Djerba is a Tunisian island in the Mediterranean Sea, in the Bay of Little Sirte, connected to the African continent by a causeway since Roman times. In 2023, it was officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Area: 514 km², population: 163,726 (2014). The island’s main town, Haumat al-Souq, has a 13th-14th-century fort worth visiting, an Arab souk, numerous cafes, newspaper kiosks, markets, and shops.
About the island. The island’s main town is Haumat al-Suk, with a 13th-14th-century fort worth visiting, an Arab souk, numerous cafes, newspaper kiosks, markets, and shops. Djerba is often identified with the mythical Isle of the Lotus-Eaters from Homer’s Odyssey. It boasts interesting architecture, combining Arabic and Jewish influences, as it was once inhabited by numerous Jews, and today the Jewish diaspora is large – over 700 people with 39 synagogues. Djerba is an important tourist region, frequently visited by Poles. The main tourist centers are located on the northeastern and eastern Mediterranean coasts. Along a stretch of over 20 km, there are hotels of various standards, including kiosks selling foreign newspapers, especially French ones, swimming pools, a casino, and a golf course. To the south are the Phoenician ruins of Meninx. The Romans built a causeway that connected the island to the African mainland. RR117 currently runs through it. There are numerous Kharijite and Ibadi mosques on the island. Many of the buildings date back to the Ottoman period, having been built by the Turks. The Spanish captured the Borj Ghazi Mustafa fortress in 1660. The island is home to Djerba-Zarzis International Airport. In the early 1980s, Tunisia built a new fishing port, Ajim, in the southwest of the island. A ferry currently operates connecting the port of Ajim with the mainland town of El-Jurf. On March 12, 1560, the island was captured by the Genoese fleet at the expense of the Ottoman Empire.
Djerba is the largest island in North Africa, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of Tunisia. It is renowned for its over 320 days of sunshine a year, sandy beaches, and unique, multicultural history. It is connected to the mainland by a historic, 6-kilometer Roman causeway. Beaches on Djerba: Sidi Mahres: The longest (15 km) and most popular beach on the island. It offers a wide stretch of white sand and excellent all-inclusive hotel facilities. La Seguia: A 5-kilometer, more intimate beach with picturesque coves and palm trees. Aghir: Located in the southeast, this beach is considered a paradise for kitesurfers and water sports enthusiasts.
Attractions.
1. Djerba Explore Park: A tourist complex that includes the largest crocodile farm in the Mediterranean and the Lalla Hadria Museum of Islamic Art.
2. Houmt Souk: The capital and heart of the island. Famous for its traditional Arabic pottery and spice market (bazaar) and the Spanish fortress of Borj Ghazi Mustapha.
3. El Ghriba Synagogue: One of the oldest synagogues in Africa, it serves as the center of the annual pilgrimage for the Jewish community.
4. Guellala Village: The island’s main pottery center. Here you can purchase authentic, handmade clay pottery.
5. Flamingo Island (Ras R’mal): A peninsula where you can observe flocks of wild pink flamingos from October to February.
6. Ajim Town: A must-see location for cinema fans – scenes of the desert planet Tatooine in the movie Star Wars were filmed here.
When to go? Beach season: April to October. The sea is at its warmest, making temperatures ideal for swimming. Sightseeing and mild climate: November to March. Daytime temperatures often hover around 20-25°C, making it a perfect escape from the European winter.
Hôtel Djerba Authentique – Au centre de Midoun is located in Midoun. Lalla Hadria Museum and Djerba Explore Park are 3.4 miles apart. Room service is available. A terrace is also available. A 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi are available. Each room at the property includes a wardrobe. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. They also feature a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Some rooms also feature a seating area. Each unit also has a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A buffet, continental, and vegetarian breakfast is available. Bicycle and car rentals are available at the hotel. The area is popular for cycling. Crocodile Farm is 3.4 miles away, while Djerba Golf Club is 4.3 miles away. Djerba–Zarzis Airport is 23 km from the property.
Feel like a star with world-class service at Iberostar Selection Eolia Djerba. Located on the island of Djerba, this 5-star hotel is above the beach and boasts a spa and a wellness center. InIberostar Selection Eolia Djerba, enjoy a close link to nature within and without your room. Most rooms boast a balcony so you can enjoy the outdoors in a private setting. The hotel features a typical architecture so that you can soak in a radically different world and atmosphere: enjoy Iberostar Selection Eolia Djerba’s arches, fountains, and swimming pools. Boasting a spa and a wellness center, it is the perfect choice for a relaxing stay. Iberostar Selection Eolia Djerba has a great location opposite the casino, close to a 27-hole golf course, and 18 kilometers away from the airport.
The charming Dar El Bhar is located in Djerba’s largest town, Hamaut el-Souq. It offers a private beach and free Wi-Fi. The hotel restaurant serves Mediterranean and Tunisian cuisine. Guests can relax in the spa, which includes a hammam and massage treatments. Rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV. The bathrooms include a hairdryer, minibar, and safe. Free parking is available on site. Free sun loungers and umbrellas are also provided on the beach.
