10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Djerba

Houmt Souk Bazaar is a veritable treasure trove of Tunisian bargains, so it’s advised to spend an entire day here exploring every alcove. Situated in the heart of Djerba’s main commune, this old-world marketplace teems with traders selling all kinds of items along narrow, cobbled alleyways covered with canopies and awnings.

Peruse kaleidoscopic textiles, hand-painted plates, magical woven carpets and locally crafted leather goods. Afterwards, grab a tasty bite at one of the medina’s local eateries. We love Baccar for its hearty tagines and Essofra for its fragrant couscous.

For the polar opposite of souk shopping, head to the air-conditioned Bourgo Mall, a sprawling retail complex situated halfway between Djerba Midun and the rustic village of Mahboubine. Here, you can shop the latest fashions, home decor and children’s toys across two contemporary levels, as well as local produce in the Géant Hypermarket.

Surrounded by four hectares of lush greenery and palm trees, Bourgo Mall is an inviting oasis in the sun-drenched terrain of suburban Djerba. Once you’ve splashed your cash, head to the mall’s Farmhouse Pizza restaurant for a delicious slice of Chicken Supreme, followed by a triple-scoop cone at the Ice Cream Factory.

For those hankering after hand-thrown pottery, nothing beats a day trip to the historic village of Guellala, located on Djerba’s scenic southern coast. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time in this remarkable rustic enclave, where artisan workshops offer all kinds of goodies including terracotta lanterns, hand-painted tagines, garden urns and decorative bowls.

When you’re not bargaining for wares with the neighbourhood traders, stop by the Traditions and Heritage Museum to learn more about the region and its riveting local customs. For dinner, visit Poisson D'or Guellala for freshly caught seafood in dishes like grilled dorade with chips and juicy king prawns.

Khacha Mohamed is a famed artisan weaver and native of Djerba, who sells his wares in the maze-like corridors of the Houmt Souk Bazaar. His shop is a dazzling showcase of basketry (vannerie) and mats (nattes), each woven from palm leaves with his dexterous fingers: a craft he’s been practicing since he was 12 years old.

Once you’ve bought a beautiful item, venture through the market and into the surrounding streets for a hot Tunisian coffee or a tasty homecooked lunch. El Fondouk is an Instagram-worthy restaurant with a stunning interior courtyard that serves grilled seafood, hearty pastas and a range of decadent desserts.

Set in Djerba Midun, just south of its lively souk, Djerba Mall offers a modern shopping experience in an air-conditioned centre that’s surrounded by emerald palm trees. Across two floors, you’ll find numerous boutiques selling clothing, jewellery, footwear and souvenirs, as well as outlets hawking household items like decor and electronics.

What’s more, Djerba Mall is home to a fun children’s amusement park, a nostalgic video arcade, a cinema and bowling alley and a popular gymnasium. For something to eat, head to Rapido Livraison for traditional tabouna flatbreads that are loaded with tasty fillings, or opt for a slice of Italian pizza.

Situated in the centre of Houmt Souk, Dar El Fan showcases a stunning array of eye-catching accessories that have been meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. In this elegant boutique, you can peruse unique handbags, gold bangles and a fabulous collection of deluxe haberdashery including glittering rhinestones, iridescent beads and embroidered floral trims.

When you’re all shopped out, head to the nearby Restaurant Big Boss for a feast that will make the whole family happy. Try the steak haché burger, or the four-cheese pasta, before indulging in a slice of heavenly cheesecake.

Bijouterie La Coupole Simon is an upmarket jewellery store that’s conveniently situated in the heart of Houmt Souk. Specialising in 18 karat gold accessories, as well as gemstone encrusted pendants, ornate silver dinnerware and beaded North African earrings, you’ll be spoilt for choice with what’s on offer.

The real draw is the incredible domed ceiling that expands out in kaleidoscopic tessellations (a feature that is worth the visit alone, even if you don’t make a purchase). Afterwards, take a break on the Café Du Souk patio for homemade French crepes and a piping hot coffee. Try the cookie dough latte or the caramel macchiato.

Hlouwa Djerba is an awe-inspiring pastry shop that’s located a few minutes south of the Houmt Souk Medina. Here, you can browse an impressive array of macarons, petit fours, chocolate croissants and multi-tiered birthday cakes that are adorned with sprays of flowers and edible decorations.

This seductive sweet boutique also specialises in Tunisian fekia, a type of pastry that’s made with almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and rose water, before being soaked in sumptuous syrup. Alternatively, buy a box of Mlabes, a North African iced almond biscuit that melts in the mouth, or treat yourself to a sponge noisette.

The El Houch Concept Store is a tiny artisan enclave that showcases imaginative products from Djerba’s talented natives. Browse woven baskets, carved wooden lamps, hand-painted plates and glazed ceramics inside a rustic little shop that is festooned with bougainvillea flowers.

You’ll also find a small but stunning collection of stylish clothing, as well as blissful aromatherapy oils and fragrant hand-dipped candles. There’s a selection of woven handbags that would give Jane Birkin a run for her money and nature-inspired figurines that just beg to be bought.

Épicerie Tradition Djerbien - Mourad Gadria is a gourmet grocery shop set inside Souk Midoun, a busy traditional marketplace in the Djerba Midoun district. Spend the morning here marvelling at shelves stacked with colourful jars, tins and boxes. If you have any questions, the owner Mourad Gadria is happy to help and he is fluent in French and German. 

Famed for its traditional harissa, purported to be the best in the nation, this fabulous delicatessen is like nothing else in Djerba. Purchase creamy nut butters, freshly harvested honeycomb (an absolute must!), hand-rolled figs, and high-end olive oils.