquapark, a water entertainment center with rides for the whole family. There are several open and tube slides for the grown-ups and a separate are with miniature rides and shallow pools for the younger visitors.

The name "Hammamet" itself translates as the plural of "bath", so a visit to one of the local spas is bound to figure on your local itinerary. For a budget option, try the public baths in the Hammamet Medina (next to the Grand Mosque). Several spas and thalasso centers operate within the city limits, some…