Just five kilometres off Tunisia's south-eastern coast, the Djerba peninsula is the ideal spot for anyone looking for the perfect seaside destination. Crystal-clear waters bathe its white-sand coastline, while date palms and three-hundred-year-old olive trees line the shore as far as the eye can see.
With a beach season running from mid-May to mid-October, Djerba is an ideal place to extend the summer.
At 500 square kilometres, Djerba is the largest island in North Africa. Although most people come to relax and soak up the sun, there are some great activities on offer to spice up your holiday.
What are the best things to do on your trip to Djerba? What are the most beautiful places to visit?
Where is Djerba located?
Off the east coast of Tunisia, the popular island of Djerba lies directly on the Gulf of Gabès in the Mediterranean Sea. Around 125,000 people live here in an area of 320 square miles, with tourism the most important economic sector.
Djerba's official currency is the Tunisian dinar, equivalent to 1000 millimes (small change). The so-called Roman dam links North Africa's largest island to the mainland.
Many holiday resorts have sprung up to the east of Djerba, while the island's most beautiful beaches can be found to the north-east. The flora and fauna of Djerba are determined by the very dry climate and are therefore relatively species-poor.
Olive and palm trees, as well as several species of cactus, are characteristic of the landscape.
A brief history of the island of Djerba in Tunisia
As far as the history of Djerba is concerned, it was the Carthaginians who first established trade relations with Djerba in the 8th century BC.
It was the Romans, however, who laid the foundations of the trading post, Meninx, in the 2nd century BC. The island has been invaded many times by Arabs, Berbers, Sicilians and Spaniards.
All sought to establish their control over the fertile lands of Djerba. It was in 1881 that the French took control of a significant part of the island as part of an agreement with the British. Under French rule, the inhabitants were effectively protected by their enemies.
In the 1950s, Djerba, which is part of Tunisia, celebrated the independence of the Tunisian Republic following its liberation from the French. The island is known to tourists for its town of Ajim, which was used in 1977 as the setting for Mos Eisley, Anakin Skywalker's home in Star Wars.
An interesting fact is that the construction of tall buildings is forbidden on the island. In terms of architecture, most of the hotels are built in the traditional style of local houses, square white buildings with domed roofs.
This type of construction underlines the extent to which the people of Djerba respect tradition.
According to Homer, this is the ideal place to relax. It is also thought that the lotophagi (lotus eaters) lived here. The lotophagi were described by the poet in his 'Odyssey'.
Legend has it that it was Ulysses and his crew who landed on this coast and enjoyed the relaxing effect of the lotus fruit.
According to another legend, it was in Djerba that the beautiful nymph Calypso imprisoned Ulysses for seven years so that she could enjoy his caresses and attention.
Djerba's main town is Houmt-Souk, with a population of around 70,000. The island is also home to the oldest synagogue, El Ghriba, which dates back 26 centuries.
The majority of the population is Muslim and is considered to be very ethical towards other religions. A small Jewish community still resides on the island, although it has dwindled considerably over the years.
How do I get to Djerba?
Getting to Djerba is fairly easy, as the island has its own "Melita" international airport. There are regular flights from Tunisia and Europe. The island itself is linked to the mainland by an ancient Roman road. This beautiful piece of land is filled with an ancient and exotic spirit.
Getting around Djerba
You can reach Djerba by plane or by road. The Djerba-Zarzis airport is Mellita, which is 6 km from the town of Souk Houmt and between 15 and 30 km from the hotels in the tourist area. Djerba is linked to over 100 cities worldwide, mainly by charter flights.
By road, Djerba is reached via the Romanian road, which links up with the eastern mainland via the ferry, which provides a 20-minute crossing between Ajim and Djorf. If you are coming from the north, it is shorter to take the ferry, but during summer holidays and on the eve of public holidays the wait can be very long (up to 2 hours or more).
Within Djerba, distances between towns are around 10 to 20 km. To get around, use public transport, but it's always easier to take a taxi.
Bus in Djerba
The central station for domestic and intercity buses is in Houmt Souk. There are daily services to the towns of : Zarzis, Médenine, Gabès, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, Bizerte, ....
For journeys within the island, there is a bus service linking the various towns and connecting Houmt Souk to the various hotels. On average, there is a bus every hour and the service stops in the early evening.
Shared taxis
Louages are "taxis" connecting the country's various towns. They are practical and quicker than bus or train transport. The louages station is right next to the central station.
Taxis in Djerba
Taxis are the most practical way of getting around during your stay in Djerba. They are relatively inexpensive: 5 to 10 dinars on average, just a little more for a journey from the airport to the tourist area. In all cases, taxis are equipped with meters.
You'll find a taxi rank in the centre of every town and quite easily at the airport or your hotel.
When should you go to Djerba?
Djerba is a beautiful tropical island off the south coast of Tunisia, in North Africa. The island has a very hot and dry Mediterranean climate, with high temperatures throughout the summer and slightly cooler winters.
Spring is the best time to visit Djerba before the scorching heat of summer sets in. It's still hot, but temperatures are more comfortable, with 20°C in March rising to 25°C in May.
The rainy season starts in the second half of October, which means you're more likely to experience light to moderate showers during your holiday. For a drier climate, the best time to visit Djerba is in summer.
July and August are the hottest months of the year, with temperatures reaching 33°C.
Summer is ideal for water sports as the sea has warmed to 24°C and often rises to 29°C in August. A relaxing swim will help you cool off, but don't forget to wear high factor sun protection as UV levels are quite high at this time of year.
Sites and monuments in Djerba
Djerba has been known since ancient times. During the Phoenician era, it was part of Carthage, which founded a number of trading posts, the most famous of which was Meninx.
In Roman times, Djerba comprised three main urban centres. One of them, now called Henchir Bourgou, was discovered near Midoun. A second centre, located on the south-east coast, was a very important site for the production of murex-based dyes.
The large quantities of coloured marble discovered on the site testify to the wealth of this centre. A third important centre, probably the ancient Haribus, is located on the south coast, near the village of Guallela.
Archaeological excavations carried out between 1996 and 2000 revealed 250 archaeological sites, including numerous Punic and Roman villages.
Numerous mosques and two imposing forts from the medieval period still stand. The first of these monuments dates from the 12th century.
Djerba has a high density of mosques, which have played a multi-dimensional role in the life of the islanders for centuries. In addition to their role as places of worship, mosques welcomed students, helped the needy and served as places for settling disputes, etc.
During wars or invasions, they were quickly transformed into shelters where people took refuge to defend themselves. Every mosque in Djerba is unique and different. Some of the most famous are listed below:
The Bou Messouer or Ejjâmaa El kébîr mosque
This mosque is located in the north of the island. It is the oldest and one of the most important mosques in Djerba. It dates back to the 10th century. This building played an important religious and educational role and contributed to the training of many theological figures supporting the Wahbiya El Ibadhiya.
The mosque is made up of different architectural units, including a prayer room, a courtyard with a portico, an ablutions room, a teachers' and students' room, and exterior mihrabs pointing in the direction of Mecca.
The Fadhloun Mosque
This monument is located near Khazroun, in the south-east of the island. It probably dates from the 14th century.
It consists of a prayer room, a courtyard, an ablutions room, a Koranic school, internal annexes, a bakery and a mill.
The Tejdît mosque
This mosque is located in Fatou, in the north of the island, not far from the coast. It dates from the period before 1497-1498. The defensive features of its architecture provide information about the fortified mosques that played an important role in the defensive system of the time.
This mosque is made up of different architectural units, including a prayer hall, a courtyard, a Koranic school, an ablutions room and other annexes.
Moghzèl Mosque
This mosque is located in Bni Maaguel, in the south of the island, not far from the coast. It is considered one of the fortified mosques forming the rear base of the second defensive line. It dates from the early 17th century.
The mosque is made up of various architectural units, including a prayer room, Mesjed. A five-step staircase is located at the southern end of the main façade. A minaret adorned with a lantern rises from its north-east corner. It is conical in shape and supported by small masonry columns.
In addition to this architectural unit, the monument contains traces of an ablutions room and a service room that occupies a rectangular area from east to west, parallel to the north end of the façade and the prayer room.
Sîdî Brahîm Eljomnî Mosque
This is located in the centre of Houmet souk. It was originally a Malekite school dating back to 1675 according to some historical sources.
It was specially built in honour of Sheikh Ibrahim Eljomni as part of a strategy adopted by the Muradîs and then the Husseinid central power to promote Malekism on the island and provide strong support for its emblematic figures.
The monument comprises a number of important architectural units, including a prayer hall, a hall with porticoes, an ablutions hall, a funeral hall, a Koranic school and a student hall.
Meninx
The archaeological site of Meninx is a Tunisian archaeological site located on the south-east coast of the island of Djerba, near the present-day town of Henchir El Kantara. It is two kilometres long and eight hundred metres wide, part of which may have been submerged by the sea.
An initial search of the site revealed thermal baths, an amphitheatre, a theatre, a basilica, probably a forum and warehouses. The ground was also strewn with remains such as white marble column bases, granite columns, capitals and numerous statues.
Excavations were undertaken by Paul-Marie Duval in 1942. Between 1996 and 2001, a Tunisian-American team carried out surveys on the island and carried out a number of test pits, notably at Meninx: the occupation and economic activity of the city, based on agriculture and the production of purple, were clarified for the ancient period.
Since 2015, a Tunisian-German team has been carrying out geophysical surveys and archaeological excavations on the site. A development operation and an archaeological park project were also launched in 2018 following a partnership between Munich's Ludwig Maximilian University and the National Heritage Institute.
Churches of Djerba
In Djerba, there are two churches located in Houmet Souk.
- Saint-Joseph in Houmt Souk
- Saint Nicolas in Houmt Souk (Orthodox church)
Where to stay in Djerba?
The best hotels certainly attract many tourists. With a warm climate, a warm Mediterranean and enough attractions, this beautiful island is well worth a visit. Here's a list with the best luxury hotels in Djerba.
Robinson Djerba Bahiya - All inclusive ****
Very elegant. Located in Djerba, 6 km from Midoun, the luxurious Robinson Djerba Bahiya, All Inclusive is right on the beach. It offers a swimming pool, tennis court and fitness centre. All rooms are en suite and overlook the ocean, gardens or pool.
Modern facilities include air conditioning, a minibar and satellite TV. Choose from a selection of bars and restaurants serving Mediterranean, Tunisian and seafood cuisine.
The relaxation centre offers massages, a hammam and a whirlpool. In the evening you can relax with a drink in the various bars. Free private parking is available on site.
Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Djerba *****
Relaxing atmosphere. Romantic. Cosy rooms. Located on the island of Djerba, this 5-star hotel is a stone's throw from the beach and features a spa and wellness centre. At Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa, enjoy a close connection with nature, both inside and outside your room.
Most rooms have a balcony, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in a private setting. The hotel's typical architecture allows you to immerse yourself in a radically different world and atmosphere: enjoy the arches, fountains and pools of the Hotel Hasdrubal.
With its spa and wellness centre, it is the ideal choice for a relaxing break. Hotel Hasdrubal Djerba is ideally located opposite the casino, close to a 27-hole golf course and 18 km from the airport.
Royal Garden Palace - Families and couples *****
Luxury hotel. Located in Midoun, 300 metres from Sidi Mahrez Beach, Royal Garden Palace - Families and Couples offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Featuring a communal lounge, the property also has a garden and a private beach area.
The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool, evening entertainment and a 24-hour reception. At the hotel, each room is equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safe and a private bathroom with a bidet, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Royal Garden Palace, Families and Couples offers some rooms with pool views, and all rooms have a balcony. Bed linen and towels are provided in all rooms. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the Royal Garden Palace - Families and Couples.
The hotel has a children's playground. You can play table tennis at the Royal Garden Palace - Families and Couples and a car rental service is available. Meridiana Beach is 2.1 km from the accommodation, while Mezraia Beach is 2.1 km away.
Tui Magic Life Plage Penelope ****
Comfortable beds. Cosy rooms. Located in Midoun, 100 metres from Mezraia Beach, TUI MAGIC LIFE Penelope Beach offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor pool and a fitness centre.
Featuring a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, each with a private bathroom.
There is a 24-hour reception, room service and a currency exchange service for guests. At the hotel, each room has a patio with garden views.
At Tui Magic Life Penelope Beach, rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The accommodation provides a continental or buffet breakfast.
Tui Magic Life Penelope Beach offers accommodation with a hot tub and children's playground. You can play table tennis, darts and tennis at the hotel, and a car rental service is available. Sidi Mahrez Beach is 1 km from the Tui Magic Life Penelope Beach.
Hotel Sidi Mansour Resort and Spa Djerba ****
Located less than 600 metres from a beach, Hotel Sidi Mansour Resort And Spa offers rooms with garden views. Located next to Crocodile Park, it offers a free swimming pool and spa centre.
The accommodation is set around 3.1 km from Aqua Park Pirate. Ranch Yassmina Djerba La Douce, can be reached in 10 minutes' drive. A 10-minute walk will take you to the sandy beach. It is just a short walk from the Djerba Golf Club.
Satellite TV, a safe and a balcony are included in every room at this hotel.
Breakfast is served every morning in the restaurant. Nearby restaurants include Café Arts & The.
Gastronomy where and what to eat
Here on the island of Djerba, eating is as important as, say, working or spending time with your family. It goes without saying that no self-respecting Tunisian would dare eat standing up or on the move.
What's more, the majority of local families don't even reheat the leftovers from the last meal, preferring instead to throw them away and cook a new dish. The local cuisine is a mixture of Turkish, Spanish, Carthaginian, French and the island's original culinary traditions.
However, it is good to know that there is no common recipe for every dish; people, not only from different families but also from different towns, cook traditional dishes in their own way, even the famous harissa.
In restaurants, it's more important for customers to feel full than a nice portion, so you'll certainly be pleasantly surprised by the portion sizes.
Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in Djerba:
Le Petit Marin
Le Petit Marin is hard to find but well worth the effort. Few restaurants are located on an abandoned beach and this one is definitely recommended.
Dining at wooden tables shaded by billowing curtains just metres from the azure ocean, Le Petit Marin feels like a little impromptu Club Med, and much cheaper. The service is impeccable and the view is simply phenomenal.
Address: Le Petit Marin, Sidi Jmour, Midoun, Djerba, Tunisia, +21 20 57 57 59
Dar Hassine
In Djerba's capital, Houmt Souk, you'll find an oasis of white and blue at Dar Hassine. A former traditional Tunisian houchor house, this restaurant serves the best couscous and crispiest grilled fish on the island.
For subtle tastes, culinary surprises and soothing surroundings, Dar Hassine is your perfect destination.
The Lagoon
Along a natural harbour near Midoun, hidden away from the concrete jungle of Djerba, lies a little gem of true tranquillity: 'La Lagune'.
The portions are hearty and the grilled fish is extra crispy. Although not a drop of alcohol is served, chefs Adel and Fayçal will make sure you leave their restaurant feeling blissful.
Touareg Tea Room
At the Touareg tea room, enjoy milkshakes and pizzas in cool surroundings. Decorated as if it were a Berber tent or traditional cave, the mint tea here is twice as pleasant and there are also shisha pipes. Regular performances of traditional music are the icing on the cake.
Address: Route de la Lagune, Tezdaine, Djerba, Tunisia, +21 6 75 74 65 00
Lamparo
Dining on the beach with your feet almost in the crystal blue water and a vast sunset on the horizon; what more do you need on holiday? Lamparo knows how to seduce and pamper its guests and everything about this restaurant is fun, beautiful and relaxing.
The smell of grilled fish and prawns will lure you back to Sidi Mansour beach and its heavenly restaurant.
Restaurant Essofra
This distinctive family-run business is all about home, friends and traditional Djerbian cuisine. The original décor, use of local produce and family atmosphere leave you feeling relaxed.
The veranda is the perfect place to enjoy your chorba soup, octopus starter or the delicious Djerbian fish couscous. Finish off with a deliciously sweet mint tea.
Le Moulin
Le Moulin is famous for its egg brik, one of the great classics of North African cuisine. A sort of folded omelette with a runny egg yolk in the middle, this dish is loved by all Tunisians, and Le Moulin prepares the best in Djerba.
Bright, white and blue, with a simple but charming interior, this restaurant will win your heart.
Le Petit Crustacé
Specialising in fish and seafood, Le Petit Crustacé's grilled prawns and creamy fish soup are not to be missed. The entrance porch is welcoming, as are the smells wafting from the kitchen.
Address: Rue du Bac, Ajim, Djerba, Tunisia, +21 6 75 66 11 78
El Majless
The El Majless tea room is located in the tourist area of Djerba in Tunisia. Come and visit this place that has managed to combine all the advantages of a heavenly tea room, with its arabesque decor, soft lighting and original music. You'll find the essence of the Orient in its cosy atmosphere.
El Majless welcomes you in a warm atmosphere where you can discover different flavours of hookah (apple, mint, cherry, melon, coconut, lemon, etc...).
Email address: info@el-majless.com
Telephone numbers: 25 195 990/ 25 195 990
All the best things to do in Djerba
If you're looking for a place that sums up island life, it's Djerba. Just 5km off Tunisia's southern coast, the peninsula's gently sloping sandy beaches and perfect climate have made it a popular stopover for travellers.
The idyllic villages and landscapes make it a must to immerse yourself in Tunisian culture and explore the tourist attractions. Here, we present the must-see things to do in Djerba.
Medina of Houmt Souk
Djerba's old town district, Houmt Souk, is a picturesque maze of alleyways lined with quaint whitewashed houses, making it perfect for a day's wandering, while buying loads of hand-painted pottery, traditional jewellery and colourfully printed carpets.
The purple bougainvilleas growing on the white facades of the houses, against a backdrop of clear blue skies, are an image you'll never forget.
What to look out for: Houmt Souk's overall charm will blow you away.
Address: Houmt Souk, Djerba, Tunisia
Djerba beach
The most beautiful beaches in Tunisia are to be found in Djerba. It's incredible to soak up the sun, get that tan you've always dreamed of and take a relaxing, refreshing dip in the incredibly turquoise waters that surround the island known as 'the island of a thousand palm trees'.
Djerba isn't a top tourist destination for nothing, and if you're looking for the perfect seaside escape, this is it. Sidi Mahrez Beach and Plage de la Séguia are perfect for sunbathing, enjoying the irresistible powdery white sands and the best seafood dishes, it's a treat!
Be sure to bring a good SPF 50 sun cream to protect yourself when you're tanning for hours on end.
Address: Djerba, Tunisia
Ras Rmel (flamingo island)
Ras Rmel is a rather unusual, almost surreal landscape. It's not really an island, but rather a huge wetland. It's an eco-reserve where thousands of pink flamingos congregate.
The combination of the fluorescent pink of the birds and the azure blue of the ocean is magical. From Houmt souk, you can take a boat out to the island, snorkel and swim, take a siesta in the hammocks provided or simply sample the divinely fresh oysters and shells caught by local fishermen.
Look out for the dazzling colours of the sea and the pink flamingos.
Address: Ras Rmel, Djerba, Tunisia
Guellala
When you buy beautiful painted pottery in the Houmt souk, chances are it was made in the village of Guellala, Djerba's main pottery centre.
Some 450 potters live and work here, and a visit to one of their workshops is a breathtaking experience; the way the clay is shaped to form these beautiful amphorae or storage jars is a true art form.
Most of Guellala's inhabitants are Berbers, and their traditions and culture are evident everywhere, making Guellala one of the most real and authentic villages in Tunisia.
Don't miss the beautifully hand-crafted tajines.
Address: Guellala, Médenine, Djerba, Tunisia
El-Ghriba
The El-Ghriba synagogue is a wonderful intermezzo when discovering the village of Er-Riadh, in the centre of Djerba. It is the most striking reminder of the island's Jewish community, which has lived in Er-Riadh since 586 BC, and remains an important place of pilgrimage for Jews from all over the world.
Although not very impressive from the outside, the interior of El-Ghriba is a rich mix of blue tiles warmed by the sunlight streaming in through coloured glass windows. The Torah scrolls kept in this synagogue are among the most important and precious in the world.
To remember: the peaceful, religious atmosphere
Address: El-Ghriba, Hara Sghira, Er Riadh, Médenine, Djerba, Tunisia
Crocodile farm
This is the largest crocodile farm in the Mediterranean region. You can't miss seeing larger-than-life crocodiles, especially if you have children on holiday.
More than 400 of these creatures have been imported from the Nile and Madagascar and live in a tropical zoological environment, beautifully designed with exotic plants, ponds and papyrus. Make sure you're there at mealtimes; scary times and excited children are guaranteed.
Opening hours: 9 am - 8 pm
Warning: crocodiles
Address: Crocodile Farm, Midoun, Djerba, Tunisia, +21 6 75 74 52 77
Midoun
Midoun is a large market town, the largest in Djerba and famous for its lively Friday market.
Surrounded by orchards and date palms, Midoun's medina is made up of narrow streets and beautiful houses with typical Arab doors and lush flowers hanging from the balconies.
The town also boasts an excellent gastronomic scene, with cuisine inspired by a myriad of cultures, including Spanish, French, Moroccan and Sudanese.
Look out for the different colours and shapes of the beautiful doors on Midoun's houses.
Address: Midoun, Djerba, Tunisia
Sleep in a traditional Tunisian 'houch
A houch is a traditional house in Djerba. A houch or several houchs, along with wells for farming, make up a Menzel. A family and its extended family live in the Menzel. It's a concept, a houch is something unique that makes up the island.
It is generally a single-storey, whitewashed house with windows overlooking the inner courtyard. The agricultural component of Menzel is made up of vegetation, olive trees and swaying palm trees. In a word: a dream.
If you want to experience real Tunisian life, you absolutely must spend the night in a traditional houch. Usually part of a larger menzel or shared house, these comfortable, charming and typically Djerbian troglodyte rooms immediately give you a sense of peace and rest.
These 'Menzels' give Djerba its unique and charming personality and are a must for any visitor.
Watch out for the soothing calm of the thick walls, patio and surroundings of the houch.
Address: Everywhere in Djerba.
Watch the sunset at Borj Djillidj
Near the village of Ajim, where some of the scenes from Star Wars were filmed, lies Borj Djillidj, where you can watch the most beautiful sunsets.
The quiet little port where traditional fishermen return home after catching octopus and fish is the calmest and most serene place to observe the beauty of this world.
What to see: the pure serenity of a breathtaking sunset.
Address: Borj Djillidj, near Ajim, Médenine, Djerba, Tunisia
The Ulysse International Festival in Djerba
French- and Arabic-speaking visitors will have a great time at the Festival Ulysse de Djerba, held every year from July to August. Plays, musical performances and film screenings in the bustling streets and welcoming squares of Houmt Souk create a real party atmosphere.
Don't worry if you don't have the gift of languages, you'll feel the atmosphere and enjoy it all the same. Mix with the crowd and let the current carry you along.
Don't miss the performances by Djerba's art students.
Address: Houmt Souk, Djerba, Tunisia
Strolling through the narrow streets of Djerbahood
Djerbahood has been compared to a magnificent open-air museum, an attractive district that forms part of the island of Djerba in Tunisia and which was renovated in 2014.
Several street artists (around 150) from all over the world were invited to create 250 murals in the district. The result is a magnificent open-air museum.
Take a stroll through the district and you'll be impressed by the colours that stand out against the white buildings. These murals are not only complemented by the white walls, but also by the bougainvillea and colourful doors that surround them. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Djerba, Tunisia, and one you won't want to miss.
Address: Hara Sghira Er Riadh, Tunisia
Tour of the Gazi Mustafa Fortress
Located next to the fishing port of Houmt Souk, this majestic fortress was built in 1289 by an admiral from Aragon and Sicily. The fortress boasts stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea and an imposing structure. Immerse yourself in this antiquity and its astonishing history.
It was built to defend the surrounding area from pirate raids. And it served its purpose well until it was attacked by the cruel pirate Dragut Reis, who slaughtered the entire fortress garrison. And with the heads of the dead, he built a great pyramid.
This enormous pyramid remained standing until 1848, when the French dismantled it. Now there is a monument there, a reminder of the pirate's terrible atrocity.
You can also take an excursion from the island into the most majestic of the Sahara deserts, accompanied of course by an experienced tourist guide.
Sidi Maharès beach
Djerba's most popular beach is Plage Sidi Maharès, on the island's north-east coast. It's the ideal place to relax and soak up the sun after strolling through the souks and shopping for ceramics.
It is the oldest beach on the island and therefore the most developed.
The sand is lined with numerous resorts, most of which have claimed a private patch of sand. You'll find a good choice of restaurants and cafés along its length, and you'll have no trouble finding sun loungers, deckchairs and parasols for hire.
This is a very family-friendly stretch of sand with plenty to do, from camel and horse rides along the sand to water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, ideal if the younger members of the family want more than just a day of sun, sand and sea.
The sandy shoreline stretches for around 13 kilometres to the promontory of Ras Tourgueness, home to an old-fashioned lighthouse.
Djerba Explore Park
The Djerba Explore park is located on the island's coastal road, 20 kilometres east of the Houmt souk. The complex includes the Lalla Hadria Museum and the Djerba Explore crocodile farm.
The custom-built, contemporary Lalla Hadria Museum is dedicated to cultural heritage and Islamic art. It contains an impressive collection of over 1,000 pieces in 15 galleries.
Exhibitions of traditional clothing and costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries, Tunisian ceramics, religious objects and antique textiles illustrate the diversity of Islamic art produced by the nations of North Africa and the Middle East.
Next to the museum is the Djerba Explore crocodile farm, a small nature park where you can see over 100 crocodiles basking in and around a specially created lagoon area.
Address: Route Touristique, Midoun
Visit and discover the mosques of Djerba
Hunt out one of Djerba's 380 mosques. In fact, this beautiful island had 365 mosques. The idea was that Djerbians (the island's inhabitants) would have a different mosque to pray in every day. Today, Djerba has 380 mosques. Twenty of these mosques are actually underground.
Take a drive and stop at an underground mosque. Going inside is a unique experience in Djerba.
In 1989, AUC students and three ITAAUT students travelled to the island of Djerba under the guidance of Professor Stanley Ira Hallet, assisted by Professor Ali Djerbi, and spent a week documenting the magnificent white mosques that dot the landscape of Djerba, the island which, according to legend, is the mysterious island of the Lotophagus in the Odyssey.
The pupils chose to draw five mosques. Their drawings show the profound complexity of this architecture, where the sacred and the profane coexist harmoniously.
The mosques are set in carefully irrigated gardens. Their minarets dominate the palm groves. The poor materials used for construction give rise to monolithic forms which, when combined, create a space housing the traditional places of prayer and the platform that delimits the open space of the sacred place.
Séguia Beach
This five-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach lies between Aghir and Ras Lalla Hadria, 25 kilometres south-east of Houmt Souk, in the area now known as the tourist zone.
It's a pleasant place to spend the day, with a slightly less developed shoreline than Plage Sidi Maharès, but with all the services you need for a full day at the beach, including water sports operators and beach activities such as camel and horse rides for beachgoers who need something else to do.
Sun umbrellas, deckchairs and sun loungers are available for hire along the shore, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafés for a quick bite to eat.
In recent years, more and more resorts have opened here, particularly along the southern end of the beach.
It's a good choice for tourists looking for a less crowded beach, although on summer weekends expect there to be lots of other people on the beach with you.
Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum
This interesting little museum is the place to come if you want to dig a little deeper under the skin of Djerba's seaside resort.
The galleries, though small, feature an impressive number of exhibits, all focusing on Djerba's local heritage and the exploration and preservation of the island's cultural traditions.
As well as exhibits devoted to the island's history, there are well-designed displays on Djerba's Jewish heritage, as well as fascinating displays of bright traditional costumes, beautiful antique jewellery, ancient ceramics and extravagantly carved wedding chests.
The museum is located next to the magnificent 18th-century zawiya of Sidi Zitouni. Visitors can also enter this mausoleum to admire its impressive ceilings adorned with stalactites.
Address: Avenue Abdel Hamid el Kadhi, Houmt Souk
Bordj el Kebir
A fort has overlooked the port of Houmt Souk since the 13th century.
The original building was reinforced in the 15th century, but was replaced in the 16th century when the notorious privateer Dragut built the imposing fortress of Bordj el Kebir to watch over the bay.
Extensive restoration work has been carried out on the building since the 1960s to preserve it.
If you take a walk here, you'll have a great view of the port of Houmt Souk.
Between the port and the fort, you'll see a small obelisk commemorating the pyramid of skulls that Dragut erected here.
Address: Rue Ulysse, Houmt Souk
Pirate boat cruise
The pirate's boats or a visit to the island of the pink flamingos is a must-do adventure in Djerba. In recent years, this excursion has become one of the most popular tourist activities in Djerba...
Several departures are available daily from the tourist port of Marina Houmt Souk. It is advisable to book in advance, although you may still find a few places available on the spot. Service quality and prices vary from boat to boat.
Generally speaking, this excursion can be booked at the hotel for between €25 and €35.
We invite you to experience this excursion with the boats with the best reputations and quality of service.
Excursion programme:
At 9 a.m. the boat leaves the marina, one-on-one with the sea in a pleasant musical atmosphere.
During the trip, a number of activities will be on offer. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see and photograph dolphins. You'll also be treated to a traditional fishing session.
On the island of Flamands, you'll have time to swim and soak up the sun. At midday, enjoy a delicious breakfast in pleasant surroundings. The menu includes : Tunisian salad, Tunisian couscous in a brick, grilled fish, cola, mint tea, seasonal fruit.
After lunch, you can either attend an entertainment session or head back to the beach.
At 2 p.m., it's time to head back to the tourist port of Houmet Souk.
The package includes :
- Transfer between the hotel and the tourist port of Houmt Souk
- A trip on a large pirate ship
- breakfast
Price :
- Individual price: 20 euros / person.
- Price for a couple: 38 euros.
- Price for 2 adults and a child: 49 euros.
- 2 Adults and children: 59 euros. (9 euros if there is an additional child).
- Additional transport Zarzis Djerba Zarzis 8 € / person.
Kitesurfing lesson
Experience kitesurfing with a 2-hour private or group lesson in Djerba, whose constant winds and wide beach make it one of Tunisia's most legendary kitesurfing destinations.
Learn how to control your kite and stay safe, practise manoeuvres, then get on the board; try the sport for the first time, or hone your technique with an expert instructor.
Take to the water with brand new equipment and an IKO-certified instructor, cruise along the Djerba coast and discover Tunisia's most exciting water sport.
Itinerary
Enjoy a convenient pick-up from your Djerba hotel and transfer to a private resort for your kitesurfing lesson. Once you're at the resort, meet your expert instructor.
Learn a little about kite surfing, a combination of paragliding, windsurfing and wakeboarding with a bit of gymnastics and surfing thrown in.
Practice a little on the beach before taking to the waves with your guide. All the necessary equipment is provided and you'll enjoy the individual attention of your instructor during this private lesson.
It's a tough sport to learn, and you'll enjoy relaxing on the resort's beach after a few hours of hard work.
Return to the water when you're ready to finish your lesson, then take transport back to your hotel for the return journey.
Safari in the Sahara Desert departing from Djerba.
Tour details
Spend the night in a luxury tented camp in the Tunisian Sahara Desert, explore and visit the incredible underground troglodytes of Matmata. This tour brings the dazzling Sahara to life.
Visit Douz, also known as the gateway to the Sahara, and enjoy the bustling markets and variety of handicrafts.
Spend an unforgettable night in a luxury tented camp in the Sahara Desert. Complete your Sahara experience with a drive through the unique architecture of the south.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Djerba - Douz)
The tour begins with a transfer from your hotel/accommodation in Djerba to Douz in a private 4×4 vehicle.
Lunch and then on to Douz. Visit Douz, also known as the gateway to the Sahara, and enjoy the lively markets and variety of handicrafts.
Spend a famous night in a luxury tented camp in the desert. Complete your Sahara experience with a drive through the unique architecture of the south.
Your adventure begins with a stunning view, passing from lands of green palm trees to golden sand dunes. Continue through the immense and charming dunes.
Dine at the campsite and enjoy the night drumming around the campfire.
Check-in for a night at the luxury Tembaine Sahara Desert camp.
Day 2 (Douz - Djerba)
Breakfast at the campsite, then off to Matmata for an underground troglodyte tour, followed by lunch in an underground Berber house.
Transfer back to Djerba
Exclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off in other towns (can be arranged)
- Tips (optional)
Camel ride on the island of Djerba
All about the excursion
You will be picked up from your hotel in Djerba and driven to the park where you will be greeted by staff and given all the equipment you need to start your camel adventure. Visit the club, where you will begin the fascinating experience of riding a camel through the lagoon and Berber villages.
Enjoy a wonderful natural environment as you travel safely through the magnificent landscapes that characterise this region. The ride can be adapted for experienced riders or beginners and your professional guide will ensure that your ride is comfortable and safe.
This is a unique experience where noble camels and relaxing landscapes meet, offering special moments to share with your loved ones.
Included in the price
- Safety briefing
- Professional guide
- Free bottle of water
- Transport to and from the hotel
Horse riding experience at Djerba lagoon
All about the trip
You'll be collected from your hotel in Djerba and driven to the park where you'll be greeted by staff and given all the equipment you need to start your horse-riding adventure. Visit the club, where you will begin the fascinating experience of riding through the lagoon and Berber villages.
Enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings as you ride safely through the magnificent landscape that characterises this region.
The ride can be adapted for experienced riders or beginners and your professional guide will ensure that your ride is comfortable and safe.
This is a unique experience where noble horses and relaxing landscapes meet, offering special moments to share with your loved ones.
Segway guided tour in Djerba
All about the trip
Discover the emblematic sites of the island of Djerba by Segway. Start your tour with a meet and greet, then equip yourself with headphones, high-visibility waistcoats and helmets. Then enjoy a short training session before setting off on your guided tour. Glide along the route, passing exciting attractions.
Admire the beautiful surroundings as you listen to the guide's informative commentary. There's plenty to see and you'll have time to stop and take photos of the iconic sites.
Once you've seen the highlights of the island, head to an open area for some free time on the Segways before returning to your starting point.
What's included in the price
- Helmet
- Segway
- Professional tour guide
- Free bottle of water
- Transport to and from the hotel
- Equipment and safety briefing
Quad bike excursion on the island of Djerba
All about the excursion
Enjoy a 3-hour quad bike excursion on the island of Djerba, adapted to your level of experience. Pass through villages before reaching the beach and the Laguna.
Wind your way through a village of eucalyptus and prickly pear trees, surrounded by magnificent scenery. All rides are carried out with high-quality equipment for optimum safety.
A guide will also accompany you throughout the excursion. Quad biking on the island of Djerba guarantees you nothing but positive emotions and unforgettable impressions. Get ready for the most memorable experience of your life.
Jet ski and dolphin watching boat trip in Djerba
Description
The Jet Ski experience in Djerba is an activity available between March and October every year! This one and a half hour jet ski tour gives you the opportunity to cruise around the deep blue sea in search of dolphins!
Yes, dolphins! These marvellous animals will take you in as soon as they hear the noise of your machines and offer you a unique and unforgettable spectacle.
In recent years, dolphins have been regularly observed in their natural environment. We offer you the opportunity to share in the joy we feel every time we meet this wonderful animal.
The discovery of the big blue is an exceptional one-and-a-half-hour adventure in a natural environment of the most reserved and small turquoise waves.
Depending on your tastes, you can enjoy this adventure by jet ski or by boat.
The southern Mediterranean is full of wonders.
So, whether you're with friends or family, we invite you to discover them at Djerba's nautical centre in an exceptional 1 hour and 30 minute adventure.
Highlights:
- Admire the superb views of Djerba's coastline.
- Have fun in the deep blue sea, whether you're on your own, with friends, as a couple or with the family.
- Experience adrenalin-fuelled moments aboard a 110 hp jet.
- Try your luck at meeting dolphins in the open sea and take their photo.
- Take advantage of a free return transfer provided by our team.
- Enjoy a 1h30 jet ski experience in Djerba
Djerba Golf Club
Midoun Djerba
The Djerba Golf Club was designed by Martin Hawtree and opened in November 1994. The 120-hectare Djerba Golf Club course stretches over 27 holes between date palms, acacias and brackish-water ponds.
Some fairways are no more than 40 metres wide and the course ends at the seafront.
Bars and nightlife in Djerba
Bars are a relatively new concept in Djerba, although there are some old favourites frequented by expatriates and regular visitors. Generally quiet, they come alive at weekends with live music, good-value food and a reasonable drinks menu.
The best nightlife revolves around the upmarket hotels, where you'll find bars, nightclubs and karaoke lounges. Dress is smart casual and entry is free for hotel guests.
Relax over cocktails at the Sunset Beach Bar
If a view of the beach under straw parasols, accompanied by colourful cocktails, is your favourite way to relax after dark on your holiday in Tunisia, then the Sunset Beach Bar in Madanin is sure to please.
It's a place that's become a favourite with visitors from the four corners of the world, with a vast cool box built into the bar where refreshing bottles of beer await.
So you can brush up on your local music knowledge and dance barefoot on the sand if you feel like it.
Sing your heart out at Club 66
While wine bars and cosy cafés that turn into live music venues at night are commonplace in Djerba, Club 66 is the island's karaoke centre. As such, it's popular with locals, but you and your holiday companions can sing the classics here just as well.
You're right by the sea if water is your muse, but you're just as likely to be inspired by the cheap beers at this playfully decorated venue.
With a good mix of modern tunes and classics, you can pick new Tunisian favourites and sing the night away.
Dance the night away at Texas City Djerba
In the centre of Madanin, you'll find Texas City Djerba. This is one of the few nightclubs on the island. Parties here are loud and lively, bathed in warm purple neon lights, while the DJs spin fantastic tunes, drawing inspiration from both modern hits and local favourites.
If you're feeling peckish, grab some snacks or a big steak, and stay for the cocktails. You'll find specials across the menu and the way they mix your drinks is as lively as it gets.
Le Cyclone
Le Cyclone is located inside the Green Palm hotel. Here you can dance to a DJ playing the latest hits.
Useful information
- Address: Hotel Green Palm, Djerba
- Telephone: +216 2026 2020
Chichkhan
This is the place for a relaxed evening activity. At Chichkhan, you can choose from a variety of alcoholic drinks, teas and fruity water pipes.
The oriental decor and comfortable sofas will make your visit unforgettable.
Useful information
- Address: Route de Midoun, Djerba
- Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday: 7.00-2.00
- Telephone: + 216 75765793
La Taverne Djerba
This bar and bistro is located in the Hôtel Haroun and invites you to spend an evening in a warm atmosphere. The lounge's dimly lit setting and soft background music make it the ideal place to linger over a cocktail or two.
Useful information
- Address: Route Sidi Zekri, Djerba
- More info: Located at Hôtel Haroun
- Telephone number: +216 54 060 606
Shopping in Djerba
Souk means market in Arabic, and you absolutely must visit one of them in Houmt Souk, which is the island's capital. Everything between heaven and earth is sold here. Goods ranging from tools to raw meat are common sights.
The market is one of the few places where the female population can be seen. Only the men can be seen in the cafés and around the small villages.
The villages are home to local artisans, including potters and ceramists, carpets, baskets and leather goods, to name but a few. The richness of ol