Hammamet (pictured), on the Cape Bon peninsula, is one of the best-known tourist resorts in Tunisia. A once sleepy village it now welcomes thousands of tourists every year.
Because of the particularly pleasant weather on the peninsula man has occupied the region since the beginning of time -- Berbers, Phoenicians, Arabs, Andalousians and Turks have all lived there and all left their influence. At Kerouane on the northeast side of the peninsula is the best-preserved Punic village in the world, and in recent years archaeologists have made important historical discoveries at Nabeul and Hammamet.
The Medina is the most important landmark in Hammamet, constructed in 904 AD right on the beach, it has been frequently restored. Its walls protect the Great Mosque, the baths and the narrow winding streets which contain numerous stalls selling crafts and fresh food.
The Cap Bon peninsula is a good region in which to find local crafts. Its capital, Nabeul, is the main centre for Tunisian pottery. Workshops are found in most places, and visitors are welcome to walk through and watch the potters at work. Young artists carry on the trade of their fathers and grandfathers as they paint arabesques and floral designs on the baked clay with astonishing skill.