Djerba: beaches, street art and an ancient synagogue

Why visit Djerba

Djerba is the easiest place in Tunisia to slow down. It is flat, sunny for most of the year and small enough to explore by bike, scooter or taxi. It has the country's best winter weather, a calm beach zone on the east coast and a culture all its own, shaped by Amazigh, Arab and Jewish communities who have lived here side by side for centuries.

Houmt Souk

The island's main town has a lively covered souk, a small fishing harbour where fish auctions take place most mornings, and the Borj el Kebir, a fifteenth century fort by the sea. Its old funduks, inns built around courtyards for travelling merchants, have been turned into guesthouses and shops. Stroll the souks for pottery, woven blankets, silver jewellery and spices.

Erriadh and Djerbahood

In the village of Erriadh, artists from around the world painted walls across the lanes in a project called Djerbahood. The murals turned the village into a walkable open air gallery. Just outside it stands El Ghriba, one of the oldest synagogues in Africa, with blue tiles and painted wood. Each spring it is the focus of the Lag BaOmer pilgrimage. Security around El Ghriba is tight, and a deadly attack happened nearby in May 2023: check current advice and whether it is open before you go.

Beaches

The best beaches are on the east coast, in the Zone Touristique between Sidi Mahrez and Aghir, where most resort hotels stand. Sidi Mahrez beach is wide and pale, and Seguia beach further south is quieter. The sea is shallow, calm and good for children. Kite surfers head to the lagoons near the south.

Guellala and the interior

In the south, Guellala is a pottery village where workshops still fire clay in kilns half buried in the ground. Its museum explains Djerban traditions, weddings and crafts. Drive the interior to see menzels, traditional fortified farmhouses, olive groves, palm trees and the island's small white mosques, some of them centuries old.

Trips from Djerba

Djerba is the gateway to the deep south. Day trips and two day tours go to the troglodyte homes of Matmata, the ksour, fortified granaries, around Tataouine such as Ksar Ouled Soltane, and the Berber hill village of Chenini. The dunes near Douz are further, but within reach on an overnight trip. Check current travel advice before heading south toward the Libyan border region.

Food

Seafood dominates: grilled fish, octopus and Djerban rice, a fragrant steamed rice with spinach, herbs and fish or meat. Try brik, couscous with fish and sweet bsissa, a toasted grain mixture. Many restaurants in Houmt Souk serve fish by weight, so ask before ordering.

Getting there and around

Djerba-Zarzis airport has flights from Tunis and seasonal routes from Europe. By road, cross on the small car ferry from Jorf to Ajim, or take the Roman era causeway at El Kantara. On the island, use taxis, hire a bicycle in the hotel zone, or join local tours. Use the free trip planner to end your trip here after Tozeur.