Djerba, a fairly large island, is connected to South-Eastern Tunisia by a three mile causeway. There is only one sizeable town, Houmt Souq, with almost half of the island’s population living there. Djerba is very fertile with thousands of trees and fragrant plants all irrigated by many hundreds of wells. With year round sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches Djerba is a very popular holiday with those seeking winter sun.
Guaranteed sunshine, warm clear water, clean white sand, wide ranging sporting opportunities and luxury hotels are all very good reasons for choosing a Djerba holiday.
Djerba has very broad appeal offering families wonderful sandy beaches and warm water. Sun seekers looking for winter warmth and aqua sport enthusiasts will not be disappointed.
Djerba is a year round holiday destination with hot summers and mild winters.
Djerba is an extremely fertile island covered in palm and date trees with many olive groves and orchards growing citrus fruits and pomegranates. The capital, and only city on Djerba, is Houmt Souq, a fishing port which lands the daily catch of fish for which the island is famous. The houses in Djerba are very distinctive being white with domed roofs and are often trimmed with blue. The villages are very picturesque with their well-tended courtyards filled with blossom. The flatness of the island means that cycling is a popular way of exploring the area. There are many excellent modern hotels as well as those built in traditional style. The many resorts provide a wide range of leisure activities including sailing, surfing, diving, water skiing, cycling and golf. The fine white sand and clear blue sea is very inviting. The older mosques on Djerba were built as fortresses to keep out the many invaders over the centuries. There has been a synagogue on Djerba for two thousand years at El Ghriba . The 16th century building was replaced in the 19th century and this is the synagogue you can visit today. The museum in the pottery village of Guellala is worth visiting as it shows the traditional craft making.
There is evidence in the archaeological remains on the island of the various people who came and settled in Djerba over the centuries.
Tunisians are fond of their festivals and celebrate with music and dance.
Much of the entertainment in Djerba is hotel based. There are however lively bars and discos in the city. Although Tunisia is an Islamic country alcohol is readily available. There is a casino in the capital for those who enjoy a holiday flutter.
Tunisia is a souvenir hunter’s paradise and Djerba is no exception with regular markets and bazaars. Except for the more formal shops where prices are controlled, bartering is a way of life to be enjoyed by both the seller and the customer. The villages have local craftsmen and women making and selling their wares. These include pottery and ceramics, carpets, baskets and leather goods to name but a few. The richness of olive wood is shown to good effect in the carved bowls, kitchen utensils and even in jewellery items.
As expected, on the island of Djerba with its port, fish is an important part of the diet. Fresh from the boats and simply cooked it delights the palate. Cous cous is the national dish and this is combined with meat, fish or vegetables and spices. A popular fast food is called ‘brik’ which is filo pastry filled with egg and vegetables or meat and then deep fried.
There are many restaurants in the larger resorts which serve a good range of international cuisine.
Local wines are good and reasonably priced.
Drink only bottled water.
Tunisia is one of the most liberal of the Islamic countries and attitudes on Djerba reflect this. However, visitors should be sensitive to the local traditions. Beachwear is for the beach, otherwise dress should be modest. Overt displays of affection should be avoided.
Homosexuality is illegal in Tunisia.
People working in the tourist and leisure industries are reliant on tips.
The best time to pick up a bargain holiday to Djerba in Tunisia is in the early or late in the summer season in May or October. Flights are available all year round however, so you’ll also be able to pick up a cheap holiday to Tunisia in the winter time providing you avoid the main Christmas and New Year holidays. There’s a possibility you’ll even be able to find a bargain holiday in June, depending on what sporting events are going on around the world at the time.
A lot of the accommodation in Tunisia is cheap, so booking into bed and breakfast or half board hotels could save you a few pounds too.
Tunisia’s weather will still be in the 20’s even if you decide to visit in the winter, so saving yourself some money and escaping the terrible UK winter weather might be a good idea after all.
If guaranteed sunshine, warm water on clean white sand beaches aren’t enough for you, perhaps the many luxury hotels or sporting activities will give you what you’re after from a holiday.
If it’s a cheap holiday to Djerba that you’re looking for, keep a look out for deals in May and October.
