The island of Djerba is one of the most famous and perhaps the most beautiful of the islands of Tunisia. This island is known for its stunning beaches and dramatic sunsets. It is connected to the mainland by a road that was built by the Romans in a place where the sea was only 1 meter deep. There are also ferry services between Djerba and some Tunisian port cities.
Some of the original inhabitants of Djerba are said to have been local Berbers (Djerba is one of the few places in Tunisia where the Berber language is still spoken), black slaves and Jews who fled Jerusalem around 100 BC . The families of the Jewish priests even moved one of the temple gates to Djerba, to El Ghriba, one of the many synagogues in Djerba. It is the oldest synagogue, as it is over 2000 years old!
Djerba is a major tourist resort, which originally had names such as Lotophagi Island, Philadelphia Island and finally Meninx Island Djirba. From the last name the current name Djerba appeared.
According to Greek mythology, Djerba was the home of unique lotuses. During Homer's Odyssey while sailing the Mediterranean, Ulysses nearly lost his men when beautiful maidens on an island fed them lotus flowers. The men stranded on Djerba were so pleasantly intoxicated by the lotus that Odysseus could not find a way to force them to return to their ships!
It is worth noting that throughout its history, Djerba belonged to many states:
1135-1158 and 1284-1333 - Kingdom of Sicily
1521-1524 and 1551-1560 - Spain
1560-1881 - Türkiye
1881-1956 - France
Between 1995 and 2000, more than 400 archaeological sites were discovered in Djerba, including many Punic and Roman villas.
Ancient mosques and synagogues, bustling markets, Roman ruins, charming villages famous for their pottery, the fortress of Borj el-Kebir and the colorful main town of Houmt Souk with its maze of streets, fishing port, marina, white houses and tempting cafes - there's more to it. than enough to understand that you can have an unforgettable holiday on the island of Djerba in Tunisia!
Where is the island of Djerba
The island of Djerba on the map is located in North Africa. The map of Djerba clearly shows that the island is located very close to Tunisia. Djerba is connected to the rest of the country by a dam along which buses run and a ferry service.
Also on the map of Djerba you can see that there are 2 big cities: Houmt-Suk and Ajim. Besides them, there is another significant town, such as Midoun. The map also shows the airport, which is located in the northwestern part of the island. It can also be seen that maximum height above sea level here reaches 53 meters.
Holidays on the island of Djerba
The island of Djerba in Tunisia has become an important holiday destination in recent years. Holidays on the island of Djerba in Tunisia are an unforgettable experience.
Rising prices, complex clauses and difficult task travel to Djerba prevents many families from visiting this amazing island. But why talk yourself out of visiting this island if you know you love it? Moreover, now Djerba has become noticeably closer to Russian tourists, since Russian tour operators offered charter flights to this island in 2016.
Djerba, the Island of Oblivion, is the largest island in North Africa. It nests like a jewel in the Gulf of Gabes. The island is rich in natural beauty and has a long and interesting history.
About 300 sunny days per year and more than 100 km of coastline - this is what attracts those looking for paradise to Djerba. Also known as the “land of dreams,” the island is believed to have been created by nature “to captivate the imagination of the human soul.”
The largest city and capital of the province is Houmt Souk. Its population is about 60 thousand inhabitants. Houmt Souk delights tourists with its intricate streets, rich in oriental treasures.
Small cafes add provincial charm to the city and the entire island. The local bazaar is a great place to buy clothes worn by many local women. Blankets have been prepared here since the time of Hannibal.
Connected to the rest of Tunisia by a long causeway, the island of Djerba has many small towns that invite exploration. El Mae is a colorful market and Fatu is where beautiful wicker baskets and carpets are made. In the city of Guellala you can find exquisite ceramics. All tiny towns are located in natural places, surrounded by lush vegetation of individual oases. The mosques, which are built in large numbers in Djerba, have a variety of shapes and unique character. Amazingly, white houses built in the traditional domed style appear like pearls between modern houses and hotels.
The rich history of Djerba began with the formation of the ancient Roman city of Gerba. The island is home to more than seven thousand olive trees, some of which are over three thousand years old.
Roman statues and Byzantine mosaics fascinate visitors. Djerba is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Grib Synagogue has been preserved here since 586 BC.
Djerba is home to sophisticated, modern holiday resorts on the north and east coasts. These tourist "palaces" are built to blend modern and natural beauty in a tranquil setting.
Horse riding, golfing, mountain biking, paragliding are just a few of the activities that await you in Djerba. Water sports available here all year round include jet skiing, diving, paragliding, banana boat, jet skis, catamarans, etc. Light breezes during the holiday season allow children to frolic safely in the calm azure waters.
As you explore the island, you can find very interesting attractions such as a museum, a local cultural center and a crocodile farm that even breeds Nile crocodiles.
Excursions in Djerba
Excursions in Djerba are not as varied as, for example, in Hammamet, Sousse or Monastir. But if you are ready to travel long distances for excursions, then a huge scope opens up for you.
The simplest, paradoxically, is an excursion to the Sahara from Djerba. The thing is that from Djerba to the city of Douz, which is considered the “Gateway of the Sahara,” the journey is much shorter than from other resort regions. But, nevertheless, during such an excursion you will only be able to visit the Sahara and see the underground dwellings of the Berbers in the Matmata area. All others interesting objects, such as the Colosseum in El Jem, the Mosque in Kairouan, the Shebika oasis, you will not see.
Longer excursions include trips to Carthage (the longest excursion), Dougga, Kairouan, El Jem and Sidi Bou Said. These areas are located much north of Djerba, so it will take a very long time to get to them. If you want to explore all the most significant sites in Tunisia, then it would probably be better to book a hotel room for a few days in a city that is close to these attractions, for example in Hammamet or Sousse. From here you can quickly get to Carthage, Tunis, Sidi Bou Said and other interesting places.
But you should not ignore the island of Djerba itself, as it has so many attractions that it is impossible to see them in one day.
Djerba Airport
Djerba Airport (Zarzis International Airport) is the main transport hub for all visitors to the island of Djerba, which is one of the most unique tourist places in Tunisia and enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. You can rent a car right at the airport and start your travels around the island.
The airport is located nine kilometers west of the city of Houmt Souk. It was commissioned in 1970 to improve the tourist attraction of the island of Djerba. The facility covers an area of 295 hectares and has a capacity of 4 million passengers per year. Its activities are mainly related to the delivery of tourists coming to relax in Djerba and in the surrounding areas. The terminal has an area of 73,000 square meters. A new terminal building with an area of 57,000 square meters was also recently built. on three levels.
It is worth noting that Zarzis International Airport has many amenities and staff who ensure that tourists feel comfortable. For passengers with disabilities there are ramps and designated parking areas and toilets, while mothers with children are provided with special rooms with changing tables.
Djerba Airport has many restaurants for those looking to grab a bite to eat, as well as duty-free shops to buy something for your trip or as a gift. If you require assistance, English-speaking staff can contact the main terminal help desk for any questions.
Houmt Souk
Houmt Souk is the only place in Djerba that is truly a city. At the same time, by the standards of Tunisia, Houmt Souk is a rather large city. Houmt Souk is located next to the sea and is surrounded by beautiful and lively markets. There are two main markets here: one for selling souvenirs and the other for selling food products. Houmt Souk has quite a few outdoor cafes where both Tunisians and tourists relax.
One might say that Houmt Souk has already become a tourist town, but this is only partly true. Still, the city has not yet lost its flavor. Among the foreigners here, most of them are German tourists, although Russian voices can be heard in all corners of the city.
Houmt Souk is quite different from any other Tunisian city south of Sidi Bou Said, which can be considered as its brother.
What amazed me was the opportunity to spend a night for $10 (maximum) in a unique guest house. An unforgettable experience awaits you. I myself have stayed in such a “hotel” with rooms with vaulted ceilings, lots of green plants and flowers in the area and a small pool in the center.
Burj El Kebir
Burj El Kebir, sometimes called the Ghazi Mustaf Tower, has had many owners over the years. The Romans began construction of this fortress on the island of Djerba. Only the King of Sicily, Roger de Luria, built the first real fortress here in 1289.
In 1560, the Spaniards (who had replaced the Sicilians here earlier) were expelled by Ottoman forces. Hundreds, if not thousands of skulls of Spanish soldiers are still kept in the tower.
Most of the fort was restored by the Turks, and therefore little remains in the same form in which the Sicilians built the fortress.
Synagogue in Djerba
The small community of Khara Sghira is not very remarkable. This is the main street with some grocery stores and two cafes. But there is a mosque here, built in a typical Djerba style. It is also often called the Grib Synagogue. This synagogue is the center of Jews in North Africa. It is the place where "a stone fell from the sky, and where miracles were performed when the sanctuary was once built." In the old days it was Holy place until 1400. The present building is no more than 75 years old. The hostels for pilgrims here are rarely full, but pilgrims from many countries still come here.
Non-Jews can also visit the synagogue if they leave a small gift (money). The interior is only slightly more interesting than the modest exterior.
Relations between the 100 or so Jews and the Muslim majority appear to be improving, but Jews in Djerba are considered very conservative, so they face anti-Jewish acts very often. The last time such an incident occurred was in 1985, when three fans were shot in a synagogue.
Turkish Mother Mosque
The appearance of the Turkish Mother Mosque is somewhat disappointing, mainly due to the blatant petrol station a few meters away. Many photographers who cannot go inside because they are not Muslims must cut out the wires strung above the mosque, leading to neighboring houses, as well as the red gas station that dominates the background, in order to get a more or less normal photo of the mosque.
The mosque in its current form is small but very beautiful. The minaret is no more than 5-6 meters in size, and all the walls are white, like a cake covered with cream.
The village of El Maya is quite calm, but during rush hour the main road is slightly crowded with cars. El Mai Market is a small and cozy bazaar, which is located about 200 meters from the Turkish Mother Mosque.
Underground oil presses
Somewhat less exotic today are oil presses. Imagine that previously a camel was used for this purpose, walking in a circle and squeezing out olive oil. But now the camel has "retired" and a simple machine does the job. However, there are underground oil presses in Djerba, reminiscent of those in the Matmata area. The oil presses were placed underground to take care of humidity, which is vital for olive oil production during the winter. Today, the city of Midoun has one underground oil press, which can be viewed during the winter months (November to January).
Midoun City is too close to the Tourist Area, so people here have long been accustomed to being photographed and lightly dressed by foreign tourists. Visitors mainly go to local shops to buy regular souvenirs. The town returns to its old life on Fridays, which is market day.
In books and guidebooks about Tunisia, Djerba does not devote much space and information. But this does not mean that the island is a depressed industrial area or a tourist outsider. On the contrary, Djerba (Tunisia) readily welcomes guests all year round. One might even say that in recent years tourism has replaced traditional carpet weaving in terms of profitability. But for many people, the island, lost near the Libyan border, is “terra incognito.” We will try to tell here about this idyllic corner, where, according to legend, among date groves and beaches with the purest sand, Odysseus forgot everything in the world in the arms of the nymph Calypso. Let’s just say that in order to relax and lose the sense of time in Djerba, you don’t need any mermaids, because the gentle sea, thalassotherapy procedures and the hospitality of the locals will do their job.
Geography
The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is small. Its length is only 29 kilometers, and its width is even less - a maximum of 28 km. Also, this piece of land is not high, it rises above the sea by only 55 meters. When we say “island,” we adhere to a clear geographical definition, although in order to get there you don’t have to sail at all. It comes so close to the mainland that it is connected to it by a bridge. Moreover, this jumper is not an achievement of modern engineering. The bridge was built by the ancient Romans more than two thousand years ago. The island is washed on all sides by azure waters. The coastline of Djerba is 130 kilometers of excellent beaches. The main town of the island is Houmt Souk, which is lively shopping mall southern Tunisia. Djerba exports not only wonderfully crafted carpets, but also sponges, soap, pottery and fish.
Climate
The North African heat, softened by the fresh breath of the Atlantic Ocean, promises you excellent Djerba, thanks to its geographical location, boasts that the temperature on the island is always 2-3 degrees higher than on the mainland. And yet this is not Egypt. Despite the assurances of travel agencies that you can sunbathe and swim in Djerba all year round, there is a “low season” here. These are three winter months. The coldest time is January. The air temperature stays at +15°C, and in February and December - +17°C. The best time for a holiday in Djerba, reviews call the off-season with their comfortable +22-26°C. Mediterranean climate created various landscapes on a small island. The lush greenery of olive and date groves here contrasts with the desert landscapes.
"Land of Lotophagi"
The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is so beautiful that it is not surprising that many legends circle around it. Homer invented the first one. From the Odyssey we learn that Ulysses sailed from the burning Troy and, after long adventures, reached a deserted shore inhabited by inhabitants who knew no grief. They ate lotus flowers that grew in abundance here. For this, Odysseus called the island “the land of lot eaters.” The brave navigator met the nymph Calypso here. She gave him nectar to drink from, and this drug intoxicated Odysseus so much that he forgot the purpose of his journey and remained on the island (in love bliss, of course) for seven whole years. Homer gives the island the name Oligia. It is not difficult to believe in this myth, because even today the atmosphere reigning in Djerba is saturated with a certain intoxicating sweet ether. Already on the second day, even the most collected and pedantic person loses the sense of time and plunges into blissful languor.
Story
In reality, everything was somewhat more prosaic, but no less interesting. The discoverers of the island were the Phoenicians. In the distant eighth century BC they brought here the beginnings of trade and crafts. But Tunisia, the island of Djerba and the oases of Western Sahara were inhabited by local Barbary tribes. They have still retained their identity, although they coexist side by side with other nationalities of the country. The island received a powerful economic boost during the reign of the Roman Empire. An embankment bridge was built across a two-kilometer strait, connecting Djerba to the mainland. The island is the small homeland of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. Later, Tunisia was ruled by the Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, and Turks. In the 16th century the name thundered here scary pirate Drogut Reis, who had one of his bases on the island. There is an opinion that the filibuster hid his treasures somewhere here. In 1560, a pirate erected a tower of five thousand skulls of his enemies. Borj el-Rus stood until 1848, after which it was dismantled and the human remains were buried.
How to get there
Hotels on the island of Djerba (Tunisia) attract travelers, but the road to them, especially from our penates, can be long. IN high season Nouvelair airline operates charter flights from Russia. But at other times you will have to travel with transfers. The local airport, Djerba-Zarzis, regularly receives only domestic flights. You can fly to the capital of the state, the city of Tunis, and then take advantage of one of the offers of local airlines (a one-way ticket will cost about one hundred dinars). The journey in the “luazh”, an intercity minibus, will be longer, but four times cheaper. They move away from the stops as they fill up. An alternative to them are buses. More expensive, but comfortable, with air conditioning. And they go on schedule.
Tunisia, Djerba Island: hotels
The hotel base of the local resorts allows a wide variety of categories of tourists to relax. Most hotels are concentrated on the northern and western coasts, as well as in the city of Houmt Souk. At the south-eastern tip of the island, the excellent resort of Midoun thrives. If we consider hotels by star rating, then the vast majority are “fours”. Moreover, the quality of service in them exceeds the Turkish “five”. Here you can find both well-known chain hotels in Europe (Magic Life, Iberostar, Caribbean World and others), as well as local ones, with a unique flavor and buildings in the Barbary style. Five-star hotels in Djerba (Tunisia) offer their guests life-giving thalassotherapy courses. These are such oases of bliss as Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Prestige, Ulysse Palace, Movenpick Ulysse, Vincci Al Kantara, Radisson Blu. Among the worthy “three rubles” we can recommend Miramar, Garden Park, Mehari and Palma.
Popular excursions
The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is a unique place where the Christian West and Muslim East, African beliefs and Jewish wisdom intertwine. Here, as if in a time machine, you can go to the medieval medina and wander for hours along the shady narrow streets. Tourists are offered a large number of excursions both around the island and mainland Tunisia. Which one to choose? Reviews highly praise the organized two-day trip to the Sahara with a stop at the Barbary settlements of Ksar and the Tataouine area. By the way, those who watched the epic “Star Wars” will probably recognize in this desert landscape a fictional planet with the same name. Yes, Tataouine was filmed here, and at the same time they borrowed the name. Children will be interested in visiting the crocodile farm and the Laguna Nature Reserve, where lotuses grow and flocks live pink flamingos. You will have unforgettable impressions after visiting the lunar landscapes of Matmata.
Independent travel
It should be noted right away that taxi prices here are higher than in the mainland of Tunisia. The island of Djerba is small, but its attractions are still far from each other. If you are lucky enough to be holidaying in Houmt Souk, go to the medina. That's what it's called in countries Arab world a walled medieval quarter. Besides the bustling places where you can buy beautiful jewelry, embossing, carpets and pottery, you will see many characteristic houses with white walls and domed roofs. These are “menzels” - the traditional dwellings of the inhabitants of Djerba. Thanks to this design of the building, it always remains cool. In the labyrinths of the medina there are also three main mosques that are worth visiting: Jamaa Ettruk, Esh Sheikh and Jemaa el Ghorba. But the main attraction of the old city is the Borj el-Kebir fortress. In the Jewish town of Hara-Segira is the oldest synagogue, La Griba (Amazing). According to legend, she is already two thousand six hundred years old. And in the town of Meninx the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement have been preserved.
Souvenirs
What to bring as a souvenir of the island of Djerba (Tunisia)? Reviews advise, in addition to carpets, to buy excellent local wines. The French colonialists instilled a taste for fine drinks in the local population, so you won't be disappointed. Palm trees grow everywhere on the island, so alcoholic drinks are made from dates. A bottle of liqueur will be very useful, as will a package of excellent olive oil. For exotic lovers, we recommend buying a melhafa, a traditional orange striped bedspread, at the bazaar in the medina. Fine ceramics are sold in the town of Gellale.
The island of Djerba is located in the Mediterranean Sea in the Gulf of Gabes. This is one of the most popular resorts in Tunisia. The area of the island is 514 sq. km, the population is 140 thousand people. It is believed that it was on Djerba that Odysseus was held captive by the nymph Calypso. Djerba is also known as the “island of lotus eaters” because this plant is very common here. It was from Djerba that the development of tourism in Tunisia began.
How to get to Djerba?
Djerba has its own airport, but there are no direct scheduled flights to the island. Only during the beach season are there charter flights to the island.
You can also get to the island with a transfer in Tunisia or in Monastir or by land (the island is connected to the mainland by a causeway built by the Romans) or by ferry.
Weather in Djerba
The beach season in Djerba is longer than on mainland Tunisia. Desert winds keep the island warm; you can swim here from April to mid-November. Temperature in summer time stays at 30-32C, and the water warms up to 28C.
Shopping in Djerba
It is best to shop at the local market. You can buy anything there: from jewelry to ceramics, dates, carpets and olive oil. As in any market in Tunisia, you need to bargain with the sellers.
Unlike supermarkets and shops, traders at the Djerba market accept not only Tunisian dinars, but also dollars. However, it is better to pay in local currency, since sellers can significantly underestimate the exchange rate.
Excursions from the island of Djerba
The most popular excursion in Tunisia is a two-day trip to the Sahara Desert. Many tourists visit Tunisia specifically for the purpose of going on this excursion. A trip to the Sahara from the island of Djerba will take much less time than from the mainland.
Additional programs from the island of Djerba:
- Excursion Matmata-Duz. The program includes a tour of the island of Douz and a trip to the city of Matmata, located on the border with the desert. During the trip, you can see beautiful landscapes and get acquainted with the life of Tunisians living outside the tourist regions.
- Excursion Tatooine-Chenini. Travelers will pass through the olive groves of the city of Metnin, see the grain storage, visit the Tatooine spice and sweets market, then see Chenini - the city of the troglodytes.
- Excursion to Ksar Gilan. Travelers will be able to see a real desert oasis with a palm garden on the shore of a small lake surrounded by sand dunes. In Ksar Gilan there is thermal source where you can swim. The program also includes jeep riding.
- Sightseeing tour of the island of Djerba with a stop at a pottery workshop and history museum.
- Djerba-Explorer Farm Park. This is a crocodile farm where you can see more than 450 species of reptiles.
Features of the resorts of the island of Djerba in Tunisia
In Djerba, as throughout Tunisia, there are gorgeous beaches with white sand and a gently sloping entrance. A special feature of the island is the increased amount of algae on the beach, which is especially noticeable after a storm.
Djerba is suitable for have a relaxing holiday. There are restaurants and cafes, supermarkets, markets on the island, but you won’t find entertainment venues here like in Sousse or Port El Kantaoui.
The main attractions of Djerba include:
The Borj El Kebir fortress, which received its second name in the 16th century, is the fortress of Gazi Mustafa. A defensive structure erected by Arab conquerors in the 9th century to protect against pirates. Located on the waterfront of the island's capital, Houmt Souk;
The small, mythical island of Djerba, framed by palm trees, is beautiful, but there are many tourists here who flock not only to relax on the wonderful beaches, but also to explore the unique houses and mosques. The island has many date farms and olive groves. Whitewashed mosques with strong walls (this is unusual for Tunisia) shine under the bright rays of the sun. Cycling around the island is an excellent way to experience its charm.
Fishing flourishes in Djerba, and fish are still caught using traditional methods. In the port you can see long rows of terracotta pots strung on string, each in the shape of a turnip and about 45 cm high. At the top of each pot there is a string tied around the rim. Fishermen leave the pots tied to one another in the sea several miles from the coast. For some inexplicable reason, these pots literally attract octopuses - they have been caught this way since the Phoenicians discovered this method of fishing 3,000 years ago.
The island of Djerba is connected to the mainland by a 6.5 km long causeway, which is believed to remain from Roman times. They say that this island is the very mysterious place where Odysseus met lotus eaters, “lotus eaters.” Unlike Odysseus, many of the vacationers who have ever visited Djerba come here again. The climate here is very pleasant, the people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful and extensive, and far from the coast, despite all the pressure of seaside mass tourism, traditional provincial Tunisia is still preserved. Water supply is now provided by two main pipelines coming from the mainland.
Djerba and its population followed a different development path than the rest of Tunisia. As on the mainland, Djerba was initially inhabited exclusively by Berbers. But, unlike other regions of Tunisia, the Arab conquerors were unable to either displace or assimilate the local tribes. The Berbers of Djerba belong to a special Islamic religious community - the Ibadis. They reject any entertainment and luxury, lead a very modest and unpretentious lifestyle and do not build large mosques for themselves. Families gather for prayer in simple rural chapels in their own farmsteads (menzelach).
The architecture of the Ibadis of Djerba is also different from what we see in the cities. Menzels and mosques are built of clay and whitewashed on the outside. Each such structure is like a small fortress: it is surrounded by high walls and has a reservoir into which water from scanty rains is collected. Soft construction material does not allow you to get straight lines or right angles, and therefore architectural forms seem very soft, fluid and alive.
The most striking feature of the Ibadis is their tendency to live as “individuals.” The local peasants never settled in villages, but built their menzels at a considerable distance from their neighbors. And, as a result, there have never been large cities on the island. And those that exist today arose from the bazaars where traders from the mainland settled. This method of settlement is also surprising because Djerba was endlessly subjected to threats and attacks: after the Arab conquest (VII century) the Normans followed (XII century) and the Spaniards (XVI century). Then pirates, supported by the Ottomans, settled on the island. All the conquerors tried to settle on the coast, but almost no one touched the Ibadis, who lived in the center of the island.
Two towns, Hara Segira and Hara Kebira, were founded by Jews who are believed to have settled in Djerba as early as the 6th century BC. e. Written references to the Jewish community on the island of Djerba have been known since the 11th century.
Houmt Souk
Houmt Souk (Houmt Souk) is the capital of the island, and for a long time it was the only large settlement on Djerba. The market was held here, hence the name houmt souk, “market quarter”. Despite all its importance for trade, these days this bazaar occupies a rather modest area. When Djerba residents go shopping, they prefer modern shops or the Libyan Market on the outskirts of town, where they sell a mixture of second-hand goods and bootleg goods.
It is best to enter the bazaar from the east side, from Abdel Hamid el-Qadi Street (Rue Abdel Hamid el-Khadi). Two mosques flank the narrow entrance to the Old City. Foreigners Mosque (Mosquee des Etrangers) with a square minaret and white domes over the prayer hall, as its name implies, it was intended for the “newcomers” visiting Khumt Souk.
Opposite it stands the Ibrahim el-Jemni Mosque, founded in 1674. (Ibrahim el-Jemni), with its own hammam located a few steps away. Along a narrow alley you can go to the pretty Hedi Shaker Square (Place Hedi Chucker) and further to Farhat Hashed Square (Place Farhat Hached), where cafes and restaurants await guests between blooming bougainvillea and hibiscus bushes. On the way you will meet caravanserais (foundouk), for which Houmt Souk is so famous. Traders used to stay in caravanserais: goods and pack animals were placed on the first floor, and rooms for guests were on the second. Today, in hotels such as the Er-Riadh or the Touring Club, you can taste this caravanserai atmosphere - provided you are willing to give up the shower in your room.
To the north of both squares lies the bazaar (Souk), partly indoors, where you can find many jewelry shops. From time immemorial, residents of Djerba of Jewish origin have worked with gold, because the Berbers consider this metal unclean. In addition to jewelry, the bazaar sells woven carpets, pottery and clothing, but all at fairly high prices. If you come here in the morning, you can get to the fish auction. Freshly caught fish are praised at the top of their voices, the seller holds a whole bunch of them high above his head, resellers jostle, offer prices, and shout.
At the northern end of the bazaar, near Arisha Square (Place Arisha) another caravanserai will appear and Catholic Church, which has now resumed services.
Tayeb Mhiri Street (Rue Taieb M"hiri) leads past the seven domes and round minaret of the Turkish Mosque (Jamaa et Trouk) to the northern outskirts of Houmt Souk and towards the port. Here, dominating everything, rises the fort of Ghazi Mustafa (Fort Ghazi Mustapha), built in the 15th century on Roman foundations. It served as the scene of one of the most terrible atrocities of the notorious corsair Dragut, who began his career in the service of the Ottomans, but soon broke away and terrorized his Mediterranean neighbors with his fleet. In 1560, when Dragut stormed this fortress, about 6,000 Spaniards took refuge in the fort. They were captured and beheaded. From their skulls, Dragut ordered to build an ominous tower in front of the fort, which travelers talked about back in the 19th century. The obelisk reminds us of this today.
Opposite and diagonally there is the Haroun restaurant, which used to be considered the best in Djerba. You can have a great time here, but the price and quality clearly do not correspond to each other. The same “Nagoip” organizes excursion trips to Flamingo Island (lie des Flamants). On this peninsula, camp tablecloths are laid out and Tunisian delicacies are served, while flamingos serenely wander through the water, looking for food at the bottom.
It will be very interesting to visit the Houmt Souqa Museum, located in the halls of the zawiya on Abdel-Hamid el-Qadi Street. The Zawiya is the religious center of the Muslim community. Most often, a zawiya consists of the tomb of its founder, a mosque and premises where pilgrims can stay. The museum displays traditional clothing and wonderful jewelry from Djerba. In the kubba - mausoleum, where two saints are buried at once, one is amazed by the completely unique design of the dome made of cylindrical ceramic tubes inserted into each other.
Hotel zones
Hotels are concentrated on the north-eastern promontory of Djerba around the cape of Ras Tagernes (Ras Taguerness).
Heading west from the Cape Lighthouse (the entrance to which is closed) Sidi Mahres beach extends (Plage de Sidi Mahres), to the south, hotels and restaurants line Segia Beach (Plage de la Seguia) towards Agir (Aghir). Hotel guests can find endless sandy beaches everywhere. There are a couple of rocky areas on Segia beach, and the beach itself is not as wide as Sidi Mahres. Closer to the hotels, high sand dunes form a natural protective wall against the frequent winds blowing from the sea.
At the foot of the lighthouse there is a shallow lagoon where many seabirds gather and where it is very good to walk and watch our feathered brothers.
Equally close to the lighthouse is an excellent golf course, a green, slightly uneven 27-hole course where beginners can take an introductory course for a small fee. In addition, there is a large casino here.
The latest in island entertainment is Djerba Explore. (next to the lighthouse), representing architecture, culture (at the Lalla Hadria Museum) and the way of life of the Ibadis. Some variety in a walk through the recreated village of Djerba Heritage with its traditional houses and workshops include cafes and souvenir shops. At the big crocodile farm (“Crocod"iles”) near the village you can admire these prehistoric reptiles. The feeding of the crocodiles is quite an impressive spectacle and begins at approximately 17:00.
In the hotel area of Sidi Mahres beach, on the edge facing Houmt Souk, you will find several simpler hotels and boarding houses.
Island tour
Djerba is not a very large island, with an area of only 514 km², and is also almost completely flat. Its highest place is the clayey hills near the village of Gellala (Guellala) (55 m). This makes the island ideal for cycling. Bicycles can be rented from hotels and in Houmt Souk.
A sightseeing tour of the island in most cases begins in one of two tourist areas: Sidi Mahres or Segia. The district center and at the same time a popular destination for tourists from hotels is the lively town of Midoun (Midoun) there used to be a slave market here. This explains the fact that many of the local inhabitants have a darker skin color than other Jerbies.
In the market square, guests will find a huge selection of ceramic dishes and vases. At Cafe de la Jeunesse, men sit in the shade of an old plane tree, sipping coffee, playing dominoes or reading the newspaper. Several good restaurants offer lunch, including the attractive La Coucousserie, which has a surprisingly varied menu of couscous-based dishes. At the stadium, the resourceful head of the tourism department organized a folk festival - a Berber wedding (Manage berbere), which attracts tourists from coastal hotels every Tuesday.
From Midoun there are two options to continue the journey: either turn back to the coast and move along it through Aghir and El Kantara, or go inland. The second route is more beautiful, as it passes through the rural part of Djerba with its hamlets and olive groves. However, before moving west, it is worth deviating a little to the side and driving 4 km along the road towards Khumt Souk to the Fadlun Mosque (Fadhloun). This mosque was abandoned many years ago, but is now open to visitors. Using it you can study the distinctive features of the architecture of Djerba. There is an impluvium in the front yard (sink): A shallow, whitewashed basin with a drainage hole in which rainwater was collected and conveyed to a cistern underneath. Nearby there is a place for ritual ablutions before prayer. Through a narrow passage in the second circumferential wall you enter the mosque's modest courtyard and from there into the unadorned prayer hall, which is supported by four massive columns. You can climb the minaret along a narrow staircase and admire the mosque from above.
Having returned back to Midoun, you can now move deeper into the island through the villages of Mahbubin (Mahboubine) and Bedouin (Bedouine) to Seduikesh (Cedouikech). a patriarchal place that lives on pottery.
But Gellala is better known in this regard (Guellala), a real village of potters. However, don’t bother looking for simple, undecorated clay jugs on the counters and markets of Gellaly, shaped like antique amphorae, which were made here from time immemorial. Tourist taste gives rise to supply, and therefore everything is now filled with ceramics with white-blue-green patterns, which are actually produced in Nabeul. What is made right here is sculpted from clay mined from the depths of the hill below Gellala. Over time, in order to get to the raw materials, it was necessary to dig shafts and adits. In ancient kilns, located half underground, clay products are fired. Some of the ovens in Gellale can be viewed - but you will be expected to buy a souvenir as a sign of gratitude.
A worthwhile museum a little away from Gellala tells not only about pottery, but also about Tunisian folk customs. Next door, the café-restaurant invites you to have a snack and a glass of mint tea.
To the south and to El Kantara you can drive along a well-trodden road along the sea. Along the way, every now and then you come across tops placed in shallow places, and here and there on the shore there are clay jugs tied with rope. The fishermen of Djerba catch their prey in the same way as their counterparts on the Kerkennah Islands: they drive the school between two rows of nets, so that the fish swim in an ever-narrowing passage and are eventually trapped. Octopuses are lured with clay jugs, using their habit of climbing into dark shelters, and then all that remains is to lift up the jugs with the mollusks sitting in them.
In El Cantar (El-Kantara) a dam begins that stretches across the sea strait to the mainland. This jumper appeared in ancient times, and, of course, the Roman road (Chaussee romaine) it was not preserved. Near the dam, water pipes are visible, supplying Djerba with water from the mainland. There are no sources of water on the island itself, and the meager rainfall is barely sufficient for agriculture.
If you move further inland, the road will lead you to El May (El May). Here there is another illustrative example of the peculiar architecture of Ibadi Muslims: the white El-May Mosque, fortified with high walls and powerful buttresses. Rounded corners and smooth lines soften the appearance of this building, which is actually quite inhospitable, and deprive it of any menacing appearance. A similar architectural style can be found in the Mzab group of oases (M"zab) in the Algerian Sahara, where Berbers also live, adherents of one of the strict religious sects.
The town of Hara Segira (Hara Seghira), aka Riyadh (Er-Riadh), is the gateway from the world of Islamic faith to the world of Judaism. This is where the La Ghriba Synagogue is located. (La Ghriba), the oldest in Africa, which annually, 30 days after the Jewish Old Testament Passover, becomes one of largest places pilgrimages of North African Jews.
Jews have lived on Djerba since at least 586. Although historical documents are silent about this, there is a version that Jewish refugees ended up in North Africa no later than 70 AD. e., after the Roman conquest of Jerusalem. Rulers of Islamic dynasties, as a rule, did not touch Jews. Islam recognized Jews as "People of the Book" (The Book meant the Old Testament) and placed it higher than the “pagans.” True, they, like Christians, had to pay special taxes and live in certain areas of the city, called hara or mellah. After the founding of the State of Israel, most Jews left North Africa; Now there are about 1000 of them living in Djerba.
The current synagogue building dates back to 1920. You are only allowed to enter with your head covered. (scarves and hats are available for rent) and without shoes. In interior decoration the predominant colors are white and blue, and elderly men can always be seen sitting in the dim light studying the Holy Scriptures. Precious Torah scrolls are carefully protected from the eyes of visitors. They are probably among the oldest Torah copies existing today in the Jewish world.
A charming hotel has recently opened in Riyadh, designed as an alternative to hotel rooms for pilgrims. It is open not only to Jews. Its restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine.
Traveling and relaxing on the island of Djerba in Tunisia, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is not as popular among our compatriots as tours to the more popular resort of this country. Meanwhile, this is absolutely amazing natural corner with stunning white sandy beaches, beautiful sights, clear sea water and amazing thalassotherapy.
Djerba Island is a year-round resort in Tunisia, and it is located a few kilometers from the coast in the Gulf of Gabes, and you can get there by walking along the isthmus through which it is connected to the land. The island itself measures twenty-nine by twenty-eight kilometers, its coastline, washed by the Mediterranean Sea, stretches for one hundred and fourteen kilometers. The capital of Djerba and the largest settlement is Houmt Souk; if you translate the name, you get “Grand Bazaar”. Holidays on the island of Djerba these days attract tourists with beautiful beaches with white sand like snow, fine and pleasant to the touch, crystal clear sea water, magnificent groves of olives and palm trees, men love it for its excellent diving and fishing, and women for its amazing thalassotherapy . If you are interested in the myths of Ancient Greece, then you will probably recognize in the island of Djerba the place where Odysseus met with the nymph Calypso; it was here, in the land of “lotophages”, among the fragrant beauties of nature, that the legendary hero forgot for seven years about everything that connected him with outside world. Now let’s get acquainted with a wonderful corner of Africa and Tunisia - the island of Djerba, learn about its history, attractions, beaches and the best hotels.
History of the island of Djerba
The very first inhabitants of this Mediterranean island, which has changed many names throughout its history: Lotophagi, Philadelphia, Meninx Jirba, located next to African continent, began the ancient Phoenicians, who sailed here in the eighth century BC. Here they settled, began to engage in various crafts, and trade with neighboring peoples. Soon, part of the island was inhabited by Berbers, who still live here today, preserving their originality and authenticity. Some of the Berbers became pirates, and on the island they set up a base for wintering and repairing ships. The geography of the island contributed to this, because Djerba is protected by natural coral reefs, treacherous shallows, changeable winds, and low tides, which was thoroughly known to the corsairs and made access to the island impossible for their enemies. Many Jews moved to the island, fleeing from the city of Jerusalem in the hundredth year BC after the destruction of the “Temple of Solomon” by the king of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar II, and even took with them the temple gates, which can now be seen in El Ghriba - the oldest synagogue on the island of Djerba . Time passed and the island was taken over by the ubiquitous Roman Empire, during whose power infrastructure began to be built on Djerba, including the island being connected to the mainland via a seven-kilometer causeway bridge. Later, Tunisia and the island of Djerba belonged to different peoples: Vandals, Carthaginians, Byzantines, Normans, Sicilians, Arabs, Spaniards, Turks, French. By the way, during the rule of the Ottomans, all the ships sailing along the local coast more than once suffered from attacks by the formidable Turkish pirate Turgut Reis, his fleet was based precisely on Djerba. Local residents say that this filibuster buried his wealth, which he plundered countless times during his life, just somewhere on the island. He was a truly terrible man, uncompromising and merciless towards his enemies; they say that he killed hundreds of people. So in 1560, he ordered the construction of a tower, the building materials for which were five thousand skulls of his enemies, the Spaniards, who were trying to recapture the island, the structure was named “Borj el Rus”, interestingly, it stood even after the death of the pirate, until 1848 years when they decided to dismantle it for the burial of human remains. In addition, the island of Djerba was a filibuster base for other famous sea corsairs, including Captain Urouge, Captain Barbarossa. Local authorities were completely loyal to the corsairs, because with their help trade developed and Djerba became rich. The pirates brought looted wealth here and sold it for nothing, while they paid duties and various fees, and presented gifts local authorities. Then the goods purchased for pennies were resold to foreign merchants from Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, but for more high price. This state of affairs suited everyone, and the island of Djerba flourished. Local residents grew dates, olives, grapes, figs, pears, apples, plums, apricots, citrons, oranges here - all this was also sold. After numerous “owners,” the island of Djerba in Tunisia boasts a variety of architectural and historical attractions, including those from very distant times, such as Roman villas and buildings of the Punic period.
Climate of Djerba island
The local climate is very mild and warm, thanks to its proximity to the Sahara Desert, the sun shines here all year round, making this a year-round holiday destination. The wind from the desert brings heat and warms up the air masses more than on the mainland. In winter, the air temperature does not drop below twenty degrees, and the water does not cool below eighteen degrees, and many seasoned tourists prefer to come here from December to February, but most travelers begin to come for a sea holiday to the island of Djerba from April to November . Since April, the water in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Djerba warms up to twenty-two degrees, in June - to twenty-five, in July, August and September - to twenty-eight degrees, in October - to twenty-six, and by November it cools down to twenty-two degrees.
This is the most charming corner of the coast of the island of Djerba, known among tourists as “Flamingo Island”. The beach is located seventeen kilometers from the island capital and stretches along the peninsula, only with the tide turning into a full-fledged mini-island. Almost all tourists vacationing in Djerba come here to see the pink flamingos living here, who are not at all afraid of curious people, but are busily searching for food. Here you will find sugar-white sand, a flat sunset into the bright turquoise sea water, long shallow water, however, sunbeds and umbrellas are paid. You can also get to this beach as part of a sea excursion, which are offered in different travel agencies islands.
This magnificent beach stretches for seventeen kilometers along the northern island coast and is famous for its excellent infrastructure. The beach is simply gorgeous, it is framed by rows of slender palm trees, casting a blessed shadow on the blinding white sand. The sea here is transparent and has a bright blue color; you can see through the water colorful fish. There are sun loungers and umbrellas that belong to the property of certain beach hotels. Since the coast belongs to hotels, algae is regularly removed here and sand is sifted. There are a lot of families with children on this beach, because the entrance to the sea here is flat, smooth, without stones, the depth increases slowly and gradually.
But the neighboring beach of Sidi Mehrez - El Ashen beach, although attractive with its clean water and white sand, is considered wild, no one cleans it up, so the algae thrown out by the wave remain to rot on the shore, which makes entering the sea uncomfortable. That is why the beach is extremely uncrowded. Only one part of this beach, assigned to the Radisson Blu Ulysse hotel, is well-groomed and equipped for relaxation, there are sun loungers, cafes, and entertainment, and then the “wild” beach begins.
This five-kilometer beach belongs to the southeastern tip of Djerba; Tunisians themselves love to relax here, but there are very few foreign tourists here. The infrastructure for recreation is not so developed here, but it is very quiet, which attracts local residents who are tired of crowds of noisy travelers. But here you can admire the stunning beauty of the lagoon. For families with children it will also be very comfortable here, because the entrance to the sea is sandy and the depth increases slowly.
Three-kilometer beach east coast Djerba, where manicured stretches of coastline owned by hotels give way to unkempt “wild” areas covered in rotting algae and silt. On the territory of this beach there are numerous piers that are used by islander fishermen. Most often, holidays on this beach are preferred by older people who come here in search of silence and unity with nature.
An ideal corner of the west coast of Djerba, uncrowded and incredibly beautiful. Couples in love love to retire here, despite the fact that there is no infrastructure for recreation and entertainment. To get to the beach you need to take a taxi, because it is located far from towns and cities, there are no hotels here, and in addition, the road surface leaves much to be desired.
Many tourists note that this is the most best beach of the island of Djerba, it is located in its northeastern tip. This is an ideal place with white sand, there is a sea of incredible beauty and color where fish swim. The entrance is without boulders and stones, also very pleasant sandy. Infrastructure for recreation at a high level.
Sights of the island of Djerba
The Bordj el-Kebir citadel is often called the “Tower of Ghazi Mustafa”; this structure is the most frequently visited tourist attraction on the island of Djerba. There is nothing surprising here, because the fortress dates back to the Middle Ages and has seen many trials in its lifetime. It is located on the seashore near the island capital Houmt Souk, in the port area. The date of construction was lost in 1284, when the Byzantines erected this citadel in order to protect themselves from the attacks of Spanish or Norman conquerors. By 1560, the Spaniards, who were already in full possession of the fortress, were driven out of there by desperate filibusters under the command of the pirate Turgut Reis, a close friend Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Seven years passed and the fort began to be rebuilt, then the construction was already led by Gazhi Mustafa, who replaced Turgut Reis at the post, which is why the second name of the citadel is “Borj Gazhi Mustafa”. This rectangular-shaped fortress has four-meter thick walls made of huge stone blocks, and it is surrounded by a deep ditch. Today you can see the ruins of the very first fortress built by the Byzantines, in addition, you can see rusty cannon muzzles at the bottom of the ditch and the cannonball. There are no interesting exhibits inside the citadel, however, many tourists visit its territory. Opening hours of the Borj el-Kebir Fortress: from September to March - from half past ten in the morning to half past four in the evening; in the period from April to August - from eight in the morning to seven in the evening, on Friday - a day off. The entrance ticket price is four Tunisian dinars or ninety-five Russian rubles.
This beautiful mausoleum houses the interesting Museum of Local History of the city of Houmt Souk, where tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with the authentic clothing of the islanders, their traditional jewelry, including those made of precious metals, see samples of ceramic and wooden utensils, household items, thus learning the culture of Djerba . The museum has been open since 1986, and more and more tourists visit it every holiday season.
The history of the construction of this ascetic forty-meter structure, the interior of which is painted with intricate patterns, decorated with wood carvings and decorated with multi-colored stained glass windows, is steeped in legends and secrets. It’s worth starting with the fact that it was built for Sufis - these are followers of one of the Islamic religious movements, incredibly popular among the Turks. According to ancient legend, Sufis were the first to respond to the call of the Prophet Muhammad, becoming his followers. They brought sermons to people about the need to lead an ascetic life, to love everything that God created, and to try to know him through hidden knowledge. This knowledge is still shrouded in mystery; a very narrow circle of people is dedicated to it. As for the Jamaa Ettruk Mosque, it became not only a stronghold of faith, but also a real citadel for the protection of the islanders who hid in its thick walls during periods of armed skirmishes. In the mosque, people could learn about history, jurisprudence, and religion. To this day, tourists visiting the mosque note its special mystical atmosphere, imbued with the spirit of antiquity. The snow-white building with seven domes and a round sixteenth-century minaret, standing on Rue Taieb M'hiri, is definitely worth a visit, its interiors are truly stunning.
This is an incredibly simple and even inconspicuous mosque, which was built for the followers of the ancient movement of Islam - the Ibadis, who were part of the Kharijite communities, since the seventh century. Why does this mosque still stand on the island of Djerba? - this is surprising, because the Ibadis are considered heretics among Muslims. The Ash Sheikh Mosque is a very ascetic clay building, its interior is also simple and unadorned, because according to the beliefs of the Ibadis, no luxury is needed to communicate with God, so that it does not distract from the essence.
In the area of the Houmt Souk medina - the old city with narrow, tangled streets - there is the "Foreigners" mosque, built for followers of the moderate Islamic movement of Sunnism - Malekism. The building was named after the discoverer of this religious and legal school - Malik Ibn Anas, who was born in the ninety-third year of our era. The Jemaa el Ghorba Mosque stands among the most beautiful traditional houses of the islanders - menzels - square structures covered with domes.
This is the oldest synagogue in Tunisia and the island of Djerba, which was built in the distant sixth century BC and to this day is a place of Jewish worship, attracting Jewish believers from all over the world. Associated with the construction of the synagogue ancient legend: the young girl Grib died in a fire at this place, however, when people put out the fire, they saw that the body was not burned at all, they thought that this was a sign from above and that it was necessary to build a holy place here to worship God. Today El Ghriba is the oldest Jewish shrine, located in the small village of Hara Segira, where mainly Jews live. The original building itself has not been preserved since ancient times, so in 1920 new walls grew right around the ancient foundation and unique ruins of the first Ghriba synagogue. To this day, the synagogue houses unique relics - Torah scrolls - one of the oldest sacred books on the planet. Here is also the tomb of Shimon Bar Yashai, a man who participated in writing the Talmud. Every spring Jews from different countries come to venerate his ashes. There is a hotel on the territory of the synagogue.
This is the oldest and completely unique structure, which is a seven-kilometer embankment connecting the island of Djerba with the mainland of Tunisia. To build this embankment, the Romans had to sink old ships and then fill them with a mixture of stones and sand. And today the ancient Roman road is a kind of bridge, however, now its surface is covered with asphalt, and along it stretches a water supply system, along which fresh water gets to Djerba. This road leads to the Tunisian resort of Zarzis. Driving along the highway, it is very difficult to imagine the antiquity of the structure, but once upon a time African caravans transporting priceless goods walked along it, and huge parties of slaves walked along it, both in the period of Antiquity and in the Middle Ages.
This is the second largest and most visited city on the Tunisian island of Djerba and the main tourist party area. Foreigners love to visit it, because there is a lot of entertainment and interesting sights: Muslim mosques, colorful oriental bazaars, the Lala Hadria Museum and an interesting crocodile farm. The coastal area near Midun is no less attractive, with a large number of hotels of different stars, restaurants, and excellent beaches. This is where tourists come who don’t understand a beach holiday without an intense nightlife, discos, and nightclubs. It must be said that there are no such establishments in this party zone great amount, they have both high European level and mid-range eateries.
Great entertainment center Djerba Explore is the most visited attraction on the island of Djerba by adults and children. The park covers twelve hectares and is divided into five main parts:
- Authentic village of Tunisia, where there are democratic cafes and restaurants based on the preparation of local cuisine, souvenir shops in a typical Arab market;
- Crocodile farm– one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea, where four hundred individuals of Madagascar crocodiles live;
- Museum folk traditions Tunisia "Lella Hadria", where in fifteen huge halls there are interesting exhibits, from which you can see masterpieces of Islamic art of the fourteenth century, precious jewelry, images of calligraphy and ancient manuscripts, outfits of the Ottomans and Persians, ceramics, carpets and much more;
- Heritage Village- a place where tourists can get acquainted with the history and architecture of Tunisians, see household items, traditional menzeli houses, visit a weaving and pottery workshop, take a photo with a camel;
- Comfortable residential complex, including a luxury five-star hotel, a residence, and an apart-hotel.
You can visit the Djerba Explore park in the summer, spring, and autumn months from nine in the morning to eight in the evening, in the winter months from nine in the morning to six in the evening. A ticket for children under twelve years old costs eight dinars or one hundred and ninety rubles, and an adult ticket costs fifteen dinars or three hundred and fifty rubles.
This most interesting museum of the island of Djerba is located in the small village of Gellal, which has long been famous for the art of pottery. Here tourists will be able to learn a lot of interesting facts about the history of Djerba, about its ancient crafts, see how oil was extracted from olives in the past, how dishes were made from clay, get acquainted with the everyday life of the islanders, with their unique traditions, rituals, and attend local holidays.
This is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Djerba. A small port village at the southern tip of the island, a place with fantastic natural landscapes, where the Star Wars saga was filmed and the film’s sets stand there to this day. Tourists can not only take stunning photographs against the backdrop of these extraterrestrial scenery, but also watch the fascinating process of catching octopuses and sea sponges local residents and film it. You can get to the village either with an organized excursion or on your own, from the island of Djerba itself and from mainland Tunisia. The mainland and Azhim are connected by ferry; the journey by water takes fifteen minutes.
The ancient Berber people, constantly persecuted, were forced to constantly adapt to difficult natural conditions and to the unfriendly attitude of other people, so their fortresses became “ksars” - caves hidden among natural landscapes dominated by hills. Ksars became not only houses for the Berbers, but also warehouses and defensive citadels from enemies. And now the Barbary ksars are an interesting attraction of the region; the former dwellings house souvenir shops, workshops, outlets, authentic restaurant.
According to our knowledge of history, Jews settled around the world gradually; in the first wave they settled on the African island of Djerba. This was after Babylonian forces attacked Jerusalem in the sixth century BC and captured the city, driving out the local inhabitants. Then large masses of Jews moved to the island of Djerba, including settling in the village of Es-Souani. Since then, to this day, families of the descendants of these settlers have lived there. On the territory of the village there is an ancient cemetery and a synagogue. Local residents make the best jewelry in Tunisia from precious metals, which invariably attracts tourists who are happy to purchase inexpensive and very stylish gold and silver jewelry as a souvenir of their visit to the island of Djerba.
It is here that numerous tourists from different parts of Tunisia come in October to see the stunning pink flamingos that fly here for the winter. In October, the sea in Djerba still has a temperature quite comfortable for swimming - twenty-three degrees, and the air temperature is twenty-six degrees, so October is a great time to travel to Djerba. As a bonus, tourists will see beautiful pink flamingos in their natural environment a habitat.
No one will be bored on the island of Djerba, because there are plenty of entertainment options here. There are especially many opportunities for activities offered here. aquatic species sports: interesting diving, exciting windsurfing, extreme kayaking, banana boat rides, parachuting behind a boat over the surface of the sea. It will also be interesting for golf lovers, for whom the island has an excellent course “Djerba Golf Club”, located in the eastern part of Djerba. Some tourists always visit the symbol of Africa - the Sahara Desert; they conquer with great pleasure sand dunes on maneuverable jeeps. The island also offers camel and horse riding. There you can also attend exciting horse races, where experienced riders compete on Arabian horses. The most popular entertainment for women on the island of Djerba is visiting thalassotherapy centers, of which there are many and all of them are very high level. These centers use water from local thermal springs in treatment and prevention.
This is one of Djerba's popular party spots. The disco takes place in a huge bar, which is located directly on the Sidi Mehrez beach. The establishment is open until two o'clock in the morning. Guests will be entertained by the most fashionable DJs of our time.
The largest club on this island and a place that breaks records for attendance. is one of the most popular on the island. The club is located in Midoun near the Green Palm Golf & Spa hotel. Up to eight hundred guests can visit the establishment at the same time. There is a VIP area, an excellent restaurant, a bar, and a large dance floor. The club starts working from eleven o'clock at night.
This disco is located in Midoun near the Vincci Djerba Resort. The club opens at ten in the evening and closes at five in the morning. Fans of Latin American and European music come here to have fun with fiery rhythms.
Another popular party place among young people is Midoun. It is interesting that the restaurant, in which the establishment operates during the day, is decorated in the style of the Wild West, and in the evenings there is a cheerful disco.
The island has a small territory, so you need to understand that there are not as many hotels here as on the mainland of the Tunisian coast. Hotels are mainly located in the northeastern and eastern extremities of Djerba, more precisely in the tourist areas. There are forty beach hotels on Djerba, of which thirty-four are on the first coastline from the sea. There are hotels of different stars here, including luxury hotels from the Radisson, Movenpick, and Hyatt chains. Most of the island has four-star hotels with good service, but there are several excellent “five” hotels. We have made a selection of the best hotels in Djerba based on reviews from tourists.
This is the most magnificent and architecturally luxurious spa hotel on the island of Djerba, located directly on the best sandy beach of Sidi Mehrez, directly opposite the only island casino and next to a huge golf course. The hotel is located eighteen kilometers from the island airport. There are several excellent restaurants, bars, a coffee shop, and high-quality service awaits guests. Accommodation in a room for two people in August at this hotel starts from one hundred and twenty thousand; the final price will depend on the room you choose and the type of food.
A magnificent hotel on the seashore, among beautiful palm thickets in the tourist area of Midoun, fifteen kilometers from the island capital. The hotel is located near the lighthouse. There are swimming pools, restaurants, bars, cafes, a spa, a hammam, a children's club, car rental, bicycle rental, and water equipment. The cost of a week's stay in a hotel for two people costs from one hundred and forty thousand rubles.
An excellent beach hotel in the center of Midoun, surrounded by a palm park, with its own sandy beach, with numerous restaurants, bars, children's clubs, rental vehicles for independent travel, a beauty salon, swimming pools, and play areas. A room for two for a week in August will cost from one hundred thousand rubles.
A stunning hotel from an international hotel chain. The hotel is located on the wonderful sandy beach "Sidi Akkou", it stands among beautiful and fragrant gardens in a tropical style. Guests are offered spa services, a disco, restaurants and bars at the hotel, there is a hairdresser, playgrounds, shops, swimming pools, children's clubs. Accommodation for a week will cost from one hundred and fifteen thousand rubles for a double room.
How to get to the island of Djerba?
By plane:
There are direct flights from Russia to Zarzis Airport on the island of Djerba. The distance from Russia to Djerba is three thousand one hundred and eighty kilometers, travel time is four hours. Airlines operating the flight: Nordwind Airlines, Aeroflot, departures are made from Moscow airports: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo. While in mainland Tunisia, you can fly to the island of Djerba by domestic airlines using one of six Tunisian airports.
By bus or car:
The trip along the Roman causeway from the mainland to Djerba takes fifteen minutes on any wheeled vehicle.
On a ferryboat:
The ferry ride takes between ten and fifteen minutes.
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