tourism in djerba english

14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Djerba

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 22, 2023

Djerba is the kind of easygoing resort that sums up island living.

Just five kilometers off Tunisia's southern coast, this island idyll's gently sloping, sandy beaches and perfect Mediterranean climate have made it one of the best places to visit in the country for tourists looking for a winter beach break.

Plenty of resorts cater to this crowd, but Djerba also offers other sightseeing attractions, such as timeless villages and watercolor-worthy scenery for those who care to delve deeper into the culture.

It's also a great spot to base yourself if you want to explore the other popular things to do in southern Tunisia on a series of day trips.

If you're heading to the island find out what to do beyond the beach with our list of the top tourist attractions in Djerba.

1. Houmt Souk Old Town

2. plage sidi maharès, 3. djerba explore park, 4. plage de la séguia, 5. djerba traditional heritage museum, 6. bordj el kebir, 7. la ghriba synagogue, 8. guellala village & guellala museum, 10. chott el djerid, 13. medenine, 14. gightis, map of tourist attractions in the mount nemrut region, djerba mellita, tunisia - climate chart.

With its quaint maze of alleyways lined by picturesque whitewashed houses and shops selling colorful ceramics, the Old Town district of Houmt Souk (Djerba's main town) was made for strolling.

A number of well-preserved fondouks (caravanserais) can be seen amid Houmt Souk's alleyways.

These merchant inns combined sleeping quarters, animal stabling, and warehouse storage for the many traveling merchants who traversed North Africa, buying up salt, spices, and textiles to take back to Europe. Their typical structure usually took the shape of a series of rooms, several stories high, built around an arcaded courtyard.

Today, many of the fondouks in Houmt Souk now function as boutique hotels or restaurants and have been painstakingly restored.

For many visitors, this is one of the best places to visit for shopping on the island. The displays of traditional handicrafts in the souk streets here include Berber jewelry, textiles, traditional shoes, brass and silverware, leather goods, and piles upon piles of hand-painted pottery. It's a shopaholic's dream that few resist.

When haggling is done for the day, head to the tiny harbor, complete with pastel-colored boats bobbing on the Mediterranean, to capture a sense of Houmt Souk's fishing village past.

Djerba's most popular beach is Plage Sidi Maharès on the island's northeast coast – the perfect place to relax and catch some sun after all that souk strolling and ceramic shopping.

It's the oldest resort beach on the island and hence the most developed.

The sand is backed by plenty of resorts, most of which have claimed a private patch of the sand. There is a good choice of restaurants and cafés running along its length, and you won't have trouble finding deck chairs, sun loungers, and umbrella shades for rent.

This is a very family-focused stretch of sand with plenty of things to do, from camel and horse rides along the sand to water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding – great if younger family members want more than just a day of sun, sand, and sea.

The sandy shore extends for approximately 13 kilometers up to the headland of Ras Tourgueness, where there is an old-fashioned lighthouse.

Djerba Explore Park sits on the island's coastal road, 20 kilometers east of Houmt Souk. The complex combines the Lalla Hadria Museum and the Djerba Explore Crocodile Farm.

The purpose-built and contemporary Lalla Hadria Museum is devoted to Islamic cultural heritage and art. It contains an impressive collection of over 1,000 pieces displayed across 15 galleries.

Exhibits of traditional clothing and costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries, Tunisian ceramics, religious artifacts, and antique textiles all display the diversity of Islamic artistry that North African and Middle Eastern nations have produced.

Neighboring the museum is the Djerba Explore Crocodile Farm, a small nature park where you can view over 100 crocodiles lounging in and around a purpose-built, landscaped lagoon area.

Address: Route Touristique, Midoun

This five-kilometer stretch of white-sand beach lies between Aghir and Ras Lalla Hadria, 25 kilometers southeast of Houmt Souk in the area now known as the Touristique Zone.

It's a lovely place to spend the day, with a slightly less developed shoreline than Plage Sidi Maharès but still with all the services you'd need for an entire day at the beach, including water sports operators and on-beach activities, such as camel and horse rides for beachgoers who need further things to do.

Umbrellas, deckchairs, and sun loungers can all be hired along the shore, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafés for when you're feeling peckish.

In recent years, more resorts have opened up here, particularly along the beach's southern end.

This is a good choice for tourists looking for a less crowded beach scene, although during summer weekends expect plenty of other people to be on the beach with you.

This interesting little museum is where to come if you want to dig a little deeper under Djerba's resort skin.

Although small, the galleries here display an impressive number of exhibits, all focused on Djerba's local heritage and exploring and preserving the island's cultural traditions.

As well as displays focused on the history of the island, there are well-curated exhibits devoted to Djerba's Jewish heritage, and fascinating displays of vibrant, traditional costumes, beautiful old jewelry, antique ceramics, and extravagantly carved wedding chests.

The museum is housed next door to the beautiful 18th-century Zaouia of Sidi Zitouni. Visitors can also enter this mausoleum to view its impressive stalactite-designed ceilings.

Address: Avenue Abdel Hamid el Kadhi, Houmt Souk

A fort has looked out over Houmt Souk's harbor since the 13th century.

The original building was strengthened in the 15th century, but later replaced in the 16th century, when the notorious corsair Dragut built the massive Bordj el Kebir fortress here to look out over the bay.

Extensive restoration work has been carried out on the building since the 1960s to preserve it.

If you walk up here, there are fine views across Houmt Souk's harbor.

Between the fort and the harbor, you can see a small obelisk commemorating the pyramid of skulls, which Dragut erected here.

Address: Rue Ulysse, Houmt Souk

La Ghriba is Djerba's most prominent reminder of the island's vibrant Jewish community, which has now disappeared.

Although not particularly impressive from the outside and not that old either (the synagogue was built in the 1920s), this site has a history that goes back much further.

One local story says that a holy stone (perhaps a meteorite) fell to earth here denoting the site's religious importance.

The interior of the synagogue has fine paneling and contains important and valuable old Torah scrolls.

Every year, 33 days after Easter, La Ghriba is the scene of the Maghreb's (North Africa's) most important Jewish pilgrimage.

After viewing the synagogue, head into central Er Riadh itself where the narrow streets of the Djerbahood area are home to colorful, contemporary street art murals first painted as part of a street-art project in 2014.

The village of Guellala is Djerba's main pottery center, and the main street is lined with ceramic workshops displaying their wares to visitors. It's said there are approximately 450 local potters living here, making it well worth visiting at least one workshop to get a feel for this ancient craft.

The traditional Guellala ceramic products are unglazed storage jars, modeled on ancient amphora, but these days there is also a predominance of brightly painted pottery.

The clay used by the potters is excavated from shafts up to 80 meters deep, dried out for two or three days, and then broken up and mixed with water (freshwater for red pottery, saltwater for white).

The pottery is left to dry for 60 days before being fired for four days in semi-underground kilns, in which it remains for another ten days to cool gradually.

If you're in the mood for some shopping while on Djerba this is the place to go.

Guellala is also home to the Guellala Museum, which is focused on local culture. Within the museum, various dioramas do a good job of explaining Djerba's traditional lifestyles and cultures. The collection of different traditional costumes is particularly good, though the displays themselves are a bit tired.

The museum is a popular stop for plenty of tour buses from Djerba's resorts, so if you can, visit early to miss the crowds.

Surrounded by fruit orchards and date-palm groves, about 16 kilometers southeast from Houmt Souk, Midoun is Djerba's largest market town.

All visitors should try and catch the buzzing Friday market.

The old medina area is full of gorgeous buildings, skinny alleyways, and high walls with crumbling whitewash detail. The population of the village includes many descendants of slaves, who were originally brought here from Sudan.

If you're here during the summer months there is a weekly cultural show complete with folk dancing and camel parades.

One of the most surreal sightseeing attractions in Tunisia , the Chott el Djerid is a long day trip from Djerba (290 kilometers) but worth it for anyone who wants to visit this bizarre natural formation.

This mammoth salt-pan stretches for kilometers, its surface an unearthly shimmering bluish-white crust of salt. In some places, the salt has crystallized into bizarrely shaped pinnacles or into clusters of multi-colored deposits.

Springtime visitors are particularly in luck and should be able to spot the flamingos that breed here, building their nests and raising their young before flying off again by July.

Sitting on the Akkara Peninsula, with a shoreline of pretty white beaches, Zarzis is southern Tunisia's second major tourist center (after Djerba).

About 20 kilometers southeast of Djerba, the coastal oasis town is surrounded by olive and date palm groves as well as lush market gardens.

If you don't have time to visit the gorgeous and tranquil oasis of Tozeur , then Zarzis is a good compromise.

Many people come here simply for the beaches, but the town itself has an old-fashioned air despite the many tourist resorts. It is a wonderful place to lap up some Tunisian provincial culture.

For many people, a trip to Tunisia wouldn't be complete without at least a quick jaunt to the sands of the mighty Sahara.

If you're staying on Djerba, the easiest place to go for your desert experience is Nefta.

This oasis town is a major center for date growing and has a wonderfully preserved old medina, where a warren of lanes reveals houses decorated with brick facades, the domes and minarets of mosques in between.

Outside town is where most tourists are heading, though. About 15 kilometers west of Nefta is a large dune area (an offshoot of the Sahara's famed Grand Erg Oriental dune region), where you can get a taste of desert life.

The stunning canyon scenery of the Selja Gorge is also easily accessed from here.

Star Wars geeks: pinch yourself now. Medenine's Ksour (adobe fortified storehouses) are straight out of the movies ( Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace , to be precise).

Originally Medenine was an important staging point on the caravan routes into the interior of Africa, and these organic looking granaries were used as vital warehouses for semi-nomadic families to store their possessions while they were away.

Barrel-vaulted cells were built side-by-side, one over the other, in honeycomb-like blocks up to six stories high.

Most were pulled down in the 1960s to make way for the expansion of the modern town, but one particularly picturesque example – Ksar Medenine – has survived. Its movie-star status brings flocks of visitors here just to see it.

Medenine is 78 kilometers south of Djerba, so it's easily visited as a day trip from the island.

This Roman town, 27 kilometers north of Medenine, was originally founded during the 6th century BC by the Phoenicians but flourished fully under Roman rule after AD 48.

The remains that survive today date mainly from the 2nd century AD and include a Roman bath complex; the forum; the Temple of Apollo, Concord and Hercules; and the Temple of Dionysus.

Although it isn't a particularly impressive site – having been fully destroyed by the Vandals – the town will interest anyone with an eye for Tunisia's classical history.

On a day trip from Djerba to Medenine , it makes a good stop to break up the journey.

Finds unearthed here can be seen at the Bardo Museum in Tunis .

More on Tunisia

Top 10 Things to Do In Djerba Island

• Travel Ideas

At just over 500 square kilometres, the immediate assumption could be that there is little to do at Djerba Island. However, one should not forget that this is still the largest island of North Africa and is therefore seen as a massive tourist trap. (currently ranked #4 as the world’s fastest growing tourist attraction. source )

To highlight just how many activities that can be done in this area , we’ve pinpointed the ten that showcase the island in its proudest light. So make sure to check these attractions next time you take a trip to Djerba.

Royal Carriage Club Riding School

The fact that this is the only riding school in Djerba says everything you need to know about its reputation. The Royal Carriage Club has absolutely everything you could possibly wish from horses, whether it’s individual lessons or fully scheduled weekly courses. Don’t be fooled into thinking that they just specialise in one area of the sport either; it’s suitable for jump enthusiasts to those that enjoy the dressage elements.

Krokodilfarm Animalia

It would be fair to say that a large proportion of Tunisia’s tourism industry derives from its picturesque parks. Krokodilfarm Animalia falls right into this category and while the name might not roll straight off a non-native tongue, one can rightly assume that it does incorporate some ‘farm’ animals. Of course, these creatures aren’t what you find in the UK facilities and one should prepare to set their eyes on hundreds of crocodiles instead. It might sound daunting, and at times it is – but it’s an incredible experience nevertheless.

Traditional Heritage Museum

Photo courtesy of demotix.com

Following on from the previous suggestion, it only appears wise to discuss the Musee du Patrimoine Traditionnel Djerbien. This is part of the same development as Krokodilfarm Animalia, meaning that both can comfortably be visited in the same day. As one might expect, the experience is a little different though and one can expect to see a thorough history of Djerba and its fine culture.

Guellala Museum

On the topic of museums, one should also not spurn the opportunity to take a trip to Guellala Museum. It’s a fairly recent addition to Djerba Island, having only been established in 2001, but it contains some of the finest art and pottery you’ll ever cast eyes on. Some have compared it to an Arabic palace and as well as admiring the artwork; it will also help you understand a little more about the local history.

Djerba Explore Park

It’s another wildlife centre, and it’s also another one that focusses heavily on crocodiles. However, unlike Krokodilfarm Animalia, there are other animals on show meaning that little ones should be kept entertained throughout the day. There is also a museum and coffee shop, while if you can time your trip to the crocodile section for 5pm you should catch the feeding period.

Quad Evasion & Passion

As the name suggests, this next attraction is all about quad bikes. This is something that is a huge tourist trap in Tunisia , although Quad Evasion et Passion is arguably one of the best facilities. During a two hour trek, you will ride along the sea and across sand dunes – admiring the wonders that the island has to offer.

Blue Dolphin Dive Center Djerba

Once again, the game is in the name with this next recommendation. For anyone that likes diving, the Blue Dolphin Dive Centre is a must-see attraction. It’s run by some of the nicest people in the vicinity, while the fact that they have two separate facilities means that it’s great no matter which part of the beach you find yourself on. For the English-speaking readers out there, the newest centre at the Aldiana Hotel might be more advisable as the staff are multi-lingual, while we should also mention that all of the equipment is brand new!

El Ghriba Synagogue

For the religious enthusiasts out there, the El Ghriba Synagogue could be another recommendation. The fact that it is the most ancient Jewish establishment in the country will suffice for some, with its heritage coming all the way back in 586 BCE. Many visitors that have frequented the attraction in the past have commented on how moving the experience is, while from another perspective the architecture at El Ghriba Synagogue is out of this world.

Saint-Joseph Cathedral

Photo Courtesy of TripAdvisor.com

This is another religious site and is actually the oldest of its kind in the Maltese community. The interior of this building is again something else and even if you are simply venturing over there to take in the mosaics, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Sentido Djerba Beach

The final suggestion on our list is a beach – although it’s certainly not any old beach. Sentido Djerba Beach is a private facility and offers a combination of the sea and a swimming pool for guests. The views around the area are fascinating and if you are just hitting Djerba Island for the purposes of relaxing, a trip here should certainly be at the top of the itinerary.

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About Olivia Marsh

Olivia Marsh - Author - Professional chef and Travel enthusiast. Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduate. Chef Marsh has traveled the globe from France, Italy, Germany to China, Thailand, India, Tunisia and more. Olivia lived in Tunisia for almost 10 years now. Follow me on Twitter

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Top Things To Do And See In Djerba, Tunisia

If you’re looking for a place that sums up island living, it’s Djerba. Just 5 km of Tunisia ’s southern coast, this peninsula’s gently sloping sandy beaches and perfect climate has made it a popular stop for travelers. The idyllic villages and scenery make delving deeper into Tunisian culture and exploring the sightseeing attractions a must. Here we explore the 10 unmissable thins to do in Djerba.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Houmt Souk medina

The old town area of Djerba’s capital Houmt Souk is a quaint maze of alleyways lined by picturesque whitewashed houses, and therefore is perfect for a beautiful day of strolling around, while buying loads of hand-painted pottery, traditional jewelry and carpets with colorful prints. The purple bougainvilleas growing on the houses’ white facades against the backdrop of a clear blue sky is an image you will never forget.

The best beaches of Tunisia are to be found in Djerba. It’s incredible to just enjoy the sun, get that tan you always wanted and go for a relaxing and refreshing swim in the incredibly turquoise waters surrounding the so-called ‘island of the thousand palm trees’. Djerba is a prime tourist destination for a reason, and if you’re looking for the picture-perfect beach escape, this is it. The white powdery sands of Plage Sidi Mahrez and Plage de la Séguia are perfect for sun-bathing while the best seafood dishes await you here as well.

Ras Rmel (Flamingo Island)

Ras Rmel is a peculiar almost surreal scenery. Not really an island but more consisting of enormous wetlands, it is an eco-reserve where thousands of flamingos flock together. The combination of the birds’ neon-pink color and the azure blue of the ocean is magical. From Houmt Souk you can take a boat to the island, snorkel and swim, go for a siesta in the available hammocks or just try the divinely fresh oysters and coquilles caught by the local fishermen.

Watch out for: the dazzling colors of sea and flamingos

When you buy some beautiful painted pottery in Houmt Souk, chances are high it has been made in the village of Guellala, Djerba’s main pottery centre. Some 450 potters live and work here, and visiting one of their workshops is a mind-boggling experience; the manner in which the clay is edited into these magnificent amphoras or storage jars is a true form of art. Many of Guellala’s inhabitants are Berbers, and their traditions and culture is to be felt and spotted everywhere, which makes Guellala one of the most real and authentic villages in Tunisia.

The El-Ghriba synagogue is a fine intermezzo when discovering the village of Er-Riadh, located in central Djerba. It is the most prominent reminder of the island’s vibrant Jewish community, who have lived in Er-Riadh since 586BC, and is still an important place of pilgrimage for Jews from all over the world. Although not very impressive from the outside, El-Ghriba ’s interior is a rich mix of blue tiles warmed by sunlight streaming in through colored glass windows. The Torah scrolls kept at this synagogue are among the most important and valuable in the world.

Crocodile Farm

Being the largest crocodile farm within the Mediterranean area, you can’t miss out on gawping at larger-than-life crocodiles, especially when having children out on vacation too. Over 400 of these creatures have been imported from the Nile River and Madagascar , and are living in a tropical zoo-like environment beautifully designed with exotic plants, ponds and papyrus trees. Make sure you’re there at feeding time; scary moments and excited kids are assured.

Midoun is one big market town, Djerba ’s largest and famous for its buzzing Friday market. Surrounded by fruit orchards and date-palm groves, Midoun’s medina is made up of skinny alleyways and gorgeous houses with the typical Arabian doors , and lush with flowers hanging from the balconies. The town also has an excellent restaurant scene, with cuisine inspired by a myriad of cultures, including Spanish , French, Moroccan and Sudanese .

Sleep in a traditional Tunisian houch

To experience the real Tunisian life, passing the night in a traditional houch is a must. Mostly part of a bigger menzel or shared house, these cave-like rooms are comfortable, charming, and typically Djerbian, and make you feel peaceful and rested immediately. You will find these menzels mostly in the countryside just outside of the cities or towns, surrounded by orchards, olive trees and swaying palm trees. In one word: a dream.

Watch out for: the soothing calm of the houch ’s thick walls, patio and environment

Address: Everywhere around Djerba

Watch the sunset in Borj Djillidj

Close to the village of Ajim – where some of Star Wars ’ scenes have been shot – is Borj Djillidj, where the most beautiful sunsets can be watched. The quiet little port where traditional fishermen return home after catching octopus and fish is the most quiet and serene place, perfect for observing the beauty of this world.

Watch out for: the pure serenity of a stunning sunset

The International Ulysse Festival of Djerba

French and Arabic speaking visitors will have the time of their lives at the Ulysse Festival in Djerba, every year from July till August. Theatre plays, music performances and film screenings in the busy streets and on the cozy squares of Houmt Souk make for a real party atmosphere. Don’t worry if you don’t have that knack for languages; you will feel the vibe and enjoy it nevertheless. Just mix with the crowd and go with the flow.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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• 1 Understand
• 2.2 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 3.1 By bike

Understand [ edit ]

Djerba is known for its beautiful beaches and dramatic sunsets and therefore a popular tourist destination, particularly with French, German and Italian tourists. It is one of the few remaining places in Tunisia where a Berber language is still spoken. It is the largest island of North Africa with a total population of around 160,000. It is also notable for being home to one of the last remaining Jewish communities in the Arab world.

Get in [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

Buses between Tunis and south bus station in Houmt Souk's centre ville in Djerba cost DT26.750 and take about 8 hours. The fare includes the ferry ride to the island. Night rides are common and fairly comfortable. As always, on the island, the bus makes several stops - ask and be sure you know where you are getting off!

• 33.8724 10.858 1 Houmt Souk bus station . Main terminus for long distance buses in Houmt Souk. ( updated Sep 2023 )

By plane [ edit ]

Tunisair provides scheduled service from the island to some major European cities, there is also domestic service provided by Tunisair's subsidiary, Tunisair Express, between Djerba and Tunis. A few European charter airlines also fly to the island.

For transport from the airport, taxi seems to be one of the few options. They should however use a meter. A ride to Houmt Souk center costs around DT20.

By train [ edit ]

The train line ends at Gabes , 70 km to the north-west. From there, you must take a bus or louage (shared van) to El Jorf and then a ferry to Djerba (no need to get off the van).

Get around [ edit ]

Public transportation is limited but taxis are available for reasonable prices. Stations de taxis exist in most towns and appear on Google Maps. Drivers are honest and use their meters. Ridesharing apps like Bolt and Uber do not work in Djerba as of early 2024.

It's also possible to rent a bicycle or motorcycle.

By bike [ edit ]

Bicycles are for rent for example in Houmt Souk or the Midoun area. Biking is relatively common and many drivers are accustomed to having bikes and small scooters on the roads. The main roads are clean and of good quality, and outside the towns traffic is quite light. Watch out for the smaller roads which are not always paved. Additionally, only a fraction of the roads is lit at night.

• Action Tours . Bike and scooter rental in the touristic zone near Midoun. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 33.87694 10.85895 3 Solibikes ( Djerba Insolite ), Houmt Souk ( In street north of Hadi Shaker square (east part of the souk) ). Helmet, light, repair kit and lock included. DT20 for a day, DT75 for 4 days . ( updated Apr 2022 )

See [ edit ]

• Star Wars shooting location . The 1977 film Star Wars was filmed on Djerba. The infamous 33.72399 10.75002 3 Mos Eisley Cantina , and the moisture farm where Luke Skywalker grew up, are still standing, and used as a residence in the case of the Cantina. 33.74086 10.73495 4 Ben Kenobi's Hut is on the west coast, a half an hour's walk from Ajim, inconspicuous as it is today used as a fishermen's hut. Nice little seaside cafés along the way, peopled only by locals. This whole coastal road is not touristic, one could walk for about half an hour before running into a taxi, but it is a delightful walk during sunset hours. 33.83146 10.74811 5 Sidi Jmour mosque , further north, is another filming location, and is a beach with a tiny cliff, popular with locals who row and fish and ride their horses into the sea while the children play in the sand. A fantastic location to watch the sunset, far away from the gimmicks of the touristy North East coast. Go with GPS locations saved on your phone as taxi drivers might not know exact locations of the star wars films.  
• 33.824743 10.959217 6 Fadhloun Mosque ( جامع فضلون ) ( on the Houmt Souk-Midoun road ). ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 33.81876 11.04322 10 Djerba Explore . Hosts the biggest Mediterranean crocodile farm (over 400 creatures imported from the Nile River since 1992) and the impressive Lalla Hadhria Museum, as well as an interesting interactive traditional village in the back. 12 DT per person includes entrance to all three sections.  
• 33.8845 10.8562 19 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church ( كنيسة القديس نيكولاس الأرثوذكسية اليونانية ). A small whitewashed church, built in the early 20th century, serving the Greek Orthodox community of Djerba. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 33.820665 10.853791 20 Djerbahood , Hara Sghira, Er Riadh . A collection of street art by international artists scattered around the laneways of Hara Sghira. Nothing partiularly Earth-shattering but a fun Instagram opportunity nonetheless. ( updated Mar 2024 )

Do [ edit ]

Enjoy the sandy beaches. One of the best is at the 33.7989 11.06033 1 Lagoon , near Djerba Explore, which has incredibly clear and blue-green waters. Here you can do water sports, and locals propose camel or horse rides (DT10 for a ride up and down the beach, possible to negotiate, possible to do longer rides). A restaurant on the beach (the only one) serves grilled fish and other dishes for about DT10-15 per person. A ride from Houmt Souk costs about DT10.

Visit Ras R'mel peninsula, rent a bicycle (almost impossible to find) and visit the small villages; enjoy a simple and typical architecture, a silent countryside and beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Eat fresh tasty fish; go to the typical fish market. Do not miss a Turkish bath. Visit the jewelers and admire bedouin silver jewelry.

A great place to watch beautiful sunsets is at the northwest side of the island is Borj Djillidj before turning left to Ajim. The quiet little port and lighthouse hosts the traditional fishermen who still catch octopus with clay pots and come back against sunset with their wins of the day. A most quiet and serene place sure to inspire.

Buy [ edit ]

Textiles, spices, dates, loofahs, traditional clothes, drums and pottery.

In the souks, bargain and don't be afraid to ask for even a quarter of the starting price.

Eat [ edit ]

Eat fresh grilled fish, couscous with fish and lamb meat, try "brik à l'oeuf", Tunisian sandwich (casse-croute tunisien), lablabi (a chick-peas soup), salade mechouia (mixed grilled vegetables), tastira (mixed fried vegetables). Fricasse (sandwich bread fried in oil and topped with various toppings). Gelato and pizzas from the souk. Look for the smaller shops with signs in Arabic, the owners are friendly and will explain what you can get, and the prices are much lower!

• 33.72088 10.74475 1 Le Petit Crustacé . In Ajim has excellent fresh fish dishes and genuinely friendly staff. You can see and choose the fish you want to eat and watch it being grilled in front of you. The relatively expensive price (15-30 DT depending on the fish you choose) contains starter dishes and fresh fruit dessert, you won't leave hungry. Located near the ferry dock.  
• 33.875268 10.856892 2 Fast Food Abdou , Houmt Souk . 7AM-8PM . A street food eatery serving local and national specialties like brik, mlawi and fricasse, as well as sweet treats. Despite facing the main market for souvenirs, this place is popular with locals and not a tourist trap. ( updated Mar 2024 )

Drink [ edit ]

Drink only bottled water; if you feel adventurous, try fresh orange juice, mint tea, Turkish coffee, boukha (local liquor made of figs), celtia (local beer), l'ban (liquid yogurt; try the fresh l'ban from the milkman, rather than the bottled one).

Sleep [ edit ]

There are many hotels are available for all kinds of budgets, including of course deluxe hotels.

• 33.877208 10.859114 1 Auberge de Jeunesse , 11 Rue Moncef Bey ( In central Houmt Souk. ), ☏ +216 75 650 619 . Youth hostel 10 minutes' walk from the north fort and 15 minutes from centre ville, in the cool Place d'Algerie. Price includes a simple breakfast of bread, butter, jam, and coffee or tea, to be taken in the courtyard, although the kittens will surely try to beg some from you. A charming place to stay, as it is located in an old funduk. Beware that there are two Rue Moncef Beys - look for the one inaccessible by cars. No electric plugs in the room, you'l have to leave your phone at the reception to charge, but there is wifi. Try to get the rooms just on the right of the reception as they have their own showers. On a visit in July 2016, the kitchen was not open for use other than in the mornings. 8 DT per night per person . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 33.87441 10.8593 2 Hotel Essalem ( In side street next to the police station near the louage station ). Very basic hotel, but cheap and in the town centre. Shared bathroom, CRT TV, window might not close, no toilet paper. DT20 for single room in low season . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 33.821842 10.852678 3 Wostel Djerba , 5 Rue Bechir Sfar, Hara Sghira, Er Riadh , ☏ +216 58 710 007 . One of the few true hostels on Djerba, located inland in Hara Sghira in the heart of the 'Djerbahood' street art project. The hostel is run by three very laid-back local guys. Facilities are basic but there is a decent working space for digital nomads. €25 . ( updated Mar 2024 )

Go next [ edit ]

From the bus station of Houmt Souk (gare routière) it is quite easy and cheap to get to the major cities in the mainland.

Various tour agencies offer trips of one to two days into the nearby deserts to the west.

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A perfect day on Djerba, Tunisia’s island of coexistence

Mar 14, 2018 • 5 min read

For such a small island, Djerba is bursting with cultural richness. Swimming in the sea off Tunisia’s southeastern coast, it contains all the Mediterranean’s usual trimmings but mixes in intoxicating North African roots. Its wonderfully interwoven tapestry is most evident in its people, with the Muslim, Berber and Jewish communities peacefully coexisting on the island as they have done for centuries. The island is home to Africa’s oldest synagogue, whose floors are lined with mats handwoven by local Muslim craftsmen.

Djerba is the sort of place that can entrance you for many days, but if pressed, you could squeeze its highlights into just 24 hours. Dedicate your morning to markets and Mediterranean breezes, your afternoon to understanding its unique Jewish community and admiring the street art tucked away in the enclave’s twisted alleys, and the evening to the sweet sounds of arabesque and a fragrant meal of Djerban rice. In Homer’s Odyssey , this island was known as the Land of the Lotus Eaters, and it’s still easy to understand how it can lull you into blissfully forgetting to return home.

Start your day in Houmt Souk , the main market town on the island. The streets are lined with white-washed buildings with bright blue shutters, and the walls are dripping with bougainvillea. Morning in Houmt Souk is calm as vendors open up shop and people slowly sip espresso. You’ll see a diverse collection of people out and about, a mix of tourists with bare shoulders and flip-flops, Arab merchants chanting guesses about your country of origin and locals wearing wide-brimmed straw hats and lugging bags of produce to prepare lunch at home .

Wander through the cobblestone streets past the shops selling trinkets and into the twisting medina, where you can find leather goods, colourful textiles and a variety of local ceramics. Make sure to find the alley of local mat and basket weavers, whose handmade palm-frond creations are well-known throughout Tunisia. Though most of the merchants in the market are Muslim, there is a section of that is dominated by Jewish jewellers and silversmiths, and if you can find your way to this knot of streets, you can purchase silver goods, ornate jewellery and antique Judaica from the many shops owned by Jewish Djerban families.

Once you’ve done your shopping, make your way to the main draw of Djerba: its splendid stretch of beach. Many of the large hotels on the island perch on the water’s edge, but the coastline is open to all, though you might have to pay to use a beach chair. The Mediterranean unfurls in a cerulean ripple from soft white sand, and fuchsia-draped camels, which stroll the beach waiting to give tourists rides, add a distinctly Tunisian touch. Soak in the sunshine and relax, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can learn how to kitesail or parasail off the coast in the warm Djerban wind. If you have the luxury of an extra day, catch a boat to Flamingo Island, where the water is dotted with the elegant pink birds.

If you’re hungry, stop at a beachside restaurant to try fresh-caught seafood or brik , a flaky fried pastry stuffed with tuna and a runny egg. The patio at Hotel Dar El Bhar serves Tunisian cuisine and wine with lunch, and its water-facing tables let you watch the Arabian horses that take visitors from one side of the shore to the other.

Djerba’s markets, beaches and towns are downright lovely, but nothing speaks to the island’s multicultural heritage like El Ghriba Synagogue . The structure is the cornerstone of the small Jewish population here, who trace their arrival in Tunisia back to the 6th century BC. The whitewashed religious complex contains an open courtyard and the ornate blue-tiled main synagogue, with grand arches and chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. Every spring, Tunisian Jews return from Israel and France for an annual pilgrimage to El Ghriba to celebrate the holiday Lag B’Omer. Security is constant at El Ghriba, so make sure you bring ID to enter.

As you leave the synagogue, stroll the winding roads of the surrounding village of Erriadh. The quiet streets are adorned with vibrant paintings, left over from a 2014 international street art collaboration called Djerbahood , in which 150 artists from 30 countries contributed murals. Most of them are still visible, so keep your eyes peeled for the artwork, as many corners and narrow alleys hold bright murals, cheeky characters and colourful scenes.

Make your way to the other small Jewish enclave of Hara Kebira, where there is another beautiful old synagogue, to try Tunisian Jewish cuisine. There are a variety of eating options in the neighbourhood, and all are kosher, so there’s no pork, shellfish or mixing of milk and meat. Don't miss the  banatage , steaming potato-based dumplings, and the fragrant riz Djerbien , or Djerban rice. If you visit on a Friday, you’ll see Jewish families collect bread at the local community bakery in preparation for Shabbat the next day.

Though much of the evening entertainment in Djerba for visitors revolves around touristy bars in the large hotels that line the beach, there are plenty of opportunities to join the locals. Head coastward to the town of Midoun and stop by El Majless , a tearoom where you can smoke Tunisian shisha late into the night, or visit Restaurant Fatroucha to catch live music, including performances by Arab singers and oud players, for a spirited end to your day.

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Travel · March 6, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Djerba, Tunisia

Djerba is an island paradise in Africa. I know what you’re thinking, what in the world is Sam talking about?! I’m not kidding guys! Djerba is a small island on the southeastern coast of Tunisia and it is a little treasure in the Mediterranean Sea. I would best describe Djerba as a mix between Morocco and Greece: imagine white-washed towns draped in bougainvilleas with an Arabic influence.

You’ve probably have never heard of this place and it’s likely that Tunisia is not a country on the top of your bucket list, but I’m about to change that for you in this travel guide! Djerba is a small haven for turquoise beaches, charming villages, a touch of history and lots of delicious food! This island is perfect for a short weekend getaway or a week-long retreat.

If you’re planning a trip to Tunisia, check out my guide on How to Visit the Sahara Oases in Tunisia

HOW TO GET TO DJERBA

Djerba is a small island, but you’re in luck… the island has an international airport that services flights both to and from Europe and the capital city, Tunis. If you’re coming from overseas, it’s likely you will need to connect before you arrive in Djerba.

Once on the island, you can grab a taxi or hire a private driver with your accommodation to get from town to town. Make sure to check with your host on typical rates from point A to point B and to bargain for a pre-negotiated price with the driver before you start your journey.

WHAT TO DO IN DJERBA

Discover houmt souk.

Houmt Souk is the “neighborhood market” and the largest town on the island. It is a more touristic spot, but there are some great local shops in the souk and the streets here totally reminded me of Greece (& were ohhhhh so photogenic!) After some browsing and a few photo stops, grab an authentic Tunisian lunch at Restaurant Essofra .

GO ON A BEACHSIDE CARAVAN

Camels on the beach? In Djerba, this is a very common sight to see! I’ve seen my fair share of camels in the desert, but never on a crystal clear beach in the Mediterranean Sea!

Djerba has several beaches, but some of the best beaches are on the northeast coast in the “zone touristique”. These beaches are privately owned by resorts and cater to tourists, meaning that the beaches are cleaner, water sports are easily accessible and camel caravans are casually roaming up and down the beach if you fancy a ride.

WATCH THE SUNSET

Djerba has some of the most gorgeous sunsets. Find a good spot on the shallow waters and watch the sunset reflect over the horizon! The colors of the sunset are UNREAL here.

EXPLORE ERRIADAH

Erriadah is a small village located towards the center of the island. This village is the cultural soul of Djerba and the streets here are absolutely charming (just take a look at my photos below and you will be convinced!)

Djerba is historically known for its religious tolerance and multiculturalism in Tunisia and Erriadah is the best symbol of this: the town has both a synagogue and a mosque that shows the friendly relationship between the two cultures here on the island. Visit the Synagogue de la Ghriba, roam the streets and grab a bite to eat at my favorite restaurant in Djerba, La Placette .

HUNT FOR STREET ART IN DJERBAHOOD

Erriadah is also home to Tunisia’s finest street art. Djerbahood was a concept that was developed in this village to showcase street art from artists around the world. There are so many beautiful masterpieces painted on the walls of the town, so grab your camera and hunt them down throughout the winding alleyways.

LEARN SOME HISTORY AT THE GHAZI MUSTAPHA TOWER

The Ghazi Mustapha Tower is an ancient castle located on the coast nearby Houmt Souk. This castle was built at the end of the 14th century on ancient Roman Ruins. It was occupied by several different ruling kingdoms and it is now a museum open to the public.

ESCAPE TO THE WEST END

There aren’t many tourists on the west end of the island, but it’s an amazing trek. The Djerba locals told me that the beaches were better on this side of the island, so I decided to check it out for myself… and they were right! The beaches here are calm and crystal-clear, plus there are no tourists in sight! Take your driver for the day to explore the different beaches on this side of the island and have fresh lunch on the beach at Le Petit Marin .

SHOP THE SOUKS

For me, it’s not a trip without a visit to the local souks! I love picking up handmade rattan bags, leather slippers, pottery and embroidered cushions when I’m travelling in Tunisia. There are small shops in every town, but my favorite souks were in Houmt Souk and Erriadah.

GO ON A PIRATE SHIP CRUISE

Sadly, I did not have time to go on a pirate ship cruise , but this is an activity that is very popular among tourists on the island. The pirate ships depart from Houmt Souk and take you on a day trip to spot dolphins and relax on the beach at the Island of Flamingos. If you’re wanting to spot some wildlife and experience some festive entertainment, this is a trip for you!

WHERE TO STAY

During my time in Djerba, I decided to stay at Dar Bibine in Erriadah. Erriadah is centrally located on the island, which makes it the perfect home-base to explore (& it is by far the most charming town in Djerba!) Dar Bibine is all about the aesthetics… it is the perfect blend of a laid-back Mediterranean escape with an Arabic flair. The minimalist decor is well-curated and the hosts are helpful and welcoming!

OTHER TOP PICKS TO STAY:

• Radisson Blu Resort Djerba

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Tunisian food is absolutely delicious and its a wonderful blend of Mediterranean flavors with traditional Northern African spices and specialties. You can’t go wrong a good meat and veggie couscous or a slow-cooked tagine! I’ve picked out some of my favorite restaurants across the island for you:

• Restaurant Essofra
• Restaurant Haroun
• La Placette
• Les Palmiers Chez Neji et Catherine
• Café Restaurant Sidi Bou Saïd
• Le Petit Marin

TRAVEL TIPS

Djerba is not a huge tourist destination yet, so let me give you the DL. This small island is off the coast of southern Tunisia in northern Africa known for its Mediterranean beaches and coastal towns. The island has a long historical background of multiculturalism and tolerance with a blend of Berber, Arab, Jewish and African culture.

The main language on the island is Arabic, although French is also widely spoken. Cash is king, so make sure to bring bills with you to exchange with your accommodation host or map out the closest ATM’s to use with your international debit card. The currency here is the Tunisian dinar.

The weather can get very hot, so make sure you come prepared with sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids! Also remember that Djerba has a majority-Islamic population, so dress relatively modest at the beach and when walking around town.

Djerba is a safe place to visit and I did not experience any unpleasant circumstances while traveling here, but make sure to always stay alert as Djerba is not too far from the Libyan border.

WHAT TO WEAR

I love dressing for the destination, so I was alllll about finding Bohemian pieces that were cool, comfortable and didn’t show too much skin. If you’re traveling to Tunisia, make sure to pack light-weight fabrics that breathe and can protect you from the intensity of the desert sun.

CHECK OUT SOME OF MY TOP STYLE PICKS:

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The island of Djerba

The island of Djerba or Jerba is an island of 514 km² (25 kilometers out of 20) located in the Gulf of Gabes (also called small syrte) in the south-east of Tunisia. It is the largest island in North Africa (125 kilometers of coastline).

It is connected to the continent by a ferry , ensuring the crossing between Ajim and Jorf, and by the kantara , a 7-kilometre route dating back to Roman times from the south-eastern end of the island to the Zarzis peninsula.

Djerba has 120,000 inhabitants, of whom nearly 44,000 live in Houmt Souk , the largest city on the island and its administrative capital. Its inhabitants are mainly Arabic speakers even if there is a large Berber-speaking community there.

There is also a small and very old Jewish community descended from exiles in Jerusalem.

Moreover, most of the island is a rural area occupied by villages of Berber origin such as Mezraya, Ghizen, Tezdaine, Wersighen, Sedouikech, Ajim and Guellala .

The island of Djerba in pictures

The island of Djerba in video

Top visits in djerba.

Djerba is the place where you really won’t get bored! Between its different beaches, its different villages and its museums, we have enough to fill weeks. Discover with us the essentials of Djerba.

Guellala: The pottery village

The Folk Art Museum

Meninx archaeological site

Djerbahood or street art

The Fadhloune Mosque

The Spanish fort

Houmet Souk

The underground mosque

The Ghriba Synagogue

Things to do in Djerba ?

Book your excursions, transfers and tours from Djerba to all of Tunisia. Benefit from the best services offered by the leaders of attractions in the world such as GetYourGuide, Viator, Depart Travel Services…etc

Activities in Djerba

Excursions from de Djerba

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Djerba on the map

• 30 April 2023

The Best of Djerba: Beaches, History, and Culture

• April 30, 2023

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If you think you need to spend endless hours on a plane to have a paradise vacation with desirable beaches and turquoise blue sea, think again. Djerba, a tourist island in Tunisia, is less than two and a half hours away from both Lisbon and Porto.

What can you find in Djerba?

The temperature of the water in Djerba is also comparable to that of destinations farther away, and a one-week vacation in this paradise of turquoise blue waters and white sand could cost you little more than €500 per person, including flights, hotel, and taxes.

Djerba is not just strong in the beach aspect; it also has much culture and history to offer tourists. Increasingly sought-after, it has the same time zone as Portugal, so you won’t have to check your watch to know if you can call your relatives. To get to know in depth about Djerba and Tunisia, we recommend to access this link below.

Djerba Island, Tunisia – Rich History, Culture and Sun in Southern Tunisia

Is it expensive to Enjoy Djerba, Tunisia?

For about €500 per person, you can spend a week in this paradise in North Africa. The flights are very short, and you can take a flight directly from almost all the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. The flight frequency is increasing along the summer is coming.Another reason that makes Djerba so attractive is the price.

Djerba is connected to the rest of the country by a Roman bridge. It is a small island, so the transfer from the airport to the resort area takes only half an hour. “It’s a big advantage of Djerba, provided there’s no traffic on the way because many camels pass by,” jokes guide Salim.

From typical cuisine to temperatures, Tunisia has much to offer. The country receives around seven million tourists per year, and the economy is heavily dependent on this sector. With 12 million inhabitants, the majority live in the northern region, “where there is more money and work,” and on the coast, “where the tourist areas are,” as explained by the same tour guide, who adds that nearly half of Tunisia’s population is under 30.

Tunisia borders Algeria to the west and Libya to the southeast. 40% of the country’s surface is occupied by the Sahara Desert. The average temperature in winter is 19ºC and in summer, it’s 32ºC, and the seasons correspond to those in Portugal. “There are days when it reaches 50ºC in the desert, in July or August. In winter, it can go down to 0ºC at night,” says Salim Nabli.

There are more than 320 days of sun, and “it doesn’t rain much” in general, only in the north. The official language is Arabic, followed by French, as Tunisia was a French colony from 1881 until 1956. Today, French is still taught in schools, and France is the country’s main supplier. Most Tunisians speak a dialect that mixes Arabic, Spanish, French, and English.

If you’re considering a vacation to Djerba, we recommend some hotels where you can stay during your paradise vacation (with prices) and some must-see excursions, such as a trip to the desert. Djerba is a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday in a magical atmosphere, a few hours from Portugal.

Exploring Tunisia: A Country Devoted to Islam

Tunisia is a North African country with a unique culture that is influenced by its strong Islamic traditions. With 98% of the population following Islam, religion plays a significant role in Tunisian society. However, tourists do not need to worry about religious implications for clothing, as locals do not require tourists to dress in any particular way.

Tunisia has a higher number of women than men in education and the workforce, and the unemployment rate is around 15%. The minimum wage is roughly €200, but most people earn more, such as hotel workers who can earn around €400 per month, and teachers who can earn around €700 per month. The service industry is the largest employer in Tunisia, and one-year military service is mandatory for Tunisian citizens aged 20 and over.

The Culture and Good Weather in Tunisia

The country’s capital, Djerba, is a must-visit destination, with a unique culture and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, and the sea temperature reaches 30°C in July and August. Along the beaches, tourists can find horses and camels, and they can take a ride on either of these animals across the sand dunes.

Djerba is also home to a rich history, as evidenced by the Roman ruins and colorful ceramics and textiles sold in markets. The local architecture is characterized by low white buildings with distinct doors, each adorned with a fish and a Fatima hand for good luck. The doors also have three knockers, each with a unique sound to identify whether the visitor is male, female, or a child.

The Berbers, a Distinct culture and dialect in Tunisia

Berbers are an ethnic minority in Tunisia and are known for their distinct culture and dialect. They tend to live in isolated areas such as caves and mountains, and visitors can learn about their way of life on a desert tour. However, there is a common misconception that they exchange women for camels, but this is not true. The Berbers traditionally used to offer camels as a gift to the bride’s family, but now, they give gold instead.

Tunisia is a beautiful country that is worth exploring for its unique culture, beautiful beaches, and rich history. Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, Tunisians are welcoming to tourists and do not require visitors to follow any particular dress code. A visit to Djerba is a must for any traveler, where they can enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, delicious food, and learn about the Berber culture.

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The Island of Djerba — The Land of Peace, Openness & Tolerance 13 min read

Djerba, connected to Tunisia’s mainland by a Roman causeway, and still maintaining an ancient way of life, has long fascinated its visitors.

Ulysses recounts in Homer’s Odyssey how the winds drove his seafaring warriors to the shores of the land of the Lotus-Eaters. They became addicted to the lotus flowers fed to them by the locals and dropped all chance of returning home. According to legend, this location was Djerba, an island off the coast of southern Tunisia. Tennyson elaborated on the scene in his 1832 poem “The Lotos-Eaters”: “In the afternoon, they came unto a land/ In which it seemed always afternoon./ All round the coast the languid air did swoon, / Breathing like one that hath a weary dream.” 

Similar Reads:

• 10 Most Exciting ‘Live Like a Local’ Experiences & Things To Do in Djerba
• 10 Mind-Blowingly Interesting Facts About Djerba Island

Djerba — The Island of Dreams

Nowadays, the majority of visitors to the island come to enjoy the thalassotherapy centers clustered along the island’s main tourist strip, on the island’s north-east coast.

Djerba is a center for thalassotherapy, which utilizes the sun and sea water to treat a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to eczema to depression, and the new Radisson Thalasso is a sprawling complex of sea-water pools, hammams, treatment cabins, and massage rooms with views across desert and palm trees to the sea.

However, the island of Djerba that lies away from the hotels and the touristic places is way more exciting and rewarding. The island is largely rural, with wild beaches on the western and south-eastern coasts and flat, open plains in the center. It is linked to the mainland by a spectacular six-mile-long Roman causeway built in the sixth century BC, and a regular ten-minute ferry crossing to Ajim.

Houmt Souk, Djerba’s small capital, is a charming town with a bustling fishing port and a population of about 90,000. Its relaxed atmosphere combines the quiet self-assurance that comes with an ancient way of life with an openness to tourism and commerce. The majority of residents are fluent in both French and Arabic. I reveled in the city’s gloriously undeveloped Fondoks – 15th-century structures arranged around a courtyard that housed merchants and pilgrims, as well as their livestock (known in other parts of the Arab world as caravanserais). A few have been converted into simple but charming hotels, frequently with bougainvillea climbing the walls, painted wooden doors, and vibrant tiling throughout, all accompanied by a friendly family welcome. For example, Hotel Erriadh charges only 40 dinars ($14) per night for a spotless double room including breakfast.

The downtown area is a maze of winding streets that lead to covered souks, mosques, and even a large Catholic church. While some tourist junk is there, visitors are generally left in peace and are free to wander – except for the mosques. I enjoyed the fish market auction, where an elderly gentleman dressed in a fez and flowing robes sat on what appeared to be a throne, overseeing the sale of strings of fish to the highest bidder. Indeed, dining on fish is one of the island’s highlights. Certain fishing techniques have remained largely unchanged since the Phoenicians’ time 3,000 years ago. Fishermen simply trawl the massive quantities of fish that congregate along the rocky coast, and oval-shaped terracotta amphorae are still used to catch octopus.

Grilled sea bass and grouper are served alongside meat and Couscous in restaurants, following small salads and bread dipped in olive oil and Harissa, a fiery chili paste, and Slata Mechouia , a grilled pepper dip. Brik, a deep-fried pastry envelope filled with potato, egg, or meat, was another treat I enjoyed. Everything is very laid-back, and the inexpensive local wine flows freely.

Suggested Read: The Best Authentic Tunisian Rice Dish — “Rouz Jerbi”

Unlike in most Muslim-majority societies, Houmt Souk’s cafés are not reserved for elderly men smoking hookahs: men and women sit drinking espresso and mint tea in a way that is still uncommon in Muslim societies. Indeed, Djerba’s laid-back attitude is partly a result of its diverse ethnic mixture. It is home to one of the last remaining communities of Ibadis, an unorthodox Islamic sect adopted by certain Berber tribes. Vulnerable to attack by purists, they fled to Jerba during the Middle Ages, though they continued to fight Christians from Sicily and Aragon who claimed the territory.

Two forts and some exquisite rural mosques built of mud and stone remain from this period, which, with their buttressed walls and enclosed compounds, resemble small forts themselves. Against the bright blue sky, these squat whitewashed buildings resemble ships. I was particularly taken with Fadhloun and Beni Maaguel. They were built in the 11th and 14th centuries, respectively, and their lantern-style minarets gave them the appearance of being carved from ice. Both are open to visitors.

Djerba also has one of the largest Jewish communities in North Africa, with thousands of pilgrims visiting each year. El Ghriba Synagogue on the island, in Erriadh, is one of the world’s oldest, dating back over 2,000 years.  Muslims  and Jews have coexisted peacefully in Jerba for hundreds of years.

Suggested Read: Tunisian-Jewish Gastronomy Contributes to the Charm of Djerba

In Er-riadh, I stayed at the Hotel Dar Dhiafa. The hotel is a seductive assemblage of historic village buildings, complete with stone floors, terraces, and courtyards. It features ten guest rooms and four suites, each with its own unique collection of antiques, art, and textiles. I stayed in a suite that included a Moorish-style bathroom with a roll-top bath and chandelier, a large reception area, and a mezzanine-level bedroom. I found the hotel to be fascinated and would gladly return to enjoy the hotel’s intimate courtyards, pool, and Hammam.

I rented a moped with my guide, Hassine, to explore more remote areas of the island. We discovered a path that led us alongside wild, deserted beaches. We were surrounded by wetlands, with only flamingos for company as we accelerated. A castle materialized out of the sun’s haze, like a mirage. We continued until we reached the end of the peninsula and arrived at Borj Kastil, a fort built in the 15th century by Alfonso V of Aragon. We could see a vast expanse of land and, in the distance, the Roman causeway as we scrambled to the top.

“This may be the location of the scorpion island,” said Hassine. “When the Arabs arrived on Djerba, there was a governor with three sons. Two were assassinated by scorpions, so the king transported the third to this castle in the middle of the sea in order to save him. However, as they transported their provisions, which included an abundance of fruit, they kept dropping the grapes. The scorpions pursued the grapes, and the king perished in the fortress with his last son.”

I visited the deserted ruins of Gightis, a Roman port, after crossing the causeway to the mainland. As I approached the site, its keeper showed me around the ruins of temples, roads, store rooms, hammams, and mosaics, and I could just imagine the bustling port in the second century, from which gold, ivory, and slaves imported from Africa were exported.

Suggested Read: Djerbahood: 20 Incredible Works of Art on the Streets of Djerba

Returning to the island of dreams just in time for sunset, Tennyson’s words made even more sense:  “Surely, surely, slumber is more sweet than toil, the shore / Than labour in the deep mid-ocean, wind and wave and oar; / O, rest ye, brother mariners, we will not wander more.”

Traveller’s guide

What to know before you go.

Djerba has a lovely South Mediterenean weather. In winter, mornings are beautiful, but at night it gets a bit cold (though a jacket or a light coat will do). Summers are quite dry, so anyone coming in the summer should pack a lot of sunblock and hats.

As for etiquette, Djerbians are friendly and very hospitable. Vistors tend to think that tipping is offensive, but it’s what people working in the industry depend on. Waiters, guides, and drivers all appreciate tips.

GETTING THERE

Djerba has international flight connections with a few destinations worldwide, especially from European cities. You can get a really good flight deal for your trip to Djerba on Kiwi.com or check our Flights to Tunisia page for more information.

GETTING AROUND

Getting around in Djerba is a quite a simple task.

The most convenient and affordable way to get around the island is by taxi. They are easily spotted bright yellow cars. You can use Allo Taxi service, it’s a Radio taxi that you can call on 75 67 60 60 or hire a private Taxi on: 96 74 75 65.

As a second option, pedal bikes and scooters are also available. Both these are available to hire in most hotels.

Horse and Carriage, and Buggies/Quad Bikes are also available but usually limited to the touristic areas in the island.

STAYING THERE

For your reference, a three-night package at the Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso, Djerba, including accommodation with breakfast, transfers, four treatments each day, and unlimited access to the fitness centre, Jacuzzis, saunas, hammam and swimming pools, costs from $220 per person.

Hotel Erriadh, rue Mohammed Ferjani, Houmt Souk, Djerba. Doubles from 40 dinars ($15), including breakfast.

Hotel Dar Dhiafa, Erriadh, Djerba. Doubles from 200 dinars ($74), room only.

Head out to our hotels in Tunisia page for more information.

Lastly, whatever you do, don’t forget to pick up  travel insurance for Tunisia !

Suggested Reads:

• 10 Cultural Aspects You Need to Know Before Traveling to Tunisia
• Is it Safe to Travel in Tunisia? What Is Like Tunisia Now?
• Tunisia Travel Information — Essential Tips You Must Know Before You Go
• Tunisia Packing List — What To
• Planning a Trip to Tunisia — All What You Need to Know

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Contributing Editor

Contributing Editor account at Carthage Magazine. Tunisia's premier English general-interest Magazine with thousands of page-views per month and over 200,000 social media followers.

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Around djerba and zarzis.

Both Mediterranean and Saharan at once, the island of Djerba has been a source of fascination since the time of Homer. Ulysses tasted the “lotus” there, a delicious fruit which takes away all desire to leave, and today each visitor feels spellbound by its exceptional atmosphere; an atmosphere which it shares with Zarzis, its neighbour on the mainland. But Djerba is also an island of holiday clubs, activities in the fresh air, a unique heritage to discover… and excursions into the majestic setting of the Sahara.

What to see ?

Potters or street art.

Djerba is made for strolling through, its gentle landscapes are in such complete harmony with the white and rounded traditional architecture: old wells, little mosques hidden in the countryside, large rural properties known as menzels… Visit the Djerba Explore park to experience the life of a rural property, perfectly reconstructed. You will also find there a crocodile farm: watch a feeding and get better acquainted with these impressive reptiles. In Houmt-Souk, take a break by the fishing harbour, visit the fondouk (caravansary) areas and the covered market where fish are sold to the highest bidder. Don’t miss the village of Erriadh to visit one of the most ancient synagogues in the world, the Ghriba, and the living museum of street art, Djerbahood – an astonishing backdrop of traditional architecture appropriated by graffiti artists from around the world. In the village of Guellala, pay a visit to the potters who make large jars reminiscent of the ancient era, follow them down to an underground clay store and try your hand at working the potter’s wheel.

What to do ?

Museums or kitesurf.

Beautiful hotel-holiday clubs, white sand beaches… Djerba is a choice destination for a seaside holiday. The regular winds throughout the year and the temperate climate make it an ideal location to learn to kitesurf or go sailing. There is no shortage of activities: scuba diving, parasailing, sea cruises, golf courses, casinos and nightclubs. Observe the huge gatherings of migratory birds in the lagoons. Get to know Djerba’s heritage: in Houmt-Souk you will find the Borj Ghazi Mustapha, a 14th century fortress where the Turkish privateer Dragut fought the Spaniards. The Museum of Traditional Heritage of Djerba explains local jewellery, pottery, traditions… Djerba Explore Park possesses a superb collection of ancient artifacts from Tunisia and the Middle-East. Djerba is also an excellent choice for thalassotherapy and hydrotherapy treatments. On the mainland, set off to discover old Berber villages, underground dwellings, the Ksour and Saharan oases.

What to eat ?

Octopus and djerbian rice.

Freshly caught fish and octopus have pride of place in Djerbian gastronomy. The most fun way to try: buy your own sea bream in the Houmt-Souk marketplace and eat it there and then, garnished with salad, in one of the tiny neighbouring restaurants where the sign proclaims: “Bring your fish, I’ll grill it”! Taste another delicious Djerbian speciality: steamed rice with meat, liver, parsley, spinach and herbs. All around the hotels can be found numerous restaurants offering pizza, seafood and Tunisian cuisine; it is also possible to eat Italian or Asian food in some of the hotels. For a successful evening, dine by the port with music and traditional dancing, enjoy quality meat grilled on a wood fire in a cosy atmosphere, or savour a couscous in a former fondouk in Houmt-Souk.

Where to sleep ?

Guesthouses and holiday clubs.

Djerba is the holiday club island par excellence, and they are particularly numerous here. They propose a host of activities in a friendly atmosphere. Nevertheless, all types of accommodation coexist in Djerba, from large luxurious hotels to guesthouses in the countryside. Revamped traditional house, former fondouk converted into a boutique hotel, residence in the style of a village… everyone can choose the atmosphere they most prefer.

Going further

Carthaginians, privateers and sponge fishers.

The Carthaginians once founded in Djerba a great city known as Meninx; they also built the road which links the island to the mainland, which is known today as the Roman Road. A Jewish community also settled in Djerba during ancient times: their synagogue, the Ghriba, is one the oldest in the world. Djerba was then producer of purple, the prestigious dye made from shells. In the Middle Ages, the island became covered with little rural mosques, who were also fortresses to protect the inhabitants in the case of invasion. The Normans of Sicily, the Aragons, and then the Turks and Spaniards have all fought over its control. In the 16th century, Djerba was a major base for privateers fighting for the Ottoman empire. In the 19th century, the abolition of slavery created an important black community. In the same era, the Maltese and the Greeks came in droves to practice sponge fishing; the Maltese church is still active in Houmt-Souk.

Menzels and fondouks

Exploring the little roads and sandy pathways of Djerba, it is not rare to catch sight of an old menzel. High walls, corner towers, arches and domes… these rural properties are typical examples of island architecture. An architecture that derives all its charm from its simplicity, its rounded forms and its chalky colour. Around each of these mansions, agricultural terrain allowed a whole clan to live self-sufficiently thanks to its well, its olive trees, and its crops irrigated by small canals. The menzels are numerous in the region surrounding Midoun, the second largest town in Djerba. Meanwhile the principal town, Houmt-Souk, is distinguished by its fondouks (caravansaries), locations once designated for travelling merchants to store their goods.

Good to know

Djerba Tourist Board

Tel. : 75 650 016 / 75 650 544 / 75 653 780

Weekly markets

Monday: Zarzis, Houmt-Souk Thursday: Houmt-Souk. Friday: Midoun, Zarzis. Saturday: Ben Guerdane.

Djerba is served by an international airport (55km from Zarzis). On the island, numerous taxis make it easy for visitors to get around.

In Djerba and Zarzis you will find brightly coloured mergoums (pile carpets) woven in the southern regions, embroidered dresses, slippers and hats of woven palm fronds… In Houmt-Souk, a visit to the jewellery souk is essential; you will see magnificent pieces in enamelled silver. Close by, the shops will offer you a whole range of tablecloths, scarves, striped drapes and blankets from the workshops of Djerba. The island also has a modern shopping centre and several designer boutiques.

D-Day beach cafe ‘hates the English and refused to serve British soldiers’

Normandy tourist board apologises after tour guide turned away from Omaha cafe

A Second World War tour guide has criticised a cafe overlooking Normandy’s Omaha beach , claiming it declined to serve a group of visiting British soldiers “because they are English”.

Creperie la Falaise, in Vierville-sur-Mer, sits near the famed coastline stormed by Allied troops on D-Day as they battled to liberate France from Nazi occupation.

With the landmark 80th anniversary of D-Day just weeks away, and despite local businesses being reliant on foreign visitors, battlefield guide Eugenie Brooks said the soldiers she took to the cafe were refused service.

“This cafe at Vierville Draw at Omaha Beach, in Normandy, refused to serve my British Army soldiers today as ‘they are English’,” she wrote on Twitter, adding: “An utter disgrace and I will never ever, ever take any of my tours there again.”

Ms Brooks said the group were “well-behaved junior soldiers all smartly dressed”. She said the incident left her “fuming”.

Florent Neveur, who has run Creperie la Falaise with his mother for a decade, said it was all a misunderstanding, and claimed the British tourists were turned away because the cafe was full.

“Two buses came on Monday about 12.30pm, when it was a very busy time for us. I said, ‘Guys, I’m so sorry. I have to be focused on my restaurant, I can’t help you, I can’t leave my other customers’,” he told MailOnline.

“It gets crazy here. Sometimes we cannot serve everybody. I take care of my customers,” he said.

The Normandy tourism board swiftly reacted to the snowballing complaints, writing: “Morning Eugenie. Thanks for pointing this out to us. It’s utterly unbelievable. British visitors and soldiers will of course always be welcome here in Normandy, and the nearby British Normandy Memorial bears witness to the history we share.”

The cafe is located less than a mile away from the D-Day museum in Omaha and a short distance from the Overlord Museum and Normandy American Cemetery.

Omaha saw the Allies take the most casualties with around 2,400 American troops killed by German gunners and artillery on June 6, 1944, the first day of the effort to drive the Nazis out of France.

During Operation Overlord Allied troops landed on five Normandy beaches codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.

After fierce fighting, some 34,000 Allied troops had landed by nightfall.

Rishi Sunak, French president Emmanuel Macron, US president Joe Biden and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau will attend this year’s official anniversary ceremony on June 6 on Omaha Beach.

The King has “made it a personal mission” to travel to Normandy for the commemorations despite suffering from cancer, along with the Prince of Wales.

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