Djerba is a 614 sq km flat island situated off the southern coast of Tunisia, not far from the Libyan border. It is connected to the mainland with a causeway built on a Roman foundation. More than 145,000 inhabitants, mostly of Berber origin, live on this isle of mythology. Its shoreline abounds with sandy-white Djerba beaches, gently lapped by the warm-azure waters of the Mediterranean.
Covered with trees and flowers, the island is in reality one huge oasis covered with palms and olive trees. In between, small fields of apricots, carobs, figs, grapes, grenadines, lemons, mandarins, oranges and pomegranates cover almost every empty space. Here and there amid these fields are the breathtaking, small white villages and isolated homes.
The striking rounded domed white houses, known as menzels, and their unique architecture appear like white jewels, sprinkled between the greenery. Inside, there are clean courtyards filled with trees and flowers. Set amid these fairy tale buildings are to be found the some eye-catching 200 small mosques - many of the older ones built as fortresses to ward off invaders.
Houmt-Souk -- which means market center -- the capital of the island and one of the most picturesque urban centers in Tunisia, is a popular tourist attraction here. It is a well-kept bright town centered on the souk area, overflowing with handicraft products. Traditional clothing, blankets woven since the time of Hannibal, beautifully wrought gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, straw mats and beautiful pottery saturate the market place.
The Guellala Mosque at Djerba is another popular tourist attraction. The 500 year old Mosque built in typical Arabic style and beautifully situated by the sea and surrounded by palm trees is worth looking around the village.
Ghriba Synagogue in Djerba is one of the few surviving synagogues in North Africa. It is housed in an exquisite building and is still used by the small Jewish community. Lag B'Omer in May marks the time of pilgrimage here for many Jews.
Djerba beaches are probably the most popular attraction with tourists. Of all the Djerba beaches, Djerba La Nomade, the beach at Club Med boasts a Thalasso therapy centre which is a spa based on water therapy, amongst the many facilities of the resort and of course the wide safe sandy beach.
Djerba Palm Beach - in front of the Sofitel hotel about 5km from the capital is one of the finest Djerba beaches with its golden sands and safe swimming and snorkeling. Melia Djerba Menzel is a beautiful palm fringed beach located just at this hotel translated as the Jerba Island Hotel. Djerba beaches with azure warm blue waters, breezes softly running through the palms and a top hotel at hand, could you ask for anything more?
Along with Djerba beaches, Djerba restaurants also attract many visitors. El Malouf Tunisian Restaurant is where you can sample genuine Tunisian and Mediterranean cuisine. Haroun restaurant is also one of the most renowned Djerba restaurants and serves mostly local cuisine and has a large and varied menu.
With the softness of its sweet-serene air, grandiose attractions, overshadowed by clear blue sky and ringed by golden sands, Djerba entraps even the most skeptical visitor.