Looking for what to do during your holidays in Tunisia? Djerba Island in Tunisia is your next best unknown destination.
Djerba, there is something captivating even in its name. You feel a depth of serenity unique to this island that you have not experienced anywhere else. Take a dip in the warm placid water, it looks and feels as smooth as olive oil. Absorb the sun as the rays kiss your skin with a bronze glow. Breath in the crisp lightweight air. Listen to the absence of motion. Explore the abundance of treasures on Djerba island in Tunisia.
Places to visit in Djerba Tunisia?
Djerba is made up of a collage of landscapes of charming coastal areas, rural fields, and sandy deserts. There is something to do for everyone in this best unknown destination. I composed a bucket list of things to do in the Island of Djerba in Tunisia that I believe allows you to experience little parts and pieces of this collage.
Chase one of 380 Mosques in Djerba
Djerba originally was home to 365 mosques. The idea was that Djerbien( the people from the island) could have a different mosque to pray in each day. Today, Djerba is home to 380 mosques. 20 of those Mosques are actually underground. Take a drive around the island and you will find it easy to spot multiple whitewashed mosques in a short time span. If you can find one, stop at an underground mosque. Going inside is a unique experience to Djerba.
Take an island tour of Houchs– Djerbas Traditional Homes
A Houch is a traditional home in Djerba. A houch or multiples houchs, along with wells for agriculture make up a Menzel. It is typical that a family and its extended family live within the Menzel. By design, a houch is something unique that makes up the island. Typically they are one story, whitewashed in color, and containing windows facing inside the courtyard. The agriculture component of the Menzel is made up of vegetation, Olive trees, and finally palm trees. These Menzel’s give Djerba its unique and charming personality and are a must-see for any visitor.
Djerbahood- An Open Air Museum
A charming neighborhood that is part of Djerba Island in Tunisia that had a renewal in 2014. 150 different street artists from around the world were invited to create 250 Murals throughout the neighborhood. The by-product of this project was a beautiful open-air museum. When you are walking around the neighborhood you are awe-stricken at the pop of colors against the all-white buildings. These mural paintings are not only complemented by the white walls but by the sprawling bougainvillea and colorful doors that surround them. It is one of the places to visit in Djerba Tunisia, that you can not miss.
Address: Hara Sghira Er Riadh, Tunisia
Ghazi Mustapha Tower
Located next to the fishing port of Houmt Souk this majestic fort was built in 1289 by an Admiral of Aragon and Sicily. This antiquity boasts amazing views on the Mediterranean Sea as well as an imposing structure. Dig into this fortress and its amazing history.
Visit and Watch the sunset from Guellala Museum
The Guellala Museum showcases Djerba’s rich traditions and lifestyle. Located on top of a hill in the city of Guellala (famous for its traditional pottery industry) it is one of the best spots to grab a cup of Tunisian tea and watch the sunset and dive into the museum’s fascinating displays.
Address: Guellala 4155, Tunisia
Visit El-Ghriba- Tunisia’s oldest Synagogue
Djerba is home to the largest population of Jews in Tunisia. El Ghriba is Tunisia’s oldest synagogue, and Jews from all over the world still make a pilgrimage to it today. It is believed that stone from the door of Solomon Temple or the second temple is incorporated in the building. Inside the synagogue is a mosaic of blue and green hues, and beautifully crafted blue and white arches. El-Ghriba has been embedded in the identity of Djerba.
Houmt El Souk- A Picturesque Souk
Houmt Souk, which translates to Market Neighborhood, is one of the places to visit in Djerba, Tunisia. It is a charming mix of shops, people, and culture. You can find an eclectic antique shop, Djerbian ladies in their traditional wear, and Djerbians just going about their daily lives in Djerba. It is a nice place to find affordable Jewelry, beautiful handcrafted rugs, and even knick-knacks unique to Djerba.
Sunbath in a beach of Djerba
Lastly, but something you should not overlook is the beaches of Djerba. Djerba is home to the best beaches in Tunisia. Djerba’s beaches have sand that is white and soft in texture, water that is crystal clear with shades of blue and turquoise all the while being warm and placid, and finally a sun that is strong and perfect for leaving with a bronze complexion. I can spend hours sitting in the still crystal clear water enjoying the warm sun.
Brik Ishak
Brik Ishak is a popular hole-in-the-wall restaurant located in Hara Kebira, a street popular for its Tunisian-Djerbian-Jewish street food. On any given day you will find lines of people waiting to grab a Brik. In case you are wondering, a Brik is made of a thin pastry filled with potatoes, egg, tuna, and harissa.
Address: Plug the name into your GPS
There are a lot of touristy restaurants and things to visit in Djerba, Tunisia. If you follow this list you will be sure to avoid those things! After visiting Djerba a number of times in the past years, these are some of my favorite things to do and visit in Djerba. I hope you grow a love for the island as I have.
