How to get to the island of djerba tunisia. The Star Wars filming location is the island of Djerba on the map. Features of connecting flights

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, you 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 have been left over 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 seaside mass tourism, 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 structure 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 the 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). The narrow entrance to the Old City is flanked by 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).

Heading west from Cape Lighthouse (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 can find endless sandy beaches everywhere. There are also a couple of rocky areas on Segia Beach, and the beach itself is not as wide as Sidi Mahres. Closer to the hotels, high sand dunes form a natural protective wall against the winds that often blow 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 in island entertainment - Djerba Explore Theme Park (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 a 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 to dine, 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 inner 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. Along the way, 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 structure, which is actually quite unfriendly, and deprive it of any menacing. A similar 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 the largest places of pilgrimage for 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 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 the oldest lists of the Torah that exist 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 is a modern airport with a runway 3200 meters long, capable of receiving even large wide-body airliners. For example, in 2016, Boeing 777 aircraft were used on Nord Wind charter flights.

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.

Djerba Island as a tourist destination has become famous for its flamingo birds and nightclubs, has 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 regular 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. In the case of a 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.

You need to look for the island of Djerba on the world map in Gulf of Gabes. It belongs to the Mediterranean basin. Few people know that the island of Jebra is the legendary Oligia, where Odysseus was held captive by the nymph Calypso for more than 7 years.

More than 130 km of the coastline of the island consists of beaches covered with white sand. Many episodes of the movie "Star Wars" were filmed on Djerba.

Djerba on the world map and Tunisia

Djerba is considered largest island in North Africa. This is one of the best resort areas. You can relax on the island all year round. The average annual temperature is within +20°C.

The largest city on the island is Houmt Souk with a population of 65,000.

How to get there?

The most convenient way to travel to Djerba is air travel. Zarzis International Airport is located in the northern part of the island. You can get to the island from Russia by plane with 1-2 transfers.

Direct charter flights from Moscow to the island fly from April to October.

The most convenient flight option from Moscow to Djerba is via Munich, and from St. Petersburg via. Flight time is 4 hours 30 minutes.

You can buy a plane ticket using this search form. Enter departure and arrival cities, date And number of passengers.

Zarzis Airport has only one runway. He accepts domestic and international flights. It is 9 km from Houmt Souk. You can find a taxi at the airport right at the entrance from the terminal.

Island information

Very often Djerba is called An island of pink flamingos and thousands of palm trees. Many romantic legends are associated with it.

Story

Djerba has always been a tasty prey for various peoples due to its favorable geographical position. At different times, the island belonged to Arabs, Spaniards and even pirates. Berbers are the indigenous people of the island. These are African tribes that converted to Islam in the 7th century. They have preserved their customs and traditions to this day. Islam adopted by them was transformed over time into Ibadism.

The main romantic legend about the island is associated with the name Homer. In his Odyssey, he described the departure of Ulysses from Troy, who on his journey reached the shores of the island of Djerba, which Homer calls Oligia in the Odyssey.

In reality, the Phoenician merchants were the discoverers of the island, they brought crafts and trade to Djerba.

The island received a serious impetus in economic development during the heyday of the Roman Empire. It is the birthplace of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. In the 16th century, the island was ruled by pirates. This period in the history of the island is associated with the name Drogut Reis. There is a legend that the famous filibuster hid his innumerable treasures on the island.

The inhabitants of the island traditionally settled in seclusion on small farms. Large settlements formed around large markets. The name of the capital of the island Houmt Souk in translation sounds like "bazaar quarter". For a long time, a large Jewish community lived on the island, most of which had to leave it. In memory of this, a synagogue remained on Djerba in Hara Segir, whose age is estimated at more than 2600 years. Djerba is currently part of Tunisia.

General information

About 140 thousand people permanently live on the island. Most of the island's population is made up of Arabs and Berbers. The area of the island is 514 km². The main incomes of the island are agriculture and tourism. It has a well-developed infrastructure, there are many hotels, restaurants, clubs. The difference with Moscow time is -2 hours.

Climate

The temperature on the island is always higher than the mainland by 2-3 degrees. Despite the heat inherent in Africa, Djerba has its own “dead season”, it falls on December, January and February. The air temperature during this period is kept on the island within + 15-17 ° C. The best vacation time periods are considered, which are commonly called the off-season. The average temperature of these months is +22-26°C.

Additional heat is brought to the island by winds from the Sahara desert. This makes the climate of Djerba mild and warm. High season starts on the island in April. The average temperature this month is +22°C. The high season ends in November. The low season lasts from March to March. The air temperature during this period is kept within + 15-17 ° C, water - + 17-20 ° C.

Tourism

Tourists come to the island in search of quiet beach holiday. Water entertainment is well developed here, there is one of the best golf clubs in Africa. Casinos are open for gamblers. The scenery has been preserved in the village of Azhim, famous for shooting episodes of the Star Wars movie. This is the best spot on the island for scallop fishing.

Travel agencies operating on the island organize excursions to the mainland and travel around. One of the services on the island is thalassotherapy.

In the process of healing the body on Djerba, thermal springs are used.

Things to do?

Djerba is a unique place in Tunisia. Here, various cultures and beliefs. This allows tourists to discover the traditions and customs of various peoples and religions on a small plot of land. Near the streets filled with the spirit of the Middle Ages, there are modern hotels.

While traveling in the Sahara, you can get acquainted with life of the Berbers. The picturesque landscapes on the island cannot but delight tourists. In the Lotos Reserve, entire fields of these plants grow, on which pink flamingos walk. No less admirable are the lunar landscapes of Matmata.

Attractions

One of the most popular places for tourists to visit is the fortress. Ghazi Mustafa. It is located in Houmt Souk. During the summer, various performances are held in its amphitheater. The building dates back to the 9th century. It was built to protect the coast of the island from pirates.

Among popular attractions Djerba:

Synagogue of La Griba. The building was erected in 586 BC. e. Jews who arrived on the island and left Jerusalem after its conquest by Nebuchadnezzar. According to the existing legend, a huge stone that fell from heaven was used in the construction of the synagogue. A woman came out of it and ordered to build a house for Jewish prayer.
Djerba Lagoon. It is a bay that looks pink all year round from a bird's eye view. This color is given to it by pink flamingos living in these places. The lagoon is home to the ancient Ras Tagermes lighthouse and the Djerba Explore amusement park. There are various attractions and museums, a crocodile farm is open.
Fortress Borj el-Kebir. The building dates back to the 13th century. Most of the building has survived to this day in its original form. The fortress is located next to the port of Houmt Souk and the local history museum.
Guellala village. It is a settlement of potters who have preserved the ancient traditions of making pottery. Here is an ethnographic museum, where you can get acquainted with the national traditions of the peoples inhabiting the island.
Azhim village. The scenery of the Star Wars movie preserved in the settlement allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of space battles. Here you can become a participant in catching sponges and octopuses with the help of large earthenware jugs.
Roman road. Built by the Romans, the embankment that connects the island to the mainland is about 9 km long.

Currently, the road is an asphalt dam, but the history of its construction is of interest to tourists.

Hotels

Local hotels are designed for the rest of tourists with different financial capabilities and requirements for the level of service provided. Most of the hotels are located in the northern and western parts of the island. The largest part has 4 stars. In terms of quality of service, Tunisian 4 * are significantly superior to Turkish 5 *. Best hotels working on the system "all inclusive":

Hasdrubal Prestige Djerba 5*. The hotel is located on Sidi Mehrez Beach, next to the Casino and Golf Club. The area of the hotel is more than 11 thousand square meters. meters. It has 219 rooms of various comfort classes with an area from 90 to 320 m². For meetings and conferences, the hotel has a special hall and meeting rooms.
The hotel has:
- laundry;
- currency exchange;
- parking;
- thalasso center and much more.

Hasdrubal Prestige Djerba has a swimming pool, several restaurants and bars, and a barbecue area.

Djerba Plaza Hotel 4*. The hotel is located in Midoun, surrounded by a palm park. It has access to the beach, has its own swimming pool, tennis courts, sauna, Turkish baths and a place to play squash. The windows of the hotel restaurant overlook the sea. The hotel rooms have balconies and are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.
Cedriana 3*. The hotel is located in the northern part of the island next to the beach. It has its own garden, swimming pool, spa, sauna, massage parlour. The hotel rooms can accommodate from 1 to 5 people. The hotel has 2 restaurants, bars, parking, playgrounds and rooms, and a thalasso centre.

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In books and guides about Tunisia, Djerba does not have much space and information. But this does not mean at all that the island is a depressive industrial area or a tourist outsider. On the contrary, Djerba (Tunisia) willingly welcomes guests all year round. It can even be said that in recent years tourism has surpassed traditional carpet weaving in terms of profitability. But for many people, the island, lost near the Libyan border, is "terra incognito." We will try to tell here about this idyllic corner, where, according to legend, among date groves and beaches with the purest sand, Odysseus forgot everything in the world in the arms of the nymph Calypso. Let's just say that in order to relax and lose the sense of time on Djerba, no mermaids are needed, because the gentle sea, thalassotherapy procedures and the hospitality of the locals will do their job.

Geography

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is small. Its length is only 29 kilometers, and the width is even less - a maximum of 28 km. Also, this piece of land is low, it rises above the sea by only 55 meters. When we say “island”, we adhere to a clear geographical definition, although in order to get there, one does not have to sail by sea at all. It comes so close to the mainland that it is connected to it by a bridge. Moreover, this jumper is not an achievement of modern engineering. The bridge was built by the ancient Romans more than two thousand years ago. From all sides, the island is washed by azure waters. The coastline of Djerba is 130 kilometers of excellent beaches. The island's main town is Houmt Souk, the bustling commercial center of southern Tunisia. Djerba exports not only wonderfully made carpets, but also sponges, soaps, pottery and fish.

Climate

The North African heat, softened by the fresh breath of the Atlantic Ocean, promises you an excellent Djerba, due to its geographical location, boasts that the temperature on the island is always 2-3 degrees higher than on the mainland. Yet this is not Egypt. Despite the assurances of travel agencies that you can sunbathe and swim in Djerba all year round, there is a “dead season” here. These are three winter months. The coldest time is January. The air temperature is kept at +15°C, and in February and December - +17°C. The best time to relax on Djerba is called the off-season with their comfortable + 22-26 ° C. The Mediterranean climate has created a variety of landscapes on the small island. The lush greenery of olive and date groves contrasts with the desert landscapes here.

"Land of Lotus Eaters"

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is so beautiful that there is nothing surprising in the fact that many legends are circling around it. Homer came up with the first. From the "Odyssey" we learn that Ulysses sailed from the burning Troy and, after long adventures, reached the deserted coast, on which inhabitants lived who knew no grief. They ate lotus flowers that grew here in abundance. For this, Odysseus called the island "the land of lotophages." The brave navigator met the nymph Calypso here. She also gave him a drink of nectar from it, and this drug so intoxicated Odysseus that he forgot the purpose of his journey and remained on the island (in love, of course) for seven whole years. Homer gives the island the name Oligia. It is not difficult to believe in this myth, because even today the atmosphere prevailing on Djerba is saturated with some intoxicating sweet ether. Already on the second day, even the most collected and pedantic person loses the sense of time and plunges into blissful languor.

Story

In reality, everything was somewhat more prosaic, but no less interesting. The Phoenicians were the discoverers of the island. In the distant eighth century BC, they brought here the beginnings of trade and crafts. But Tunisia, the island of Djerba and the oases of the Western Sahara were inhabited by local Barbary tribes. They have retained their identity even now, although they coexist side by side with other nationalities of the country. The island received a powerful economic boost during the era of the domination of the Roman Empire. An embankment bridge was built across the two-kilometer strait, connecting Djerba with the mainland. The island is the small home of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. Later, Tunisia was owned by the Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, Turks. In the 16th century, the name of the terrible pirate Drogut Reis thundered here, who had one of his bases on the island. There is an opinion that the filibuster hid his treasures somewhere here. In 1560, a pirate erected a tower of five thousand skulls of his enemies. Borj el-Rus stood until 1848, after which it was dismantled, and the human remains were buried.

How to get there

The hotels of the island of Djerba (Tunisia) attract travelers, but the road to them, especially from our penates, can be long. During the high season, Nouvelair operates charter flights from Russia. But at other times you will have to get with transfers. The local Djerba-Zarzis airport regularly receives only domestic flights. You can fly to the capital of the state, the city of Tunisia, and then use one of the offers of local airlines (a one-way ticket will cost about one hundred dinars). The journey in the “luage”, an intercity minibus, will be longer, but four times cheaper. They depart from stops as they fill up. Buses are an alternative. More expensive, but comfortable, with air conditioning. And they run on schedule.

Hotels in Tunis, Djerba Island

The hotel base of the local resorts allows you to relax for various categories of tourists. Most of the hotels are concentrated on the northern and western coasts, as well as in the city of Houmt Souk. At the southeastern tip of the island, the excellent resort of Midoun thrives. If we consider hotels by star rating, then the vast majority are "fours". Moreover, the quality of service in them surpasses the Turkish "five". There are both well-known chain hotels in Europe (Magic Life, Iberostar, Caribbean World and others), as well as local hotels with a unique color and buildings in the Barbary style. Five-star hotels in Djerba (Tunisia) offer their guests life-giving thalassotherapy courses. These are such oases of bliss as Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Prestige, Ulysse Palace, Movenpick Ulysse, Vincci Al Kantara, Radisson Blu. Of the worthy "three rubles" we can advise Miramar, Garden Park, Mehari and Palma.

Popular excursions

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is a unique place where the Christian West and the Muslim East, African beliefs and Jewish wisdom intertwine. Here, as in a time machine, you can go to the medieval medina and wander for hours along the shady narrow streets. Tourists are offered a large number of excursions both on the island and on the mainland of Tunisia. Which one to choose? Reviews highly praise the organized two-day trip to the Sahara with a stop in the Barbary settlements of the ksars and the Tataouin area. By the way, those who watched the Star Wars movie epic will surely recognize a fictional planet with the same name in this desert landscape. Yes, Tataouine was filmed here, and at the same time they borrowed the name. It will be interesting for children to visit the crocodile farm and the Laguna Reserve, where lotuses grow and flocks of pink flamingos live. You will have unforgettable impressions after visiting the lunar landscapes of Matmata.

Independent travel

Immediately, you need to make a reservation that taxi prices here are higher than in the mainland of the state of Tunisia. The island of Djerba is small, but still its sights are remote from each other. If you are lucky enough to rest in Houmt Souk, go to the medina. This is the name of the medieval quarter surrounded by fortified walls in the countries of the Arab world. In addition to bustling places to buy beautiful jewelry, embossing, carpets and pottery, you will see many characteristic houses with white walls and domed roofs. These are "menzeli" - the traditional dwellings of the inhabitants of Djerba. Thanks to this design of the building, it always remains cool. In the labyrinths of the medina, there are also three main mosques worth visiting: Jamaa Ettruk, Ash Sheikh and Jemaa el Gorba. But the main attraction of the old city is the Bordj el-Kebir fortress. In the Jewish town of Hara-Segira, there is the oldest synagogue, La Griba (Amazing). According to legend, she is already two thousand six hundred years old. And in the town of Meninx, the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement have been preserved.

Souvenirs

What to bring in memory of the island of Djerba (Tunisia)? Reviews advise, in addition to carpets, to buy excellent local wines. The French colonizers instilled a taste for fine drinks in the local population, so you won't be disappointed. Palm trees grow everywhere on the island, so alcoholic drinks are made from dates. A bottle of liquor will come in very handy, as will a package of excellent olive oil. We recommend that lovers of the exotic buy a melkhafa in the medina at the bazaar - a traditional orange-striped bedspread. Gellale sells fine ceramics.

The article points by point tells about the main nuances that a traveler planning a vacation on the island of Djerba should know. Read and remember!

For travelers, the island of Djerba is truly a fabulous place. Just imagine, you have pink sand under your feet, a stunning view of the sea in front, and olive and date trees grow behind you. By visiting this island in Tunisia, you can get acquainted with the culture and life of the local population, see the sights, visit spa centers and, of course, swim in the sea.

Where is the island of Djerba on the map of Tunisia

Are you planning a trip? That way!
We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

Climate on the island of Djerba

The climate on the island of Djerba is continental, with warm winters and hot summers. In winter, the average air temperature is +12 C° - +15 C°. This time is perfect for sightseeing holidays and for those who want to do thalassotherapy. These are wellness procedures using seafood. All kinds of algae, water and mud.

In summer, the air temperature rises to + 30 C° - +33 C° during the day, and +20 C° - + 25 C° at night. The average water temperature during this period is +26 C° - +28 C°. Very comfortable in autumn. For example, in the temperature is kept around 27 C °.

Attractions

El Ghriba Synagogue in Riyadh- is considered one of the oldest synagogues in the world, its age is more than 2000 years. Every year, pilgrims come to the synagogue to bow to the shrine and see one of the ancient Torah Scrolls. Also in the synagogue are the relics of Shimon Bar Yashai, he was one of the authors of the Talmud.

Gellala Village famous for its pottery craftsmen. Walking through the streets of the village, you might think that you are in an art gallery, as beautifully painted handmade plates, jugs, and cups “look at you” from all sides. The most liked product can be purchased as a gift.

Every year in the village pottery festival where you can see the work of the best masters.

Crocodile farm- This is a farm-reserve where crocodiles are bred. The first crocodiles were brought to the island from Madagascar, they gradually got used to the local climate and began to breed. Today there are about 400 crocodiles on the farm. Anyone can feed this ancient animal. You can watch the life of crocodiles from special bridges.

Museum of Folk Traditions in Gelal– museum visitors will be able to see small scenes from the life of the inhabitants of the island and get in touch with their way of life. In one of the halls, you can see how bread is baked, or food is cooked, national clothes are woven, or tea is being prepared. In another room, various brides' wedding attire is presented, from the poorest dress to the most expensive and luxurious, and many other exhibits.

Next to the museum is a workshop where you can see the process of obtaining olive oil from start to finish.

Djerba Lagoon is notable for the fact that in this beautiful place, where date palms and olive trees grow nearby, large flocks of amazing birds, Pink Flamingos, gather. Most of these "beauties" arrive on the island to wait out the winter and feast on mollusks, crustaceans and other food.

The lagoon is also famous for the fact that surfers gather here. Since a rather strong wind blows in the northeast of the island, forming waves loved by surfers.

Fortress of Gazi Mustafa It was built to protect the surrounding area from pirate raids. And it performed its function perfectly until it was attacked by the cruel pirate Dragut Reis, who massacred the entire garrison of the fortress. And from the heads of the dead, he built a large pyramid. This terrible pyramid stood until 1848, when the French dismantled it. Today, there is a monument at this place, which reminds of the terrible atrocity of the pirate.

Also from the island you can go on a tour of the most majestic Sahara desert, of course, accompanied by an experienced tour guide.

Where to stay on the island of Djerba

Most of the hotels are located in the northern and western parts of the island, as well as in the city of Houmt Souk and Midoun.

The most popular hotels:

Riu Palace Royal Garden 5*;

Sensimar Palm Beach Palace 5*.

More economical hotels include:

Les jardins de Toumana 4*;

SunConnect Djerba Aqua Resort 4*;

Sentido Djerba Beach 4*;

Club Magic Life Penelope Beach Imperial 4*;

Miramar Petit Palais 3*.

Hotels in which there are thalassotherapy in the resort of Midoun:

Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso 5*;

Yadis Djerba Golf Thalasso & Spa 5*;

Radisson Blu Ulysse Resort & Thalasso Djerba 5*.

Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa & Spa 5 * - in the city of Houmt Souk.

Customs restrictions

Citizens of the Russian Federation may not apply for a visa to enter the Arab state of Tunisia if they stay in the country for no more than 90 days.

When entering Tunisia, there are customs restrictions:
1. It is impossible to import and export from the country:

It is forbidden to export local currency.

It is forbidden to import drugs.

2. Import is allowed:

One bottle of alcohol.

Perfumes and items for personal use.

foreign currency.

Advice, if you are exporting valuable items made of gold or silver, carpets, etc., you must have a receipt or certificate confirming the authenticity of the products with you.

Souvenirs and gifts in Tunisia

Holidays on the island of Djerba are impossible without, for sure, many will want to take a piece with them, which will remind them of a pleasant journey.

An excellent gift and souvenir would be a bottle of olive oil. It is best to buy new crop oil in late autumn. The best oil is Extra Virgin, Cold First Press. One of these labels should be on the olive oil label.

A bottle of Tunisian wine from French vineyards planted in colonial times. The most popular brands are Magon, Muscat de Kelibia, Chateau Mornag Rose.

Many housewives will be happy to purchase the spices and Harris national sauce, which is made from pepper, garlic, spices and olive oil.

Tip, spices are best bought by weight, so you can see their quality and feel the wonderful aroma.

Jewelry made of gold and silver handmade in the ancient Byzantine or Arabic style.

The Desert Rose flower will be an original gift. This amazing flower "grows" in the Sahara desert. It is formed by sand and rain. Sometimes Locals paint roses in different colors, blue, red, etc.

Handmade ceramics, it can be beautifully decorated plates, jugs, cups and much more.

Tip, when transporting these beautiful things, it is important to know that they are very fragile. Therefore, it is best to carefully wrap all ceramic products and put them in hand luggage.

You can also bring dates, cactus fruits and pomegranates, olives and dried vegetables from the island of Djerba. From sweets, delicious halva, and this fragrant drink for coffee connoisseurs. Many women will be happy with rose water and perfume.

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