10 Best Things to Do in Djerba

Djerba’s main commune, Houmt Souk and its old town, or medina, seduces with its warren of historic streets and enigmatic alleyways. It’s home to pretty, whitewashed buildings with painted sky-blue doors. One can easily spend a week here taking in the town’s old-world architecture and sipping coffee in its charismatic cafes, before venturing to the outskirts to visit synagogues and mosques.  

Perhaps the highlight of Houmt Souk’s medina is its traditional bazaar, which sells kaleidoscopic carpets, breezy handmade kaftans and jewel-encrusted bangles to those who are willing to haggle. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss an outing to Marché aux Poissons (the city’s atmospheric fish market) where you can dine on freshly caught seafood in lively surroundings.

One of Tunisia’s most visually arresting buildings, Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum stuns with its blinding sugar-white exterior and emerald-green doors. It was once the Sufi mausoleum of Sidi Zitouni, which dates back to the 12th century. Inaugurated in 2008, the venue now showcases the island’s ethnographic treasures, including historic copies of the Quran, openwork pottery lamps, traditional Tunisian costumes and ornate cloisonné jewellery.

After you’ve spent the morning perusing the artefacts, wander across the avenue to Patisserie Khanchouch for an enticing selection of pastries and cakes or swing by Restaurant Essofra for an authentic Tunisian lunch. Take a seat in its rustic-chic interior to enjoy classic North African dishes like fragrant lamb tagine and Algerian fish couscous. 

With its glistening turquoise water and vanilla-white sand, is it any wonder why Sidi Mahrez has long been considered one of Tunisia’s finest beaches? Situated on Djerba’s northeast coast, this stretch of unspoiled shoreline is the perfect place to spend a day, splashing about in the ocean or working on a tan.  

The beach is mostly unadorned, except for a scattering of palm trees, rustic thatched umbrellas and comfortable sun loungers that are strewn along the shoreline. If you’re feeling peckish, head to Plaza Sea Lounge, on the waterfront, for handmade pizzas, Tunisian pastries and a fabulous selection of summery salads. 

An elongated peninsula on Djerba’s northerly coastline, Ras R'mal is an epic stretch of powder-soft sand that’s home to a serene, protected wetland that teems with flora and fauna. Here, you can observe pink flamingos and pods of dolphins in their natural habitat, before enjoying a traditional Tunisian feast accompanied by flamboyant musicians and dancers. 

The best way to reach Ras R'mal is by pirate ship tour, complete with costumed crew members. Once you’ve docked, you can swim in the blue sea, lie on the beach or ride a camel along the shoreline. 

Venture inland and discover Djerbahood: a village adorned with eye-popping murals that were created by visionary street artists from over 30 countries. Boasting more than 250 outdoor paintings, this eclectic district is also abundant with pink bougainvillea flowers and mysterious arched laneways that are home to whitewashed buildings with bright blue doors. 

Located 4 miles from the island’s main commune of Houmt Souk, Djerbahood is the perfect day trip for art aficionados, Instagrammers and those who simply love a locale that’s a little over-the-top. When you’re feeling hungry, stop by Warda Khmisa Kasher restaurant for traditional Tunisian cuisine like hand-rolled falafels and chocolate almond tart. 

An ancient fortress dating back to the 13th century, Borj el Kebir (also known as Gazi Mustapha Tower) is an awe-inspiring example of handsome Moorish architecture that recently became a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. Located near the commune of Houmt Souk, this dazzling defence structure is famed for its robust towers, central courtyard, palm trees and ocean panorama. 

Take in its crumbling exterior and compact museum before heading towards the Djerba Marina for a sunset meal near the water. Café Resto le Pêcheur boasts an al fresco deck that’s perfect for seaside dining, while Restaurant Haroun features a thatched-roof patio and a theatrical pirate ship terrace. 

Guellala Village is found on Djerba’s sun-kissed southern coast and is celebrated for its stunning output of artisan pottery. Here, Berber-speaking inhabitants craft eye-catching ceramics in traditional workshops where ancient manufacturing methods are married with modern day technology.  

Wander the streets and admire hand-painted tagines, kaleidoscopic couscous plates, rustic bowls and courtyard urns. It the perfect spot to pick up a keepsake or gift. Once you’ve haggled a bargain price, head to the beach for a bite to eat at the waterfront Café Flamingo and enjoy your meal against the peaceful background of the lapping waves. 

A historic town located in northeastern Djerba, Midoun draws visitors with its trio of souks, an olive oil mill that dates back 3 centuries and the Jama Fadloud Mosque (circa 1300s). Spend the morning in its covered alleyways shopping for jewellery, spices, pottery and clothing before riding a quad bike along the beach or playing 18 holes at the Djerba Golf Club.  

For a sweet bite to eat, stop by Artisan Paris, a French patisserie that serves wafer-thin crepes filled with indulgent ingredients, as well as pastries like pain au chocolate, apple tart and eclairs. For a North African feast, head to Restaurant El Houch for authentic rouz jerbi (a Tunisian dish prepared with rice, meat and vegetables) and a range of fragrant tagines. 

The oldest synagogue in Tunisia, and possibly all of Africa, El Ghriba, in the village of Hara Seghira, is a sacred pilgrimage site dating back to the 6th century BCE. It awes with its exceptional mosaic tilework, scintillating stained-glass windows and antiquated wooden furniture.   

Believed to house one of the oldest Torahs in the world, El Ghriba hosts an annual pilgrimage that takes place on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, in between Pesach and Shavuot. After you’ve visited the synagogue, dine at Mamie Fatima restaurant, in the nearby Djerbahood district, for Tunisian ojja, succulent lamb chops and tasty fish chorba soup.   

For carefree beachside dining, nothing beats Le Petit Marin restaurant in the tiny village of Sidi Jmour. With its turquoise ocean and bright white beach, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a meal while taking in scenic vistas of the Mediterranean at sunset. 

Dig into generous helpings of freshly caught fish, golden-fried chips, grilled squid, king prawns and zesty fruit salad. Grab a rustic wooden table or dine in a curtained cabana and toast the end of a fabulous vacation.