Djerba island in Tunisia. Djerba Island in Tunisia Bazaars what and where to buy

In the Middle Ages, the island of Djerba was the main base of pirates in the Western Mediterranean. In some years, the power of pirate captains was even official, that is, there was a “pirate republic.” For example, in 1503, the pirate captain Arouj and his brother Heireddin Barbarossa were able to capture the island completely, establishing some semblance of a state. This greatly worried the Spaniards, who a few years later began launching raids to drive out the pirates.

All these events left a serious imprint on the traditional culture of the inhabitants of Djerba. The Djerbians never settle by the sea, since for them the sea has always meant the danger of a raid.

There are a huge number of mosques on the island of Djerba - more than 600, since the mosque has always been not only a religious building, but also a center of defense against raiders, and the high minarets were used as observation towers. In Djerba they traditionally do not build houses higher than one floor, and the Djerbian “hauch” house is more reminiscent of a fortress than a habitation we are accustomed to. Tourists are shown traditional menzel and hauch.

Djerbians are very proud of their tolerance and identity. On the island since the 6th century BC. Jewish Diaspora lives. These are Jews who fled Jerusalem during its capture by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II, when the Temple of Solomon (the First Temple) was completely destroyed.

They took the stone from Solomon's Temple and built it on Djerba, which is a Jewish pilgrimage site. However, now most of the Jews have left Djerba for Israel and France, leaving a small community of about 1,000 people on the island.

The island of Djerba is home to many ethnic Berbers (a people of desert nomads) who have preserved their language and customs. Arabs, Jews and Berbers have lived together on the island without any conflict for hundreds of years. It is this attitude that gives Djerba some advantages in the development of tourism.

Tourism on the island of Djerba

The development of tourism began in the 60s, and in 1970 it accelerated with the opening of its own airport on the island - “Djerba–Zarzis International Airport” 5 kilometers west of the city of Houmt Souk. Now it is a modern airport with a runway 3200 meters long, capable of accommodating even large wide-body aircraft. For example, in 2016, Nord Wind operated Boeing 777 aircraft on charter flights.

At first, Djerba attracted tourists with its beaches, but then nightclubs, discos began to be built, and even one casino was opened. It is the only one in southern Tunisia and is called “Grand Pasino Djerba”. Let us remind you that there are only 4 casinos in Tunisia - 1 in, 2 in and 1 on the island of Djerba. It is difficult to imagine how the Jerbians managed to obtain permission, since gambling is strictly prohibited by Islam.

The island of Djerba as a tourist destination became famous thanks to its flamingo birds and nightclubs, and acquired the status of a “party resort”. At the beginning of the 2000s, several new attractions opened - a park consisting of, and.

Everything was going great until the World Financial Crisis hit the tourism industry, or rather, in 2011 it “reached” Europe with all its might, and the Jasmine Revolution added “fuel to the fire.” If in 2009 and 2010 Tunisia’s tourism statistics “stormed” the figure of 7,000,000 tourists per year, then in 2011 there were only 4,700,000 visitors to Tunisian resorts.

It was a terrible recession, and the island of Djerba was one of the first to suffer - according to the results of the 2011 season, half of the hotels here closed due to unprofitability. It would be more accurate to say that they were not closed, but mothballed until better times. Some of them still stand empty (approx. article was written in 2016).

Many regular flights were canceled and the situation has still not returned to normal. If you decide not to buy a package tour, but to relax in Djerba on your own, then we will have to disappoint. Regular flights to Djerba–Zarzis airport are currently operated only from France; you will have to fly with a transfer, for a very long time and most likely with a change of airport in Paris. For a package tour, fly on a direct charter flight.

However, we hope for the best, because in many ways Djerba is superior to other resorts in Tunisia due to some of its features.

October 10, 2017, 10:12 am 29k Views

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One of the famous resorts of Tunisia is the island of Djerba. The hospitable place is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and is in great demand among tourists every year. Climatic conditions allow vacationers to enjoy the sun and swim until mid-autumn. The average air temperature on the island is 2-4 degrees higher than that of the inhabitants of the continent.

Djerba ranks first in size among the islands of the Mediterranean coast of Africa . But the area of ​​514 km² can easily be explored during your vacation. It will take about 6 hours to get from one end of Djerba to the other.

The article is visited by those who have chosen Tunisia and the island of Djerba for their vacation. What kind of place is this, does it live up to the brochures presented and is it perfect? First things first.

When planning your vacation, pay special attention to the geographical subtleties of the resort. If you like the hotel prices or the cost of a trip in the Zaris region, do not rush to pay for everything at once. Pay attention to its location.

Although it is formally considered part of Djerba, in fact it is located on the Tunisian mainland. Be careful and take into account this feature of the resort area.

How to get to paradise island?

Today, visitors have three available options:

• water trip. A ferry runs regularly on the route mainland - Admim;
• overland travel. There is a causeway between the island and the Tunisian mainland;
• air travel. Maximum comfort for tourists will be provided by a quick plane flight directly to their desired vacation spot.

Our journey began from Moscow Domodevo airport. The flight with North Wind airline took 4.5 hours. We were pleased with the comfortable trip. Belarus, Hungary and Italy are left far behind. After an hour of flight, a pretty flight attendant came out to us.

A snack along the way could be a nice addition. There were a variety of cold and hot drinks to choose from. Then the main course came out. In a large, bright and promising box there was a small and nondescript sandwich.

Local airport of Djerba island

1. There is one small airport to receive vacationers on the island. It is located 15 minutes by car from the capital of Djerba - Houmt Souk. Just nine kilometers separate Melita or Djerba Zaris airport from the main town of the resort island.
2. By local standards, the airport is considered large, despite having only one runway. Work is underway both on domestic flights and on international routes. Djerba Zarissuda Airport also welcomes guests from Russia. You will definitely get to know it if you have chosen Tunisia and the island of Djerba for your holiday.
3. After landing, every tourist is in a hurry to leave their heavy suitcases at the booked hotel. The best way to get there is to take a taxi. Drivers wait for fellow travelers right at the airport exit. Yellow cars stand in an even formation, waiting for tourists.
4. For those who like to book everything in advance, there are online services. You can order a car from the airport to your destination via the Internet. All you need to do is provide your contact information with your flight number and the driver will be waiting for you at the exit. A sign with your initials will help you accurately identify the greeter.

Preparing documents for the trip

A mandatory condition for flying to Tunisia is that you have an international passport. You do not need to apply for a special visa to enter. Russian tourists are required by law to stay for 90 days. Upon landing, visiting guests must fill out a migration card. Everything is absolutely free; everything necessary for issuing a card is provided right at the Tunis airport.

The map consists of two parts. One for you, one for the border guards. After you fill out and submit the required paperwork, your passport is stamped. Be careful and do not lose your part of the card; you will need it when flying back home.

Money and currency exchange in the resort of Djerba

1. Take care of currency exchange in advance. Rubles on the island of Djerba are absolutely useless. You can only exchange the Tunisian dinar for local money, the euro, the dollar, the pound, but not the ruble. Unlike European countries, the best exchange rate is at Djerba Zaris airport. Of course, your hotel will also have an exchange office. The experience of tourists recommends not to put off exchanging money; you are unlikely to find a better offer than at the airport.
2. After a monetary transaction, be sure to keep the receipt you receive. Only by presenting it on departure will you be able to perform the reverse operation, that is, exchange dinars for dollars, euros, pounds or other convenient currency.
3. If you take a large sum with you, you should not immediately transfer it entirely into Tunisian dinars. Prices on the island are not high and you are unlikely to spend all the money you brought. Plus, when exchanging money back into your currency, some of the money is lost due to exchange rate differences. And there is no point in returning home with local dinars.

How to get around the island

Yellow taxi cars have become the optimal way to travel for visiting tourists. It won't be difficult to call her. If desired, you can pre-order transport at the hotel reception. This method of transportation is the most comfortable and not too expensive.

You can calculate the approximate cost of the trip yourself. It all depends on the distance and time. Taxi drivers use meters at the rate of 1 kilometer - half a dinar. Please note that 0.450 Dinars are automatically added to the resulting amount. Most likely this is the landing price.

Local beaches and sea

Arriving on the island and looking at the beach, you will immediately find differences with the advertising brochures. The paradise oasis with date palms is actually a little more modest. The clean, snow-white sand from the pictures is found only in the tourist part of the island of Djerba, in the hotel area.

• Most of the beaches are pebbles and something of unknown origin. For the perfect beach holiday, head to the Midoun region. Most of the expensive hotels and the most developed infrastructure of the island are concentrated here. Local beaches were photographed as the basis for promotional brochures;
• When sunbathing on the beach at the hotel, do not be surprised by the large concentration of people. In Tunisia, any beach is public and open to the public according to the law. According to the rules, any beach within 30 meters of the sea is a public property and cannot be occupied by private property;
• While sunbathing, you will most likely encounter local residents selling sweets, fruits or souvenirs. You can buy a dog, camel or horse right on the beach. If you wish, you can take a photo with your favorite animal or ride a horse along the shore. A camel ride will cost only 15 dinars;

Despite the public nature of the beach area, hotel workers pay close attention to the nearest beach. They regularly remove garbage, level the sand, clear the area of ​​algae, and carefully arrange umbrellas and sun loungers. Therefore, when going to the beach, look for a good hotel in advance. The better the hotel, the nicer the beach.

My family vacationed at the Djerba Plaza 4* hotel. I definitely recommend the local beach.

Quality of beaches within walking distance

Large animals are often found on the beaches: horses, camels. It is not surprising that after them tourists find not the most pleasant surprises. We're lucky. The employees of the Djerba Plaza 4* hotel approach their territory responsibly. The fate of vacationers in three-star hotels was not so successful. Feces are not uncommon on local beaches.

The downside of most beaches was the unpleasant smell. Most likely a consequence of rotting algae.

You will find security guards on every beach. They keep order. But there is no need to relax. It is not recommended to leave valuable personal items unattended. Local security will not guarantee the safety of your expensive camera or wallet.

In most cases, the bulk of the people on the beach are vacationers. You don't see local residents often. After all, most hotels are located at a considerable distance from populated areas. You are more likely to meet with sellers than with native Tunisians.

Sea baths on the island of Djerba

Fans of water procedures will be satisfied with the quality of the water. Transparent water of a magical blue color confirms everything promised by advertising brochures. Swimming near the shore you can meet a school of small fish. Unfortunately, such beauty does not reign on the island all day long. Frequent and strong waves are not a rare occurrence in Djerba. The color and quality of water directly depends on local weather conditions.

Excellent conditions have been created for adults and children to enter the water. The slopes are gentle, the bottom smoothly disappears from under your feet, there are no sudden changes in height. The water temperature in October is comfortable, on average up to +25 degrees. From time to time, algae appears in the water near the shore. Such meetings happen where hotels do not pay too much attention to the beaches.

Inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea near the island of Djerba

You can safely swim in the sea. It is possible to meet a neighbor in the form of a jellyfish, but very often. Due to its large size and bright coloring, the animal immediately catches your eye, you can easily swim away and avoid a collision.

Cute crabs can be found on the sandy or pebble shore, and schools of fry swim in the water. Local inhabitants do not disturb tourists and serve as a nice addition to the local nature.

What to do on the beach of Djerba island?

• after swimming and sunbathing, a tourist can ride a camel or take a horseback ride along the beach;
• Water activities available to guests of Tunisia include: scuba diving, hot air balloon flights over the Mediterranean Sea, and jet skiing. The average price of fun leisure is from 20 to 30 dollars for two for 20 minutes;
• if extreme entertainment is not for you, you can just play badminton or beach volleyball. All necessary accessories in the form of a ball or rackets are sold in local stores.

Hotels in Djerba resort

1. When you decide to go on vacation to the island of Djerba, pay special attention to choosing a hotel. The more stars and positive reviews it has, the more comfortable your trip will be.
2. Most local hotels operate on an All included system. This type of work is due to the lack of bars and restaurants in the resort area. It's a real rarity to come across a decent cafe. The accommodation and conditions in the Midoun region are considered the most comfortable and popular.
3. Finding a delicious lunch outside the hotel is difficult. If you are lucky enough to meet a restaurant along the way, the menu will not be large, but the price will be high
4. Your vacation will directly depend on the level of the hotel. The better the hotel, the higher the quality of service, the cleaner the beach, the more entertainment and the more comfortable the rooms.

Weather in mid-autumn

1. Our trip to the island of Djerba took place in the second half of October. Like most tourists, we began to prepare for the trip in advance. My favorite website, Gismeteo, helped me get acquainted with the long-term weather forecast on the island.
2. The promises were promising - several rainy days and an average air temperature of +20 degrees. The water temperature is + 23. Naturally, the suitcase contained sweatshirts, pants and even sweaters. In fact, we didn’t need any warm clothes.
3. We were lucky and there were no dogs at all. The temperature turned out to be higher than promised, up to +30 degrees. The water in the sea exceeded all expectations, on average +24 degrees. Now we recommend everyone to choose for a holiday in Djerba in mid-autumn. There are already significantly fewer people in the resorts of Tunisia at this time, the air and water temperatures are very comfortable.

The only downside was the insects. Autumn is the time to harvest dates. Whole flocks of flies flock to the sweet ripe fruit.

From the end of September to the beginning of October, the date ripening season begins, so the number of flies on the island increases.

Local beauties of the island of Djerba

• Having carefully studied the advertising brochures on the island of Djerba, the tourist prepares to meet not only blue water and white sand. According to the booklet, the island is a favorite place for Pink Flamingos.
• In fact, they are rare guests here. Only in certain seasons, if you are lucky, can you catch them at the resort. The plumage of the birds is also very different from the images in the pictures. It is not bright pink at all, but rather grey. There are also pale pink flamingos. The color directly depends on the animal’s nutrition;
• You won’t even find thickets of date palms on Djerba. The vast majority of trees are olives. The resort area is rich in trees and shrubs. Leaving the tourist part, you are unlikely to find an abundance of green spaces; unfortunately, next to the hotels, in the cities of Djerba there is a sad environmental situation.
• Local residents store garbage on roadsides and streets. The houses of local residents are in deplorable condition. Which is very predictable, given the economic situation of the African continent. According to reviews from travelers, the urban part of the resort resembles land after the apocalypse.

Thalassotherapy on the island of Djerba

One of the main sources of replenishment of the island's treasury is tourism. Thalassotherapy is very popular. The purely main components of the country's economic base include income from agriculture, inbound tourism and fishing.

The Ministry of Health of Djerba is responsible for the development and promotion of thalassotherapy. Visitors from around the world choose the island as a place to restore health and improve immunity.

1. You can easily book a thalassotherapy session in every hotel. There are also separate buildings on the island where healing procedures based on sea water and the natural resources of the region are carried out. Everyone will be able to undergo complex treatment or order several separate procedures. The price of pleasure is moderate - 3000 rubles for a full wellness complex.
2. We did not take advantage of this popular area of ​​alternative medicine. I can judge the effectiveness of the procedures from the reviews of my hotel neighbors. I really liked the friendly staff of the medical centers and the price of pleasure. The quality of the procedures themselves left much to be desired.
3. It is not surprising that the shops of the island of Djerba are filled with thalasso-cosmetics. The composition of cosmetics makes them in demand and popular all over the world. For production, only natural substances are used, for example, black cumin seeds or cactus. The price of the product is quite social. Thirty milliliters of cumin oil will cost 7 dinars.
4. You can buy almost any cosmetics: toothpaste, cream, cleansers for the face and body, hair masks, balms and shampoos.
5. For visitors there are special trips on a free basis to get acquainted with the thalasso boutique. The cosmetics store provides a wide selection of natural cosmetics at reasonable prices. If you did not have time to visit the boutique, you can purchase all the products in stores or markets. Their prices will be less favorable.

On excursions to Thalasso, tourists have the opportunity to pay for goods in their native currency. Even rubles are accepted here. But the course is extremely unprofitable. If you want to save money, take dinars with you.

The local concept of a boutique is very different from the usual European term. Due to the modest size of the structure, several stores in one building are already called a shopping center. Small shops familiar to us can receive boutique status.

Alcoholic drinks and hookahs in Djerba resort

In Tunisia, tourists can try local beer or wine. The taste of the drinks is difficult to distinguish from the ones we are used to. The island's liqueurs have original tastes. The bitter taste will find its connoisseurs. Liqueurs Tibarin and Cedratin resemble absinthe and have a lemon flavor. Bukha vodka became the national alcoholic drink. Its strength is 36-40 degrees. Thanks to the unique recipe, the strength is not felt at all.

Local drinks are often taken home as gifts to friends and relatives.

Smoking hookah is a favorite pastime of local residents. Its quality is excellent and is in great demand among guests of the island. Almost every cafe and restaurant provides a hookah smoking service.

Shopping on the resort island

Those who love shopping will be disappointed. The island is not aimed at shopping fans.

Tourists take with them classic refrigerator magnets, postcards and other Chinese nonsense as souvenirs. Interesting gifts include ceramic dishes from the local potters' village. The place is called Gellala. There is a wide selection of plates, pots, vases, figurines and souvenirs to suit every taste. Products can be purchased not only in the village itself, but also in many shops on the island.

Tourists take natural products as souvenirs. Olive oil is popular. The main task is to choose locally produced products. Cosmetics are also exported. Budget tourists take local spices, coffee, tea, and alcohol as gifts.

All local products are suitable as a souvenir:

• carpets, leather goods, jackets, bags;
• They take with them confectionery products: halva, bedspreads and carpets, fig or cactus jam. Food unusual for Europeans is in demand.

We took a couple of jars of halva with us. Tasty and moderately sweet, we really liked it. Next time we'll definitely take more

Bazaars: what and where to buy?

A logical continuation of the topic of shopping and souvenirs would be the question of local shops and markets. Where and what is better to buy?

• You will find all the necessary goods right next to the hotel. Hikers can also take a walk to the nearest town. You will find the best value for money in eastern markets. The cost of the goods will be minimal, and the range will be the widest;
• The largest market on the island is located in the capital city of Houmt Souk. Bazaars are also found in small towns. For example, Midoun is the closest city to the most developed tourist center. The atmosphere of the shopping area is absolutely original. Everyone should visit such a place;
• if not because of the goods, then because of the amazing atmosphere. It is at the market that tourists will be able to get acquainted with the eastern side of the island. Be sure to take time and go to the local market.

Local cafes and restaurants

The majority of establishments are located in the cities of Djerba. They are not particularly popular among tourists. The fact is that most visitors choose the all-inclusive system.

Going to a cafe means trying Turkish coffee and the famous hookah. The goal is not food, but local flavor. Pizzerias are in demand. Large portions at a reasonable price are always appreciated.

Tipping in Tunisia

1. Whether or not to tip the local staff is entirely your own goodwill. Nobody obliges you to do this. From personal experience, I recommend not to skimp and leave a few dinars. It's a small thing, but sometimes it works wonders.
2. The average salary of Tunisians is 150-200 dollars. The income is very modest. For local residents, even a small tip will be a good help.
3. We didn't hesitate to leave a couple of coins for the service staff. Tipping on the island is truly deserved. Employees of hotels, cafes and restaurants try to do their work as efficiently as possible. The people are friendly and welcoming. Plus, the poverty of local residents encourages them to leave a couple of dinars and help at least in some way.

Prices for goods place of production

Shopping on the island is not the most popular activity. If you're in the mood to make a few purchases, the prices will pleasantly surprise you. A bag made of genuine leather will cost you 25-40 dinars. The price depends on the size of the product.

• A glass of natural juice with pulp sells for only 3 dinars. Exotic cactus jam averages about 4 dinars per 220 grams. Halva costs 4 dinars per 350 grams. Among food products, olive oil is in demand;
• one liter will cost you 8 dinars. For comparison, a similar can in Moscow supermarkets already costs 1,680 rubles, as in all resorts the price depends on the place of purchase. The closer to the tourist area, the more expensive;
• Those who like to bargain should definitely visit the local oriental market. Sellers will happily sell the item at a lower price. Thanks to a well-constructed conversation, the price of a product can fall by 2-4 times.

Resort Island Security

1. Video reports and news reports often scare tourists about the high crime rate on the island. In fact, the situation in Djerba is quite calm. The bulk of visitors are vacationers from France, Germany and England. Today, the situation on the island of Djerba is considered the safest in all of Tunisia.
2. The city streets are patrolled by military vehicles. These measures are necessary due to the dangerous proximity to Libya. The locals themselves are friendly to guests of the country. After all, the success of the country’s economy and, consequently, their well-being depend on tourists.
3. The only nuance of staying on the island is the dress code. Pay attention to your appearance when leaving the hotel. Don't expose yourself too much, show modesty. You should not provoke Tunisians by violating their cultural customs. As in any unfamiliar country, you should not walk in unfamiliar places at night. Don't get into arguments or conversations with strangers.

Russian language at the resort

Surprisingly, the Russian language in Djerba is familiar to many Tunisians. In all shops, restaurants, markets, hotels and inns, island residents are familiar with Russian. Everyone involved in tourism activities is trying to establish contact with visitors and learn to speak their native language.

Knowledge of German, English or French will not be superfluous for a Russian tourist. Owning at least one is a guarantee of easy communication with others. Local residents are actively studying languages. If you tell them a few phrases in Russian, they will definitely remember them and use them in communication.

Spending time on the island of Djerba

At the resort, everyone will find something to their liking. A visit, active entertainment or excursion tour - your choice. Detailed information about leisure activities was presented in the previous article. In order not to repeat ourselves, we will not re-describe all the available entertainment on the island.

Let's remember just a few of the most memorable places:

Cozy park Djerba Explore. A modest, well-kept place to relax.

If you get tired of relaxing in the shade of trees, check out the crocodile farm. Here guests will see real Nile crocodiles feeding.

The park contains an interesting attraction - the city open-air museum. A traditional Djerbian village with houses of national architecture was created. In the small park there is another museum of traditions and crafts.

Djerba potters' village of Gellala. Here tourists will find several interesting attractions. You can see with your own eyes the process of creating national ceramic products. The workshop opens its doors to everyone. Guests will also see clay caves - the source of material extraction.

The next attraction is the Guellala Ethnographic Museum, perhaps the best on the island. Visitors will get acquainted with an exhibition telling about the traditions of Tunisians.

The center of Gellaly itself will delight tourists with many souvenir shops and shops. The product directly from the manufacturer is ready to please visitors at a very reasonable price.

Once on the island of Djerba, you definitely need to get to the capital - the city of Houmt Souk.

To feel the oriental flavor, you just need to visit the local bazaar. Shopping lovers will definitely be pleased.

Of cultural interest are the Ghazi Mustafa Fort, mosques and amphitheater.

A special place to visit was the synagogue in the city of Riyadh.

Which cities in Djerba are worth visiting for tourists?

1. The main city of Djerba is the capital Houmt Souk. This is the cultural and business center of the island. It is number one on the list of cities to visit.
2. In second place is the city of Midoun. It is near the main tourist area.
3. The top three includes Azhim. The main fishing port is located here. Guests of the island will be able to walk along the embankment and see with their own eyes the process of catching sea sponges and octopuses.

Personal opinion about the resort of Djerba

The overall impression of the holiday is positive. There is something interesting for everyone. For fans of water treatments, there are good beaches and a warm sea, for lovers of cultural recreation, excursion programs and attractions, for active recreation, sports and extreme entertainment.

Phrygia Zoo in Tunisia – detailed information

Traveling and relaxing on the island of Djerba in Tunisia, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is not as popular among our compatriots as tours to the more popular resort of this country. Meanwhile, this is an absolutely amazing natural area with stunning white sandy beaches, beautiful sights, clean sea water and amazing thalassotherapy.

Djerba Island is a year-round resort in Tunisia, and it is located several kilometers from the coast in the Gulf of Gabes, and you can get there by walking along the isthmus through which it is connected to the land. The island itself measures twenty-nine by twenty-eight kilometers, its coastline, washed by the Mediterranean Sea, stretches for one hundred and fourteen kilometers. The capital of Djerba and the largest settlement is Houmt Souk; if you translate the name, you get “Grand Bazaar”. Holidays on the island of Djerba these days attract tourists with beautiful beaches with white sand like snow, fine and pleasant to the touch, crystal clear sea water, magnificent groves of olives and palm trees, men love it for its excellent diving and fishing, and women for its amazing thalassotherapy . If you are interested in the myths of Ancient Greece, then you will probably recognize in the island of Djerba the place where Odysseus met with the nymph Calypso; it was here, in the land of “lotophagi”, among the fragrant beauties of nature, that the legendary hero forgot for seven years about everything that connected him with the outside world . Now let’s get acquainted with a wonderful corner of Africa and Tunisia - the island of Djerba, learn about its history, attractions, beaches and the best hotels.

History of the island of Djerba

The very first inhabitants of this Mediterranean island, which has changed many names throughout its history: Lotofagov, Philadelphia, Meninx Jirba, located next to the African continent, were the ancient Phoenicians, who sailed here in the eighth century BC. Here they settled, began to engage in various crafts, and trade with neighboring peoples. Soon, part of the island was inhabited by Berbers, who still live here today, preserving their originality and authenticity. Some of the Berbers became pirates, and on the island they set up a base for wintering and repairing ships. The geography of the island contributed to this, because Djerba is protected by natural coral reefs, treacherous shallows, changeable winds, and low tides, which was thoroughly known to the corsairs and made access to the island impossible for their enemies. Many Jews moved to the island, fleeing from the city of Jerusalem in the hundredth year BC after the destruction of the “Temple of Solomon” by the king of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar II, and even took with them the temple gates, which can now be seen in El Ghriba - the oldest synagogue on the island of Djerba . Time passed and the island was taken over by the ubiquitous Roman Empire, during whose power infrastructure began to be built on Djerba, including the island being connected to the mainland via a seven-kilometer causeway bridge. Later, Tunisia and the island of Djerba belonged to different peoples: Vandals, Carthaginians, Byzantines, Normans, Sicilians, Arabs, Spaniards, Turks, French. By the way, during the rule of the Ottomans, all the ships sailing along the local coast more than once suffered from attacks by the formidable Turkish pirate Turgut Reis, his fleet was based precisely on Djerba. Local residents say that this filibuster buried his wealth, which he plundered countless times during his life, just somewhere on the island. He was a truly terrible man, uncompromising and merciless towards his enemies; they say that he killed hundreds of people. So in 1560, he ordered the construction of a tower, the building materials for which were five thousand skulls of his enemies, the Spaniards, who were trying to recapture the island, the structure was named “Borj el Rus”, interestingly, it stood even after the death of the pirate, until 1848 years when they decided to dismantle it for the burial of human remains. In addition, the island of Djerba was a filibuster base for other famous sea corsairs, including Captain Urouge, Captain Barbarossa. Local authorities were completely loyal to the corsairs, because with their help trade developed and Djerba became rich. Pirates brought looted wealth here and sold it for nothing, while they paid duties and various fees, and presented gifts to local authorities. Then the goods purchased for pennies were resold to foreign merchants from Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, but at a higher price. This state of affairs suited everyone, and the island of Djerba flourished. Local residents grew dates, olives, grapes, figs, pears, apples, plums, apricots, citrons, oranges here - all this was also sold. After numerous “owners,” the island of Djerba in Tunisia boasts a variety of architectural and historical attractions, including those from very distant times, such as Roman villas and buildings of the Punic period.

Climate of Djerba island

The local climate is very mild and warm, thanks to its proximity to the Sahara Desert, the sun shines here all year round, making this a year-round holiday destination. The wind from the desert brings heat and warms the air masses more than on the mainland. In winter, the air temperature does not drop below twenty degrees, and the water does not cool below eighteen degrees, and many seasoned tourists prefer to come here from December to February, but most travelers begin to come for a sea holiday to the island of Djerba from April to November . Since April, the water in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Djerba warms up to twenty-two degrees, in June - to twenty-five, in July, August and September - to twenty-eight degrees, in October - to twenty-six, by November it cools down to twenty-two degrees.

This is the most charming corner of the coast of the island of Djerba, known among tourists as “Flamingo Island”. The beach is located seventeen kilometers from the island capital and stretches along the peninsula, only with the tide turning into a full-fledged mini-island. Almost all tourists vacationing in Djerba come here to see the pink flamingos living here, who are not at all afraid of curious people, but are busily searching for food. Here you will find sugar-white sand, a flat entry into bright turquoise sea water, long shallow waters, however, sunbeds and umbrellas are paid. You can also get to this beach as part of a boat excursion, which is offered at various travel agencies on the island.

This magnificent beach stretches for seventeen kilometers along the northern island coast and is famous for its excellent infrastructure. The beach is simply gorgeous, it is framed by rows of slender palm trees, casting a blessed shadow on the blinding white sand. The sea here is transparent and has a bright blue color; you can see colorful fish through the water. There are sun loungers and umbrellas that belong to the property of certain beach hotels. Since the coast belongs to hotels, algae is regularly removed here and sand is sifted. There are a lot of families with children on this beach, because the entrance to the sea here is flat, smooth, without stones, the depth increases slowly and gradually.

But the El Ashen beach, adjacent to the Sidi Mehrez beach, although attractive with its clean water and white sand, is considered wild, no one cleans it up, so the algae thrown out by the wave remain to rot on the shore, which makes entering the sea uncomfortable. That is why the beach is extremely uncrowded. Only one part of this beach, assigned to the Radisson Blu Ulysse hotel, is well-groomed and equipped for relaxation, there are sun loungers, cafes, and entertainment, and then the “wild” beach begins.

This five-kilometer beach belongs to the southeastern tip of Djerba; Tunisians themselves love to relax here, but there are very few foreign tourists here. The infrastructure for recreation is not so developed here, but it is very quiet, which attracts local residents who are tired of crowds of noisy travelers. But here you can admire the stunning beauty of the lagoon. It will also be very comfortable for families with children, because the entrance to the sea is sandy and the depth increases slowly.

A three-kilometer beach on the east coast of Djerba, where well-groomed stretches of coastline owned by hotels give way to unkempt “wild” areas covered with rotting algae and silt. On the territory of this beach there are numerous piers that are used by islander fishermen. Most often, holidays on this beach are preferred by older people who come here in search of silence and unity with nature.

An ideal corner of the west coast of Djerba, uncrowded and incredibly beautiful. Couples in love love to retire here, despite the fact that there is no infrastructure for recreation and entertainment. To get to the beach you need to take a taxi, because it is located far from towns and cities, there are no hotels here, and in addition, the road surface leaves much to be desired.

Many tourists note that this is the best beach on the island of Djerba; it is located in its northeastern tip. This is an ideal place with white sand, there is a sea of ​​incredible beauty and color where fish swim. The entrance is without boulders and stones, also very pleasant sandy. Infrastructure for recreation at a high level.

Sights of the island of Djerba

The Bordj el-Kebir citadel is often called the “Tower of Ghazi Mustafa”; this structure is the most frequently visited tourist attraction on the island of Djerba. There is nothing surprising here, because the fortress dates back to the Middle Ages and has seen many trials in its lifetime. It is located on the seashore near the island capital Houmt Souk, in the port area. The date of construction was lost in 1284, when the Byzantines erected this citadel in order to protect themselves from the attacks of Spanish or Norman conquerors. By 1560, the Spaniards, who were already in full possession of the fortress, were driven out of there by desperate filibusters under the command of the pirate Turgut Reis, a close friend of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Seven years passed and the fort began to be rebuilt, then the construction was already led by Gazhi Mustafa, who replaced Turgut Reis at the post, which is why the second name of the citadel is “Borj Gazhi Mustafa”. This rectangular-shaped fortress has four-meter thick walls made of huge stone blocks, and it is surrounded by a deep ditch. Today you can see the ruins of the very first fortress built by the Byzantines, in addition, you can see rusty cannon muzzles at the bottom of the ditch and the cannonball. There are no interesting exhibits inside the citadel, however, many tourists visit its territory. Opening hours of the Borj el-Kebir Fortress: from September to March - from half past ten in the morning to half past five in the evening; in the period from April to August - from eight in the morning to seven in the evening, on Friday - a day off. The entrance ticket price is four Tunisian dinars or ninety-five Russian rubles.

This beautiful mausoleum houses the interesting Museum of Local History of the city of Houmt Souk, where tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with the authentic clothing of the islanders, their traditional jewelry, including those made of precious metals, see samples of ceramic and wooden utensils, household items, thus learning the culture of Djerba . The museum has been open since 1986, and more and more tourists visit it every holiday season.

The history of the construction of this ascetic forty-meter structure, the interior of which is painted with intricate patterns, decorated with wood carvings and decorated with multi-colored stained glass windows, is steeped in legends and secrets. It’s worth starting with the fact that it was built for Sufis - these are followers of one of the Islamic religious movements, incredibly popular among the Turks. According to ancient legend, Sufis were the first to respond to the call of the Prophet Muhammad, becoming his followers. They brought sermons to people about the need to lead an ascetic life, to love everything that God created, and to try to know him through hidden knowledge. This knowledge is still shrouded in mystery; a very narrow circle of people is dedicated to it. As for the Jamaa Ettruk Mosque, it became not only a stronghold of faith, but also a real citadel for the protection of the islanders who hid in its thick walls during periods of armed skirmishes. In the mosque, people could learn about history, jurisprudence, and religion. To this day, tourists visiting the mosque note its special mystical atmosphere, imbued with the spirit of antiquity. The snow-white building with seven domes and a sixteenth-century round minaret, standing on Rue Taieb M'hiri, is definitely worth a visit, its interiors are truly stunning.

This is an incredibly simple and even inconspicuous mosque, which was built for the followers of the ancient movement of Islam - the Ibadis, who were part of the Kharijite communities, since the seventh century. Why does this mosque still stand on the island of Djerba? - this is surprising, because the Ibadis are considered heretics among Muslims. The Ash Sheikh Mosque is a very ascetic clay building, its interior is also simple and unadorned, because according to the beliefs of the Ibadis, no luxury is needed to communicate with God, so that it does not distract from the essence.

In the area of ​​the Houmt Souk medina - the old city with narrow, tangled streets - there is the "Foreigners" mosque, built for followers of the moderate Islamic movement of Sunnism - Malekism. The building was named after the discoverer of this religious and legal school - Malik Ibn Anas, who was born in the ninety-third year of our era. The Jemaa el Ghorba Mosque stands among the most beautiful traditional houses of the islanders - menzels - square structures covered with domes.

This is the oldest synagogue in Tunisia and the island of Djerba, which was built in the distant sixth century BC and to this day is a place of Jewish worship, attracting Jewish believers from all over the world. An ancient legend is associated with the construction of the synagogue: the young girl Grib died in a fire at this place, however, when people put out the fire, they saw that the body was not burned at all, they thought that this was a sign from above and that it was necessary to build a holy place here to worship God. Today El Ghriba is the oldest Jewish shrine, located in the small village of Hara Segira, where mainly Jews live. The original building itself has not been preserved since ancient times, so in 1920 new walls grew right around the ancient foundation and unique ruins of the first Ghriba synagogue. To this day, the synagogue houses unique relics - Torah scrolls - one of the oldest sacred books on the planet. Here is also the tomb of Shimon Bar Yashai, a man who participated in writing the Talmud. Every spring Jews from different countries come to venerate his ashes. There is a hotel on the territory of the synagogue.

This is the oldest and completely unique structure, which is a seven-kilometer embankment connecting the island of Djerba with the mainland of Tunisia. To build this embankment, the Romans had to sink old ships and then fill them with a mixture of stones and sand. And today the ancient Roman road is a kind of bridge, however, now its surface is covered with asphalt, and along it stretches a water supply system, through which fresh water flows to Djerba. This road leads to the Tunisian resort of Zarzis. Driving along the highway, it is very difficult to imagine the antiquity of the structure, but once upon a time African caravans transporting priceless goods walked along it, and huge parties of slaves walked along it, both in the period of Antiquity and in the Middle Ages.

This is the second largest and most visited city on the Tunisian island of Djerba and the main tourist party area. Foreigners love to visit it, because there is a lot of entertainment and interesting sights: Muslim mosques, colorful oriental bazaars, the Lala Hadria Museum and an interesting crocodile farm. The coastal area near Midun is no less attractive, with a large number of hotels of different stars, restaurants, and excellent beaches. This is where tourists come who don’t understand a beach holiday without an intense nightlife, discos, and nightclubs. It must be said that there are a huge number of similar establishments in this party zone; they are of both high European level and mediocre eateries.

The excellent entertainment complex “Djerba Explore” is the most visited attraction on the island of Djerba by adults and children. The park covers twelve hectares and is divided into five main parts:

- Authentic village of Tunisia, where there are democratic cafes and restaurants based on the preparation of local cuisine, souvenir shops in a typical Arab market;

- Crocodile farm– one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea, where four hundred individuals of Madagascar crocodiles live;

- Museum of Folk Traditions of Tunisia “Lella Hadria”, where in fifteen huge halls there are interesting exhibits, from which you can see masterpieces of Islamic art of the fourteenth century, precious jewelry, images of calligraphy and ancient manuscripts, outfits of the Ottomans and Persians, ceramics, carpets and much more;

- Heritage Village- a place where tourists can get acquainted with the history and architecture of Tunisians, see household items, traditional menzeli houses, visit a weaving and pottery workshop, take a photo with a camel;

- Comfortable residential complex, including a luxury five-star hotel, a residence, and an apart-hotel.

You can visit the Djerba Explore park in the summer, spring, and autumn months from nine in the morning to eight in the evening, in the winter months from nine in the morning to six in the evening. A ticket for children under twelve years old costs eight dinars or one hundred and ninety rubles, and an adult ticket costs fifteen dinars or three hundred and fifty rubles.

This interesting museum on the island of Djerba is located in the small village of Gellal, which has long been famous for the art of pottery. Here tourists will be able to learn a lot of interesting facts about the history of Djerba, about its ancient crafts, see how oil was extracted from olives in the past, how dishes were made from clay, get acquainted with the everyday life of the islanders, with their unique traditions, rituals, and attend local holidays.

This is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Djerba. A small port village at the southern tip of the island, a place with fantastic natural landscapes, where the Star Wars saga was filmed and the film’s sets stand there to this day. Tourists can not only take stunning photographs against the backdrop of these extraterrestrial scenery, but also watch the fascinating process of catching octopuses and sea sponges by local residents and film it on video. You can get to the village either with an organized excursion or on your own, from the island of Djerba itself and from mainland Tunisia. The mainland and Azhim are connected by ferry; the journey by water takes fifteen minutes.

The ancient Berber people, constantly persecuted, were forced to constantly adapt to difficult natural conditions and the unfriendly attitude of other people, so their fortresses became “ksars” - caves hidden among natural landscapes dominated by hills. Ksars became not only houses for the Berbers, but also warehouses and defensive citadels from enemies. And now the Barbary ksars are an interesting attraction of the region; the former dwellings house souvenir shops, workshops, retail outlets, and an authentic restaurant.

According to our knowledge of history, Jews settled around the world gradually; in the first wave they settled on the African island of Djerba. This was after Babylonian forces attacked Jerusalem in the sixth century BC and captured the city, driving out the local inhabitants. Then large masses of Jews moved to the island of Djerba, including settling in the village of Es-Souani. Since then, to this day, families of the descendants of these settlers have lived there. On the territory of the village there is an ancient cemetery and a synagogue. Local residents make the best jewelry in Tunisia from precious metals, which invariably attracts tourists who are happy to purchase inexpensive and very stylish gold and silver jewelry as a souvenir of their visit to the island of Djerba.

It is here that numerous tourists from different parts of Tunisia come in October to see the stunning pink flamingos that fly here for the winter. In October, the sea in Djerba still has a temperature quite comfortable for swimming - twenty-three degrees, and the air temperature is twenty-six degrees, so October is a great time to travel to Djerba. As a bonus, tourists will see beautiful pink flamingos in their natural habitat.

No one will be bored on the island of Djerba, because there are plenty of entertainment options here. There are especially many opportunities for water sports offered here: interesting diving, exciting windsurfing, extreme kayaking, banana boat rides, parachuting behind a boat over the surface of the sea. It will also be interesting for golf lovers, for whom the island has an excellent course “Djerba Golf Club”, located in the eastern part of Djerba. Some tourists always visit the symbol of Africa - the Sahara Desert; they take great pleasure in conquering the sand dunes in maneuverable jeeps. The island also offers camel and horse riding. There you can also attend exciting horse races, where experienced riders compete on Arabian horses. The most popular entertainment for women on the island of Djerba is visiting thalassotherapy centers, of which there are many and all of them are of a very high level. These centers use water from local thermal springs in treatment and prevention.

This is one of Djerba's popular party spots. The disco takes place in a huge bar, which is located directly on the Sidi Mehrez beach. The establishment is open until two o'clock in the morning. Guests will be entertained by the most fashionable DJs of our time.

The largest club on this island and a place that breaks records for attendance. is one of the most popular on the island. The club is located in Midoun near the Green Palm Golf & Spa hotel. Up to eight hundred guests can visit the establishment at the same time. There is a VIP area, an excellent restaurant, a bar, and a large dance floor. The club starts working from eleven o'clock at night.

This disco is located in Midoun near the Vincci Djerba Resort. The club opens at ten in the evening and closes at five in the morning. Fans of Latin American and European music come here to have fun with fiery rhythms.

Another popular party place among young people is Midoun. It is interesting that the restaurant, in which the establishment operates during the day, is decorated in the style of the Wild West, and in the evenings there is a cheerful disco.

The island has a small territory, so you need to understand that there are not as many hotels here as on the mainland of the Tunisian coast. Hotels are mainly located in the northeastern and eastern extremities of Djerba, more precisely in the tourist areas. There are forty beach hotels on Djerba, of which thirty-four are on the first coastline from the sea. There are hotels of different star ratings here, including luxury hotels from the Radisson, Movenpick, and Hyatt chains. Most of the island has four-star hotels with good service, but there are several excellent “five” hotels. We have made a selection of the best hotels in Djerba based on reviews from tourists.

This is the most magnificent and architecturally luxurious spa hotel on the island of Djerba, located directly on the best sandy beach of Sidi Mehrez, directly opposite the only island casino and next to a huge golf course. The hotel is located eighteen kilometers from the island airport. There are several excellent restaurants, bars, a coffee shop, and high-quality service awaits guests. Accommodation in a room for two people in August at this hotel starts from one hundred and twenty thousand; the final price will depend on the room you choose and the type of food.

A magnificent hotel on the seashore, among beautiful palm thickets in the tourist area of ​​Midoun, fifteen kilometers from the island capital. The hotel is located near the lighthouse. There are swimming pools, restaurants, bars, cafes, a spa, a hammam, a children's club, car rental, bicycle rental, and water equipment. The cost of a week's stay in a hotel for two people costs from one hundred and forty thousand rubles.

An excellent beach hotel in the center of Midoun, surrounded by a palm park, with its own sandy beach, with numerous restaurants, bars, children's clubs, rental vehicles for independent travel, a beauty salon, swimming pools, and play areas. A room for two for a week in August will cost from one hundred thousand rubles.

A stunning hotel from an international hotel chain. The hotel is located on the wonderful sandy beach "Sidi Akkou", it stands among beautiful and fragrant gardens in a tropical style. Guests are offered spa services, a disco, restaurants and bars at the hotel, there is a hairdresser, playgrounds, shops, swimming pools, children's clubs. Accommodation for a week will cost from one hundred and fifteen thousand rubles for a double room.

How to get to the island of Djerba?

By plane:
There are direct flights from Russia to Zarzis Airport on the island of Djerba. The distance from Russia to Djerba is three thousand one hundred and eighty kilometers, travel time is four hours. Airlines operating the flight: Nordwind Airlines, Aeroflot, departures are made from Moscow airports: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo. While in mainland Tunisia, you can fly to the island of Djerba by domestic airlines using one of six Tunisian airports.

By bus or car:
The trip along the Roman causeway from the mainland to Djerba takes fifteen minutes on any wheeled vehicle.

By ferry:
The ferry ride takes between ten and fifteen minutes.

This island in the African Gulf of Gabes attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. In the last ten years, direct flights to Djerba have become available to Russians not only from Moscow, but also from many other cities in our country. There is an amazing sea, clean beaches with the finest sand, excellent service, interesting sights and hospitable local people. The cost of tours to the island of Djerba (Tunisia) is pleasantly surprising, and hotels are offered in a variety of categories. In the article we will dwell in detail on the features of holidays in this corner of Africa, and consider accommodation locations based on reviews from tourists over the past two years.

The beautiful island of Djerba (Tunisia): location and climate

The island is famous for its magnificent beaches and comfortable hotels with vast areas where you can play golf. Djerba also has the best thalassotherapy in the world, and the oriental flavor here is in perfect harmony with French sophistication. This place is called "Mediterranean Tahiti." Why? Just look at the photos of the island of Djerba in Tunisia presented below and you will understand everything yourself.

The island is very conveniently located: it is connected to the mainland by ferry, the trips on which travelers describe in the most enthusiastic terms. Judging by the reviews of tourists about the island of Djerba (Tunisia), it offers both quite a luxurious holiday and very economical accommodation.

This is the largest piece of land on the North African coast with an area of ​​more than 500 km 2. Its shores are gently washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and the sun fills Djerba with life every day of the year. The climate here is very mild; it can be nice on a tropical island even in winter. Temperature changes are insignificant, there is little precipitation and it falls most often in autumn and spring. The beach season lasts from May to early October, then the water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea drops to +17+19 º C.

The official language in Djerba, as throughout the country, is Arabic, but most of the population also speaks French. In hotels, guests are also greeted in English, and in some even in Russian.

Types of tourism on the island of Djerba (Tunisia)

What type of vacation could be popular in the country's southernmost resort? Of course, beach. It is always several degrees warmer here than in the continental part of the country. Tourists arrive here a little earlier and leave a little later.

Many hotels (from 4 stars) on the island of Djerba in Tunisia have excellent thalassotherapy centers. Wellness and rejuvenating procedures are chosen not only by the fair sex, but also by many men.

Holidays here are very calm and measured. Everything is very bright and peaceful. Even the light blue sea on the island gently frames the snow-white beaches. The houses are neatly laid out, square with white domed roofs.

Active entertainment is still available - horseback riding, golf, water sports, walking and cycling. Club life on the island is almost undeveloped, but there are several places where you can dance well.

Resort areas of the island

Capital o. Djerba - Houmt Souk. The city is a fishing port. It's no surprise that the best seafood dishes are served in its restaurants.

The Zarsis region is called a paradise. The most beautiful gardens on the island, olive and date groves grow here, and small colorful birds sing among lotuses and other exotic flowers. Nearby there are very secluded islands that couples love to visit. The Cote d'Azur and the clean, fine sand take you away from reality and take you into the world of dreams.

The main tourist area is called Medun, which is located near the international airport in the north-west of the island. The city is the second largest in Djerba. The area here is very fertile and therefore picturesque. Many tourists ride bicycles or just walk. In the city center there is a beautiful mosque and a large cafe, popular with visitors. Nearby you can find markets where tourists usually buy fruits, souvenirs and other local goods, not forgetting about bargaining. In addition, city guests have the opportunity to watch the process of preparing olive oil.

How are the beaches different?

Let's start with free municipal beaches. These are long and uncrowded beaches with fine white sand, along which numerous date palms and olive trees grow. On some calm and quiet beaches you can see the most beautiful sight - flocks of extraordinary pink flamingos, gracefully flying above the turquoise waves.

The best beaches are in the northeast of the island. The Djerba lagoon is located in this place, it is reliably protected from the northern winds and is perfectly warmed by the bright sun. The beach strip is very long and wide. This place is also where the most popular hotels on the island of Djerba (Tunisia), judging by reviews, are located.

The western shores are largely uninhabited, only occasionally you can meet couples or groups of tourists on them. There are completely different, indescribable feelings of unity and harmony with this beautiful world. Accordingly, there is practically no infrastructure around. Travelers come here in rented cars and take provisions with them.

Accommodation options and price range

It should be noted right away that comfortable accommodation is the main thing that is offered to tourists in hotels. However, you can feel quite great even in the most simple and inexpensive hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia. "All inclusive", a concept so beloved by Russian tourists, operates almost everywhere.

There are guest houses and villas on the island, as well as hotels of 1*, 3*, 4* and 5* categories. The location may be in the city center or close to it, on the first or second coastline. The level of comfort and service in them, of course, differs, as does the cost of a room per night.

The minimum price for accommodation is a little more than 1300 rubles in a fairly nice hotel Djerba Erriadh 1*. The cost of a room per day in 3* categories with the best rating will be from 2000 to 5000 rubles. In prestigious and respectable categories (for example, Park Inn Ulysse Resort & Thalasso 5*) prices can reach up to 20,000-30,000 rubles per day in the most expensive room.

Rating of the best hotels on the island of Djerba (Tunisia) according to tourist reviews

Resa Dar Sema Djerba 3* - rated 9.8 points out of 10 by tourists. The apart-hotel is located in the capital of the island. Here you can find the ideal price-quality ratio. This is a small complex with only four rooms. If you want the staff to pay a lot of attention to you, literally “blowing away the specks of dust”, come to this hotel. An individual approach to each client, excellent service and delicious breakfasts are guaranteed here.

Hotel Palm Asur 4* is very popular among vacationers; it is chosen more often than other accommodation options, due to its reasonable cost and excellent location on the first line. During the civil revolution in Tunisia (2011), many hotels in the tourist area of ​​Midoun were empty. "Palm Azur" opened earlier than others, its territory and number of rooms were updated. Today it is a very calm and quiet place with excellent service and comfortable luxury rooms.

The Kzar Djerba 4* hotel is not inferior in demand among Russian holidaymakers. This is also the Midoun area. The minimum price for a room starts from 2300 rubles, which is considered quite acceptable for a hotel of this category. Tourists highly praise the restaurant, the beautiful grounds with outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a magnificent conference room equipped with everything necessary for holding business events, and a fairly spacious tennis court. The staff greets guests in Russian, which cannot but please our compatriots.

Best of the Best: 5* hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia

Hasdrubal Thalassa and SPA 5* has a rating of 10 out of 10 possible points. This is the first coastline, and the hotel area is simply huge. On the beach, sun loungers and umbrellas are placed at a reasonable distance from each other so that the guest’s personal space is not violated. The food is exquisite. Guests are offered fresh seafood dishes and the best fruits, elite drinks, and the most delicate oriental desserts.

Another hotel from this chain is Hasdrubal Prestige 5* (10 out of 10). Tourists compare this huge and luxurious complex with the palace from the fairy tale “A Thousand and One Nights”. You can feel oriental sophistication and moderation in everything. European service at the highest level.

Golden mean: 4* hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia

Several of the most popular complexes in this category were described above. "Four" hotels are chosen more often than other hotels because they combine not only an acceptable cost of living, but also high-quality service, comfort, and a wide range of services. Tourists claim that some 4* hotels in Tunisia are in no way inferior to expensive, respectable 5* apartments, and in some ways may even surpass them.

Hotels on the island of Djerba (Tunisia), such as Seabel Rym Beach 4*, are very popular for families with small children. Tourists usually choose the end of August or the beginning of September to visit the country, as the climate at this time is the mildest. The Sibel Hotel has a huge area, an excellent beach with a gentle slope into the sea and children's playgrounds. For younger guests, you can choose nutritious meals, such as cereals and light soups, and dairy products. The local population treats the children very warmly; interesting entertainment events are prepared for them. The animation teams try to make sure that children and adults have fun. Crocodile farm just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Djerba Plaza Hotel & Spa 4* is located in the heart of the tourist area of ​​Midoun. A distinctive feature of this hotel on the island of Djerba (Tunisia) is the presence of five restaurants and several bars. Even gourmets will satisfy their refined tastes here; there are dishes for vegetarians and lovers of Oriental and European cuisine. The hotel's rental service allows you to rent a car or bicycle to explore the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area.

Large and very comfortable family rooms with excellent renovation attract families to the Vincci Helios Beach 4* hotel. The hotel territory extends over almost ten hectares. There are thalassotherapy centers, swimming pools, a children's mini club, and nannies even for the smallest children. According to reviews from tourists, the food at the hotel is simply excellent. In the evenings there are wonderful entertainment programs; later, dance lovers can go to the complex's nightclub.

Carribean World Djerba 4* is a real paradise for lovers of water activities! In addition to the magnificent wide and well-maintained beach, the hotel has a large number of swimming pools with slides and a small children's water park.

What do they feed tourists?

Judging by the reviews about the island of Djerba, it is worth trying the Tunisian national tea, which is served cold or hot. Honey, mint and pine nuts must be added to it. They say that the result is some kind of unique combination. By the way, you can try making this drink at home. Among the local alcohol, tourists highlight date liqueur and a variety of fruit wines.

The restaurants (all inclusive concept) of the best hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia serve both local dishes (beef or veal stew with vegetables, seafood dishes) and international ones. French dishes are very popular here and are prepared with special skill.

Tourists must understand that they are coming to a Muslim country and must respect its religion and traditions. For example, in Tunisia it is not customary to abuse alcoholic beverages, drink them in public places and appear drunk in public places. There is also a negative attitude towards smoking, although in some hotels you can find different types of rooms.

Crocodile farm, pirate ship and other attractions

The island does not have such a large number of interesting places related to the rich history of Tunisia, as, for example, in Carthage. But even here there is something to brighten up your leisure time. Fans of cultural and educational tourism should go on a sightseeing tour of the city, which covers all the significant architectural structures of the island. For example, you can see a Roman road, a large and very ancient El Ghriba synagogue, a powerful fortress of Bordj El Kebir, and next to it a quite informative local history museum.

It is proposed to take part in a more entertaining than educational event on a pirate ship. Many of today's Tunisians are distant descendants of the Barbary pirates who once chose Djerba as their base. In the 21st century you can feel the atmosphere and spirit of those distant times. To do this, visit a pirate ship recreated to the smallest detail and dress up in the costumes of daring sailors.

In addition, many tourists sail along the Mediterranean coast with excursions to some small and picturesque islands. The price usually includes an interesting and delicious pirate-themed dinner with fresh red fish and other delicacies.

Many people have heard about the Djerba Explore amusement park; it’s definitely worth coming here. Both children and adults will like it here. Of greatest interest is the crocodile farm, which is home mainly to huge Nile crocodiles. It is noteworthy that reptiles are not raised here for the purpose of performing entertaining tricks with their participation or making elegant handbags and straps from their skin, as in Pattaya. Crocodiles live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat, and tourists can watch them from specially equipped bridges. Vacationers often try to time their visit to the park to coincide with the feeding time of these green giants (usually around 16:00).

After such emotional spectacles, you can calmly walk through the park and see a Tunisian village recreated in all its national flavor. Here there are real houses made of clay and lime, and camels help pump water to irrigate the fields, with their help the peasants cultivate the soil. In the Lalla Hadria Museum you can see unique exhibits of Arab culture, some of them dating back to the 7th century.

Instead of a conclusion

As you can see, the island of Djerba is a place that is suitable for any comfortable holiday. The main distinguishing feature of all accommodation options on the island is excellent service and highly qualified staff. Residents love the sun and water, so hotel rooms often have pleasant golden shades. There are several swimming pools in the areas among palms and olive trees, and the island’s wonderful snow-white beaches will be remembered for a lifetime.

The island is often called “Mediterranean Tahiti”: people come here to swim in the clear sea, relax in excellent hotels, and enjoy the oriental flavor at reasonable prices per tour.

Djerba has been known since ancient times. Homer in his "Odyssey" mentioned it as the Island of lotus eaters - eaters of lotus flowers - the island of earthly pleasures and bliss. Djerba served as a base for the formidable Berber pirates, terrifying the entire Mediterranean, and became home to representatives of many religions.

Very tasty dates and olives are grown here, fish and octopuses are caught - the patriarchal way of life of Djerba has not changed for centuries.

How to get there

Djerba has its own airport “Djerba (Zarzis)”. It is located next to the island's capital, Houmt Souk. During the tourist season, charters from Russia land here. Flight time from Moscow to Djerba is approximately 4.5 hours. Transfer to hotels does not take much time - on average about an hour. Djerba is connected to the mainland by a bridge and ferry. The ferry crosses a small strait in 15 minutes.

Tours to Djerba

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow are given.

September

Beaches

The best parts of the Djerba coastline are located in the northeast. Most of the hotels are located here, almost each of which has its own long section. It is cleared of algae and marine debris, and the safety of tourists is monitored. The sand on Djerba is light and soft, the entrance to the water in tourist areas is gentle. The hotel beaches are well equipped, there are umbrellas, sun loungers, and a range of water activities (parasailing, jet skis, “bananas” and “cheesecakes”).

Hotels

Most hotels in Djerba are located on Cape Ras Tagernes, in the north and east of the island. Most often, Russian tourists choose to stay in 4-star hotels.

There are representatives of Vincci Hotels, Radisson, Seabel and others on the island. The all-inclusive food system is popular in hotels.

Attractions

Djerba is an island with a rich history, so there are plenty of attractions here. The most famous is . The powerful walls of the fortress have stood on the seashore for more than 600 years. Bloody sieges and battles took place here - for example, the pirate Turgut Reis attacked the Spaniards and ordered the construction of a monstrous pyramid tower from the skulls of defeated enemies, which stood for almost 300 years. Now there is an obelisk in its place, and 9,000 skulls have found eternal rest in the cemetery.

The old town of Houmt Souk is one large bazaar, the entrance to which is guarded by two impressive mosques: the Mosque of Foreigners (Jamaa al-Ghorba) and the Ibrahim el-Jemni Mosque, both of which are almost a thousand years old.

Where to go

Most often, guests of Djerba go on a pirate ship cruise to Flamingo Island. In winter, these beautiful birds nest here, and in summer, tourists sunbathe on the snow-white sand. The cruise lasts about 4 hours, time on the island is 2 hours. On the way, tourists are entertained by animators with a special pirate show.

The second most popular place for excursions is the crocodile farm in. Several dozen Nile crocodiles live here.

You can visit the potters' village of Gelallu on a guided tour. In Gelalla, clay is mined and beautiful jugs are sculpted, reminiscent of ancient amphorae. Be careful - ceramics in blue and white tones are made in, and modest and unpainted plates are made in Gelalle. There is an interesting museum of cultural heritage. In August, the village hosts a festival where you can try your hand at the pottery wheel.

From Djerba it is convenient to get to, go on excursions to the dwellings of troglodytes and

Souvenirs

For souvenirs in Djerba, go to the capital of the island, the city of Houmt Souk. The name of the city is telling; it translates as “shopping quarter”. Local markets have a wide variety of goods - ceramics, leather goods, small souvenirs, spices, cosmetics based on olive or argan oil, hookahs, glassware, carpets... Pay attention to the ceramics from Gelalla - simple but elegant jugs, similar on ancient amphoras.

Tourists note that prices for souvenirs in Djerba are on average higher than in other Tunisian resorts. Djerba is an island, so most goods are not made locally, but are brought from other cities. Hence the difference in cost. We recommend that you bargain when buying a souvenir you like; sellers often inflate the price several times.

Kitchen

Most of the dishes served in hotel restaurants and cafes are no different from those eaten at other resorts. On the table there will definitely be spicy shorba soup, sweet peppers stuffed with meat, the famous tagine (roast lamb), couscous with vegetables.

There is also a “marine accent” in the cuisine of Djerba. In coastal restaurants you should try freshly caught grilled fish or octopus.