Things To Do In Djerba

Modern luxury hotels and resorts line the island of Djerba and a large number of
tourists are attracted here every year. This city is located on one of the remote
islands in Tunisia, along the Gulf of Gabes. The island serves as a link among
several totally different cultures. The rest of the great continent of Africa lies to
the south and Europe lies across the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Guellala is the highest point and has a pretty outdoor museum with a row of recreated traditional homes. It presents the old livelihood activities (agriculture,
fishing, weaving etc.) from Djerba so people can better understand life on the
island before the arrival of mass tourism. The overall presentation is modern and
educational. Djerba is rich with cultural attractions, oases, palm groves, and
picturesque villages that can take you on a magical journey with unforgettable
memories. Djerba is highly recommended for anyone who wants to discover
Tunisia at his or her own pace and with an adventurous spirit.
When To Go:
Because it is located along the southern latitude of Tunisia, Djerba's atmosphere
is generally gentle. All year round, the weather is warm but not humid. July and
August are the summer months and the ideal time to visit. It is during the summer
when normal highs are in the upper 90s, and lows are in the 70s range. The
coldest months are December through February, when normal highs are in the
60s, and lows down to the 50s. There are few cloudy days, and there will
practically never be two days in succession when the sun is not sparkling. A
downpour occurs periodically, with a normal of 62 days out of the year
demonstrating some precipitation, generally in the winter season. Summers dont
have any overcast clouds nor a hint of rain and are basically dry.
Throughout the summer season, rates for everything from flights to hotel rooms
are priced much higher because of the peak season for tourism in Djerba. If you
consider going during the winter season, you might be able to find better deals
and discounted tour packages.

These are the things to do when in the island of Djerba:

Musee du Patrimoine Traditionnel Djerbien
The Musee du Patrimoine Traditionnel Djerbien presents a nice overview of the
local traditions in Tunisia, from the feast of betrothal / marriage to everyday life.
It is well structured and each room is numbered to make it easy to follow a logical
progression of traditions. The exhibition includes diverse objects and a glimpse
into the life of being a Berber here in Djerba during the ancient times. It is a
suitable place to take both children and the elderly. This museum is the best way
to spend a lovely afternoon and learn the historical importance of the island.
Outside, you can see camels.
At the entrance a guide who has a degree in Mediterranean Anthropology will
greet you. The reconstruction of a typical Djerba house is neat, well maintained
and spacious. To represent the different moments of the life and traditions of the
people, there are almost life-size statues dressed in traditional costumes (parties,
weddings, etc.). The different objects from everyday life are shown here as well as
the handicraft talent of the locals. Artifacts ranging from the ordinary up to the
extremely rare are displayed along with the statues. There are very interesting
message boards that enclose ancient costumes, textiles and ornamental objects.
Krokodilfarm Animalia
It is ideal to visit the Krokodilfarm Animalia on Wednesdays and Saturdays to see
the actual feeding of the crocodiles. It is interesting to watch how the workers
feed the crocodiles while the audience huddles in disbelief and fear. Sometimes
they bob their noses trying to catch a piece of chicken, and you hear a crackle as
they finish it all up, then the employee scatters them around with a shovel.
The best time to go is at 5:30 when they are most active -- if you go early, you will
only see a lot of sleeping crocodiles. The highlight of the trip to the farm is to hold
a small crocodile in your hand and take photos. This facility for crocodiles and
turtles is very interesting and provides good information. It is an extensive
complex with an attached museum dedicated to the animals that you can visit.

Guellala Museum
Take a journey into the origins of Tunisia with a visit to the Guellala Museum. The
museum focuses on the arts and traditions of the country. Located on beautiful
grounds with wonderful flowering plants, it has a dazzling white architectural
structure -- and with the blue sky as a background it looks amazing during the day.
In this museum you will learn many interesting facts about family life, preparing
for a wedding, circumcision of infants, and how the early Tunisian Berbers
worked. You can see camels outside plowing the wheat, and there is a row of
typical houses.
The tour is well organized and has a great view over the entire city. There are
numerous shops selling locally made crafts and the unique insignias from around
the world. In addition to the museum there is a special area where masterpieces
in ceramics are crafted by skilled artisans of Djerba. The museum also houses
musical instruments, jewelry (Berber and Bedouin), old books and glazed ceramics
(bowls and plates traditionally used at weddings or holidays).
Fort Ghazi Mustapha
The Fort Ghazi Mustapha (Borj El-Kebir) is something halfway between an
archaeological site and a ruined fort. The island of Djerba is not just hotels and
resorts -- especially if you venture inland, you will find the old traditions and the
things from the past. This fort is not even inland, it is next to the marina and
offers unique landscapes facing the sea. Although not yet fully restored, its
labyrinthine paths, towers, ruins, and statues will fascinate you. Ghazi Mustapha
built the fort in the 16th century as a gateway arch and to protect the town of
Homt Souk.
The historic fort is also close to the city bazaar and market center. There is an
amphitheater in the fort where you can take panoramic photos of the ocean and
the city. It is good to explore and learn every bit of history with a guide as you
wander around the old ruins with their broken statues. The imposing structure is
very simple, but the best parts are the ramparts, where the view is superb. Even

the inside areas are very interesting, making this fort one of the places not to be
missed when in Djerba.
El Ghriba Synagogue
Djerba is a Muslim city, but the Jewish influence is still prevalent and its historical
importance is obvious at this synagogue. If you enter the synagogue, you must
take your shoes off, and wear long clothes and headscarves. The synagogue itself
is beautiful with the blue colors -- and definitely worth it especially if you have not
been to any synagogues before. Jewish pilgrims study the scriptures at the El
Ghriba Synagogueevery weekend.
The countrys Jewish community has been a part of Tunisian life for many
centuries. It is small but steeped in religious history. The temple is home to one of
the oldest Torahs in existence, which is celebrated during an annual pilgrimage
(drawing international participation) every May. The blue-tiled synagogue is a
place full of stories and distinguished by its colorful decoration. A Jewish guide
answers your questions and gives full information about this place. It succeeds in
showing the peaceful co-existence of the Jewish and Muslim religion, a fine
example to all. The armed guards who secure the area are very cordial and you
can enter the synagogue without any problem.
LEglise Saint Joseph
The LEglise Saint Joseph is one of the oldest churches in the Maltese community;
it was closed for quite a long time, then occupied by various secular activities, and
has now been restored and rehabilitated for a while. The exterior is not bad but
the interior is much more interesting.
This is a very simple church that well deserves having its decorative elements
selected by Djerba Heritage: among these, the use of kilims and mosaics was
especially noted. The church is very solemn, an ideal place for contemplation and
meditation. The Church of St. Joseph is a small church. It is interesting to see the
decorations and paintings, stained glass, and religious sculptures. It has a varied
collection of icons within view of the visitors.

These small works of sacred art contain an amazing diversity of influences, with
both artistic and religious symbolism. The priest is very nice and open to
discussion. The Holy Masses are offered in different languages every Saturday and
Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Blue Dolphin Djerba Dive Center
Discover the predominantly sandy (but rich in flora and fauna) seabed of Djerba
with the trained professional divers of the Blue Dolphin Djerba Dive Center. You
can have a great time and see two shipwrecks lying in the ocean with this
company's well-prepared and organized expeditions. For those who need diving
equipment, they have all the most recent gear and gadgets for hire.
The diving center is located on the beach and is run by very helpful staff. There
are fabulous backdrops with wrecks to view. The dive leads to the site where
most tropical fish and octopus converge. Plan your diving adventure in the
summer season for better visibility of the marine wildlife in the waters of Djerba.
Houmt Souk Old Town
Houmt Souk's Old Town is the best site to enjoy a fascinating walk and to feel the
multifaceted and enterprising nature of Djerba. Featuring an exotic maze of
rugged alleyways lined with picturesque whitewashed properties, shopkeepers
advertising their vibrant ceramics from every corner, and handicrafts of every sort
-- this souk will definitely be the place you can take care of your shopping! You
can choose from conventional handicrafts, intricate handmade jewelry, ceramics,
clothing, prayer rugs, carpets, leather shoes and boots, brass and cutlery, leather
merchandise, and endless rows of pottery -- at least.
If you want to go fishing, there are boats with colorful designs for rent at the
fishing harbor of this small village. This place is not only lined with small hotels,
there are fine dining areas and cafes to choose from in case you are famished. Be
sure not to miss the camel parade and the cultural shows that are held every
night, they are very entertaining.

Plage Sidi Mahares

Djerba's most in-demand beachfront attraction is the Plage Sidi Mahars. It is a
wonderful place to unwind and take it easy after shopping and wandering around
the souks. It is one of the oldest beaches and equipped with the most complete
infrastructure of a well-patronized coastal attraction. The resort operators in this
area have the sandy beach neatly lined with beach loungers, small huts, and
umbrellas for rent.
The cafes and a great selection of restaurants can also be found strategically
located along its 8-mile length, as well as shower rooms and toilets for every
guests convenience. An ancient lighthouse at the far end of the beach entices
guests to climb its tower to have a great view of the Gulf of Gabes and the island
of Djerba.
Muse des Arts et Traditions Populaires
This fascinating small art gallery built in the 18th century is situated in the city and
became famous because of its stalactite-inspired ceiling design. The Muse des
Arts et Traditions Populaires holds the largest collection of the classic and
traditional costumes in Tunisia. If you are curious about the cultural history of this
country, this place will provide many answers and evidence of the nations ethnic
and traditional past. A special room is dedicated to the Islamic faith and features a
collection of Old Qurans and Islamic prayer beads.
The exhibit rooms offer more variety and many items that can only be seen here
in this art museum. The old jewelry, colorful ceramic collections, and the classic
wedding gowns on display are all popular with visitors. All of the creative work is
properly recognized and acknowledged; every item includes the name of the
painter, designer, or sculptor. This museum of the arts is truly an amazing and
informative place to learn about the customs of the country. It is unusually
authentic and a must-see when on the island of Djerba.
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