Port El Kantaoui: Tunisia's Mediterranean Gem

• Helloمرحبا
  [Marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [Wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [Naam]
• Noلا
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [Min Fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [Shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [A'ithrana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [Kayf Halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [Bikhair. Wa Ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [Hal tatakallam al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [La afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [Aridu an ara alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحوم
  [Ana la akl al lahoom]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [Fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [Aridu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [Alnajda!]
• Go away!ارحل!
  [Erhal!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [Itisal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [Itisal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [Lakad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [Ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [Aridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [Ana faqat atfarg]
• How much is it?كم سعرها؟
  [Kam sa'raha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [Hatha ghali jidan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [Hal yumkinuk kha'ad alsa'ra?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [Kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [Alsa'a alwahida]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [Alsa'a al'ashira walnisf]
• Morningصباح
  [Sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [Ba'd aldhuhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [Masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [Ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [Alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [Ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [Wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [Ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [Thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [Arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [Khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [Sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [Sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [Thamanya]
• 9تسعة
  [Tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [Ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي؟
  [Ayna huwa/hiya?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [Ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [Hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkhareeta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [Mata ya'ti alhafilat altaliya?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [Tazkirat (ila ....)]

Port El Kantaoui was developed in the late 1960s as a tourist resort, designed to attract visitors to the region of Sousse. The project was initiated by the Tunisian government to capitalize on Tunisia's Mediterranean coastline and its historical significance. The creation of this marina and resort area represented a significant shift in Tunisia's approach to tourism, moving from traditional rural tourism to a more modern, luxurious destination.

The area surrounding Sousse, including Port El Kantaoui, has been influenced by various civilizations throughout history, including the Phoenicians and Romans. The nearby ancient city of Hadrumetum, which is now known as Sousse, was an important Phoenician trading hub and later became a significant Roman city. This historical backdrop provides a rich cultural context for Port El Kantaoui, where the remnants of these ancient civilizations can be explored.

Since its establishment, Port El Kantaoui has played a crucial role in the local economy of Sousse and Tunisia as a whole. The development of the marina and resort facilities has attracted international tourists, significantly boosting the hospitality and service sectors in the region. This growth has led to increased employment opportunities and has positioned Sousse as a key player in the Mediterranean tourism market.

Port El Kantaoui is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, which blends traditional Tunisian elements with modern design. The marina, lined with whitewashed buildings and vibrant blue accents, reflects the coastal charm of the Mediterranean. This design approach aims to enhance the cultural experience for visitors, ensuring that the neighborhood remains in harmony with the historical essence of Sousse.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability in Port El Kantaoui. Initiatives to preserve the local environment and promote cultural heritage have become integral to the neighborhood's management. Efforts include protecting the coastal ecosystem and promoting local crafts and traditions, ensuring that the area remains a vibrant cultural destination while fostering ecological responsibility.

Port El Kantaoui is located approximately 10 kilometers north of Sousse city center. You can reach it via taxi, which is the most convenient option and takes around 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, local buses and shared taxis (louages) connect Sousse to Port El Kantaoui, with frequent departures from the main bus station in Sousse.

Port El Kantaoui is pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions are within walking distance. Local taxis are available for longer distances, and you can also rent bicycles at various shops throughout the area. Note that buses do not operate extensively within the resort, so walking or cycling is recommended.

Port El Kantaoui is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any tourist area, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. It is advisable to avoid the less populated areas after dark. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, so stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 197 for police or 190 for ambulance services. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, which is the Hospital Ibn El Jazzar in Sousse. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Port El Kantaoui for minor ailments.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Swimwear is acceptable at the beach but cover up when leaving the beach area. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly during Ramadan. Public Transport: Do be courteous; give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake, and a friendly smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept hospitality. Don’t refuse food, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Port El Kantaoui like a local, visit the marina early in the morning to see fishermen at work and enjoy a coffee at a local café. Explore the local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with local artisans for unique souvenirs. Consider renting a boat for a few hours to enjoy the Mediterranean from the water, which is a popular pastime among locals.