Djerba, often called the dream island of Tunisia, had been on my mind for a long time. I had already visited so many other Tunisian gems: Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia, Bizerte, Kelibia, and of course Tunis, but somehow, Djerba was still waiting for the right moment. That moment came when my friends invited me to join their trip, and I happily said yes.
Our journey began in Tunis with a six-hour drive to the island, followed by a short crossing on the battah (ferry). Once we arrived and started looking for our villa in Midoun, I quickly realized just how big Djerba is, with its many parts like Midoun, Aghir, Houmt Souk, Ajim, and Guellala, each with its own character.
Houmt Souk
Houmt Souk is the heart and soul of Djerba, the island’s main town and its bustling old city center. Walking through its streets feels like the same charm of Tunisian medinas and vibes you find in Hammamet, Sousse, or other historic towns in Tunisia.
The medina is a lively maze of narrow alleys, lined with souvenir shops, spice stores, traditional crafts, and local bakeries. You can easily spend hours wandering from one shop to another, admiring the handmade ceramics, colorful carpets, intricate jewelry, and traditional textiles. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, the vibrant colors, scents, and sounds are a feast for the senses.
The architecture reflects the island’s history: whitewashed walls, arched doorways, and buildings with old wooden windows, many of them adorned with bright blue painting and motifs. Cafés and small restaurants tucked into the alleys offer a chance to sip mint tea, taste Tunisian pastries, or watch the world go by.
In the heart of Houmt Souk stands Al-Jamaa Al-Turki, also known as the Turkish Mosque. Built during the Ottoman period, this charming mosque reflects classic Ottoman architecture with its simple yet elegant design, a modest minaret, and a whitewashed façade. Though small, it’s an important historical landmark, reminding visitors of Djerba’s long and diverse cultural heritage.
Djerbahood
Djerbahood is a must-see place for anyone visiting Djerba, it offers a fresh, contemporary perspective on an island steeped in history and tradition. It is a unique open-air art gallery that turns the streets of the town into a colorful canvas. It has 250 mural paintings that transformed ordinary walls into striking murals, blending modern art with local culture.
Among all the murals in Djerbahood, my favorite was the one depicting the steps of putting on the sefsari, the traditional Tunisian costume worn by women. I loved how the artist captured each fold, wrap, and detail, turning a simple daily ritual into a beautiful work of art.
The nice thing about Djerbahood is that it’s not just about the murals, it’s also about discovering a real Djerbian neighborhood. Walking through its narrow streets, you can admire the traditional architecture that makes the island so unique. Djerbian houses are known for their domes, which I’ve been told were designed to deal with the hot weather, helping to collect and release the heat. The arched doors are another beautiful detail, each one looking like a frame to the island’s heritage.
While exploring Djerbahood, we were fortunate to witness a traditional Djerbian wedding. It was a rare and beautiful opportunity to see the vibrant costumes, intricate details, and the joyful celebrations up close. The colorful attire, especially the women’s elaborate dresses and jewelry, perfectly showcased the island’s rich cultural heritage.
The Jewish Quarter & El Ghriba Synagogue
Djerba is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in North Africa, and walking through this quarter gives you a glimpse into that heritage, and reflects the island’s long history of coexistence and diversity. Unfortunately, we visited at night when most of the shops were closed, but we still found a few restaurants open and families sitting outside their homes, chatting late into the evening, a tradition that adds to the neighborhood’s atmosphere. And of course, you cannot leave without tasting the famous Djerbian Brik. We had ours right here in the Jewish Quarter, at the well-known Ishak Brik which was delicious.
Not far from here stands the El Ghriba Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Africa and a major site of pilgrimage. Known for its striking blue-and-white architecture and intricate tilework, El Ghriba is more than just a religious monument; it’s a symbol of Djerba’s rich history of faith and cultural coexistence.
Djerba Explore Park: Crocodiles & Comedy
Djerba Explore Park is one of the island’s most famous attractions, bringing together culture, heritage, and entertainment. Personally, I avoided the Crocodile Farm, I’m not a fan of crocodiles, especially after a scary encounter in Mexico, but my friend, who loves them, went in and shared her photos with me. For wildlife enthusiasts, it’s a unique place, home to hundreds of Nile crocodiles.
Instead, I enjoyed the evening”s comedy show by Amine Radi, a Moroccan stand-up comedian well-known on social media. His humor and lively performance gave the night a lighthearted twist. And here’s the funny part: the organizers actually offered him a baby crocodile as a gift! I couldn’t stop laughing while imagining his wife’s reaction when he shows up at home: “Honey, meet our new pet!” Honestly, I pictured myself in that situation too, and let’s just say, if my husband brought home a crocodile, both he and the reptile would be sleeping outside! for ever!
Boat Trip to Ras Rmel
Our Ras Rmel adventure began at Djerba Marina, where we boarded a lively pirate-style boat. The journey itself was already a show, filled with music, dancing, and performances that kept everyone in high spirits.
When we arrived at the island, we had about two hours to enjoy the place. To reach the main beach on the other side, you could either take a calèche ride (horse-drawn carriage) or simply walk. Honestly, I was a little disappointed with the water, it wasn’t as clear as I had imagined. Instead, it was full of herbs and looked a bit murky, far from the dreamy turquoise I had hoped for.
After a swim, we gathered for a traditional lunch with music and games, which brought the whole group together in a festive mood. The day ended with a glass of mint tea before sailing back to the marina, tired but full of laughter and memories.
Music & Nightlife
While in Djerba, we were on the hunt for music and fun. Our first stop was a mahfel, a traditional music performance, which we found in one of the local restaurants. It was a good introduction to the island’s musical heritage, but it could be too noisy for some people. The next night, we wanted a DJ experience, and were surprised to learn that Djerba’s casino offered a section specifically for families. I couldn’t believe it at first, so we called to confirm. The evening turned out to be fantastic, with great vibes and everyone enjoying themselves.
There was also a café in Houmt Souk with a live orchestra, but beyond that, most nightclubs are not suitable for families, especially those with young children. That’s when I realized something important about Djerba: people mostly enjoy it while staying in resorts, where entertainment, discos, and activities are available. Outside the resorts, the city itself doesn’t offer much to make it a “dream destination,” at least in terms of nightlife and cultural experiences.
Beach & Poolside Fun
Our villa in Midoun quickly became the heart of our Djerba experience. The pool was our favorite spot, and spending time there with friends reminded us that travel isn’t just about sightseeing, it’s also about slowing down and enjoying the moment.
We did visit a few beaches, but honestly, they didn’t match the dreamy images often shared by influencers. The water wasn’t as clear, and some spots were crowded or not as well-maintained, and also Djerba’s landscape is a flat desert which made the views while driving feel repetitive and uninspiring.
Rather than feel disappointed, we decided to embrace our villa pool, which was salty water, a rare treat! We enjoyed aqua gym, dancing, sunbathing, and simply laughing together, far from the crowds. It was a perfect mix of fun and relaxation, making our Djerba escape truly memorable.
Tips For Djerba Visit
- Lower your expectations about beaches and landscapes: Many beaches are not as clear or pristine as pictures online, and the island’s landscape is mostly flat desert. Enjoy what’s real rather than chasing influencer photos.
- Stay in a resort for convenience, food, and entertainment: Resorts offer everything from all-inclusive meals to live music, disco nights, and family-friendly activities. Outside resorts, the city itself doesn’t offer much in terms of nightlife or attractions.
- Enjoy Djerbahood and the Medina: Walking through the art-filled streets of Djerbahood, observing traditional neighborhoods, and even stumbling upon a wedding or local celebration is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- Look for live music and mahfel performances: While city nightlife is limited, some restaurants and cafés host mahfel (traditional music) or DJ nights, especially near Houmt Souk or at family-friendly casino nights.
- Try traditional Djerbian dishes like the Brik, a local specialty filled with egg, tuna, and parsley. Also try Djerbian rice dishes and other local delicacies.
- Stop at Grano for frozen yogurt or explore small cafés for Tunisian sweets.
- Be prepared to negotiate souvenirs : Markets in Houmt Souk and other areas can inflate prices for tourists. Don’t be shy to bargain.
- Go on a boat trip: Departing from Djerba Marina, a boat trip is a fun experience for all ages. Expect music, dancing, and scenic views, and enjoy the chance to explore Ram El Rmel or other nearby beaches. Even if the water isn’t crystal clear, the journey itself, games, and shared moments make it a memorable adventure.
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