Djerba is one of the best pearls of the necklace of the Mediterranean resorts of Tunisia! Djerba Island is quiet quiet place, perfect incl. and for family vacation with kids. Everything on the island is mesmerizing - shady, green date groves and olive orchards, an abundance of fruits, charming pink flamingos, many seagulls and flocks of marabou, as well as an amazing sight with the sight of blooming lotuses.

Content

general information

The island of Djerba is located in the Mediterranean Sea, in the southeastern part of the Gulf of Gabes. This is one of largest islands Mediterranean coast of North Africa (514 km²). The population is 139.5 thousand people, and in the capital city of Houmt Souk, almost half of all the inhabitants of the island live - 65 thousand people. The national composition is mainly Arabs and Berbers.

Weather on the island of Djerba

Djerba is the southernmost and most warm resort Tunisia - the sun shines here for at least 300 days a year, mild winters and dry hot summers. Usually in winter, the air temperature is kept within + 15 ° + 16 °, from June to September the weather is hot from about 28 ° to 31 °, in October, as a rule, the weather is quite comfortable for a beach holiday - during the day the temperature of air and sea water is within 28° and 26° respectively. In passing, it can be noted that weather Djerba is not much different from the other Mediterranean island of Crete, see. However, the weather informers below will help you find the best option when it is better for you to relax on this island with online weather information, climate (air temperature, water temperature and monthly precipitation).

Air temperature in Djerba day and night (by months)

Sea water temperature (by months)

Precipitation (by months)

Djerba beaches

Most of the popular beaches of the island of Djerba (Tunisia) are located on the east coast framed by date palms. The beaches are quite wide and mostly sandy. The sea is clean and even with a beautiful seabed. Therefore, it is difficult to remain indifferent, being in this natural idyll.

Entertainment in Djerba

There is no shortage of entertainment on the island of Djerba. A bunch of excursion programs with a visit to the surrounding islets, mainland Tunisia incl. desert Sahara. Almost all popular beaches offer the opportunity to practice many types of water sports.

It is very interesting to visit the scenery of the film " star Wars» in the village of Ajim in the southwest of the island. This is the location of the main fishing port and ferries to the mainland run from here. There is a golf club in the northeast of the island, and a casino in its northern part. For lovers nightlife- night clubs and discos (there are more than 40 of them).

Attractions

There are many attractions on the island of Djerba (Tunisia), but the most popular among tourists are ancient fortresses, mosques, parks, gardens of Eden, synagogues, the oldest of which is El Ghriba.
The crocodile farm, as well as date farms and olive groves, are always of constant interest.

Do I need a visa for Tunisia?

A visa for citizens of the Russian Federation and CIS countries is not needed only if entry into Tunisia is carried out by travel vouchers period, which is not more than 90 days, in all other cases a visa is required, incl. if you are planning independent travel without intermediaries represented by travel agencies.

How to get to Djerba?

The best option to get to Djerba is by plane. Indeed, on the island itself (in the northwestern part) there is an international airport Djerba-Zarsis. Another option is to arrive on the island via mainland Tunisia, which is also best reached by air. International airports are located in the cities of Monastir, Tunisia, Hammamet, located along the east coast of Tunisia. From the mainland near the village of Jorf, the island is reached by ferry in about 15-20 minutes, buses are also loaded on the ferry, which can take you to Djerba from the cities of Tunisia. Communication with the island is also carried out through an old causeway (dam), which has remained from Roman times, along which buses and cars run. Its length is about six and a half kilometers. The country also has domestic flights, so this option to get to the place cannot be ruled out. Well, you can get acquainted with the prices or book online tickets to Djerba or to mainland Tunisia on the service of the popular company Aviasales. In the search form, you just need to enter the necessary data and click the "Find tickets" button, or you can use the widget with a selection of the cheapest tickets to Djerba, if you need to find hotels, then go to the "hotels" tab, enter the data and click the "Find prices" button.

If you have any questions about online booking of a / tickets, then you can get more about it detailed information (e-ticket, regulatory documents, etc.) by reference

Djerba hotels, prices

Most of the island's hotels are located on the northeast coast with a fairly well-developed infrastructure. Hotels have their own territories, where restaurants, discos, swimming pools, beaches are located, which have all the conditions for sea ​​trips, diving, windsurfing, surfing, etc. Meals, as a rule, according to the system - "all inclusive".

You can use two options for searching and booking hotels on-line or simply get acquainted with the prices from the well-known service Hotellook.ru

Option 1 - search form. Enter the required data and click the "Get prices" button

Option 2 - a map of Djerba hotels. By moving the map (pressed with the left mouse button) and zooming, find the hotel you are interested in at the desired location on the coast, click on the marker and in the window that opens, click on the "Find prices" button and get all the comprehensive information on the hotel.

How to order a transfer?

The site wishes you a pleasant journey!

This island in the African Gulf of Gabes attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. Direct flights to Djerba have become available in the last ten years for Russians not only from Moscow, but also from many other cities of our country. Here is an amazing sea, clean beaches with the finest sand, excellent service, interesting sights and hospitable locals. The cost of tours to the island of Djerba (Tunisia) is a pleasant surprise, and hotels are offered in a variety of categories. In the article, we will dwell in detail on the features of recreation in this corner of Africa, consider accommodations based on the 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 vast areas where you can play golf. Even on Djerba, 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 below and you will understand everything yourself.

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

This is the largest piece of land on the North African coast with an area of ​​more than 500 km2. 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 fluctuations are insignificant, there is little precipitation and they fall most often in autumn and spring. The beach season lasts from May to early October, after which the water temperature in the Mediterranean drops to +17+19 ºС.

The official language in Djerba, as well 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 kind of vacation can be most popular southern resort countries? Of course, the beach. It is always several degrees warmer here than in the continental part of the country. Tourists come here a little earlier and leave a little later.

On the territory of many hotels (from 4 stars) on the island of Djerba in Tunisia there are excellent thalassotherapy centers. Wellness and rejuvenation 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 calming. Even the sea on the island gently frames in light blue white sandy beaches. The houses are neatly laid out, square with white domed roofs.

Active entertainment is still there - horseback riding, golf, water sports, hiking and cycling. Club life on the island is almost not developed, but there are several places where you can dance well.

Resort areas of the island

The capital of Djerba - Houmt Souk. The city is a fishing port. No wonder that the best seafood dishes are served in its restaurants.

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

The main tourist area is called Medun, it is located near international airport in the northwest 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 is 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 about bargaining. In addition, guests of the city have the opportunity to look at the process of making olive oil.

How are the beaches different?

Let's start with free municipal beaches. These are long and sparsely populated shores 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 unusual pink flamingos, gracefully soaring over the turquoise waves.

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

The western shores are mostly uninhabited, only occasionally you can meet couples in love 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 good even in the most unpretentious and inexpensive hotels on the island of Djerba in Tunisia. "All inclusive", so loved Russian tourists concept that works almost everywhere.

The island has guest houses and villas, as well as hotels of 1*, 3*, 4* and 5* categories. 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 Djerba Erriadh 1 * hotel. Room rates per night in 3* categories with the most good 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 * - is 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 perfect value for money. This is a small complex with only four rooms. If you want the staff to pay a lot of attention to you, literally "blow the 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 affordable 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" was 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 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 praise the restaurant very much, a beautiful area with outdoor and indoor pools, a magnificent conference room equipped with everything necessary for holding business events, quite spacious tennis court. The staff meets 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 territory of the hotel is simply huge. On the beach, sunbeds and umbrellas stand at a decent 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 "Thousand and One Nights". In everything one can feel oriental sophistication and knowledge of the measure. 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 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 can 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 is at its mildest at this time. The Sibel Hotel has a huge territory, an excellent beach with a gentle entry into the sea and children's playgrounds. For younger guests, you can choose a full 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 try to make children and adults have fun. Crocodile farm just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Djerba Plaza Hotel & Spa 4* is located in the very center tourist area Midun. A distinctive feature of this hotel on the island of Djerba (Tunisia) is the presence of five restaurants and several bars. Here even gourmets will satisfy their exquisite taste, there are dishes for vegetarians, lovers of oriental and European cuisine. You can rent a car or bicycle at the hotel rental to explore the beautiful scenery of the surroundings.

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

Caribbean World Djerba 4* - real paradise for lovers 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 are necessarily 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.

Restaurants (All Inclusive) the best hotels the islands 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, which are cooked 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, although in some hotels you can find different types of rooms.

Crocodile farm, pirate ship and other attractions

There is no such thing on the island. a large number interesting places associated with the rich history of Tunisia, as, for example, in Carthage. But even here there is something to brighten up leisure. Fans of cultural and educational tourism should go with sightseeing tour around 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 Ghriba, the powerful fortress of Borj El Kebir, and next to it is a fairly informative local history museum.

More entertaining than educational event is proposed to be done 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 put on the costumes of daring sailors.

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

O amusement park Djerba Explore has been heard by many, 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 huge Nile crocodiles. It is noteworthy that reptiles are not grown here in order to show entertaining tricks with their participation or to make 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. Often vacationers 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 recreated in all its national flavor Tunisian village. Here are real houses made of clay and lime, and camels help pump water for irrigating 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 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 anyone comfortable rest. The main distinguishing feature of all accommodation options on the island is excellent service and high-class staff. Residents are very fond of the sun and water, so hotel rooms often have pleasant golden hues. There are several pools in the areas among palm trees and olive trees, and the wonderful white beaches of the island will be remembered for a lifetime.

Travel and recreation 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, clear sea water and amazing thalassotherapy.

Djerba Island- This is a year-round resort in Tunisia, moreover, it is located a few 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 has a size of 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 locality is Houmt Souk, if you translate the name, you get the "Grand Bazaar". Holidays on the island of Djerba today attract tourists with beautiful beaches with white, like snow, sand, fine and pleasant to the touch, crystal clear sea water, magnificent groves of olives and palm trees, men love it for great diving and fishing, and women for amazing thalassotherapy . If you are into myths Ancient Greece, then, for sure, you will recognize in the island of Djerba the meeting place of Odysseus with the nymph Calypso, it is here in the land of "lotophages", among the fragrant beauties of nature, the legendary hero forgot for seven years about everything that connected him with the outside world. And 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 in its history: Lotofagov, Philadelphia, Meninx Dzhirba, 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, trade with neighboring peoples. Soon part of the island was settled by the Berbers, who still live here, keeping their originality and authenticity. One of the Berbers became a pirate, and on the island he 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, 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, who fled from the city of Jerusalem in the hundredth year BC after the destruction of the “Temple of Solomon” by the king of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar the Second, and even brought with them the temple gates, which can still be seen in El Ghrib, the oldest synagogue on the island of Djerba . Time passed and the ubiquitous Roman Empire took over the island, at the time of whose power infrastructure facilities began to be built on Djerba, including the island was connected to the mainland by means of a seven-kilometer bulk 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 reign of the Ottomans, all the ships sailing along the local coast suffered more than once from the attacks of the formidable Turkish pirate Turgut Reis, his fleet was based just on Djerba. Locals say that this filibuster buried his wealth, which he had robbed innumerable in his life, just somewhere on the island. He was a truly terrible man, uncompromising and ruthless to enemies, they say that he killed hundreds of people. So in 1560, he ordered the construction of a tower, the building material for which was five thousand skulls of his enemies, the Spaniards, who were trying to recapture the island, the building was called “Borj el-Rus”, it is interesting that it stood even after the death of the pirate, until 1848 year, when it was 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 Arouge, Captain Barbarossa. The local authorities were completely loyal to the corsairs, because with their help trade developed, and Djerba was enriched. Pirates brought the looted wealth here and sold it for free, while they paid duties and various fees, 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 here dates, olives, grapes, figs, pears, apples, plums, apricots, citrons, oranges - all this was also sold. After numerous "owners", the island of Djerba in Tunisia boasts a variety of architectural and historical sights, including very distant times, such as Roman villas and buildings of the Punic period.

The climate of the island of Djerba

The local climate is very mild and warm, thanks to the proximity to the Sahara desert, the sun shines here all year round, which makes this a year-round holiday destination. The wind from the desert brings heat and warms the air masses more than on the mainland. AT winter time the air temperature does not go 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 seaside vacation 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 - up to twenty-five, in July, August and September - up to twenty-eight degrees, in October - up 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, turning into a full-fledged mini-island only with the tide. Almost all tourists vacationing on Djerba come here to look at the pink flamingos living here, who are not at all afraid of curious people, but are busily looking for food. Here you will find sugar-white sand, a flat entry into bright turquoise sea water, long shallow water, however, sunbeds and umbrellas are paid. You can get to this beach as part of sea ​​excursions, which are offered in various travel agencies of the island.

This magnificent beach stretches for seventeen kilometers along the northern coast of the island 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 white-blinded sand. The sea here is transparent and has a bright blue color, through the water column you can see colorful fish. There are sun loungers and umbrellas that belong to the property of certain beach hotels. Since the coast belongs to hotels, algae are regularly removed here, sand is sifted. There are a lot of families with kids on this beach, because the entrance to the sea here is flat, smooth, without stones, the depth grows slowly and gradually.

But the El Ashen beach, adjacent to the Sidi Mehrez beach, although attractive with clear water and white sand, is considered wild, no one cleans it, 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 sparsely populated. Only one part of this beach, assigned to the hotel " Radisson Blu Ulysse", well-groomed and equipped for recreation, there are sun loungers, and 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. For families with kids, it will also be very comfortable here, 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-maintained stretches of coastline owned by hotels turn into unkempt "wild" areas covered with rotting algae and silt. On the territory of this beach there are numerous piers that are used by the island fishermen. Most often, rest on this beach is preferred by older people who come here in search of peace and unity with nature.

The perfect corner west coast Djerba, sparsely populated and incredibly beautiful. Couples in love love to retire here, despite the fact that there is no infrastructure for recreation and entertainment. You need to get to the beach by taxi, because it is located far from towns and cities, there are no hotels, in addition, the roadway leaves much to be desired.

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

Attractions of the island of Djerba

Borj el-Kebir citadel is often called the "Gazi Mustafa Tower", this building is the most frequently visited tourist attraction of 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 seafront near the island capital of 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 raids of the Spanish or Norman conquerors. By 1560, the Spaniards, who already owned the fortress with might and main, were driven out of there by desperate filibusters under the command of the pirate Turgut Reis, a close friend Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Seven years passed and the fort began to be rebuilt, then the construction was already supervised by Gazhi Mustafa, who replaced Turgut Reis in his post, which is why the second name of the citadel is “Borj Gazhi Mustafa”. This rectangle-shaped fortress has four-meter-thick walls made of huge boulders and is surrounded by a deep moat. 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 moat and core. 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 nine 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 price of the entrance ticket is four Tunisian dinars or ninety-five Russian rubles.

This beautiful mausoleum houses an interesting Local History Museum of the city of Houmt Souk, where tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with the authentic clothes 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 with each holiday season more and more tourists visit it.

The history of the construction of this ascetic forty-meter building, whose interior is painted with intricate patterns, decorated with wood carvings and decorated with multi-colored stained-glass windows, is fanned with legends and secrets. It’s worth starting with the fact that it was built for the Sufis - these are the followers of one of the Islamic religious movements, incredibly popular among the Turks. According to an ancient legend, the Sufis were the first to respond to the call of the Prophet Muhammad, becoming his followers. They preached to people about the need to lead an ascetic life, to love everything that God created, to try to know it through hidden knowledge. This knowledge is shrouded in mystery to this day, 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 stronghold for the protection of the islanders, who hid in its thick walls during periods of armed skirmishes. In the mosque, people could learn history, jurisprudence, religion. To this day, tourists visiting the mosque note its special mystical atmosphere, saturated with the spirit of antiquity. The white building with seven domes and a round minaret of the sixteenth century, standing on Rue Taieb M'hiri, is definitely worth a visit, its interiors are truly amazing.

This is an incredibly simple and even inconspicuous mosque, which was built for the followers of the ancient trend of Islam - the Ibadis, who were part of the Kharijite communities, from the seventh century. Why is this mosque still standing on the island of Djerba? - this is surprising, because the Ibadis among Muslims are considered heretics. The Ash Sheikh Mosque is a very ascetic clay structure, 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 medina of Houmt Souk - the old city with narrow tangled streets - there is a mosque "Foreigners", built for followers of the moderate Islamic trend 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-Gorba 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 Judaic worship that attracts Jewish believers from all over the world. Associated with the construction of the synagogue ancient legend: a young girl Griba died at this place in a fire, 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 it was necessary to build here Holy place to worship God. Today, El-Ghriba is the oldest Jewish shrine, it is located in the small village of Hara-Segira, where Jews mainly live. The original building itself has not survived from ancient times, so in 1920, new walls grew right around the ancient foundation and the unique ruins of the first Ghriba synagogue. To this day, the synagogue houses unique relics - the Torah scrolls - one of the oldest sacred books on the planet. There is also the tomb of Shimon Bar Yashai, a man who participated in the writing of the Talmud. Jews from different countries. 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, then fill them with a mixture of stones and sand. And today, the ancient Roman road is a kind of bridge, however, now asphalt has covered its surface, and a water pipe stretches along it, through which fresh water enters 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 carrying priceless goods walked along it, huge batches 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 hangout area. Foreigners love to visit it, because there are many entertainments and interesting sights: Muslim mosques, colorful oriental bazaars, the Lala Hadria Museum and an interesting crocodile farm. No less attractive is the coastal area near Midoun with a large number of hotels of different stars, restaurants, excellent beaches. It is here that tourists who do not understand go beach holiday without a rich nightlife, discos, nightclubs. It must be said that there are a huge number of such establishments in this party zone, they are of both a high European level and mediocre eateries.

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

- Authentic Tunisian village, 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 interesting exhibits are located in fifteen huge halls, from which you can see masterpieces of Islamic art of the fourteenth century, precious jewelry, calligraphy images and ancient manuscripts, Ottomans and Persians outfits, ceramics, carpets and much more;

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

- Comfortable residential complex, including a luxurious five-star hotel, residence, apart-hotel.

You can visit the Djerba Explore park in the summer, spring, autumn months from nine in the morning to eight in the evening, 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 The island of Djerba is located in the small village of Gellal, which has long been famous for the art of pottery. Here tourists can learn a lot interesting facts about the history of Djerba, about its ancient crafts, to see how oil was pressed from olives before, how dishes were made from clay, to get acquainted with the everyday life of the islanders, with their unique traditions, rituals, to visit local holidays.

This is one of the frequently visited attractions of Djerba. A small port village at the southern tip of the island, a place with fantastic natural scenery, where the Star Wars saga was filmed and the film's scenery stands there to this day. Tourists can not only take amazing photos against the backdrop of these extraterrestrial scenery, but also watch the fascinating process of catching octopuses and sea sponges by locals and film it on video. You can enter the village with organized tour, and independently, from the island of Djerba and from mainland Tunisia. The mainland and Azhim are communicated through ferry crossing, the journey by water takes fifteen minutes.

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

According to our knowledge of history, the Jews settled around the world gradually, in the first wave they settled the African island of Djerba. This was after Babylonian troops attacked Jerusalem in the sixth century BC and captured the city, driving out the locals. Then large masses of Jews moved to the island of Djerba, including they settled in the village of Es-Suani. Since then, and to this day, the families of the descendants of these immigrants live there. On the territory of the village there is an old cemetery, a synagogue. Locals are engaged in the manufacture of the best jewelry in Tunisia from precious metals, which invariably attracts tourists who are happy to purchase inexpensive and very stylish jewelry made of gold and silver as a memento of visiting the island of Djerba.

It is here that numerous tourists from different parts of Tunisia come in October to look at the stunning pink flamingos that come here for the winter. In October, the sea on Djerba still has a temperature that is 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 a lot of entertainment options here. There are especially many opportunities for activities here. water sports sports: interesting diving, breathtaking windsurfing, extreme kayaking, banana rides, parasailing behind a boat over the surface of the sea. It will also be interesting for golf lovers, for whom the island has an excellent field "Djerba Golf Club", located in the eastern part of Djerba. Some of the tourists definitely visit the symbol of Africa - the Sahara desert, they conquer the sand dunes with great pleasure in maneuverable jeeps. The island also offers camel or horseback riding. There you can also visit exciting races where experienced riders compete on Arabian horses. The most popular female entertainment on the island of Djerba is visiting thalassotherapy centers, of which there are many and they are all very high level. These centers use water from local thermal springs in the treatment and prevention.

This is one of the popular hangouts in Djerba. The disco takes place in a huge bar, which is located directly on the territory of Sidi Mehrez beach. The establishment is open until 2 am. Guests will be entertained by the most fashionable DJs of our time.

The largest club on this island and a place that breaks attendance records. 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 institution at the same time. There is a VIP zone, an excellent restaurant, a bar, a large dance floor. The club starts at 11 am.

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

Another party place popular with young people is Midoun. It is interesting that the restaurant, in the format of which the institution operates during the day, is decorated in the style of the Wild West, and in the evenings a fun disco begins to work here.

The island has a small territory, so you need to understand that there are not as many hotels here as in the mainland of the Tunisian coast. Hotels are mainly located in the northeastern and eastern ends of Djerba, more precisely in tourist areas Oh. There are forty beach hotels in Djerba, of which thirty-four are on the first coastline from the sea. There are hotels of different stars here, including luxury hotels of the Radisson, Movenpick, and Hyatt chains. Most of all on the island of four-star hotels with good service, but there are some great "fives". We have compiled a selection of the most good hotels Djerba according to tourists.

This is the most magnificent and luxurious in terms of architecture SPA hotel of the island of Djerba, located directly on the best sandy beach of Sidi Mehrez, directly opposite the only island casino and about huge field for golf. The hotel is located eighteen kilometers from the island airport. There are several excellent restaurants, bars, a coffee shop, and high-class 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 trees 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, SPA, hammam, club for children, car, bicycle, water equipment rental. The cost of a week of accommodation in a hotel for two people costs from one hundred and forty thousand rubles.

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

Fabulous international hotel chain. The hotel is located on the wonderful sandy beach "Sidi Akkou", it stands among beautiful and fragrant gardens in tropical style. Guests are offered spa services, a disco, visiting 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, the travel time is four hours. Airlines operating the flight: Nordwind Airlines, Aeroflot, flights are made from Moscow airports: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo. Being in mainland Tunisia, you can fly to the island of Djerba by plane domestic airlines using one of the six Tunisian airports.

By bus or car:
The trip along the unmade Roman road from the mainland to Djerba takes fifteen minutes by any wheeled transport.

On a ferryboat:
The ferry trip across the water takes ten to fifteen minutes.

The small mythical island of Djerba, framed by palm trees, is beautiful, but there are many tourists who flock not only to relax on wonderful beaches, but also to see unique houses and mosques. There are many date farms and olive groves on the island. Whitewashed mosques with strong walls (this is unusual for Tunisia) shining under the bright rays of the sun. Cycling around the island is an excellent way to experience its charms.

Fishing flourishes in Djerba, and fish are still caught using traditional methods. In the port, one can see long rows of terracotta pots strung on a rope, each in the shape of a turnip and about 45 cm high. At the top of each pot, a string is tied around the rim. The fishermen leave the pots connected one with the other in the sea several miles from the shore. For some inexplicable reason, these pots literally attract octopuses - they have been caught this way since the Phoenicians discovered this method of fishing 3,000 years ago.

The island of Djerba is connected to the mainland by a 6.5 km long road embankment, which is believed to be from Roman times. It is said that this island is the most mysterious place where Odysseus met lotophages, "lotus eaters". Unlike Odysseus, many of the vacationers who have ever visited Djerba come here again. The climate here is very pleasant, the people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful and extensive, and far from the coast, despite all the pressure of the seaside mass tourism, the traditional provincial Tunisia is still preserved. Water supply is now provided by two main pipelines coming from the mainland.

Djerba and its population took a different path of development than the rest of Tunisia. As on the mainland, Djerba was initially inhabited exclusively by Berbers. But, unlike other areas of Tunisia, the Arab conquerors failed to either oust or assimilate the local tribes. The Berbers of Djerba belong to a special Islamic religious community - the Ibadis. They reject any entertainment and luxury, lead a very modest and unpretentious lifestyle and do not build themselves large mosques. Families gather for prayer in simple rural chapels in their own backyards (menzelah).

The architecture of the Ibadis of Djerba is also different from what we see in the cities. Menzels and mosques are built of clay and whitewashed on the outside. Each such building is like a small fortress: it is surrounded by high walls and has a reservoir in which water is collected from meager rains. The soft building material does not allow straight lines or right angles, and therefore the architectural forms seem very soft, fluid and alive.

The most striking feature of the Ibadis is their tendency to live as "one-man". The local peasants never settled in villages, but built their menzels at a decent distance from their neighbors. And, as a result, there have never been large cities on the island. And those that exist today arose from the bazaars where merchants from the mainland settled. This method of settlement is also surprising because Djerba was endlessly subjected to threats and attacks: after the Arab conquest (7th century) the Normans followed (XII century) and Spaniards (XVI century). Then pirates settled on the island, supported by the Ottomans. All the conquerors tried to settle on the coast, and almost no one touched the Ibadis, who lived in the center of the island.

Two towns, Hara Segira and Hara Kebira, were founded by Jews who are believed to have settled in Djerba as early as the 6th century BC. e. Written references to the Jewish community on the island of Djerba have been known since the 11th century.

Houmt Souk

Houmt Souk (Houmt Souk)- this is the capital of the island, and for a long time it was the only major settlement on Djerba. The bazaar used to meet here, hence the name houmt souk, "market quarter". Despite its importance for trade, today this bazaar occupies a rather modest area. When shopping in Djerba, they prefer modern shops or the "Libyan Market" on the outskirts of the city, where they sell a mixture of second-hand and smuggled goods.

It is best to enter the bazaar from the east side, from Abdel-Hamid-el-Kadi street (Rue Abdel Hamid el-Khadi). On the sides of the narrow entrance to Old city there are two mosques. Foreign Mosque (Mosquee des Etrangers) with a square minaret and white domes over the prayer hall, as its name implies, it was intended for "newcomers" who visited Houmt Souk.

Opposite it stands the mosque of Ibrahim el-Jemni founded in 1674. (Ibrahim el-Jemni), with its own hammam, located a few steps from it. A narrow alley leads to the pretty Hedi Shaker Square (Place Hedi Chaker) and further to Farhat Khashed Square (Place Farhat Hached), where cafes and restaurants await guests among blooming bougainvilleas and hibiscus bushes. On the way you will meet caravanserais (foundouk) for which Houmt Souk is so famous. Merchants used to stop in caravanserais: on the first floor goods and pack animals were placed, on the second there were rooms for guests. Today, in hotels like the Er-Riadh or the Touring Club, you can taste that caravanserai atmosphere—provided you're willing to forego the shower in your room.

To the north of both squares lies the bazaar. (souk), partly covered, where you can find many jewelry shops. From time immemorial, the inhabitants of Djerba of Jewish origin have worked with gold, because the Berbers consider this metal impure. In addition to jewelry, woven carpets, pottery and clothes are sold at the bazaar, but all at rather high prices. If you come here in the morning, you can get to the fish auction. Freshly caught fish is praised loudly, the seller holds it in a whole bunch high above his head, dealers push, bid, shout.

At the northern end of the bazaar, near Arish Square (Place Arisha) one more caravanserai and a Catholic church will be found, in which services have now been resumed.

Tayeb Mhiri Street (Rue Taieb M "hiri) leads past the seven domes and round minaret of the Turkish mosque (Jamaa et Trouk) to the northern outskirts of Houmt Souk and towards the port. Here, dominating everything, rises the fort of Gazi Mustafa (Fort Ghazi Moustapha) built in the 15th century on Roman foundations. It served as the scene for one of the most terrible atrocities of the infamous corsair Dragut, who began his career in the service of the Ottomans, but soon broke away and with his fleet inspired fear in the Mediterranean neighbors. In 1560, when Dragut stormed this fortress, about 6,000 Spaniards took refuge in the fort. They were taken prisoner and beheaded. From their skulls, Dragut ordered to build an ominous tower in front of the fort, which travelers told about in the 19th century. An obelisk reminds of this today.

Opposite and obliquely is the Haroun restaurant, which used to be considered the best in Djerba. Here you can sit perfectly, but the price and quality are clearly not consistent with each other. The same Nagoip organizes sightseeing trips to Flamingo Island (lie des Flamants). On this peninsula, camping tablecloths are laid out and Tunisian delicacies are served, while flamingos roam the water serenely, looking for food on the bottom.

It will be very interesting to visit the Houmt Souk Museum, equipped in the halls of the zawiya on Abdel-Hamid el-Kadi Street. Zawiya is the religious center of the Muslim community. Most often, the zawiya consists of the tomb of its founder, a mosque and rooms where pilgrims can stay. The museum presents traditional clothing and wonderful jewelry from Djerba. In kubba, a mausoleum where two saints rest at once, a completely unique dome design made of cylindrical ceramic tubes inserted into each other is striking.

Hotel zones

Hotels are concentrated on the northeast ledge of Djerba around the cape of Ras Tagernes (Ras Taguerness).

AT westbound from the lighthouse at the cape (the entrance to which is closed) stretches the beach of Sidi Mahres (Plage de Sidi Mahres), to the south, hotels and restaurants stretch along the beach of Seguia (Plage de la Seguia) towards Agira (Aghir). Hotel dwellers everywhere can find endless sandy beaches. There are also a couple of rocky areas on Segia Beach, and the beach itself is not as wide as Sidi Mahres. Closer to hotels high sand dunes form a natural protective shaft against winds often blowing from the sea.

At the foot of the lighthouse lies a shallow lagoon where many sea birds gather and where it is very good to walk and watch our feathered brethren.

Equally close to the lighthouse is a beautiful golf course, a 27-hole, green, slightly uneven course where beginners can take an introductory course for a small fee. In addition, there is a large casino here.

The latest novelty among island entertainment - theme park Djerba Explore (next to the lighthouse) representing architecture, culture (at Lalla Hadria Museum) and lifestyle of the Ibadis. Cafes and souvenir shops add some variety to the walk through the recreated Djerba Heritage village with its traditional houses and workshops. On the big crocodile farm ("Crocod" iles) near the village you can admire these prehistoric reptiles. Crocodile feeding is quite an impressive sight, it starts at about 17:00.

In the hotel area of ​​Sidi Mahres beach, on the edge that faces Houmt Souk, you will find several hotels and pensions simpler.

Island Tour

Djerba is not a very large island, with an area of ​​​​only 514 km², and besides, it is almost completely flat. Its highest place is the clay hills near the village of Gellala. (Guellala) (55 m). Therefore, the island is ideal for cycling. Bicycles can be rented from hotels and Houmt Souk.

A sightseeing tour of the island in most cases begins in one of two tourist areas: Sidi Mahres or Segia. The bustling town of Midoun serves as the district center and at the same time a popular destination for outings from tourists from hotels. (Midoun) There used to be a slave market here. This explains the fact that many of the local inhabitants have a darker skin color than the rest of the Jerbies.

The market square offers a grand selection of ceramic dishes and vases. At the Cafe de la Jeunesse, men sit in the shade of an old plane tree, sipping coffee, playing dominoes, or reading the newspaper. Several good restaurants invite you for lunch, including the pretty La Coucousserie, which has a wonderful variety of couscous-based dishes on its menu. At the stadium, the resourceful head of the tourism department organized a folklore festival - the Berber wedding (Manage berbere), which every Tuesday attracts tourists from coastal hotels.

From Midoun there are two possibilities to continue the journey: either turn back to the coast and move along it through Aghir and El Kantara, or go inland. The second route is more beautiful, as it passes through the rural part of Djerba with its farms and olive groves. True, before moving west, it is worth deviating a little to the side and drive 4 km along the road towards Houmt Souk to the Fadlun Mosque (Fadhloun). This mosque was abandoned many years ago, and now it is open to visitors. On it you can explore the distinctive features of the architecture of Djerba. There is an impluvium in the forecourt (water collector): a shallow whitewashed pool with a drain hole in which rainwater was collected and transported to a cistern underneath. Nearby is a place for ritual ablutions before prayer. Through a narrow passage in the second bypass wall, you enter the modest courtyard of the mosque and from there into the unadorned prayer hall, which rests on four massive columns. On the narrow stairs you can climb the minaret and admire the mosque from above.

Having returned back to Midoun, you can now move inland through the villages of Mahbubin (Mahboubine) and Bedouin (Bedouine) to Seduikesh (Cedouikech). a patriarchal place living in pottery.

But Gellala is more famous in this regard. (Guellala), a real village of potters. However, do not bother looking at the stalls and markets of Gellala for simple, unpainted earthenware jugs, shaped like antique amphorae, which have been made here for centuries. Tourist taste creates an offer, and therefore everything is now lined with ceramics with white-blue-green ornaments, which are actually made in Nabeul. What is being done right here is molded from clay mined in the thickness of the hill under Gellala. Over time, in order to get to the raw materials, it was necessary to dig mines and adits. In ancient kilns, located half underground, clay products are fired. Some stoves in Gellale can be viewed - but as a token of gratitude, you are expected to buy a souvenir.

A noteworthy museum a little away from Gellala tells not only about pottery, but also about Tunisian folk customs. A cafe-restaurant next door invites you to have a bite to eat and drink a glass of mint tea.

To the south and to El Kantara, you can drive along a well-worn road along the sea. On the way, every now and then come across peaks set in shallow places, and in some places on the shore there are clay jugs tied with a rope. The fishermen of Djerba catch their prey in exactly the same way as their counterparts on the Kerkenna Islands: they drive the school between two rows of nets, so that the fish swim in an ever-narrowing passage and eventually become trapped. Octopuses are lured with clay jars, using their habit of climbing into dark shelters, and then all that remains is to raise the jars with the mollusks sitting in them.

In El Kantara (El Kantara) a dam begins, which stretches through the sea strait to the mainland. This jumper appeared in ancient times and, of course, the Roman road (Chaussee romaine) it was not preserved. Next to the dam, you can see the water pipes that supply Djerba with water from the mainland. There are no water sources on the island itself, and the meager rains are barely enough for agriculture.

If you move further inland, the road will lead you to El May (El May). There is another illustrative example of the peculiar architecture of Ibadi Muslims here: the white mosque of El-May, fortified with high walls and powerful buttresses. Rounded corners and smooth lines soften the appearance of this building, which is actually quite unfriendly, and deprive it of any menacing. Like architectural style can be found in the Mzab group of oases (M "zab) in the Algerian Sahara, where the Berbers also live, adherents of one of the strictest religious sects.

Hara Segira (Hara Seghira), it is Riyadh (Er Riadh), - the gate from the world of Islamic faith to the world of Judaism. Here is the synagogue of La Griba (La Ghriba), the oldest in Africa, which annually, 30 days after the Jewish Old Testament Passover, becomes one of largest places Pilgrimage of North African Jews.

Jews have lived in Djerba since at least 586. Although historical documents are silent about this, there is a version that Jewish refugees ended up in North Africa no later than 70 AD. after the conquest of Jerusalem by the Romans. The rulers of Islamic dynasties, as a rule, did not touch the Jews. Islam recognized Jews as "People of the Book" (by the Book was meant the Old Testament) and placed higher than the "pagans". True, they, like Christians, had to pay special taxes and live in certain areas of the city, called hara or mellah. After the founding of the State of Israel, most of the Jews left North Africa; now about 1000 people live on Djerba.

The current building of the synagogue dates back to 1920. It is allowed to enter it only with a covered head. (scarves and hats are available for rent) and no shoes. The interior decoration is dominated by white and blue colors, and you can always see old men sitting in the twilight study of the Holy Scriptures. Precious Torah scrolls are carefully guarded from the eyes of visitors. They are probably among ancient lists Torah that exists today in the Jewish world.

A charming hotel has recently been opened in Riyadh, conceived as an alternative to hotel rooms for pilgrims. It is open and not only for Jews. Its restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine.

In the Middle Ages, the island of Djerba was the main base for pirates in the Western Mediterranean. In some years, the power of pirate captains was even official, that is, there was a “pirate republic” here. For example, in 1503, the pirate captain Arouge and his brother Heireddin Barbarossa were able to completely capture the island, establishing some kind of state. This greatly worried the Spaniards, who a few years later began to arrange raids in order 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, as 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 high minarets were used as observation towers. On Djerba, houses are traditionally not built higher than one floor, and the Djerba "houch" house is more like a fortress than a dwelling we are used to. Tourists are shown the traditional menzel and couch.

Djerbis are very proud of their tolerance and identity. On the island since the 6th century BC. living Jewish diaspora. These are the Jews who fled from 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 the Temple of Solomon and built it on Djerba, which is a place of pilgrimage for the Jews. 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.

On the island of Djerba, there are many ethnic Berbers (a people of desert nomads) who have retained their language and customs. Arabs, Jews and Berbers have been living 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's modern airport with a runway 3200 meters long, capable of receiving even large wide-body airliners. For example, in 2016 charter flights company Nord Wind used Boeing aircraft 777.

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”. Recall 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 Dzherbians managed to get permission, because gambling is strictly prohibited by Islam.

The island of Djerba tourist destination became famous for its flamingo birds and nightclubs, gained the status of a "party resort". At the beginning of the 2000s, several new attractions opened - and the park, consisting of, and.

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

It was a monstrous decline, 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 were closed due to unprofitability. Or rather, they were not closed, but mothballed until better times. Part of it is still empty (note the article was written in 2016).

Many scheduled flights have been canceled and the situation has not yet returned to normal. If you decide not to buy a package tour, but to relax on Djerba on your own, then we will have to disappoint. Regular flights to the Djerba-Zarzis airport are now carried out 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. When package tour take 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.