Things to do in Djerba: 10 ideas and where to stay

Djerba, the large island of southern Tunisia, is about much more than resort hotels. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023, it combines pale sandy beaches, potters' villages, souks, mosques, one of the best-known synagogues in the Maghreb and lanes covered in murals. Here are ten ideas to fill your days, followed by our tips on where to stay.

Getting to Djerba

The island has its own international airport, Djerba-Zarzis. By road, you reach it either via the El Kantara Roman causeway, a road of about seven kilometres linking it to the Zarzis peninsula, or by the ferry between Jorf and Ajim, in the south-west. Our article on which airport to choose in Tunisia compares the options.

1. Wander the souks of Houmt Souk

Houmt Souk, the main town, is the island's shopping hub. Its souks sell traditional fabrics, spices, pottery and jewellery. It is the best place to pick up souvenirs, and a good base for lunch.

2. Climb the ramparts of Borj El Kebir

North of Houmt Souk, a few minutes' walk from the harbour, Borj El Kebir (also called Borj Ghazi Mustapha) is a fort on the seafront. Its ramparts give a fine view of the harbour and the coast.

3. Visit El Ghriba synagogue

In the village of Erriadh, El Ghriba is one of the best-known Jewish sites in North Africa. It hosts a large pilgrimage every spring. Dress modestly for your visit.

4. Stroll through the murals of Erriadh (Djerbahood)

Also in Erriadh, the whitewashed walls have become an open-air gallery: street artists from all over the world have painted murals here under the name Djerbahood. The walk is done on foot, ideally in the morning or late afternoon.

5. Meet the potters of Guellala

Guellala is the potters' village, where jars, vases and tableware have been made from clay for centuries. Its museum, devoted to Djerba's heritage and crafts, is one of the most interesting on the island.

6. Spend half a day at Djerba Explore

Djerba Explore park brings together a large crocodile enclosure, a big hit with children, the Lalla Hadria museum of Islamic arts (calligraphy, ceramics, carpets, costumes), and a heritage village recreating traditional Djerbian life.

7. Head to Ras Rmel and Flamingo Island

At the end of Sidi Mahrez beach, the Ras Rmel peninsula stretches it into a long tongue of sand lined with lagoons, where flamingos and other birds can be seen depending on the season. Boats leave Houmt Souk harbour for this trip, known as "Flamingo Island".

8. Enjoy the beaches of Sidi Mahrez

The long beach of Sidi Mahrez, along the tourist zone, has pale sand and shallow water, ideal for families. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also on offer, through water sports clubs. Our guide to Tunisia's most beautiful beaches compares Djerba with the rest of the coast.

9. See Fadhloun mosque

On the edge of Midoun, Fadhloun mosque is one of the finest examples of the island's religious heritage. Respectful dress is required: shoulders and legs covered.

10. Spend some time in Midoun

Midoun is the town closest to the tourist zone. It is a handy stop to get out of the hotels for a while, a few minutes from the coast.

How many days in Djerba?

Three or four days are enough to see the highlights and still leave time for the beach. A hire car or taxis make it easy to get around between Houmt Souk, Erriadh, Guellala and the tourist zone. For the season, see the best time to visit Tunisia, and before you leave check your government's official travel advice and our article on travelling safely in Tunisia.

Where to stay in Djerba

Most hotels are in the tourist zone, between Sidi Mahrez and Midoun, right by the sea:

• Télémaque Beach & Spa, built directly on Sidi Mahrez beach, with a kids' club and all-inclusive board;
• Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa & Spa, on the same beach, for a suite stay with a large thalasso centre;
• Djerba Holiday Beach, a few minutes' walk from Sidi Mahrez beach, handy for families;
• Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso, on the seafront with a private beach and spa.

Travelling with children? Read Djerba with the family: which area to choose. For all our addresses, see our hotels in Djerba.

Booking

On Nreservi you see live prices and availability and book online. Living abroad? You can pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once payment is made. From Algeria, you pay in dinars with no bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency.

See hotels in Djerba

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.