Hammamet, Tunisia

Overview

Powerboat P1 swaps Morocco for the majestic waters of Tunisia this year. Hosting the Tunisian Grand Prix of the Sea for the second time, Africa’s northernmost nation will provide a unique stop in the 2008 calendar, with the race weekend being held in the coastal resort of Hammamet.

Bordered by Algeria and Libya, Tunisia has a population of more than 10 million and its capital – and largest – city is Tunis. With its abundance of beautiful beaches, Hammamet is the country’s most popular destination for leisure, swimming and water sports – hence its inclusion this season. It’s located around 60km south-east of Tunis. 

While Tunisia’s diverse, rich history predates it, Hammamet’s dates back to the 13th and 15th Centuries. Prior to the country’s independence, it came under both Spanish and Turkish rule.  The picturesque coastal resort basically comprises three districts: Hammamet Yassmine, Hammamet Plage and Hammamet centre. It’s also regarded as Tunisia’s Saint Tropez.

Don’t leave Tunisia without…
* Visiting Tataouine, the desert region (and fictitious planet Tatooine) where scenes from the original Star Wars were filmed. 
* Walking along the golden sands of the beach at Hammamet Plage at sunset.
* Trying (with a degree of caution) “boukkha”, a local alcohol mad from figs. Best drunk with Coke.
* Going shopping in the souvenir-laden medieval souk – Hammamet’s bazaar.
* Indulging in a “brik”. A local delicacy, it’s a deep-fried triangle pastry usually filled with cheese, ham prawns or tuna along with egg.
* Exchanging any Dinar (Tunisia’s currency) before you depart, as it cannot be bought or sold outside of Tunisia. 

Hammamet/Tunisia fact file
Time zone: GMT +1hrs
Location: Northern Africa
Neighbouring countries: Algeria and Libya
Capital city: Tunis
Language: Arabic (and Tunisian Arabic). French and English are also spoken