Houmt Souk, the "capital" of Djerba

Looking for an original way out in Houmt Souk? How about attending a fish auction? Go to the fish market, where fish is auctioned off! Bass, mullet, sea bream... make your choice and take your fresh fish to one of the many small restaurants in the area, such as "Chez Azzedine". They'll be delighted to cook it for you, before serving it grilled with your choice of garnish - pure bliss!

Houmt Souk is not the capital of Djerba, as we often read here and there (there's only one capital in Tunisia, and that's Tunis), but the island's administrative centre. Its history dates back to Roman times, when the town was called Gerba. Now you know why the island is called Djerba! The Roman town of Gerba gave birth to two Roman emperors, no less! Literally "market town", Houmt Souk is a shopping paradise for tourists who want to test their haggling skills in its souks. Some are better than others...

A trip to Houmt Souk is first and foremost an opportunity to meet the locals, talk to the vendors in the colourful stalls, and then get lost in the maze of vaulted passageways linking small squares adorned with bougainvillea and arcades. The city is renowned for its many beautiful mosques, three of which are listed as historic monuments. These are sacred places linked to djinns and other legends. As for sites to visit, there is no shortage: the Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum (devoted to the various aspects of life on the island (costumes, pottery, agriculture, fishing), St Joseph's Catholic Church, forts, etc. The most famous is Borj El Kebir, also known as Fort Ghazi Mustapha, with its high walls overlooking the sea. Adjacent to the fishing port of Houmt Souk, it is the largest and best preserved of Djerba's forts.

It's actually a peninsula off the coast of Houmt Souk. This is the star excursion leaving from the marina, aboard a pirate ship! The programme includes swimming, exploring this deserted island barefoot on the sand and tasting freshly caught grilled fish. The island serves as a natural refuge for a colony of pink flamingos, but you're not guaranteed to see them, so look out for them between April and October. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins on the crossing.

Dar Lola is a traditional guest house in the heart of the Medina of Houmt Souk. Our favourite spot? Sipping mint tea on the roof terrace while admiring the panoramic view of the medina!