Exotic and enticing Tunisia has an interesting Arabic culture steeped in its medinas, souks and Roman ruins. And Djerba Island is set along the impressive Mediterranean coastline offering watersports, sun and oodles of things to do. Its Africa meets the Med – palm trees included!
Swim and chill in Djerba – The flat island of Djerba is surrounded by the crystal clear Mediterranean waters and is lined with swishing palm trees meandering across the powder soft sands. Djerba is the perfect alternative to other islands in the Med: with pretty villages, mile upon mile of pristine beaches and superb spa facilities, this is the perfect spot to rest, relax and recharge. The southern resorts of Aghir and El Kantara are particularly peaceful. Spend your days swimming, snorkelling and chilling out. And when you’ve caught your breath, there are a wealth of sights, sounds and smells awaiting you.
Practice haggling at Houmt Souk – In the north of Djerba is the capital Houmt Souk, which means ‘market town’ and the traditional Tunisian town is lined with Moorish buildings set along cobbled streets. The ancient lanes reveal small shops piled high with crafts and antiques. The main square is packed with Berber traders selling spices, fabrics and jewellery, where haggling is a real art form. Wander Habib Bourguiba Street which is a replica of the giant version in Tunis.
Step it up a notch with some watersports – As well as snorkelling and swimming on Djerba beach, you can also join volleyball and various water sports on offer. Get active and try jetskiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, paragliding and monoskiing. The winds provide the ideal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. You can also explore the Med onboard a catamaran or explore the coastline on a motorboat.
Gawp at the Crocodiles – Prepare to get a little bit scared at the Mediterranean Crocodile Farm which has over 400 of the creatures which it has been importing from the Nile River over the last twenty years. Most scary is at feeding time in the afternoon, when the clack and hiss of crocodile teeth is palpable. Also within the site is the interesting Lalla Hadhria Museum and a heritage village which depicts a traditional village.
Take a boat over to Flamingo Island – Head over to Ras Rmel, aka Flamingo Island from Houmt Souk to admire the curious neon-pink birds against the backdrop of the azure blue sea. Djerba is a perfect ecological destination and the Ras Rmel peninsula offers an extra element to this. Travellers can also swim, sunbathe and snorkel here in relative seclusion.
Visit the Mos Eisley Set- Diehard Star Wars fans will recognise the landscape of Djerba Island from the movie, as the spaceport town of Mos Eisley. The very first film in 1977 was filmed in Ajim and the surrounding areas. Ajim is Djerba’s main port and lies within the Gulf of Gabes, closest to the African mainland.
Explore the cultural sights – There are a handful of cultural sights on Djerba Island including Guellala village which has produced traditional Tunisian pottery since the ancient roman period. Visit the Fadhloun Mosque in Houmt Souk and visit the La Ghriba synagogue in the village of Erriadh.
Image Credit; SuperManu
