Description

Port El Kantaoui is a chic resort in Tunisia,to entertain and cater to the up-market tourist looking for a leisurely luxury in a breath-taking back-drop. This charming blue and white village on the Tunisian coast is flanked by two long, perfect and clean sandy beaches and looks like a setting for a Hollywood movie. The El Kantaoui complex is built around a modern marina and can accommodate more than 300 vessels, most of them owned by millionaires. The cobblestone streets are usually alive during the day with souvenir seekers. In the evening however the action switches to the bars and cafes facing the marina.

Shopping

The shopping center and model ‘souk’ in Port El Kantaoui stock mainly souvenirs with tourists in mind. They are exorbitantly priced and bargaining is an entertaining experience. For reasonable prices and better bargains it is better to try out the Sousse nearby.

Restaurants

El Kantaoui has a great lineup of sophisticated restaurants facing the Marina, offering a variety of cuisines. To try out some local fare visit Les Emirs or Le Mediterranean. Pricing in the restaurants is modest by European standards but considered higher by Tunisian standards.

Night Life

Though there is not much nightlife to enjoy in El Kantaoui, visitors spend their time lingering over a scrumptious meal, sipping drinks at the waterfront café or
enjoying the in-house entertainment offered at the hotels. A casino too is located a few minutes away.

Activities

For those who love adventure, there are a variety of boat trips on offer. A tourist can go on a pleasure cruise in a glass-bottomed boat, take a fishing expedition or go dolphin watching. Just around 10km or 6miles away there is a more established resort town of Sousse where visitors can shuffle between the two resorts to sample both land and water sports. Other entertainments include horse riding, beach camel rides shopping trips to Tunis, expeditions to view the Roman ruins at Carthage, the pretty village of Sidi Bou Said, or an evening in the desert at a Bedouin Feast.

Communications

The international dialing code for Tunisia is +216. The outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country code. City and area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Tunis and use (0)9 for mobile phones. The country is covered by two GSM 900 mobile networks. Internet cafes are found widely all through the resort.

Contacts

Tunisian National Tourism Office (ONTT), Tunis: +216 (0)71 341 077
Embassy of Tunisia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 862 1850
Embassy of Tunisia, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7584 8117
Embassy of Tunisia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 0330/2
Consulate General of Tunisia (jurisdiction in New South Wales and Queensland), Edge cliff, New South Wales, Australia: +61 (0)2 9327 1258. Consulate General of Tunisia (jurisdiction in Victoria), Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia: +61 (0)3 9807 0707
Embassy of Tunisia, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 6282/83
Embassy of Tunisia, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7584 8117
United States Embassy, Tunis: +216 (0)71 107 000
British Embassy, Tunis: +216 (0)1 341 444
Canadian Embassy, Belvedere, Tunis (also responsible for Australia): +216 (0)71 104 000
South African Embassy, Tunis: +216 (0)71 798 449
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Zi Sidi Rezig: +216 98 307 364
Emergency medical service (Samu): 190; Police: 197

Currency

TND

Attractions

The Great Mosque, built in 850 AD, in an Aghlabite style with no decoration besides a string of angular Arabic and curved arches is a place to visit. It is a tranquil place though it is located in the centre of the city. Even the prayer room is covered in reed mats instead of the usual carpet. It is mandatory to be dressed fully to gain entry into the mosque. Green wraps to cover up can be rented for a token fee. The Mosaic museum, the traditional Tunisian house, the Hannibal Park with roller coasters and souvenir shops, the Hergla Karting Park, and the Catacombs or underground passages for those who love history.

Language

Arabic

Language Description

Arabic is the official language. French is widely spoken in many parts of the country too. English is taught in all schools and is used by the younger generation with a lot of passion. German and Italian are a few of the European languages that are understood and spoken in some tourist areas.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but received with appreciation in local establishments. Waiters in resorts and restaurants expect a tip of around 10%.