Djerba Island (Tunisia)

General information about O. Djerba

Djerba Island (Djerba, Jerba, also Meninx) is located off the coast Tunisia in the east and is located in the southern part Gabes Bay (an island on the map of Tunisia). Its area is 514 sq.km. (which is about half the area of Moscow before its enlargement) and it is considered one of the largest islands of the Mediterranean Sea. The size of the island in maximum diameter is 30 kilometers. The capital of the island, Houmt–Souk, is the main and only city in the full sense of the word, the second largest is Midoun, the rest of the settlements are small villages.

The population of the island is about 90 thousand inhabitants, of which 60 thousand live in the capital of the island. The population consists mainly of Arabs and Berbers. There has been a large Jewish community on the island for many centuries. But in the XX century, she almost completely left for France and Israel.

Djerba is a popular Tunisian beach resort. Here you will find snow-white beaches, crystal clear sea and everywhere you will find date palms, olive trees and fruit groves. The infrastructure of the island is quite developed, there are many hotels and entertainment for tourists.

According to one of the legends, Odysseus first discovered the island, which he called the island of the lotus eaters or "the island of the lotus eaters", because of the huge amount of lotus growing here. Later, around the 8th century BC, the Phoenicians came here and began to settle the island, due to its advantageous location.

Djerba is a pleasant place for a quiet and secluded holiday, it is a great option for a holiday with children. You will be able to enjoy the stunning view of blooming lotuses, which is the hallmark of the island. There are several historical and cultural attractions here, among which the main ones are the defensive fortress of Borj el Kebir and the oldest synagogue of El Ghriba, which is a place of worship of Jews from all over the world. In addition, in ethnographic and local history museums you can learn about the traditions, rituals of Tunisians, culture and historical stages of the formation of the state. There are also nature reserves, the largest crocodile farm in the Mediterranean region. Of course, to say that the island is filled with interesting sights would be an exaggeration, but still, if you get tired of lying on the beach and want to go on an excursion, there will be something to see.

There is also enough entertainment on the island. Everyone will have the opportunity to engage in various water sports, which are organized on all popular beaches. Fans of playing golf should take a look at the Djerba Golf Club, located in the northeast of the coast. There is also a casino in the north of the island, which is considered the largest in North Africa. In the village of Ajim, known as a place for catching sea sponges, the scenery for the filming of the first part of Star Wars has been preserved. Excursion programs to the mainland, including the Sahara, as well as trips to nearby islets are carried out from the island.

One of the most popular pastimes on the island is thalassotherapy. Djerba is one of the resorts where thalassotherapy centers are located, providing services at a fairly high level. These procedures are very popular with tourists, because it's no secret that using thermal springs can relieve stress, reduce weight and improve overall health.

Weather on O. Djerba, seasons

The island is advantageous, from the point of view of climatic conditions, located in the Gulf of Gabes and quite close to the Sahara Desert, from where the hot desert winds bring additional heat here. Due to this, the climate of the island is very mild and warm, the bathing season lasts throughout the year. The air temperature is warming up more, albeit slightly, than in the rest of mainland Tunisia.

High seasonIt starts already in April (22C) and ends at the end of November (21C). In low season(December-March) the air temperature drops to 15C-17C. In the evening and at night it may get colder by 3-5 C, so if you are going to rest in winter (December-March), take warm clothes with you. Water in the low season (December-March) warms up to 17-20C, also during the same period precipitation in the form of rains is possible.

Current weather on O. Djerba and forecast

Time on O. Djerba

The time in Tunisia and on the island is 2 hours behind Moscow time in summer and winter. The transition to summer and winter time in Tunisia is not carried out.

Current time on O. Djerba:

Hotels about. Djerba, where to stay

The vast majority of hotels are located on the northeast coast, where the tourist infrastructure is well developed. With rare exceptions, all hotels are concentrated near the coast, on the first line from the sea.

Hotels are presented with different levels of service, they have "their own" equipped territory with a beach and swimming pools, restaurants, discos and other entertainment, and therefore it is not necessary to leave the hotel, everything is here. Food in hotels is represented mainly by the "all inclusive" type. From entertainment you will be offered: windsurfing, surfing, diving, boat trips, etc.

You can find and book a hotel on the island using the search form below. The search is carried out in the search engine popular in Southeast Asia Agoda.com, Russian and Russian-language support are available:

How to get to O. Djerba

There are three ways to get here:

• By plane. Djerba Zarzis International Airport (Djerba-Zarzis International Airport) is located on the island. It is possible to receive visas to Tunisia upon arrival at the airport. There are flights from some European cities, as well as from Tunisian cities: Tunis, Monastir, Hammamet. Zarzis Airport is located in the north-west of the island and is the second charter airport in Tunisia.
• On the ferry. From the village of Jorf (El Jorf) to the island can be reached by ferry in 10-15 minutes.
• By bus. There is a direct bus service (non-stop) from Tunisian cities to the island. Buses get to the island by ferry, the cost of which is included in the bus ticket. For example, a bus from Tunisia takes 8 hours and costs 26 dinars (Tunisian currency, exchange rate).

The island is also connected to the mainland by an embankment dam. It is possible to drive from the mainland from the town of El Kantara Conti to the island in the village of El Kantara Ile.

How to navigate the island?

There is almost no public transport on the island, and the one that exists does not go to tourist places. You will have to travel either by taxi or by rented transport.

The roads on the island are not bad, there are signs everywhere. You can rent a car (in the capital of Khumt-Suk), a motorcycle or a bicycle (can be rented in hotels). To drive a car or motorcycle in Tunisia, you need an international driving license in the form of a book.

Useful information

Festival At the beginning of August, a ceramics festival is held annually in the village of Guellala, where clay products of different grades and shapes are presented. Local craftsmen actually show the process of making dishes and other clay products, and also offer to purchase them. This is a very interesting action, and if possible, visit the island at this time.