PORT el KANTAOUI
Area: Tunisia


Location:
On the NE coast of Tunisia, 80 miles SE of Tunis and its international airport. 5 miles N of Sousse. 25 miles NW of Monastir airport.

Telephone code from UK:
216

Position:
On the SW shore of the Gulf of Hammamet, backed by a fairly flat nondescript landscape of olive groves and arable land.

Description:
Port el Kantaoui comprises a narrow 2»-mile-long coastal strip on either side of a compact purpose-built resort, centred on a neat modern marina. The marina is surrounded by a motley collection of cheap and cheerful souvenir shops, stalls, assorted waterfront cafes, restaurants and accommodation blocks _ all built in sanitised modern style. Radiating out from here is a succession of ever more grandiose hotels stretching out along the sandy coastline. All this has been built since 1979.

Suitability:
Middle to upmarket couples. Golfers. Particularly popular with older French, German and British visitors during winter months.

Accommodation:
Mostly modern well-equipped 3- and 4-star hotels. Each new arrival tries to outdo the last in grandeur and elegance. Some self-catering accommodation.

Shopping:
Limited to the usual tourist paraphernalia and local souvenirs and positioned around the marina. Most hotels have their own (more expensive) shops and bazaars.

Beach:
Two long narrow stretches of white sand extend for over 2 miles in each direction from the marina. Most hotels maintain their own section and provide lifeguards and beach furniture. The sea is said to be safe for children: clean enough for swimming and without hazardous currents.

Entertainments:
Daytime: mainly beach-based with water sports in summer only. Golf. Camel rides. Nightlife: generally low-key in comparison with neighbouring Sousse. A handful of informal cafes around the marina. Most hotels provide their own entertainment; several have unsophisticated nightclubs. Ten-pin bowling alley and small casino.

Eating:
A reasonable choice of restaurants featuring local and international specialities. Most hotels have a choice of eateries to suit all pockets.

Public-transport:
Taxis are cheap and plentiful. A limited bus service plies the length of the resort, with intermittent connections to neighbouring Sousse. Horse-drawn carriages are a relaxing but more pricey alternative. Minitrains.

Local-excursions:
Half day: Sousse; Monastir and El Jem; Hammamet and Nabeul; Kairouan. Full day: Tunis and Carthage; Safari to Gabes and Matmata. Two days: safari to Douz.