Erriadh (Djerbahood), Guellala and El Ghriba: the heart of Djerba

A few kilometres south of Houmt Souk, three places tell the story of inland Djerba: Erriadh and its painted walls, Guellala and its potters, El Ghriba and its very old Jewish community. They are easily visited in one day or two half days. Here is what you need to know.

Erriadh and Djerbahood: the gallery village

Erriadh, formerly Hara Sghira, is a traditional village of white houses, menzels and winding lanes. In 2014, and again in 2022, artists from around the world were invited to paint its walls: the Djerbahood project turned the village into an open-air gallery. You wander freely, looking up, sometimes pushing a door into a courtyard. The works change over time; some fade, others appear. The best moment is late afternoon, when the low light colours the walls.

El Ghriba synagogue

On the edge of Erriadh, El Ghriba is considered the oldest synagogue in North Africa; the present building dates from the 19th century, but tradition traces the place of worship back to antiquity. The interior, with blue tiles and woodwork, is deeply peaceful. Visits are possible outside services, with covering clothes and a head covering for men (caps are lent). The annual pilgrimage takes place in spring and draws visitors from many countries; access may then be regulated. Check current opening times and conditions before travelling.

Guellala, the potters’ village

In the south-west of the island, Guellala has drawn its clay from the neighbouring hills since antiquity. You can visit workshops where potters throw jars, dishes and small decorative pieces, often fired in traditional kilns. The Guellala museum, on a hilltop, presents the island’s traditions (weddings, costumes, trades) and offers a panoramic view over the coast and, on a clear day, the lagoon where flamingos settle. Leave room in your suitcase: pottery makes a lovely souvenir and can usually be wrapped for travel.

Suggested itinerary

1. Morning: Guellala, workshops then the museum.
2. Lunch in a village or back on the coast.
3. Early afternoon: El Ghriba.
4. Late afternoon: Erriadh and Djerbahood, in the best light.

Distances are short (Houmt Souk to Erriadh about 7 km, Erriadh to Guellala about fifteen kilometres), but public transport is limited: a driver or an organised excursion saves time.

Visiting tips

• Dress respectfully in places of worship and in the villages.
• Ask before photographing people, especially craftsmen at work.
• Buy directly from the potters where possible: it is the best way to support local crafts.
• Bring water and a hat: the interior of the island is hotter than the coast.

The story of Hara Sghira and Hara Kbira

Erriadh (Hara Sghira, “the small quarter”) and the Jewish quarter of Houmt Souk (Hara Kbira, “the large quarter”) bear witness to a Jewish presence in Djerba that tradition dates back more than two thousand years. The community still lives here today, and El Ghriba remains a living place of pilgrimage. Visiting these places respectfully also means understanding the coexistence that shapes the island’s identity.

For photographers

In Djerbahood, morning light brightens the east-facing lanes and evening light the west-facing walls; a map of the works is often available at the village entrance. In Guellala, workshops generally allow photos if you ask, and the museum offers the best panorama of the island at sunset.

How much time to allow

Allow one to one and a half hours for Erriadh, thirty to forty-five minutes for El Ghriba, and two hours for Guellala with the museum. With travel and lunch, it is a full day but not a rushed one.

With 3H Travel

Our cultural excursion combines Houmt Souk, Erriadh, Guellala and El Ghriba in one day with a driver and hotel pick-up. See our excursions in Djerba and, to round off your stay, our guide to Djerba’s crafts and food.