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 this article, we will dwell on the features of recreation in this corner of Africa, consider accommodation based on reviews of 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 huge territories where you can play golf. Djerba also has the best thalassotherapy in the world, and the oriental flavor 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 a ferry, the walks on which travelers describe in the most enthusiastic terms. Judging by the reviews of tourists about the island of Djerba (Tunisia), it offers both a fairly luxurious vacation and very economical accommodation.
It is the largest land area on the North African coast with an area of \u200b\u200bover 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, on a tropical island it is good even in winter. Temperature drops are insignificant, precipitation is low and they fall most often in autumn and spring. The beach season lasts from May to early October, then the water temperature in the Mediterranean decreases to + 17 + 19 º С.
The official language in Djerba, like throughout the country, is Arabic, but most of the population speaks French as well. In hotels, guests are also met in English, and in some even in Russian.
Types of tourism on the island of Djerba (Tunisia)
What kind of vacation can be popular in the southernmost resort of the country? Beachfront, of course. It is always several degrees warmer here than in the mainland. Tourists come 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 anti-aging procedures are chosen not only by the fair sex, but also by many men.
Rest here is very calm and measured. Everything is very light and peaceful. Even the sea on the island with light blue color gently frames the white beaches. The cabins are neatly laid out, square with white domed roofs.
Active entertainment is still available - horseback riding, golf, water sports, hiking 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
The capital of Fr. Djerba - Houmt-Souk. The city is a fishing port. Unsurprisingly, the best seafood dishes are served in its restaurants.
The Zarsis area is called a paradise. Here grow the most beautiful gardens on the island, olive and date groves, small colorful birds sing among the lotuses and other exotic flowers. There are very secluded islands nearby, which couples love to visit. Cote d'Azur, clean, fine sand are torn away from reality and carried away into the world of dreams.
The main tourist area is called Medun, it is located near the international airport in the northwest of the island. The city is the second largest in Djerba. The area is very fertile and therefore picturesque. Many tourists ride bicycles or just take a walk. In the center of the city there is a beautiful mosque and a large café popular with visitors. Nearby, you can find markets where tourists usually buy fruits, souvenirs and other local goods, not forgetting to bargain. In addition, guests of the city have the opportunity to watch the process of making olive oil.
What is the difference between beaches?
Let's start with the free municipal beaches. These are long and uncrowded shores with fine white sand, along which there are numerous date palms and olive trees. On some calm and quiet beaches, you can see a beautiful sight - a flock of extraordinary pink flamingos, gracefully soaring over the turquoise waves.
The best beaches are located in the northeast of the island. In this place, the Djerba lagoon is located, it is reliably protected from the north 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, judging by the reviews, hotels of the island of Djerba (Tunisia) are located.
The western shores are mostly uninhabited, with only occasional couples or groups of tourists in love. There are completely different, indescribable feelings of unity and harmony with this wonderful world. Accordingly, there is practically no infrastructure around. Travelers come here in rented cars and take their food with them.
Accommodation options and price bracket
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 fine even in the most simple and inexpensive hotels on the Djerba island in Tunisia. "All inclusive", the concept so beloved by Russian tourists, operates almost everywhere.
There are guest houses and villas on the island, as well as hotels of categories 1 *, 3 *, 4 * and 5 *. The location can be in the city center or not far from it, on the first or second coastline. The level of comfort and service in them, of course, differ, as well as the cost of a room per night.
The minimum price for accommodation is a little more than 1300 rubles in a rather 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 go up to 20,000-30,000 rubles per day in the most expensive room.
Rating of the best hotels in the island of Djerba (Tunisia) according to tourist reviews
Resa Dar Sema Djerba 3 * - rated by tourists at 9.8 points out of 10. The apart-hotel is located in the capital of the island. Here you can find the ideal value for money. It is a small complex with only four rooms. If you want the staff to pay a lot of attention to you, literally "blowing dust off you", 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 \u200b\u200bMidoun became empty. "Palm Azur" opened earlier than others, its territory and rooms were renewed. Today it is a very calm and quiet place with excellent service and comfortable suites.
The Kzar Djerba 4 * hotel is not inferior in demand among Russian vacationers. This is also the Midoun area. The minimum cost per room starts from 2300 rubles, which is considered quite acceptable for a hotel of this category. Tourists highly praise the restaurant, a beautiful area with indoor and outdoor pools, a magnificent conference room equipped with everything necessary for holding business events, a fairly spacious tennis court. The staff greets guests in Russian, which cannot but please our compatriots.
Best of the Best: 5 * hotels of Djerba island 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 stand at a decent distance from each other so that the guest's personal space is not disturbed. The food is delicious. Guests are offered fresh seafood dishes and the best fruits, elite drinks, 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". Eastern refinement and knowledge of proportion is felt in everything. European service at the highest level.
Golden mean: 4 * hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia
Some of the most popular complexes in this category have been described above. Fours are chosen more often than other hotels because they combine not only an acceptable cost of living, but also high-class 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 they may even surpass them.
Such hotels on the island of Djerba (Tunisia) as Seabel Rym Beach 4 * are very popular for families with young 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 hotel "Sibel" has a huge territory, an excellent beach with a gentle slope into the sea and children's playgrounds. For younger guests, you can choose a nutritious meal, such as cereals and light soups, dairy products. The local population treats the children very warmly; interesting entertainment events are prepared for them. Animation teams strive to make 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 \u200b\u200bMidoun. A distinctive feature of this hotel in Djerba Island (Tunisia) is the presence of five restaurants and several bars. Even gourmets will satisfy their exquisite taste here, there are dishes for vegetarians, lovers of Eastern and European cuisine. The hotel rental offers the option of renting a car or bicycle to explore the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding area.
Large and very comfortable family rooms with excellent renovation attract families to the Vincci Helios Beach 4 * hotel. The territory of the hotel stretches for almost ten hectares. There are thalassotherapy centers, swimming pools, a children's mini-club, nannies for even the smallest children. According to tourists, the food at the hotel is just great. In the evenings, there is a wonderful entertainment program; later, dancers can go to the complex's nightclub.
Carribean World Djerba 4 * is a real paradise for water lovers! 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 are tourists fed with?
Judging by the reviews about the island of Djerba, it is worth trying the Tunisian national tea, which is served hot or cold. Honey, mint and pine nuts must be added to it. They say that some kind of unique combination is obtained. By the way, you can try to make such a drink at home. From local alcohol, tourists distinguish date liqueur and a variety of fruit wines.
All-inclusive restaurants in the best hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia serve both local dishes (beef or veal stew with vegetables, seafood dishes) and international dishes. French dishes are very popular here, which are prepared with special skill.
Tourists should understand that they are coming to a Muslim country, it is necessary to 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 here, although in some hotels you can find different types of rooms.
Crocodile farm, pirate ship and other attractions
There are not so many interesting places on the island associated with 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 the Roman road, the large and very ancient synagogue of El Griba, the powerful fortress Borj El Kebir, and next to it is a rather informative museum of local lore.
More entertaining than educational event is proposed to be performed on a pirate ship. Many of today's Tunisians are distant descendants of the Berber pirates who once chose Djerba as their base. In the XXI 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 put on the costumes of daring sailors.
In addition, many tourists sail along the Mediterranean coast with excursions to some of the small and picturesque islands. The price usually includes an interesting and tasty pirate-style dinner with fresh red fish and other delicacies.
Many have heard about the Djerba Explore amusement park, you should definitely come here. Both children and adults will like it here. Of greatest interest is the crocodile farm, which is inhabited mainly by the huge Nile crocodiles. It is noteworthy that reptiles are not raised here for the purpose of showing entertaining tricks with their participation or making graceful 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 calculate that the time of visiting the park coincides with the feeding time of these green giants (usually around 16:00).
After such emotional spectacles, you can safely walk through the park, see the Tunisian village recreated in all its national color. Here are real houses made of clay and lime, and camels help to pump water for irrigation of fields, with their help peasants cultivate the soil. In the Lalla Hadria Museum you can see unique exhibits of Arab culture, some of which date 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 stay. The main distinguishing feature of all accommodation options on the island is excellent service and high quality staff. Residents love the sun and water, which is why hotel rooms often have pleasant golden hues. There are several swimming pools in the areas surrounded by palm and olive trees, and the wonderful white beaches of the island will be remembered for a lifetime.
Island Djerba, as a popular seaside resort in Tunisia, has been known since the early 60s of the last century.
However, our compatriots have been interested in this place since 2016, when Turkey and Egypt were closed.
For comparison: until 2016, charter flights on Djerba from Moscow and St. Petersburg were carried out once a week, now - every day and not one a day.
Djerba Island
Djerba located in the southern part of Tunisia. There is another resort nearby - Zarzis.
A few facts about the island Djerba:
- the area of \u200b\u200bthe island is 514 km², the coastline is 150 km;
- distance from the capital of the country Tunisia - 500 km;
- population - about 165 thousand people;
- the largest cities on the island are Houmt-Souk (capital), Midoun, Ajim;
- the island is connected to the mainland by ferry (Azhim - Jorf) and the old Roman road (leading to the resort of Zarzis);
- the island has an international airport.
In ancient times, the island Djerba was rich, trade flourished here, including slaves. At this time, the Roman road was built - its length is 7 km, along which not only transport links are carried out, but also a water supply.
Djerba climate
Due to its geographical location, the holiday season is Djerbe longer than in the northern resorts of Hammamet, Sousse, Tabarka. Usually in May the sea warms up to 22 ° С, the season ends by November.
In summer, the daytime temperature can reach 35 - 38 ° С, the water temperature - 27-28 ° С.
Thanks to the sea breeze and the proximity of the Sahara, high temperatures are tolerated without problems; in summer it is quite comfortable to relax here.
The best time to travel to Djerba is from May to October inclusive.
How to get to Djerba
The vast majority of people arrive on the island through Djerba Zarzis International Airport. The airport is located 9 km from the capital of the island Houmt Souk.
Since the island is small, the most distant hotels can be reached in 50-60 minutes.
There are no direct regular flights between Russia and Tunisia, you can get here only with transfers. The most convenient routes go through Istanbul, Paris, Munich.
During the tourist season (April - October), direct charter flights are carried out from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The flight duration is 4.5 hours.
Djerba airport website: www.djerbaairport.net
Taxi fare from island airport Djerba to the hotel will be from 8 to 20 TND.
Transport on the island of Djerba
You can move around the island:
- on buses;
- by route taxis (luage)
- taxi
The most convenient mode of transport for Djerbe - taxi. Cars can always be found near any hotel. About the features of the trip taxi in Tunisia you can find out.
Fare:
- landing - 0,450 TND
- trip - 0.500 TND / 1 km run
- waiting - 15 TND
* From 20:00 to 07:00 there is a night tariff (the cost will be 50% higher).
If you decide to travel to the cities of mainland Tunisia, you can use the intercity buses. They leave from the bus station in the center of Houmt-Suk. The closest major city on the mainland is the provincial capital Medenine (bus ride will cost 7 TND).
However, most of the hotels are inexpensive, with a fairly simple interior, many are in need of renovation, with relatively low service. The paucity of high-end hotels is a common problem in Tunisia.
Excursions on Djerba
In more detail excursions on Djerba are described in the corresponding section of the site. The most popular are:
- djerbaHood project (street art gallery in Erriadh village)
- djerba Explore Amusement Park (Lella Hadriya Museum, Heritage Village, Tourist Market, Crocodile Farm)
- ras Rmel Island (Flamingo Island)
- two day trip to the Sahara
You can find and book an inexpensive tour to Tunisia using the services
Shopping on Djerba
You can find out more about what and where to buy in Tunisia as souvenirs in the corresponding section of the site. Djerba in this regard is no different from other regions of the country, except for lower prices in comparison with Hammamet or Suss.
- Foodstuffs better to buy in Carrefoue - the supermarket chain is represented by stores in Houmt Suk and Midoun. Buy alcohol you can in the store Al jazira (buying alcohol in Tunisia has some peculiarities).
- Souvenirs it makes sense to purchase in on tourist marketswhere there are shops Fix Price... Although the second floor in the Carrefour store (non-food items) can please you with unexpected purchases.
Djerba Island is located in the Mediterranean Sea in the Gulf of Gabes. This is one of the most popular resorts in Tunisia. The area of \u200b\u200bthe island is 514 square kilometers, the population is 140 thousand people. It is believed that it was on Djerba that Odysseus was held captive by the nymph Calypso. Djerba is also known as the "island of the lotus eaters" as this plant is very common here. It was from Djerba that tourism began in Tunisia.
How to get to Djerba?
Djerba has its own airport, but there are no direct regular flights to the island. Only during the beach season, charter flights fly to the island.
You can also get to the island with a transfer in Tunisia, either in Monastir or by land (the island is connected to the mainland by a loose road built by the Romans) or by ferry.
Djerba weather
The beach season in Djerba is longer than on the Tunisian mainland. Desert winds bring warmth to the island, you can swim here from April to mid-November. The temperature in the summer is kept at around 30-32C, and the water warms up to 28C.
Shopping in Djerba
It is best to shop in the local market. There you can buy anything from jewelry to ceramics, dates, carpets and olive oil. As in any market in Tunisia, here you need to bargain with sellers.
Unlike supermarkets and shops, traders in the Djerba market accept not only Tunisian dinars, but also dollars. However, it is better to pay in local currency, as sellers can significantly underestimate the rate.
Excursions from the island of Djerba
The most popular excursion in Tunisia is the two-day trip to the Sahara Desert. Many tourists visit Tunisia precisely for the purpose of getting on this excursion. The journey to the Sahara from Djerba will take much less time than from the mainland.
Additional programs from the island of Djerba:
- Excursion Matmata-Duz. The program includes a tour of the island of Douz and a trip to the city of Matmatu, located on the border with the desert. During the trip, you can see beautiful landscapes and get acquainted with the life of Tunisians living outside the tourist regions.
- Excursion Tatooine-Chenini. Travelers will drive through the olive groves of the city of Metnin, see the grain storage, visit the condiments and sweets market of Tatooine, then see Chenini - the city of troglodytes.
- Excursion Ksar Gilan. Travelers can see a real desert oasis with a palm garden on the shore of a small lake surrounded by sand dunes. In Ksar Gilan there is a thermal spring in which you can swim. The program also includes jeep driving.
- Sightseeing tour of the island of Djerba with a stop at a pottery workshop and a history museum.
- Djerba-Explorer Park Farm. it is a crocodile farm with over 450 species of reptiles.
Features of the resorts of the island of Djerba in Tunisia
On Djerba, as in all of Tunisia, there are gorgeous white sand beaches with a gentle entrance. A special feature of the island is the increased amount of algae on the beach, especially after a storm.
Djerba is suitable for a relaxing holiday. The island has restaurants and cafes, supermarkets, markets, but there are no entertainment facilities like in Sousse or Port el Kantaoui.
The main attractions of Djerba include:
Borj El Kebir fortress, which received its second name in the 16th century - Gazi Mustafa fortress. A defensive structure erected by the Arab conquerors in the 9th century to protect against pirates. Located on the embankment of the island's capital city of Houmt-Souk;
Synagogue of La Griba. The oldest synagogue in Tunisia, located in the village of Khara Segira, the majority of whose population is Jewish.
Djerba lagoon. One of the few places in Tunisia where you can see flocks of pink flamingos.
Museum of Folk Traditions in the city of Gellal. Here you can get acquainted with the history of the island of Djerba and ancient crafts, see how olive oil was pressed in the old days, and how dishes were made using a potter's wheel.
In books and travel guides about Tunisia Djerba is not given much space and information. But that doesn't mean the island is a depressed industrial area or a tourist outsider. On the contrary, Djerba (Tunisia) welcomes guests all year round. It can even be said that in recent years tourism has surpassed traditional carpet weaving in terms of profitability. But for many people, the island lost near the Libyan border is terra incognito. We will try to tell here about this idyllic corner, where, according to legend, among date groves and beaches with the purest sand, Odysseus forgot everything in the world in the arms of the nymph Calypso. Let's just say that in order to relax and lose the sense of time in Djerba, no mermaids are needed, because the gentle sea, thalassotherapy procedures and the hospitality of the locals will do their job.
Geography
Djerba Island (Tunisia) is small. Its length is only 29 kilometers, and its width is even less - a maximum of 28 kilometers. Also, this piece of land is low, it rises only 55 meters above the sea. When we say “island,” we adhere to a clear geographic definition, although in order to get there, one does not have to sail by sea. It is so close to the mainland that it is connected to it by a bridge. Moreover, this jumper is not an achievement of modern engineering. The bridge was built by the ancient Romans more than two thousand years ago. On all sides the island is washed by azure waters. The coastline of Djerba is 130 kilometers of the most excellent beaches. The island's main town is Houmt Souk, a bustling shopping center in southern Tunisia. Djerba not only exports wonderfully carpets, but also sponges, soap, pottery and fish.
Climate
The North African heat, softened by the fresh breath of the Atlantic Ocean, promises you excellent Djerba, due to its geographical position, boasts that the temperature on the island is always 2-3 degrees higher than on the mainland. Yet this is not Egypt. Despite assurances from travel agencies that you can sunbathe and swim in Djerba all year round, there is a "low season" here. These are three winter months. The coldest season is January. The air temperature is kept at + 15 ° C, and in February and December - + 17 ° C. Reviews call the best time for a vacation in Djerba the off-season with their comfortable + 22-26 ° C. The Mediterranean climate has created varied landscapes on the small island. The lush green of olive and date groves contrasts with the desert landscapes.
"Land of lotophages"
The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is so beautiful that it is not surprising that many legends are circling around it. Homer came up with the first. From the "Odyssey" we learn that Ulysses sailed from the flaming Troy and after long adventures reached a deserted coast, on which lived people who knew no grief. They ate lotus flowers, which grew in abundance here. For this, Odysseus called the island “the land of lotophages”. The brave navigator met the nymph Calypso here. She gave him a drink of nectar from and this drug so intoxicated Odysseus that he forgot the purpose of his journey and remained on the island (in love bliss, of course) for seven whole years. Homer names the island Oligia. It is not hard to believe in this myth, because today the atmosphere prevailing on Djerba is saturated with a kind of intoxicating sweet ether. On the second day, even the most collected and pedantic person loses the sense of time and plunges into blissful languor.
History
In reality, everything was somewhat more prosaic, but no less interesting. The discoverers of the island were the Phoenicians. In the distant eighth century BC, they brought here the beginnings of trade and crafts. But Tunisia, the island of Djerba and the oases of western Sahara were inhabited by local tribes of the Berberians. They have retained their identity even now, although they coexist side by side with other nationalities of the country. The island received a powerful economic boost during the era of Roman rule. An embankment bridge was built across the two-kilometer strait, connecting Djerba with the mainland. The island is the small homeland of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. Later Tunisia was owned by the Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, Turks. In the 16th century, the name of the terrible pirate Drogut Reis, who had one of his bases on the island, thundered here. There is an opinion that the filibuster hid his treasures somewhere here. In 1560, a pirate erected a tower of five thousand skulls of his enemies. Borj el-Rousse stood until 1848, after which it was dismantled, and the human remains were buried.
How to get there
Hotels on the island of Djerba (Tunisia) beckon travelers, but the road to them, especially from our penates, can be long. Nouvelair operates charter flights from Russia during the high season. But at other times you will have to get with transfers. The local airport Djerba-Zarzis regularly receives only domestic flights. You can fly to the capital of the state, the city of Tunisia, and then use one of the offers of local airlines (a one-way ticket will cost about one hundred dinars). The journey in the luage, an intercity minibus, will be longer, but four times cheaper. They move away from stops as they fill up. The alternative is buses. More expensive, but comfortable, air-conditioned. And they go on schedule.
Hotels in Tunis, Djerba Island
The hotel base of the local resorts allows the most varied categories of tourists to relax. Most of the hotels are concentrated on the north and west coasts, as well as in the city of Houmt Souk. On the southeastern tip of the island, the excellent resort of Midoun is thriving. If we consider hotels in terms of stars, then the overwhelming majority are "fours". Moreover, the quality of service in them surpasses the Turkish "five". Here you can find both famous European chain hotels (Magic Life, Iberostar, Caribbean World and others), and local ones, with a unique flavor and buildings in the Barbary style. Five-star hotels in Djerba (Tunisia) offer their guests revitalizing thalassotherapy courses. These are such oases of bliss as Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Prestige, Ulysse Palace, Movenpick Ulysse, Vincci Al Kantara, Radisson Blu. Of the worthy three-ruble notes, we can recommend Miramar, Garden Park, Mehari and Palma.
Popular excursions
The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is a unique place where the Christian West and the Muslim East, African beliefs and Jewish wisdom are intertwined. Here, as in a time machine, you can go to the medieval medina and wander for hours along the shady narrow streets. Tourists are offered a large number of excursions both around the island and the mainland of Tunisia. Which one to choose? The reviews greatly praise the organized two-day trip to the Sahara with a stop in the Barbary villages of Ksara and the Tataouin area. By the way, those who watched the film epic "Star Wars" will probably recognize in this desert landscape a fictional planet with the same name. Yes, Tataouin was filmed here, and at the same time they borrowed the name. Children will be interested in visiting the crocodile farm and nature reserve "Laguna", where lotuses grow and flocks of pink flamingos live. You will have an unforgettable experience after visiting the lunar landscapes of Matmata.
Independent travel
Immediately, you need to make a reservation that taxi prices are higher here than in the mainland of Tunisia. The island of Djerba is small, but still its attractions are far from each other. If you are lucky enough to have a rest in Houmt Suk, go to the medina. This is the name in the countries of the Arab world for a walled medieval quarter. Besides the noisy places where you can buy beautiful jewelry, embossing, carpets and pottery, you will see many characteristic houses with white walls and a domed roof. These are "menzels" - traditional dwellings of the inhabitants of Djerba. Thanks to this design, the building is always kept cool. In the labyrinths of the medina, there are three main mosques worth visiting: Jamaa-Ettruk, Esh-Sheikh and Djemaa-el-Gorba. But the main attraction of the old city is the Bordj el-Kebir fortress. The most ancient synagogue, La Griba (Amazing), is located in the Jewish town of Khara Segira. According to legend, she is already two thousand six hundred years old. And in the town of Meninx, the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement have been preserved.
Souvenirs
What to bring in memory of the island of Djerba (Tunisia)? Reviews advise, in addition to carpets, to buy fine local wines. The French colonialists instilled a taste for fine drinks in the local population, so you won't be disappointed. Palm trees grow everywhere on the island, so dates are used to make alcoholic drinks. A bottle of liqueur will come in handy, as will a package of excellent olive oil. For lovers of the exotic, we recommend buying a melhafa in the medina at the bazaar - a traditional orange striped bedspread. Excellent pottery is sold in Gellale.
Hello!
The island of Djerba is a rather young vacation destination and in this review I want to guide those who are thinking about a vacation in this place.
Background or how I got to Fr. Djerba.
It was July 2016 .... I was visiting and listening to enthusiastic stories about the rest on this island - about white beaches and turquoise water, about the fact that this island is safe as in Israel and olincclusive is no worse than in Turkey. When, two weeks later, the question arose about choosing a destination for rest in very limited conditions, no doubts remained - we were flying to Djerba. Firstly, Tunisia is a new country for us, and secondly, there is no need for a visa, and the most obvious thing is to fly from Moscow in just 4.5 hours.
Hotel selected, vouchers purchased
By the way, about hotels - the locals assured that the best hotel on the island is the Radisson, we rested in another five-star hotel, I will leave a link to the review below.
The beaches on the island of Djerba and the area behind the hotel.
The biggest disappointment on Djerba was the sea. Dirty, muddy and with a lot of weeds dumped on the beach line every day. The beaches here are municipal, and the Americans do not spoil this place with their presence, so….
Just see the photo.
I am a squeamish person, so the whole vacation was swimming exclusively in the pool.
And yes, the Mediterranean Sea is cold in these places. Even in early September, getting into the water is extremely unpleasant. Of course, if you take several glasses of strong drinks, this will not be a problem for you.
The area behind the hotel also disappointed a lot - we tried to take a walk several times, but our attempts were not crowned with much success - there are simply no sidewalks in many places - we have to walk along the road along the ground and sand, this type of spontaneous garbage dumps is accompanied by this type of garbage that just rolls along the road, and no one is in a hurry to remove it from here. There are practically no decent cafes on the island either, and most likely you will have to take a taxi to get to them, the cat wept at the souvenir shops.
The general impression is an ownerless, abandoned territory with no owner. But what a potential ... many compare Tunisia with Egypt, but for me Tunisia is more lively, here at least something grows by itself along the coastline.
The island looked much more presentable if it was cleaned up, but apparently there was no one. An additional contribution is made by abandoned hotels on the island in 2016
Shopping which is not
Several times we made taxi trips to the capital of Djerba - the city of Houmt Souk, but there is nothing to do in it besides visiting the market. In the evening, no bars, no clubs, no shopping centers. It is partly understandable, the country is Muslim, but here everything is somehow completely bad.
In the evening, there is not a soul of tourists on the streets, only local men gather in open cafes to watch football together. You feel very uncomfortable. I would like to take a taxi as soon as possible and return to the hotel, there is at least some kind of life.
In general, there is nowhere to go in the evening, there is no life outside the hotel
The market (only open during the day) will also not surprise you with anything special - leather, mirrors with doors, olive oils, and so on.
We found a more or less decent store in the city of Midoun - there is a large French supermarket, a pharmacy and a grocery store. Not anyhow, but better than a local no-name.
My humble shopping from said pharmacy
You shouldn't count on duty free on the island either. It is very small there with an extremely scarce choice, although we nevertheless took two bottles of Jack Daniels at a very attractive price from there.
The incident at a restaurant on Djerba
Disappointed with shopping, we decided to try seafood and visit the Princess Garun restaurant, which is considered almost the best on the island.
The restaurant is located on the ship next to the port, the view from the deck is very depressing:
We ordered langoustine, couscous (national dish) and something else for a total of $ 120. They also brought a dish with water, as is usually the case when ordering seafood. Then something incredible happened.
No, we are dressed in non-budget brands, we speak English well and, in general, everything is clear to us, but the waiter issued a “not drink” along with the dish. To say that we were in shock is to say nothing. At our round eyes and mute shock, he turned around and left.
We never returned to this place
Is it true that Djerba is as safe as Israel?
There is an opinion that since the island is connected to the mainland by one single bridge, and there is a block post on it, there is nothing to worry about.
But, I was in Israel and believe me, the difference is in providing security, it's just heaven and earth. If in Israel military men with machine guns can safely board a tourist bus, here such buses do not slow down at all for inspection, and taxis on the island do not slow down at checkpoints either. Everyone just nods to each other and drives on.
So I cannot say that it is very safe here compared to the mainland of Tunisia.
What do Fr. Djerba and Dominican Republic
If you look at the promo photo of Djerba, then it can be confused with the Dominican Republic - there are white beaches, flamingos and seaweed ... But these are just promo photos that have practically nothing to do with reality.
Flamingo
In the Dominican Republic, probably, these birds live in any self-respecting hotel. You don't need to run after them, hunt - walked around the hotel and saw enough.
On Djerba, flamingos can be seen only from the end of September to October (one might say out of season, since it is already cold there), and not in a hotel, but on the muddy coastline along the road. I was lucky, and I still saw them on the way to the airport, when we were leaving the island. Naturally, I did not have time to photograph. So do not count on photos with these pink beauties like friends from a vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Seaweed
There are both there and there. But the Dominican Republic is an American territory where everything is designed to please the tourist from the USA, and Djerba is… ..so feel the difference.
Both are beaches of five-star hotels, and there and there are municipal beaches. But in the Dominican Republic, this is closely followed,
and on Djerba algae harvesting is just a holiday of some sort. More precisely, on top of algae, sorry, camels and horses will shit. The pouches were not hung in the proper place, so the animals relieve themselves along the coastline.
But you, dear tourists, no matter how much you paid for the hotel, bathe in this splendor to your health)
Where to buy souvenirs on Djerba
It is amazing, but true - the cheapest prices and high-quality goods met us in the ethnographic museum in the village of Gelala during a sightseeing tour of the island. So I recommend taking a lot of money with you.
Outcome
Tunisia is a very interesting country, but all the sweetest (Berbers, desert, Carthage, the hotel where episodes of Star Wars were filmed, Sidi Bou Said) are on the mainland. Therefore, in my opinion,
there is nothing to do on Djerba and it is NOT worth going to rest here, a sightseeing tour of the island will be enough.
And finally, the answer to the question - why everything is so bad on the island - the economy in the country is in trouble, and the dream of the average Tunisian is to leave for the French EU (Tunisia is a former French colony) as early as possible and try to catch hold of a new place with hands and feet. It seems like the sea, the sun - and depression is pompous ... ..
P.S. You can read my other travel reviews
Review of the hotel in which we rested on Djerba
Thanks for attention,
