Djerba is the largest island of North Africa and a popular tourist destination in Tunisia. The absence of rich vegetation combined with traditional architecture, creates beautiful scenery that draws visitors’ attention. Many tourists, mostly from Europe and other parts of Tunisia, choose this extraordinary island as the place to spend their holidays. They are enticed by the island’s rich history, engaging museums, beautiful beaches, and distinctive cuisine.
Most local people speak Arabic and French as in the rest of Tunisia, but some of them can speak English as well. One can visit Djerba at any time of the year, since winters there are not very cold. However, if you want to enjoy swimming and the island’s beautiful beaches without experiencing too much heat as I do, then the best time to visit Djerba is from April to June and from September to November.My biggest problem on Djerba was the difficulty of finding a taxi, since there are no taxi-hailing apps available on the island and, strangely, not enough taxis either. Consequently, I suggest that you either stay close to a beautiful beach, such as Yati or Seguia, or rent a car. For maximum security and comfort book your airport transfer in advance.
What to visit in Djerba
1) Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum
The Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum is a small, yet interesting museum in Houmt Souk, in the north of the island. The museum houses items of pottery, weaving equipment, traditional garments, and other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the traditional life of the local people.
2) Borj El Ghazi Mustapha
Borj El Ghazi Mustapha is a seaside castle in Houmt Souk and is probably one of the most impressive landmarks on Djerba. It was built at the end of the 14th century, it is well preserved and offers amazing sea views. It’s a good idea to spend some time relaxing there.
3) Houmt Souk
Houmt Souk is the relaxed capital of Djerba. It means “The Market neighbourhood” and has a small, yet interesting medina, with a lot of shops and restaurants. I enjoyed walking around the area.
4) Djerba Explore Park and Lalla Hadria Museum
Djerba Explore is a popular tourist attraction on the island. Visitors of the park have the chance to see some giant turtles and a great number of crocodiles. The Lalla Hadria Museum is part of the Djerba Explore park and houses a sufficient number of artifacts related to Islamic art and the culture of the island. In the beginning, I was a bit reluctant to visit this place, because I thought that I was going to find it very artificial and touristy, but the truth is that I had a good time there.
5) Yati Beach 1
Yati Beach 1 is one of the beaches of Djerba that I visited. Visitors can find some nice spots for swimming there, although not the entire beach is good for this activity. There are also some horses and camels available for tourists on the beach. It is certainly one of the good beaches of the island, and I certainly had a great time there.
6) Djerbahood
Djerbahood is a neighbourhood in Erriadh, a village on Djerba. It is an interesting area, full of graffiti that were created by various street artists of many nationalities. Because of these creations, Djerbahood has evolved into a tourist destination.
7) El Ghriba Synagogue
El Ghriba Synagogue is a very important synagogue and Jewish site of pilgrimage on Djerba. It is connected to the First or the Second Temple of Jerusalem, because either a stone or a door from one of these temples is believed to be incorporated into the structure. It’s a famous landmark on the island and a lot of Jewish people from all over the world, as well as tourists,visit it.
8) Guellala Museum
The Guellala Museum is a quite large and engaging museum that presents the culture of Djerba. It includes many scenes of daily life as well as special ceremonies from both the distant and recent past of the island. The architecture of the museum itself is very intersting and consistent with local traditions. It is probably the best museum on Djerba.
9) Fadhloun Mosque
The Fadhloun Mosque is one of the most important landmarks on Djerba and a well-known mosque in Tunisia. I liked its architecture, which is consistent with the landscape of the island. The mosque, which draws many visitors, both Muslims and non-Muslims, was probably built in the 14th century.
10) Seguia Beach
Seguia Beach is named after Lake Seguia, which is located nearby. It is my favourite beach on Djerba, because it is not crowded and is excellent for swimming. In particular, on the right side of the beach there is much free space, which creates a sense of privacy. I especially enjoyed walking from one end of the beach to the other.
