Hammamet vs St Tropez: Save 65% on a sunny Mediterranean escape

Holidaymakers looking for a sunny break can cut costs dramatically by choosing Hammamet over St Tropez. A week-long all-inclusive stay at the four-star Sentido Marillia Resort & Spa in Tunisia costs just £516 per person—around 65% cheaper than a similar trip to the French Riviera. While St Tropez remains a glamorous hotspot, rising prices and security improvements in Hammamet are making the Tunisian resort a more appealing option for budget-conscious travellers. In St Tropez, prices for even basic luxuries add up quickly. A mid-range dinner typically sets visitors back £50 to £80 per person, while a glass of local rosé can cost up to £20. Beach clubs charge between £25 and £40 for a lounger, with exclusive spots reaching £130 in peak season. Flights and hotel packages for May start at £400 but often exceed £600 per person.

Hammamet offers a stark contrast. First Choice's deal at the Sentido Marillia Resort & Spa covers seven nights of all-inclusive accommodation for £516. The Yasmine district, known for its palm-lined promenade and Tunisia's largest marina, provides a relaxed waterfront setting with cafés and beaches at a fraction of the cost. Safety concerns once deterred visitors, but Hammamet has seen significant improvements since the 2015 attacks. The city now holds a Safety Index score of 78, indicating medium overall risk but low danger in tourist areas. Enhanced patrols and security checks have made it safer than other Tunisian destinations like Sousse or Tunis. While not as secure as Morocco or Egypt's Red Sea resorts—both rated low-risk—Hammamet has remained unaffected by recent regional tensions. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) still advises against travel to western and southern Tunisia, but coastal areas like Hammamet are not under the same restrictions.

Travellers weighing a Mediterranean getaway can save hundreds by opting for Hammamet instead of St Tropez. The Tunisian resort provides beachfront relaxation, improved security, and all-inclusive deals at a fraction of the French Riviera's prices. With no current FCDO warnings for the area, it remains a viable alternative for those prioritising affordability without sacrificing sunshine or amenities.