djerba travel guide

Djerba Travel Guide

• Destinations

What is it?

Situated off the coast of Tunisia, Djerba is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean sea. Within easy reach of almost every country in the world (thanks to its great transport links!), Djerba has long been the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean. Jewel is an appropriate title – its sparkling beaches set the perfect scene for its dramatic sunsets – a diamond sparkling in the cool, blue oceans. Read on the find out just what you can see and do, and why Djerba is the tourist hotspot for travels from both near and far.

With historical routes in Greek mythology (think Odysseus and the Lotus Eaters), Djerba has been a hidden paradise for a thousand years. Its history goes back to at least the fourth century BC, and it has been continually occupied since. The close proximity to Italy will probably give you a large clue about which civilisation had power, and influence, over Djerba for a huge amount of time, but the Romans were not the only civilisation to fall in love with Djerba, the Spanish also had their own time on the island, as did the Ottoman empire. These civilisations have all left their mark of Djebra – and the keen amateur archaeologist will find a multitude of sights to entertain and interest them.

One of the most interesting cultural activities in Djerba, is the history of pottery, travel out to Guellala and you will find a fascinating history of pottery – a historical village which has been in the pottery business for centuries! Lose yourself in the Houmt Souk – strolling around the little, winding streets is a delight – from silk sellers, to colourful spices, the Souk offers tourists a real insight into Djerba’s day to day life. Of course, the beach is an ever popular activity for tourists, and Djerba will not disappoint!

Where to stay

Your flight to Djerba may have left you a little out of pocket – but never fear! Djerba can offer a range of accommodation options, from hostels to hotels there is something for everyone. The Auberge de Jeunesse offers good quality, but cheap, accommodation as a youth hostel, while the Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa offers a luxury stay for those who want to enjoy Djerba in style. Make sure you check out the meal options offered – many hotels offer “Western” menus, but do not be afraid to head into some of the cities and villages to check out the local offerings!

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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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Though a small island, Djerba contains the ingredients of many people’s idea of the ideal holiday vacation: soft, sandy beaches, warm Mediterranean waters, loads of activities, and an array of shops selling a good range of local handicrafts. It also sports a maze of cobblestone streets and a history of ethnic and religious diversity more pronounced than in the rest of the country.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum

Good things often come in small packages, and that is certainly the case at this modestly sized but extremely impressive museum. Occupying a curvaceous…

In 2014, 150 artists from 30 countries descended on Erriadh to collaborate on an ambitious street-art project. The result was 250 vividly coloured…

The most important synagogue on Djerba and the oldest in Tunisia, this 19th-century building is in a white compound 1km south of the medina. Pass through…

Parc Djerba Explore

Three wildly disparate attractions – a museum of Islamic art, a heritage village and a reptile park – are on offer at this strange tourist attraction next…

Marché Central

The daily auction at the fish market takes place late mornings in the northeast corner of the Marché Central. Auctioneers command attention as they…

Plage Sidi Mahrès

This long sweep of golden sand with its gently breaking surf is Djerba's greatest attraction. It begins east of the low-lying Ras Remel Peninsula, which…

Musée de Guellala

This whitewashed complex sits in a commanding position at the top of a hill 2km east of Guellala on the road to Cedouikech. Inside, a well-intentioned but…

Borj Ghazi Mustapha

Built in the 13th-century by the Aragonese, this fort was captured by the Ottomans in 1560 and has been allowed to slowly crumble in recent times – be…

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Feb 19, 2019 • 8 min read

Tunisia's Berber community was largely ignored and silenced during the long years before the ouster of former president Ben Ali, but since the 2011…

Jul 2, 2018 • 7 min read

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Get to the heart of Djerba with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

• 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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Popular places to visit.

• Djerba Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Djerba Midun at Djerba Golf Club. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its restaurants.

• Houmt Souq Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Houmt Souk with a trip to Houmt Souq Harbour. Discover the area's countryside and sunrises.

• El Ghriba Synagogue

You can learn about the history of Banī Dinhet with a stop at El Ghriba Synagogue. Wander the marina and sandy beaches while you're in the area.

• Oamarit Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Oamarit Beach during your travels in Sangho?

• Djerba Explore Park

Visit the native and exotic animals who call Djerba Explore Park home during your trip to Aghir. Discover the area's countryside and sunrises.

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Djerbahood during your trip to Banī Dinhet.

Things to do

Cooking class in an 18th century berber cottage, djerba island: 1.5-hour jet ski adventure, djerba: pirate ship trip to flamingo island, djerba: half-day djerba island tour, djerba: half-day island tour, djerba: guided camel ride with blue lagoon visit.

• Cities near Djerba

Djerba Midun

• Places of interest
• Playa Sidi Mehrez
• Borj El K'bir Fort
• Libyan market
• Guellala Museum
• Museum of Popular Arts & Traditions
• Borj Ghazi Mustapha
• Amira Beach
• Oamarit Fishing Marina

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Djerba Island

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The great island of the Tunisian South and Zarzis, its neighbour on the mainland, are one of the most marvellous holiday destinations in the Mediterranean. Djerba is also a traditional land and a gateway to the nearby Sahara.

The beaches of Djerba and Zarzis

Are you a daydreamer? You will love Djerba for its fine sandy beaches fringed with palm trees , its seas in multiple shades of turquoise, its serene landscapes and its colourful sunsets .

Take a dip on a beach far away from the hotels. See how the migratory birds gather. Gossip with the fishermen to learn their traditional ways… Or go on a pirate boat trip to take a swim on a beautiful wild beach.

Also on offer are numerous massages and treatments proposed by the many spas and thalassotherapy centres of Djerba and Zarzis. With its end-of-the-world atmosphere, Djerba is the ideal place to relax! 

Do you think that holidays are made for moving around and having fun? You will have many holiday clubs to choose from and you can try multiple beach activities .

Aghir beach:

Where to sleep in Djerba and Zarzis?

Choose your accommodation and book without intermediaries

Suggestions

For an exotic massage , a perfumed clay wrap in the hammam , or a complete thalassotherapy treatment program , Djerba and Zarzis have magnificent spas and thalassotherapy centers.

A must: go on a pirate boat trip to have lunch on the ‘ Pink Flamingo Island ’ and take a swim on this sandy peninsula in wonderfully pure water. And enjoy the lively atmosphere on board!

An island worth discovering

Explore sandy trails by bike . Admire the small countryside mosques .

Other options: going out in the evening to restaurants and nightclubs , taking a trip out to sea on board a pirate ship , or along the lagoons riding a quad bike .

Did you know? You can also play golf in Djerba. Read more about golfing in Tunisia .

Finally, don’t forget that Djerba and Zarzis are your gateway to the Sahara . Berber villages, Ksour and sand dunes are a 4x4 ride away!

> CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN DJERBA OR ZARZIS .

Are you a street art fan? Take a stroll through Djerbahood , the village of Erriadh transformed by artists from all around the world… And also look for works of art scattered around the countryside. Read more about Djerbahood, the street art village .

Buy fresh fish at the market in Houmt-Souk , the island’s main town. You can have it grilled and then taste it straight away in one of the small neighbouring restaurants!

Explore Djerba island on foot : a charming hike between old Menzels , small mosques and olive trees . Read: hiking in Djerba .

On a quad bike or buggy , ride along the sandy tracks in the palm groves , between the dunes or along the lagoons .

In Houmt-Souk , have a drink in the courtyard of an ancient Fondouk (caravanserai): the Youth Hostel or the hotel Arischa .

For a more muffled and jazzy atmosphere, choose the lounge-bar La Taverne just a stone’s throw from the beach of Sidi Mahrez.

Explore traditional weaving shops : woollen blankets, hand-woven bedspreads and shimmering fabrics will enchant you!

In the south of the island, visit the pottery workshops of Guellala . Some of them will offer you to try your hand at pottery, to visit to a clay quarry , or to taste the famous lamb ‘à la gargoulette’ , a roast cooked in a clay pot.

Visit a ‘ houch ’, the traditional house of Djerba. These all-white houses, consisting of vaulted rooms around a patio, are perfectly suited to the hot climate.

The Djerba Explore park includes the reconstruction of a ‘ menzel ’: the houch with all its outbuildings (well, weaving workshop, potter’s kiln).

Attend the feeding of crocodiles at the Djerba Explore centre! This leisure park is home to a Nile crocodile farm. The reptiles are fed in front of visitors on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 5pm ( on Facebook ).

Play golf between the sea and the sand dunes! The Djerba Golf Course (27 holes) stretches at the foot of the palm trees in a typically Djerbian landscape. More information about the Djerba Golf Course.

What to see on Djerba island?

A thousand-year-old synagogue , original traditions , beautiful museums and even a colourful street art village: places of interest are plentiful.

The Borj Ghazi Mustapha fortress

The walls of this seaside fortress still ring with the battles that raged there, in the 16th century, between the Spanish and the Turkish corsairs led by the famous Dragut . Practical information .

The Museum of Traditional Heritage of Djerba

Found in Houmt-Souk , this modern museum showcase many aspects of Djerba’s unique heritage: agricultural techniques, the tradition of pottery , an extremely beautiful collection of costumes and jewellery … Practical information.

The craft village of Houmt-Souk

This centre brings together workshops of talented craftsmen as varied as traditional weaving loom or art pottery (on Facebook ).

The town of Houmt-Souk

This small town is today the main locality of Djerba. In the past, it had many caravanserais , or fondouks : you can still see their beautiful white arcades, sometimes in ruins, sometimes converted into craft shops.

Also worth seeing: the souks , the silver jewellery shops, the covered market where fish is sold by auction, the church of Saint Joseph built in the past by the small Maltese community.

The Fadhloun Mosque-Museum

Fitted for visiting, this small countryside mosque is typical of Djerba.

Built in the 14th century, it was a community center including a school, defence devices in case of an invasion, a mill and a bread oven for nearby farmers…

Its sober architecture is astonishingly beautiful.


Open for visits in the morning from 7 to 12. Read more about the Fadhloun mosque .

Practical information.

The synagogue of La Ghriba

Jews and Muslims have peacefully cohabitated for centuries on the island of Djerba.

Visit this pretty synagogue decorated with ceramic tiles in shades of blue. It is said to have been founded in the 6th century BC, evidence of a very longstanding Jewish presence on this island.

Djerba Explore park: crocodiles and heritage!

A large farm of Nile crocodiles is the other attraction of the park: feedings are particularly impressive!

You can also visit one of Djerba’s traditional dwellings , a potter’s workshop , an oil press … all faithfully reconstructed ( on Facebook ).

Hotels and guesthouses in Djerba and Zarzis

Choose your accommodation and book without intermediaries    

Djerbahood, the street art village

See also the Djerbahood website .

Guellala, the village of potters

Located in the south of the island, Guellala is the village of the potters of Djerba. Since time immemorial, they have worked with clay in the coolness of their underground workshops . Jars, gargoyles, vases and trinkets made of raw clay are their speciality.

Also worth seeing: the Guellala Heritage Museum presents amusing reconstructions of daily life.

What to visit around Djerba and Zarzis?

The medina of Gabes and its maritime oasis – the only one in the Mediterranean – are worth a detour.

One of them – now the Sidi Driss hotel – was used as a set in an episode of Star Wars . Read more: Star Wars in Tunisia, to the birthplace of the Skywalkers .

Visit other Berber villages like Tamezret and Toujane in the surrounding area.

More about Matmata and its subterranean homes.

The land of the Ksour

Around Medenine and Tataouine stretch majestic landscapes of arid mountains and rocky spurs.

Unusual structures arise out of this “desert of stone”: the Ksour , collective granaries formed of superimposed chambers, and Berber villages dug into mountainside.  Read more about the Ksour of the Tunisian South .

More about the Tunisian South .

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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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