Things to do in Djerba: the complete guide

Djerba is the largest island in North Africa, yet you can cross it quickly: about twenty kilometres from one side to the other. That human scale is part of its charm. In a few days you can stroll through a souk, visit a fort, stop at a potter’s workshop, swim, and watch flamingos from a boat. Here is what is really worth your time, and how to put your stay together.

Houmt Souk, the island’s capital

This is the ideal starting point. The medina brings together whitewashed lanes, craft souks, fondouks and small cafés. Borj El Kebir fort overlooks the harbour, where fishermen still bring their boats in at the end of the day. Allow half a day to see it all without rushing. Our agency is based right here in Houmt Souk, so if you are passing through, feel free to write or call us.

Erriadh, Guellala and El Ghriba: villages and heritage

In the middle of the island, Erriadh became famous as Djerbahood, a village where dozens of artists painted the lime-washed walls. Further south-west, Guellala is the potters’ village, with workshops and a museum devoted to the island’s traditions. El Ghriba synagogue, one of the oldest in North Africa, can be visited with modest dress and within the opening times posted on site.

Beaches and relaxing

The best fine-sand beaches are on the north-east coast, around the tourist zone and Midoun. The water is calm and shallow, which suits children. Swimming is pleasant from June to October; out of season it is the time for long walks on the sand. Bring a hat and sunscreen: the sun is strong even in spring.

The lagoon and Flamingo Island

Boat trips from Houmt Souk head to the Ras Rmel lagoon and the sandbar known as Flamingo Island. The birds are mostly visible from autumn to spring, but their presence varies from year to year, so do not count on it as guaranteed. See our dedicated guide to Flamingo Island.

Active outings: 4x4, quad, camel, horse

To get moving, Djerba offers quad, buggy, camel and horse rides through the countryside and along the coast. Choose an operator that provides helmets and a safety briefing, and avoid the hottest hours in summer. A 4x4 tour of the island with stops at craftsmen’s workshops is also a pleasant way to see the interior.

Escapes to the mainland

Southern Tunisia is within reach: Berber villages around Tataouine, troglodyte houses in Matmata, Douz dunes and the Ksar Ghilane oasis. These are long days, often with an early start; for Douz, two days are more comfortable. See our excursions in Djerba and our tours in southern Tunisia.

How to plan your stay

• 3 days: Houmt Souk, craft villages, one day at the sea or on a boat.
• 5 days: add an excursion to Tataouine and Matmata.
• 7 days: add Douz and the Sahara, or two days of rest at the hotel.

For getting around, a driver or an excursion with hotel pick-up makes everything easier. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a suitable programme, whether you are a couple, a family or a group of friends.

The most beautiful sunsets

Djerba is flat and open to the sea: late afternoons are spectacular. The best viewpoints are Houmt Souk harbour, the western end of Sidi Mahrez beach, the edge of the lagoon near Guellala and, for photographers, the lanes of Erriadh when the low light skims the murals. A mint tea on a seafront terrace is the simplest way to end the day.

Mistakes to avoid

• Trying to do everything: the island is best savoured slowly, and two or three excursions in a week are enough.
• Heading into the desert in the middle of a summer day: favour dawn departures or postpone to spring.
• Forgetting cash: small shops, taxis and cafés work in dinars.
• Ignoring the visiting hours of religious sites and museums, which change with the season.

How long to stay?

A long weekend lets you see Houmt Souk and a beach. A week is the ideal format: sea, villages, a boat trip and a day on the mainland. Beyond that, you can add Douz and the Sahara, or simply slow down. Tunisian travellers from Tunis or Sfax often enjoy Djerba over three or four days, combining beach and village visits.

Good to know before you go

Dress modestly for religious sites, keep dinars for small purchases and bargain with a smile in the souks. Visiting hours can vary with the season and on holidays, so confirm them before setting out.