Sousse and Port El Kantaoui
A holiday playground with a buzz to it – the delights of a purpose-built marina, a historic port to explore and beaches galore
With its waterfront restaurants, ice-cream parlours and chic boutiques, Port El Kantaoui has the “now” factor. As soon as it was built, over 25 years ago, this smart marina became popular both as the focal point of a fine new resort and as a port-of-call for the Mediterranean jet set on their swanky yachts. Since then, Port El Kantaoui has become more of a town, but it is still pleasure-oriented, its Moorish-Andalusian-style architecture providing an inviting backdrop for relaxed mooching about. At night, lights twinkle and waver in the harbour waters and visitors staying at nearby hotels arrive by taxi or horse-drawn calèche to stroll, snack, shop and buy tickets for next day’s boat trips before settling on a place to dine. Perhaps at the Mediterranée or the Daurade – or one of the more recently-established restaurants in the extended shopping area. For a purpose-designed resort, Port El Kantaoui has a well-rooted feel to it. More than once it has been described as “Sidi Bou Saïd on water”.
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Beaches of pale, soft sand stretch all the way to Sousse, ten kilometres away. Here, the harbour was first constructed over 2,500 years ago. From it, Phoenician ships set sail and later the fleets of the Aghlabid rulers who conquered Sicily, built Sousse’s Great Mosque and planned the kasbah. French and Spanish invaders also helped shape the city, regarded by many as the most interesting resort on the coast. The historic nucleus, with its 9th-century Ribat fortress and busy souks, boasts a museum with a remarkable collection of mosaics, and beyond the pivotal Place Farhat Hached, the bustling modern part of town is packed with animated cafés, bars, shops and a casino as well as several good eating places. Try Le Lido for seafood, La Marmite for a Tunisian mezze or l’Escargot for French cuisine.
Being based by the beaches of either Sousse or Port El Kantaoui doubles your options – you get the best of two resorts. The PGAapproved golf club at Port El Kantaoui serves both as well as hosting international competitions on its twin 18-hole courses. Tennis (floodlit after dark) and horse riding are available too if you have the energy to spare after beach and water sports.
Excursions
The following are some examples available from Port El Kantaoui and Sousse. We will give you the full programme on arrival:
Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd. Visit to the capital, including the Medina and the Bardo Museum (famous for its Roman mosaics), the Roman ruins at Carthage and the pretty artists’ village of Sidi Bou Saïd.
Full day: £40
Kairouan. Visit to Tunisia’s Holy City, fourth most important in the Islamic world, including stops at the Grand Mosque, Barber’s Mausoleum, Aghlabid basins, souks and carpet factory.
Half day: £20
Bedouin Feast. A typical Tunisian dinner with wine, drinks and entertainment – Bedouin dancers, acrobats, belly dancing and Arab horsemen – all included.
Evening: £25
Boat Trip. Aboard the galleons Aziza or Jalila, a mini-cruise along the coastline of Sousse from Port El Kantaoui. Swimming and fishing.
Half day: £20
Mini Safari. Overnight stay at Douz in the Sahara, on the way taking in the Roman Colosseum at El Jem and the cave dwellings of Matmata. Return via Chott El Jerid, Tozeur, Metlaoui and Kairouan.
Two days: £85 (including three meals)
Booking Excursions
All excursions, which are subject to availability, must be booked on arrival and paid for in dinars. Prices are approximate. Full-day excursions include lunch.
