One of the most attractive countries for tourists in the Mediterranean region is Tunisia. The combination of oriental flavor and excellent European level service, many cultural and historical sights, beautiful nature and wonderful sandy beaches attract many travelers. Tunisia has many resorts, each of which has its own distinctive “highlight”. So, a vacation in Mahdia is suitable for families with children, and in Sousse it will be interesting to young childless couples and fun companies. But the respectable and conservative thalassotherapy center Hammamet and the Le Khalife hotel are suitable for people of all age groups.
A few words about Tunisia
The State of the Republic of Tunisia is located in North Africa and is washed from the north and east by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In the south, it borders with Libya, and in the west - with Algeria. The length of the coast of this state is about 1300 kilometers, of which 600 are reserved for beaches.
Tunisia's tourist infrastructure began to develop actively only in the 80s of the last century. On the coast, where previously there were only small fishing villages, many resorts, centers for balneology and thalassotherapy, diving schools and yacht clubs, golf courses and hotels of different levels are now equipped. All this has transformed Tunisia, the photos of the hotels presented below confirm the significant changes that have taken place. The landscape of the Tunisian sea coast from Tabarca to Djerba is changing rapidly in order to meet the demands of an ever-growing stream of travelers who want to visit this African country.
It should also be noted that until 1956 Tunisia was under the protectorate of the French Republic. Freed, local residents did not abandon the French system of education and agriculture, including wine-making traditions. In addition, in French, in addition to Arabic, the majority of the population of Tunisia speaks .
Green Pearl
That is what the city of Hammamet, located on the Cap-Bon Peninsula, can be called, among plantations of olives, date palms and citrus, pomegranate, orange orchards. This settlement was founded in ancient times by the Romans. Unfortunately, no material historical monuments remained of those times.
Hammamet is one of the most visited resorts in Tunisia, located 60 kilometers from the capital of Tunisia and 80 km from the airport of Monastir. Its “resort” story began in 1920, after a billionaire from Romania, George Sebastian, built an antique-style villa, and prominent political and cultural figures began to come to rest in Hammamet. George VI and Eisenhower, Churchill and Montgomery, Andre Gide and Francoise Sagan, as well as many other famous and popular personalities of their time, were here here at one time.
How to get there
Before this resort city you have to go with several transfers. First of all, you need to fly to Tunisia. Russian airlines, as well as many foreign air carriers fly to Enfida-Hammamet, Monastir and to the capital of the country - the city of Tunisia. Unfortunately, there are no regular direct flights from Russia to Hammamet today. The most convenient transit routes run through Vienna, Paris, Rome, Istanbul, Frankfurt and St. Petersburg.
The price of a one-way flight from Moscow to Hammamet or vice versa will vary between 350-400 US dollars, depending on the season and the chosen route. Travel time will be approximately 7-8 hours, and in the case of transfers, perhaps more.
From any airport in Tunisia to Hammamet and Le Khalife hotel can be reached by intercity bus, train or shuttle buses. The prices are quite reasonable, and in about an hour you will be at the selected resort.
It’s not easy to find Luange’s stops; you can ask local residents about their location or ask taxi drivers to take you to them. Most locals speak not only Arabic and French, but also English. It is not difficult to find a taxi, since these yellow cars are standing, as they say, on every corner, and drivers, at the sight of Europeans, are trying to attract attention by constantly honking.
What to see?
A feature of Hammamet and its suburb of the ancient settlement of Nabeul is the presence of two Medins. As in most eastern cities, the historical center of Hammamet is Medina, which can be reached by walking distance from Hotel Le Khalife Hammamet, since the distance is small, only two kilometers. Around the Old Town Square there are many small eateries, cafes and restaurants. In addition, on it and nearby are such historical monuments as the Great Hammamet Mosque and the Sidi Abdul-Kader al-Gelani Mosque,
built in 1798.
Near the walls of the Medina is located the Museum of the Gift of Hammamet, where you can see the traditional wedding dresses of local residents and other items associated with this ceremony. You should definitely visit the large cafe “Tunis Marabut”, which is located near the Medina and the Great Mosque and is located in the tomb of the ruler Sidi Bou Hadid. There is also a signal tower of the Kasbah fortress, from the top of which a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings opens. The archaeological museum is located directly in the fortress, which contains a beautiful collection of mosaics and other objects of ancient culture.
Of course, in Medina there is the eastern souk of Suq al-Juma, as well as many small shops and shops offering tourists artisans and various souvenirs.
The second, modern Medina, which with great accuracy represents the appearance of the historic city, was recently created and is located in the southern district of the city - Yasmine, a few kilometers from Hammamet. In addition to a realistic built copy of the Medina, there is an oriental bazaar and a disco, many cafes and restaurants, timeshare apartments, as well as a hammam.
Near the Yasmine-Hammamet area is the Carthagoland theme park, which has entertained more than 2,000 years of Tunisian history.
Where to go on an excursion?
If the beaches and Hammamet itself are a little fed up with you, then you can get out to other cities of the Cap-Bon Peninsula to see the Roman quarries and the ruins of Carthage, as well as the ancient Byzantine fortress. Many tourists go on their own to the capital - Tunisia - or the Monastir resort located not so far.
According to many travelers, the most picturesque Tunisian landscapes can be seen on the way to Corbus.
How to have fun?
Although Le Khalife has no thalassotherapy centers, you can visit the Bio Azur, located in the northern part of the city, or the newer and more modern, located in the southern part of Hammamet, in the newly built Hazdrubal Talassa Hotel.
Guests who come to the resort town of Hammamet, Le Khalife hotel who choose to stay, will not be bored, as it has all the conditions for travelers to relax with a variety of preferences and tastes. There are many small bars and cafes, restaurants, two casinos and several nightclubs, the most popular of which is Manhattan, and discos.
For children, in addition to a variety of children's rooms and playgrounds at the hotels, there is an amusement park. In addition, just 30 kilometers from Hammamet, there is a colorful and interesting zoo park "Frigiya". It was created according to the type of South African reserves, in which animals are not locked in cages, but live in spacious enclosures, largely imitating the natural habitat. Travelers observe the features of life and behavior of animals, being safe, at specially equipped crossings suspended above their habitats.
You can get there on your own, by taxi, or by ordering an excursion at the 3 Le Khalife hotel or any other representative of local travel agencies.
It is also worth visiting the International Cultural Center, better known as Villa Sebastian, and take a walk through the beautiful Botanical Garden located around this center and admire the sunset and ancient Medina from the seafront terrace. In this center, cultural festivals are annually held, to which guests from around the world come.
Entertainment for children and adults
It is in Hammamet that the largest Tunisian water park is located - Flipper. It consists of three parts - two for adults and one for children. This park has high-speed and high slides for fans of extreme experiences, as well as many exciting attractions. Several pools have also been created that supply sea water directly from the Mediterranean Sea. The prices for visiting this water park are quite affordable: a children's ticket will cost $ 8, and an adult will cost $ 12. There is also a special “student” fare at which a ticket can be bought for $ 10. When buying a subscription, each visitor can stay in the park for the whole working day. In addition, the park has shops, cafes, pizzerias and restaurants.
Lovers of active and sports recreation
Those who came to Hotel Le Khalife (Tunisia) have the unique opportunity not only to enjoy a wonderful beach holiday, but also to play on the magnificent Citrus and Yasmine golf courses, enjoy horse riding, and even ride on a real Blue Ice ice rink at the Laico Hotel . For those who wish, they organize camel rides, and can also teach basic riding skills.
A variety of activities are available on the beaches of Hammamet, and there is also the opportunity to go diving, fishing and other water sports.
Which hotel to choose?
To the south and north of the Medina are various hotels in Tunisia: all-inclusive, and not only. It is worth noting that in the northern part of the city there are, for the most part, old-built hotels that are simply buried in the greenery of gardens. In the southern part of the city there are more comfortable and modern hotels, which, as is commonly believed, are located on the first coastline, however, in order to get to the beach, you need to cross the road. In front of most hotels located in the Yasmin area, beautiful boardwalks are built to allow walking along the coast.
There are a lot of hotels in the city, ranging from expensive five-star hotels, such as Le Royal, Alhambra Thalasso 5 *, Iberostar Saphir Palace and others, the prices of which start (in equivalent) from 5000 rubles per night, and ending with fairly inexpensive apart-hotels and guest houses houses for only 600 rubles per night. Le Khalife hotel is a typical mid-range hotel, representing the full range of services in its price range. And now let's get to know her better.
Hotel L e K halife ( H ammamet)
This is a relatively new hotel: it was built in 1995. Located just a kilometer from the historic city. You can get to the Medina either on foot or, after 200 meters from the hotel, take the bus and get there. Le Khalife hotel is located on the second line, and it is only 350 meters from the sea. The hotel building is 4-story and is made in three primary colors: white, blue and terracotta. It has 134 rooms. The rooms of this hotel are standard, ranging from 20 to 47 m 2 , and allow a maximum of two adults and one child.
The hotel has more than 60 double rooms, 3 suites. All other rooms can be used for two or more people.
Each room at Le Khalife is equipped with a balcony, shower, safe, TV and central air conditioning, which is open until September 15, inclusive. The windows of the rooms can overlook both the courtyard - the pool, and the sea. Internet access is available for a fee.
What does this hotel offer?
The 3 Le Khalife hotel has both outdoor and indoor pools. A team of funny animators conducts both morning and evening performances. A playground has been created especially for children, and there is a shallow pool. Employees of restaurants located on the territory of Le Khalife will be happy to provide your child with a special high chair and a choice of dishes from a special menu.
For tourists tired of walking and sightseeing, the hotel offers a Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and massage services (for a fee). For those who, even on vacation, want to keep themselves in optimal physical shape, the hotel has a gym, the ability to play tennis and billiards. It offers a beautiful half of humanity - a beauty salon.
Where to eat
In Le Khalife hotel 3 * there are two restaurants, a grill cafe and an oriental cafe, two bars. For those who want more variety, it’s easy to walk to the Black and White Restaurant and Resto Lounge Mambo European restaurants located about a kilometer away or try traditional British food in the small Shakespeare restaurant. At Time Out Restaurant, which serves international cuisine for between 3 and 6 euros, you can feed the finickiest dita, which requires spaghetti and pizza.
In Hammamet there are many restaurants offering traditional Tunisian and other cuisines. Among the fish restaurants, Chez Achour and Pomodoro are the most popular. However, most travelers who came to Tunisia, the Le Khalife hotel in particular, noted the Sidi Bou Hdid cafe. It is located in the fortress wall of the Medina, on the promenade, and is distinguished not only by the ability to observe beautiful sea landscapes, but also by delicious traditional cuisine, good Wi-Fi Internet, and excellent coffee. Enjoy delicious ice cream and freshly squeezed juices at Canari Tutti Frutti Cafe .
Tunisia, holidays in September, prices
The best time to visit such a unique country is the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. In September, the weather is warm and comfortable, the sun does not burn, but only gently warms. Staying at the Le Khalife (Hammamet) hotel, you can go in the middle of the first autumn month to the capital of the state in order to get to a unique event for the Muslim world - the wine festival. If you arrive at this festival with a ticket purchased at a travel agency, you can taste not only fine wines, but also wonderful dishes made from various meats: lamb, camel meat and beef.
If you are planning a trip to Tunisia, namely to Hammamet, then it is better to reserve tickets and hotel rooms in advance.
For tourists whose budget is limited, as well as for young people seeking not only to bask on the beaches, but also to look at historical and cultural sights, to see the unique landscapes of Tunisia, Le Khalife Hotel will provide the necessary level of comfort. This hotel is also perfect for families with small children. A well-designed territory, the presence of a playground and a pool, a special children's menu in the restaurant, as well as the opportunity to use the paid babysitting service will allow parents not to worry about their children and take some time for themselves.
This hotel, like most 3-star hotels in Tunisia, does not have a large territory and luxurious rooms, but it is quite suitable for a relaxing and stress-free holiday.