Bathed in the Mediterranean Sea, Djerba is a flagship destination for a trip to Tunisie and promises its visitors idyllic adventures through its splendid beaches, museums, street art, and vibrant markets. This Tunisian island of nearly 514 m² represents the largest of all the coasts of North Africa. It is located in the southeast of the Gulf of Gabès, which it borders with its northern and eastern coasts. The largest city on Djerba is Houmt Souk, which is home to a large portion of its population. This fascinating expanse of land offers a wide range of activities to enjoy during your stay.

The Island's History

Before 1881, Djerba was under Ottoman rule. From that year on, the region came under French protectorate following the bombardment of the island and its military occupation. French troops remained in Houmt Souk until 1890, when administration was transferred to civilian authority.

Tunisie gained independence in 1956, and Djerba became a delegation under the governorate of Médenine. The president of the time faced strong political opposition from a man native to the island. As a result, the island was neglected for many years in terms of infrastructure while the rest of the country benefited from various developments (hospitals, roads, secondary schools, etc.). From 1962 to 1969, thousands of Djerbian residents left the territory to settle in France due to unfavorable economic conditions caused by state reforms to commercial structures. It was only from 1970 onwards that Djerba experienced significant development with the expansion of the airport and urban areas, the widening of roads, the installation of electric pylons, and the promotion of tourism…

Djerba's Must-See Attractions

Houmt Souk

Being the main city on the island, Houmt Souk is absolutely essential to visit during a stay in Djerba. The city is home to more than 20,000 inhabitants and contains several sites of interest. When you arrive there, you'll surely be charmed by the local architecture, which is characterized by whitewashed facades. Don't miss taking a beautiful walk through its picturesque alleyways and souks, which are remarkable treasures. Afterwards, you'll be invited to soak in the Tunisian atmosphere offered by the city's market. You'll observe, among other things, superb, colorful shops adorned with flowers. It's an incredible experience while enjoying the warmth of the local people. Tasting some local specialties is a must. You'll discover stalls of fruits, vegetables, and spices, as well as the fish market with its lively auction.

The Ghriba Synagogue

The subject of pilgrimage each year, the Ghriba Synagogue is the most important in Tunisie. It is one of the most cherished sites in the Jewish faith. The site houses many cultural treasures. It holds some of the oldest Torah texts. When visiting this sacred place, you'll certainly be captivated by its unique architecture with turquoise blue tones and white walls.

Midoun, the Island's Second City

Located in the eastern part of the island, Midoun is well worth a visit during a stay in Djerba. It is the second largest city on Djerba after Houmt Souk. You can wander through this charming city with its colorful streets while observing an array of souvenirs offered by its boutiques, notably beautiful pottery. In its lively market, you can purchase fresh local products such as vegetables and exotic fruits, as well as spices and dried dates.

The Beaches

It would be impossible to visit Djerba without venturing onto its sumptuous beaches. Nicknamed the island of golden sands, Djerba attracts many vacationers thanks to its expanse of fine sand and turquoise waters with small coves that are more or less crowded. Among the popular destinations, the beautiful beach of Sidi Mahrez awaits you on the northern coast. Just a few kilometers from the city of Midoun, you'll find the Seguia beach, which offers a wide range of fun and sporting activities. Other alternatives are also available to you, such as Sidi Yati, Sidi J'mour, El Hachen…

If you're traveling from Paris, you can reach Djerba by taking a direct flight for a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. You'll arrive at Djerba-Zarzis Airport, which is located just 9 km west of Houmt Souk, the island's main city. There are also connections from Marseille, Lyon, Nice, and Nantes.

If you're traveling from Tunis Airport, take a domestic flight to Djerba for a duration of just under an hour. The transport cost is around 85 euros.