Port El Kantaoui Travel Guide

Visitors could be forgiven for imagining that the quaint blue-and-white holiday village of Port El Kantaoui had been built as a Hollywood set and simply transplanted to the Tunisian coast. In fact, this isn't far from the truth. Port El Kantaoui is a chic, purpose-built holiday resort that owes little to history but everything to a desire to cater to up-market tourists seeking leisurely luxury in an enchanting setting.

The El Kantaoui Complex is centred around a modern marina that can accommodate more than 300 vessels, most of them belonging to wealthy individuals. The complex includes hotels, a shopping area, and restaurants, all set around cobblestone streets designed to resemble a traditional medieval medina, which is lively during the day with souvenir hunters. In the evening, the focus shifts to the bars and cafes facing the marina. The entire town has often been dubbed a 'tourist ghetto', and it certainly fits the bill; a charming and highly successful one, enhanced by its Mediterranean location and Moorish architectural style.

Shopping

Like the rest of the resort, the shopping centre and model 'souk' in Port El Kantaoui are geared toward tourists, offering a range of souvenir items with prices generally higher than in other parts of Tunisia. Bargaining is common and can be an entertaining experience for those in the mood for it. However, for better deals and a more authentic Tunisian bazaar experience, visitors may want to take a short trip to nearby Sousse.

Restaurants

Port El Kantaoui boasts a wide variety of excellent restaurants, offering a range of cuisines. Holidaymakers will not be disappointed. The best eateries tend to line the marina, offering high-class, sophisticated dining experiences serving both international dishes and traditional Tunisian specialities. Prices are reasonable by European standards, but they are somewhat higher than in other parts of Tunisia, especially in the marina area.

Nightlife

Nightlife in is relatively low-key but still offers plenty of options for holidaymakers. Whether it's lingering over a leisurely meal, sipping drinks at a waterfront café, or enjoying in-house entertainment at one of the hotels, there's something to suit most tastes. For those looking for a bit more excitement, a casino is located just a short five-minute drive away.

Holiday activities

A wide range of boat trips depart from the Port El Kantaoui marina, including pleasure cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, fishing trips, and dolphin-watching excursions.

The proximity of Sousse (just six miles (10 km) away) allows visitors to enjoy the best of both resorts. Visitors can travel easily between the two locations via the 'Noddy Train', a small, tourist-friendly train. In addition to the beaches and water sports on offer, Sousse provides a more authentic local experience.

Both resorts share access to two golf courses. Other activities include quad biking, horseback riding, camel rides on the beach, and a variety of excursions such as shopping trips to Tunis, visits to the Roman ruins of Carthage, the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, or an evening desert adventure with a Bedouin feast.

Any negatives?

Port El Kantaoui can often be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, and it tends to be more expensive than other resorts in Tunisia. As a purpose-built destination primarily catering to luxury travellers, it doesn't offer much in the way of budget accommodations. Most of the hotels are top-rated, high-end establishments, so budget-conscious travellers may want to consider other nearby resorts or look for deals well in advance.