Djerba

Djerba is an island and a cultural in south Tunisia with beautiful sandy beaches and beautiful, peaceful and silent countryside. One from the best ecological destinations in the world, this island preserves its traditions and its unique architectural theme.

Understand
Djerba is known for its beautiful beaches and dramatic sunsets and therefore a popular tourist destination, particularly with French, German and Italian tourists. It is one of the few remaining places in Tunisia where a Berber language is still spoken. It is the largest island of North Africa with a total population of around 160,000. It is also notable for being home to one of the last remaining Jewish communities in the Arab world.

By bus
Buses between Tunis and south bus station in Houmt Souk's centre ville in Djerba cost DT26.750 and take about 8 hours. The fare includes the ferry ride to the island. Night rides are common and fairly comfortable. As always, on the island, the bus makes several stops - ask and be sure you know where you are getting off!



By plane
Tunisair provides scheduled service from the island to some major European cities, there is also domestic service provided by Tunisair's subsidiary, Tunisair Express, between Djerba and Tunis. A few European charter airlines also fly to the island.

For transport from the airport, taxi seems to be one of the few options. They should however use a meter. A ride to Houmt Souk center costs around DT20.



By train
The train line ends at Gabes, 70 km to the north-west. From there, you must take a bus or louage (shared van) to El Jorf and then a ferry to Djerba (no need to get off the van).

Get around
Public transportation is limited but taxis are available for reasonable prices. Stations de taxis exist in most towns and appear on Google Maps. Drivers are honest and use their meters. Ridesharing apps like Bolt and Uber do not work in Djerba as of early 2024.

It's also possible to rent a bicycle or motorcycle.

By bike
Bicycles are for rent for example in Houmt Souk or the Midoun area. Biking is relatively common and many drivers are accustomed to having bikes and small scooters on the roads. The main roads are clean and of good quality, and outside the towns traffic is quite light. Watch out for the smaller roads which are not always paved. Additionally, only a fraction of the roads is lit at night.

See




Do
Enjoy the sandy beaches. One of the best is at the, near Djerba Explore, which has incredibly clear and blue-green waters. Here you can do water sports, and locals propose camel or horse rides (DT10 for a ride up and down the beach, possible to negotiate, possible to do longer rides). A restaurant on the beach (the only one) serves grilled fish and other dishes for about DT10-15 per person. A ride from Houmt Souk costs about DT10.

Visit Ras R'mel peninsula, rent a bicycle (almost impossible to find) and visit the small villages; enjoy a simple and typical architecture, a silent countryside and beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Eat fresh tasty fish; go to the typical fish market. Do not miss a Turkish bath. Visit the jewelers and admire bedouin silver jewelry.

A great place to watch beautiful sunsets is at the northwest side of the island is Borj Djillidj before turning left to Ajim. The quiet little port and lighthouse hosts the traditional fishermen who still catch octopus with clay pots and come back against sunset with their wins of the day. A most quiet and serene place sure to inspire.



Buy
Textiles, spices, dates, loofahs, traditional clothes, drums and pottery.

In the souks, bargain and don't be afraid to ask for even a quarter of the starting price.

Eat
Eat fresh grilled fish, couscous with fish and lamb meat, try "brik à l'oeuf", Tunisian sandwich (casse-croute tunisien), lablabi (a chick-peas soup), salade mechouia (mixed grilled vegetables), tastira (mixed fried vegetables). Fricasse (sandwich bread fried in oil and topped with various toppings). Gelato and pizzas from the souk. Look for the smaller shops with signs in Arabic, the owners are friendly and will explain what you can get, and the prices are much lower!



Drink
Drink only bottled water; if you feel adventurous, try fresh orange juice, mint tea, Turkish coffee, boukha (local liquor made of figs), celtia (local beer), l'ban (liquid yogurt; try the fresh l'ban from the milkman, rather than the bottled one).

Sleep
There are many hotels are available for all kinds of budgets, including of course deluxe hotels.



Go next
From the bus station of Houmt Souk (gare routière) it is quite easy and cheap to get to the major cities in the mainland.

Various tour agencies offer trips of one to two days into the nearby deserts to the west.