An island of ten thousand palm trees rising from the sea like a mirage... Djerba has had a similar history to Tunisia as it has certainly been popular with the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandels, Byzantines, Arabs, Norman, Italians, French and the Spanish. In between, a few pirates dropped by and had their way. At least the latest invaders give something back with tourism being the main industry.
Splendid and diverse, holidays to Djerba are accompanied by a variety of water sports, archeological sites, the ancient synagogue of the Griba and even a pirate's castle. The fortress-like mosques, potters and silversmiths still faithful to the art of their craft as they hawk their wares in the bustle of the open-air markets. On your holidays to Djerba you will discover the shady gardens of the interior, orchards of fig, apple and pomegranate.
You will have a chance to wander through groves of olive trees, gnarled trunks bearing witness to the centuries and events of the past.
A great many attribute contribute to Djerba's magic halo - a combination of a clear-blue sky, shining white houses, clean and well-kept towns, tree-covered country-sides and a warm-yet-not-too-hot climate. Whatever the case, a good number of travelers go into shock or worse when describing this island -- made famous by Ulysses.
The magnificent weather, mild in winter and warm in summer makes holidays to Djerba ideal year-round, although it is best to travel to Djerba in spring or autumn. In summer, the island teems with tourists. Here you will find a variety of sports and activities, you will be able to sail to the island of the Pink Flamingo, windsurf or tour the island by bicycle in the spring and fall.
Hospitable and friendly Djerba welcomes you to participate in its festivals - watch the "Gougou" dancers in Midoun, join a wedding procession following the bride hidden high on a camel and preceded by the joyous music of tambourines and flutes.
In town, two of the most important usual stop-overs for visitors are the Museum of Folklore and Popular Art, displaying traditional costumes and jewelry; and the historic fortress of Borj el-Kebir, a 15th century Arab citadel. Interesting to many tourists is the plaque nearby marking the spot where 5000 skulls of a Spanish defeat were once piled pyramid style.
Djerba's annual 300 days of sunshine and warm blue waters with their cooling breezes, edged glittering sands are enhanced by the many attractive and comfortable modern hotels with the most up-to-date tourist facilities. Without disturbing the calm and peace, 125 of these eye-catching tourist palaces such as Hasdrubal Djerba or the largest Dar Djerba with 2,500 beds. Both the Hasdrubal Djerba and others are built in traditional menzel style, fit neatly into the palm-saturated landscape. Nature and the edifices built by man have merged together to strengthen the island's magic spell.
These attractive and comfortable hotels, hospitable and friendly people with a slow-moving lifestyle, breathtaking countryside, mild winters, cool summers and tantalizing sea, make Djerba one of Tunisia's most popular tourist spots. Located on Europe's doorsteps, holidays to Djerban the island, which some call the 'Little Mediterranean Polynesia', have since the time of Ulysses been an attraction for travelers. Djerba annually hosts some 600,000 visitors.