Tourism came to the rescue of the sleepy island of Djerba in the 1960s, when people began to discover its charms. Hotels sprang up along the superb north-eastern beaches. Today, Djerba is simply evolving and trying to preserve itself while continuing to live with the times. Thanks to its relaxed lifestyle and beautiful beaches, Djerba remains one of Tunisia's most popular tourist destinations. Here are our 17 top places to visit.
1. What to do in Djerba Go to the Houmt Souk
Houmt Souk is probably one of the few places on the island that's a little lively yet authentic. Of course, like everywhere else in Tunisia, its souks are nothing more than a succession of vendors shouting and shouting at every passer-by. However, the general souk really does offer a spectacle not to be found anywhere else in the country: fabrics from elsewhere, a gigantic choice (the market is spread over several city blocks), something different at last from products already seen a thousand times over. In reality, Houmt Souk is best visited in the morning, when holidaymakers and workers are resting from their nightly activities, which are essential in Djerba. By 7 a.m., the stores and cafés are still asleep, silence reigns and you can finally enjoy the island's legendary mildness. What could be more pleasant than to watch the city wake up while enjoying an excellent croissant and squeezed orange juice in the café?
We recommend you book this guided tour of Djerba : your guide will take you to the medina of Houmt Souk, where you'll discover its spice, jewelry and fabric markets and admire craftsmen at work.
2. Water sports
A seaside destination par excellence, Djerba offers a wide range of water sports. Water sports are available all along the coast : jet-skiing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, towed buoys and more. Beach days are sure to be busy! The island of Djerba is also becoming a benchmark for kitesurfing. The best spots are to be found there, and centers offer lessons and equipment hire: an excellent way to discover or perfect this sport, and at very reasonable prices. The majority of kitesurfing clubs are located between Aghir and El Kantara in the south-east of the island. The wind is almost always on shore, so there's no problem launching your kite, and you're often right in the lagoon. In short, ideal conditions!
Fancy a dive? Now's your chance! Click here to book your introductory scuba diving session in Djerba!
3. What to do in Djerba Go to Djerba Explore
Djerba Explore is an original park that brings together the Lalla Hadria Museum, Djerba Héritage and the crocodile park, offering a pleasant and enriching experience. The remarkable Museum of Art and History of the Arab World covers a period of 13 centuries, exhibiting a collection of over 1,000 pieces testifying to the influence of Islamic art, from the Mediterranean Basin to the far reaches of Asia. Secondly, Djerba Héritage is a faithful reconstruction of the island's typical habitats, offering a real immersion in its history. In this open-air space, the emphasis is on discovering the customs, crafts and traditional architecture of Djerba, through demonstrations of pottery and weaving in particular. Finally, you can explore the park housing hundreds of Nile crocodiles, repatriated from Madagascar in 1998. Thanks to Djerba's climate, these reptiles can spend most of the year outdoors. This tour is an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating animals. Click here to book your guided tour of Djerba Explore!
4. Flamingo Island
The popular pink flamingo island can be reached both by boat and by car (4x4), as it is in fact a peninsula. From Houmt Souk, the road to the island passes through unspoilt wetlands that provide refuge for migratory birds. An excursion by sea is a must, and it's at the port of Houmt Souk that we weigh anchor. The crossing is an exhilarating experience. To observe the pink flamingos, we recommend planning your excursion for April or October, the two periods when they are most numerous. The island is also a nesting site for turtles. If you're lucky, you might even come across some dolphins during your crossing. Not to be missed! Click here to book your pirate cruise to Flamingo Island.
5. What to do in Djerba Well-being areas
Lovers of well-being and relaxation such as thalassotherapy, balneotherapy, spa sessions and other regenerating cures will find plenty to indulge themselves on the island of Djerba. Whether you're simply looking to revitalize a tired body after a year's work or to find a specific treatment for more serious health problems, there's always a therapy to suit. Ranked as one of the world's top wellness destinations, the quality of care and facilities is widely recognized internationally. And with prices that remain affordable, don't hesitate!
6. What to do in Djerba Visit the Ghriba synagogue
A visit to the Ghriba synagogue, 8 km from Houmt Souk in the direction of El May, is a must. After covering their heads and removing their shoes, visitors discover an oriental-inspired décor with glazed earthenware tiles, baroque woodwork and colorful stained-glass windows. The Ghriba houses one of the oldest copies of the Torah in the world. These are the scrolls of the Pentateuch, which contain the essence of the Mosaic Law, the Jewish law. On Saturdays, the Sabbath, the Chief Rabbi opens the carved wooden doors, adorned with the chiselled jewels that protect it, takes out the Torah and comments on it before the faithful. In Djerba, coexistence between Jews and Muslims is harmonious. However, one rule is respected: the two communities do not mix. Marriages are only concluded within the same religion. Despite this, all children in Djerba attend the same school.
7. The tourist zone
The entire tourist zone is located in the north-eastern part of the island. Here, independent hotels and restaurants, as well as Club Med and other tour operators, line up along the beaches and palm grove. Across the road, sedentary merchants offer pottery, djellabas, carpets and souvenirs to lazy customers. There's a lot of building going on, especially around Midoun, as the rest of the island is not suitable for construction (for the time being). Some hotels don't open directly onto the beach, and you'll probably have to cross the road to dip your feet in the sea.
8. What to do in Djerba Go to Midoun
Djerba's second-largest urban area, with around 75,000 inhabitants, Midoun is a quiet center with an interesting architectural style. Its central square, welcoming and lively during the season, sees its café, with its beautiful terrace shaded by two majestic trees, quickly packed as soon as the sun shines. The market, held from Thursday afternoon to Friday lunchtime, is eagerly awaited throughout the island. The rest of the town is mainly made up of boutiques sprouting up along the streets and alleys.
You can also take a guided camel ride and visit the Blue Lagoon by booking your tour right here .
9. Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum
Located on the outskirts of the town of Houmt Souk, Djerba's Traditional Heritage Museum has been successfully renovated in recent years. With its varied and elegantly presented collections, it offers a fascinating insight into Djerba's artisanal past. From the layout of the island's space, illustrated by a highly instructive menzel model, to the various fishing techniques and traditional arts and crafts, with costumes, jewelry, carpets and a multitude of objects in clay or carved wood, this place will reveal many aspects of Djerba's rich and diverse culture.
10. What to do in Djerba See the Djerbahood
The Djerbahood project alone justifies a visit to Erriadh, or even Djerba! This project, an open-air urban art museum, is the result of the collaboration of 150 artists from 30 different countries. This unprecedented artistic and human initiative is the brainchild of Mehdi Ben Cheikh, a Franco-Tunisian gallery owner specializing in urban art. He offered the inhabitants of Erriadh, in the heart of the island, a unique experience: to transform their village into an open-air street art museum. A collective work of art, integrated into its environment to sublimate it. Djerbahood has contributed to the restoration of Erriadh's architectural heritage. In 2014 and again in 2022, masters of urban frescoes took to the walls, alleyways and most unexpected corners of the village to leave their mark, their reflection, their message. In all, over 200 murals have been created. A not-to-be-missed initiative on your visit to Djerba, so book your electric bike tour here .
11. What to do in Djerba Taste Tunisian gastronomy
With its long and eventful history, Tunisian cuisine fuses a variety of influences, including Arab, Berber, Turkish, Italian, Jewish and French. Given the proximity of the Sicilian coast, less than 200 km from Tunisia, certain products such as pasta are very common. The basic ingredients are typical of the Mediterranean, with a wide variety of vegetables seasoned with olive oil, parsley, coriander and mint, accompanied by a multitude of spices. Tunisian cuisine makes greater use of chillies than its North African neighbors, as evidenced by the Tunisian craze for harissa. Fish is also highly prized, and can be found in a variety of forms on Tunisian tables. Desserts are rich in dried fruit, honey, almonds and orange blossom, while coffee and tea are often accompanied by delicious oriental pastries. Bon appétit!
Where to stay in Djerba?
In the tourist zone to find a resort, in the capital Houmt Souk for a charming and central address, in Erriadh or Midoun for a typical address... The possibilities are numerous in one of our destinations for low-cost vacations.
- The most typical:HOTEL TOURING CLUB (MARHALA DJERBA)
This imposing old fondouk, recently renovated, is impressive. Rooms open onto a pleasant courtyard with white arches and bougainvillea.
- The most romantic: DAR BIBINE
A superb guest house in the heart of Erriadh, which you can book here. The typical Djerbian house dates back to the early 20th century. It has been renovated by Gérard Gridelet, a former architect and design enthusiast.
- The most luxurious: the RADISSON BLU RESORT & THALASSO
Chic and designer, the Radisson is one of the island's finest hotels. Located right on the beach, it offers luxury and comfort in its 20 suites and 276 rooms, arranged in a U-shape around the pool. Click here to book your stay!
What to do in Djerba at night
If you want to go out in Djerba at night, head for the beach clubs in the tourist area for a clichéd party atmosphere with cocktails in the sand and commercial music. But the real center of nightlife is Houmt Souk, with its restaurants, bars and discos where locals and tourists mingle. Finally, Midoun is ideal for an authentic atmosphere.
What to do in Djerba with your family
As a family, Djerba Explore is a real leisure park dedicated to the island's heritage and culture, which will delight the whole family. Of course, the beach and water sports will be a big hit with children of all ages. The island of the pink flamingos, a pirate ship cruise from the port of Houmt Souk or a water park will complete the program.
What to do in Djerba as a couple
As a couple, idleness on the beaches is ideal. Walks and good restaurants in Houmt Souk are also recommended. Other activities include diving, cruises, shopping and, above all, a trip to the hammam.
