33° 46′ N, 10° 53′ E
Overview
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1. Houmt Souk
Houmt Souk is one of those places you really shouldn’t miss when visiting Djerba. It’s the island’s main town, and we absolutely loved the vibe here. The name means “market neighborhood,” and that’s exactly what it is. A maze of narrow streets filled with shops, colors, and energy.
One of the best parts is the covered market. It’s busy and full of character, with stalls selling everything from spices and fresh produce to handmade crafts and traditional clothing. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s a fun place to explore and soak up the atmosphere.
When you get hungry, make your way to El Fondouk. This beautifully restored caravanserai has a peaceful courtyard and serves a mix of Tunisian and Mediterranean dishes. It’s one of the nicest spots in town to sit down and enjoy a good meal.
Note: In the port of Houmt Souk, you’ll find the famous pirate ship excursions that head out daily into the sea. We heard it’s a really fun activity, especially if you’re up for something a bit playful. These trips take you out on the water for the day with music, food, and a few surprises along the way. It’s super popular with families with children, but anyone looking for a light, easygoing day at sea will enjoy it too.
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2. Djerbahood
Djerbahood is one of the most unique places to visit on the island and definitely worth a stop. It’s an open-air street art gallery set in the quiet village of Erriadh, right in the heart of Djerba. At first glance, it looks like a typical sleepy village with whitewashed houses and narrow lanes. But look closer and you’ll find over 250 pieces of street art painted directly onto the walls, doors, and rooftops.
Artists from all over the world came here to leave their mark, turning the village into a giant outdoor museum. The mix of traditional architecture and modern art makes it a really special place to walk around. Every corner has a surprise, and you can easily spend an hour or two just exploring the streets and taking photos.
While you’re there, make sure to grab a freshly baked baguette from the local bakery. They’re warm, crusty, and one of the tastiest leftovers from the island’s French influence.
There’s no entrance fee or ticket. You just show up and start walking. It’s peaceful, creative, and totally different from anything else on the island.
3. Guellala Museum
If you’re curious about the traditions, history, and daily life of Djerba, there’s no better place to explore it all than the Guellala Museum. The museum is located on a hill just outside the village of Guellala, offering beautiful views over the island as you arrive.
The museum is built in traditional Djerban style and feels more like a small village than a museum. Inside, each room shows a different part of island life, such as weddings, pottery, clothing, farming, and how local homes were built. The displays are easy to follow and full of small details that help you connect with the island’s culture.
Practical
The entrance fee is 8 TND per person.
Daily open from 08:00 am until 06:00 pm.
4. Visit a traditional pottery
After your visit to the Guellala Museum, you can head into Guellala village. This peaceful little town is the heart of pottery-making on Djerba and has been known for its ceramic work for centuries. The craft has been passed down through generations, and you can still feel that tradition in every corner of the village.
When you walk through the streets, you’ll find small, family-run workshops where the potters are happy to show you how they shape, decorate, and fire the clay. It’s fascinating to watch them work with such skill and care, using both modern tools and old methods that haven’t changed much over time.
Many of the workshops are open to visitors, and some will even let you try your hand at the wheel. The shelves are filled with colorful bowls, plates, vases, and traditional water jugs, all made right there. You can watch the artists at work and maybe pick out a handmade piece to take home.
5. La Ghriba Synagogue
Djerba is home to one of the oldest and most important synagogues in North Africa: La Ghriba Synagogue. It is located in the village of Erriadh and is a beautiful example of the long history of the Jewish community on the island, which has lived here for over 2,000 years.
The outside of the building is simple, but inside you’ll find beautifully painted tiles, detailed woodwork, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. The synagogue is still in use today and remains a key part of local religious life. Every spring, it becomes the center of an important pilgrimage that brings visitors from across the region.
La Ghriba is open year-round. When visiting, it’s best to dress modestly. Women may be asked to cover their shoulders or head, and scarves are usually available at the entrance.
6. Learn kitesurfing
If you’ve ever wanted to try kitesurfing, Djerba is one of the best places to start. The island has wide, shallow lagoons with flat water and steady wind, which makes it perfect for beginners. The weather is warm for most of the year, and the calm setting helps you feel relaxed while learning something new.
You’ll find kitesurfing schools around the lagoon near Ras Rmal, where experienced instructors offer lessons in different languages. The best part is the setting. You’re out on the water with plenty of space, no strong waves, and sunshine all around, making kitesurfing one of the best things to do in Djerba.
Tickets
Ready for adventure? Explore Djerba from the water with jet skiing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, or a relaxing boat trip!
7. Have a Thalasso Spa Day
Thalasso, short for thalassotherapy, is a type of spa treatment that uses seawater, marine mud, and seaweed to help you relax and feel better, both physically and mentally. It’s known for improving circulation, easing muscle pain, and leaving you with that calm, floaty feeling.
Djerba is actually one of the top spots in Tunisia for thalasso, with several high-quality spa centers, many of them located in beachfront hotels. One great example is the Iberostar Eolia hotel, which has a beautiful thalasso center almost right by the sea. These spas typically offer a wide range of treatments, including seaweed wraps, hydrotherapy baths, and relaxing massages.
8. Scuba diving
The waters around Djerba are calm, warm, and clear, making it a great place for easy dives. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy diving in Djerba. It’s a calm, beginner-friendly spot that lets you enjoy the sea in a different and exciting way.
There are several diving centers on the island that offer everything from first-time try dives to full certification courses. The instructors are experienced and patient, and many speak multiple languages, so you’ll feel supported every step of the way.
Underwater, you can expect to see rocky reefs, small caves, and plenty of marine life like octopus, colorful fish, and sea urchins. There are also a few wrecks and archaeological sites nearby that give you a glimpse into the island’s history from a whole new angle.
Tickets
Ready for adventure? Explore Djerba from the water with jet skiing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, or a relaxing boat trip!
9. Day trips to mainland Tunisia
From Djerba, you can easily take a day trip to mainland Tunisia. It is a great way to see more of the country beyond the island. You’ll cross the famous Roman road, a narrow causeway that links Djerba to the mainland. From there, you can visit places like the sand dunes of Chabbania, the Berber village of Chenini, or the old ksar at Ksar Hadada.
If you book with Yellosun, they can arrange the whole day for you, including transport, a local guide, and stops along the way. It’s an easy and fun way to experience a different side of Tunisia without the stress of planning.
Sebkhet el Melah Salt lake
Sebkhet el Melah is a wide, flat salt lake near Zarzis, just across the Roman road from Djerba. Its bright, reflective surface stretches for miles and changes color with the light, creating a surreal, almost moon-like landscape. The lake is sometimes covered with shallow water that slowly evaporates, leaving behind sparkling salt crystals.
It’s also a site for traditional salt mining, but most visitors come to take in the scenery, snap some photos, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the place.
Chenini
Chenini is a centuries-old Berber village built into the hills of southern Tunisia, not far from Tataouine. The stone houses and old granaries are set right into the rocky slopes, making the whole place feel like it’s part of the mountain. Sometimes, it’s even hard to tell what is a house and what is just rock. Some of the homes are still carved into the stone, and a few local families continue to live there today.
At the top of the hill, you’ll see the small white mosque of the Seven Sleepers, with wide views over the beautiful surrounding landscape.
Ksar Hadada
This one is for Star Wars fans! Ksar Hadada was one of the filming locations for Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Even if you’re not a big Star Wars fan, it’s still a site worth visiting.
Ksar Hadada is a former Berber granary, once used to store grain and olive oil. Its structure is made up of vaulted rooms stacked on top of each other, all built from sun-dried mud and stone.
Some parts have been restored and turned into a hotel, while others remain untouched, which adds to the atmosphere. It’s a short stop, but a fascinating one, especially if you enjoy places with a mix of history, culture, and a touch of movie magic.
Sand dunes of Chabbania
If you’re in the mood for a little desert adventure, the sand dunes of Chabbania are a great stop on a day trip from Djerba. This area is located on the mainland, not far from the Roman road, and gives you a taste of the Sahara without going too far.
The dunes here are soft, golden, and stretch out just enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. You can walk along the ridges, take photos of the endless curves in the sand, or just sit and enjoy the silence. It’s peaceful, open, and completely different from the coastal scenery of Djerba.
The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is soft and the sand isn’t too hot. The landscape is simple but powerful, and it’s a great reminder of how varied Tunisia’s nature can be.
Where to stay in Djerba
Djerba has plenty of places to stay, from simple guesthouses to full-on beach resorts, so it really depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for. Yellosun can help you book your hotel, along with activities and flights, so you can easily arrange the full package in one go.
If you’re traveling with kids, Iberostar Waves Mehari is a great choice. It’s family-friendly with big pools, fun activities, and direct beach access. For couples looking for something more peaceful, Iberostar Eolia in Midoun offers a relaxed, adults-focused atmosphere with a spa, great food, and sea views.
Both hotels are right by the beach and offer all-inclusive comfort, making them the perfect place to stay on Djerba.
Hotels
Looking for the perfect stay? Djerba offers charming hotels, beachfront resorts, and authentic guesthouses for every traveler!
Djerba
Djerba
Djerba
via Booking.com
How to get to Djerba
Getting to Djerba is pretty simple. The island’s main airport, Djerba–Zarzis International (DJE), has direct flights from several European cities.
Nouvelair operates direct flights from places like Brussels and other major cities, making it easy to reach the island in just a few hours. The flight from Brussels, for example, takes around 3 hours. We flew with Nouvelair and had a smooth flight, friendly service, and a delicious meal, which was an excellent start to our trip.
Once you land, the airport is just a short drive from most hotels and resorts on the island, so you can start your holiday without much hassle.
How to get around
You have quite a few options to get around in Djerba. Taxis are common and affordable for short trips, and you can also rent a car if you want more freedom to explore. Public transport like buses and shared taxis (louages) exists, but they can be slow or tricky if you don’t know the routes.
For a hassle-free experience, Yellosun can help arrange activities and day trips that include transportation, so you don’t have to worry about getting from place to place.
Best time to visit Djerba
The best time to visit Djerba is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for enjoying the beach, exploring towns like Houmt Souk, or taking day trips to the mainland. These months are also less crowded than the busy summer season, so you get a more relaxed experience.
Summer can be very hot, especially in July and August, while winter is mild but quieter, with some hotels and restaurants operating on reduced schedules.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
