The luxury resort of Port El Kantaoui is located about 10km north of Sousse on the Golfe of Hammamet. The harbour town differs from other Tunisian resorts as it was entirely man-made around an artificial harbor to cater to western tourists.

Built in 1979 amidst some controversy, it quickly became established as one of Tunisia’s most popular resorts.

The harbour has mooring for 340 luxury yachts which arrive from all over the Mediterranean. Known as the ‘Garden Port’ it is overlooked by many whitewashed modern apartment buildings designed to blend in with the location. With flat-roofed designs, arches and shady balconies these attractive Andalusian style apartments are holiday homes to wealthy Tunisian families and foreign tourists. The shocking pink bougainvillea and jasmine set off the bright white architecture beautifully. 

A modern pink-paved promenade runs along from the Tourist Shopping Gallery to the harbour and is lined with cafés. It is a pleasant area to sit and watch the world go by while sipping a fruit juice or eating a meal beneath the stars after dark. The whole area is kept immaculately clean and is well maintained.

Although the faux castle façade is a little OTT , the shopping centre makes a pleasant change from the local souks. The shops sell mostly tourist goods such as postcards, stamps, drinks and souvenirs but they are at tourist prices too!

Port El Kantaoui has a number of luxury hotels which line the beachfront. They have from 250-400 rooms and offer the usual facilities of swimming pools, sun decks, restaurants, beauty spas and children’s clubs. There is also a PGA approved golf course. 

For those who choose to stay in these modern tailor-made resorts, a day out to one of the neighbouring towns such as Sousse will be an interesting experience. Sousse is a traditional Tunisian town with a busy fishing port, a Great Mosque and a bustling souk. For those staying in Sousse, a day out to westernized Port El Kantaoui is an interesting change too. Wherever you choose to stay, Port El Kantaoui offers an interesting option to experience a more modern side of Tunisia.