Visit Djerba and Zarzis in 3 days!

Why not start inland? A first day away from the beaches, between synagogues, mosques, street art and pottery villages? Then you can relax at the thalasso, shop in the souks of Houmt-Souk and feed the crocodiles at Djerba Explore!

The Djerba synagogue

So let's start in the centre of the island, almost in the middle! This is the Ghriba, one of the oldest synagogues in the world! This sacred and beautiful site is a must-see on any trip to Djerba. There's no website or telephone number, so you'll have to go there yourself! Admission is free, but a contribution is welcome... Every year, a pilgrimage takes place here. The site isn't very big, so you won't be there for more than an hour.

Ibadite mosques

Also known as the "island of mosques", Djerba has more than 300 places of worship scattered around the countryside, among the olive and palm trees, including Ibadite mosques, a branch of Islam that belongs to neither Shi'ism nor Sunnism. Most are fortified, and some are underground, like the Chemicheck (or Sedouikech) mosque. Lost among olive trees, this troglodyte mosque, founded in the 14th century, impresses tourists. The other must-see mosque in Djerba is Fadhloun, whose architecture is reminiscent of a white fort. What's more, it's one of the few mosques open to visitors!

Djerbahood, Tunisia's Street Art Mecca

Just a stone's throw from the Ghriba Synagogue, head for the village of Erriadh, renowned for its superb traditional architecture. This is where you'll find Djerbahood, the first open-air street art museum, open 24 hours a day. 200 graffiti artists of 30 different nationalities have combined their talents to transform this village into a unique place, covered in frescoes and graffiti. A map of the village with the location of the works can be downloaded from the official Djerbahood website.

Guellala, the cradle of Tunisian pottery

Head for the south of the island of Djerba, to the potters' village of Guellala, the cradle of Tunisian pottery, thanks to the rich surrounding clay deposits. The potters in this traditional village will be showing you their skills. The programme includes visits to the workshops, an introduction to pottery and a visit to a clay quarry. The day ends in style with a visit to the fascinating local museum, featuring scenes from traditional life. It's impossible to leave Guellala without taking home a typical Djerba souvenir, which was invented here: the "Magic Camel" of Guellala!

Light years away from the club hotels of Djerba, Dar Dhiafa is a charming boutique hotel housed in several old traditional houses in the charming village of Erriadh, where Djerbahood is located. The Ghriba synagogue is just 1 km away, so allow a quarter of an hour's walk! In short, an establishment ideally situated to take advantage of the must-see spots on this first day!

After exploring the island's interior, it's time to enjoy the Mediterranean air! The programme includes lounging on the club beaches, a thalasso cure, kite-surfing in Zarzis, Djerba Explore and its crocodiles, and a visit to the 'capital' of Houmt-Souk, with its fort, its museum and the inevitable haggling in its souks!

Djerba Explore

Located in the Midoun tourist area, not far from the Taguermess lighthouse, Djerba Explore is home to the largest crocodile farm in the Mediterranean, with 400 residents of all kinds. The big moment everyone is waiting for? Meal time, not to be missed!

But Djerba Explore isn't just a crocodile farm! The site is also home to the Lalla Hadria Museum, where you can admire masterpieces from 13 centuries of Muslim art and history, from Persia to Andalusia. Between two visits, take a mint tea break in one of the many cafés in the souk. More information on our not-to-be-missed Djerba Explore

Shopping and sightseeing in the 'capital', Houmt-Souk

This is Djerba's only real town, home to more than a third of its population. As its name suggests, you can stroll through the narrow streets of its souk for a shopping spree and test your bargaining skills! It's also a place of culture, where you can visit a church, mosques, the Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum and an impressive fortress overlooking the sea. The not-to-be-missed excursion is to the Ile aux Flamants Roses, reached by pirate ship! On the programme: swimming, exploring this deserted island barefoot on the sand and tasting grilled fish. More information on our must-see Houmt-Souk

A thalasso cure to finish on a high note

Many people don't know it, but Tunisia is the second best thalasso destination in the world after France. And a third of Tunisia's centres are in Djerba! It would be a shame not to take advantage of the opportunity to experience Tunisian expertise in this field... What's more, it's less expensive than in France and slightly more exotic, in a setting worthy of the Thousand and One Nights! A wellness offer in addition to the classic hammam, sauna and massages of all kinds.

We might as well treat ourselves on the last day. Let's go crazy and opt for the crème de la crème: the Hasdrubal Prestige Thalassa Spa: it's the most luxurious hotel in Djerba, if not the whole of Tunisia, and one of the biggest, but it would be a shame to choose it just for its upmarket setting. Its huge outdoor pool, known as the three waters, is supplied with seawater, freshwater and thermal water. As for the thalasso centre, it is also the largest in Tunisia (11,000 m² on three levels).

Zarzis is Djerba's mainland neighbour. The other seaside resort in southern Tunisia, with its maritime oasis, is around fifty kilometres from Houmt Souk. Take the 7km Roman road that links Djerba to the mainland. For kite-surfing enthusiasts, Zarzis is a great spot. Go to Zarziskite, on the Hassi Jerbi beach. Most of the hotels in the area border the superb Oamarit beach, with its fine, soft sand, palm grove and turquoise waters. It lies 10km north of Zarzis town centre (15 minutes by car). The town itself is not very interesting, but you can still see the great mosque, the Zarzis museum, the port, the ruins of a fort, a modern citadel and one of the 57 oil mills (this is olive country...).

Where to stay in Zarzis?

Head for the superb Oamarit beach (not to be confused with Omaha Beach in Normandy), 10km north of Zarzis town centre. The Odyssée Resort & Thalasso is a very natural hotel with troglodyte architecture set on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. This all-inclusive establishment offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for young and old, as well as numerous pools including a thermal pool, a seawater pool, a heated indoor pool, a mini-club for children and, of course, the main outdoor pool, which looks like a lagoon. Its thalassotherapy centre came third in the ranking of Tunisian centres. The Odyssée Resort & Thalasso has its flip-flops in the water and so does its restaurant! Free water sports include pedal boating, kayaking and windsurfing. Otherwise, the water sports centre offers a wide range of paid activities (banana boat, jet ski, parasailing, catamaran...). It's a bit like the nautical cocktail offered by most hotels in Djerba and Zarzis!

The thermal pool at the Odyssée Resort & Thalasso is filled with natural spring water drawn from a depth of 250 metres. Don't let its murky appearance fool you, this natural mineral spring water has many therapeutic virtues: ideal for combating arthritis and rheumatism!

There's a different atmosphere at the Résidence Sultana, a quiet, charming 12-room boutique hotel. Very different from the other hotels in the Zarzis/Djerba area, we recommend it for a stay in a peaceful, original and refined atmosphere. The hotel stands out for its great tranquillity, its original hammam, its excellent cuisine, its traditional decor and its beautiful vegetation, all of which attract a number of celebrities in search of peace and discretion. You feel like you're staying with friends or family. A real favourite!