Tunisia island of Djerba and Sardis. Open the left menu of the djerba. Cuisine and restaurants of Djerba

In books and guidebooks about Tunisia, Djerba does not devote much space and information. But this does not mean that the island is a depressed industrial area or a tourist outsider. On the contrary, Djerba (Tunisia) readily welcomes guests all year round. One could even say that in last 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 in Djerba, you don’t need any mermaids, 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 its width is even less - a maximum of 28 km. Also, this piece of land is not high, it rises above the sea by only 55 meters. When we say “island,” we stick to a clear geographical definition, although in order to get there, you don’t have to sail by sea. 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. The island is washed by azure waters on all sides Coastline Djerba has 130 kilometers of superb beaches. Main city islands - Houmt Souk, the bustling commercial center of southern Tunisia. Djerba exports not only wonderfully crafted carpets, but also sponges, soap, pottery and fish.

Climate

North African heat, softened by fresh breath Atlantic Ocean, Djerba promises you excellent, thanks to its geographical location, it can boast that on the island the temperature is always 2-3 degrees higher than on the mainland. And 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 “low season” here. These are three winter months. The coldest time is January. The air temperature stays at +15°C, and in February and December - +17°C. The best time for a holiday in Djerba, reviews call 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 here contrasts with the desert landscapes.

"Land of Lotophagi"

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is so beautiful that it is not surprising that many legends circle around it. Homer invented the first one. From the Odyssey we learn that Ulysses sailed from burning Troy and, after long adventures, reached a deserted shore inhabited by inhabitants who knew no grief. They ate lotus flowers that grew in abundance here. For this, Odysseus called the island “the land of lot eaters.” The brave navigator met the nymph Calypso here. She gave him nectar to drink from, and this drug intoxicated Odysseus so much that he forgot the purpose of his journey and remained on the island (in love bliss, 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 reigning in Djerba is saturated with a certain 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 discoverers of the island were the Phoenicians. 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 Western Sahara were inhabited by local Barbary tribes. They have still retained their identity, although they coexist side by side with other nationalities of the country. The island received a powerful economic boost during the reign of the Roman Empire. An embankment bridge was built across a two-kilometer strait, connecting Djerba to the mainland. The island is the small homeland of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. Later, Tunisia was ruled by the Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, and Turks. In the 16th century, the name of the terrible pirate Drogut Reis, who had one of his bases on the island, thundered here. 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

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

Tunisia, Djerba Island: hotels

The hotel base of the local resorts allows a wide variety of categories of tourists to relax. Most hotels are concentrated in the northern and west coasts, as well as in the city of Houmt Souk. At the south-eastern 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 exceeds the Turkish “five”. Here are some well-known chain hotels in Europe (Magic Life, Iberostar, Caribbean World and others), and local, with a unique flavor 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. Among the worthy “three rubles” we can recommend Miramar, Garden Park, Mehari and Palma.

Popular excursions

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is a unique place where the Christian West and Muslim East, African beliefs and Jewish wisdom intertwine. Here, as if 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 around the island and mainland Tunisia. Which one to choose? Reviews highly praise the organized two-day trip to the Sahara with a stop at the Barbary settlements of Ksar and the Tataouine area. By the way, those who watched the epic " star Wars", they will probably recognize in this desert landscape a fictional planet with the same name. Yes, Tataouine was filmed here, and at the same time they borrowed the name. Children will be interested in visiting crocodile farm and the Laguna Nature Reserve, where lotuses grow and flocks live pink flamingos. Unforgettable impressions you will still have after visiting the lunar landscapes of Matmata.

Independent travel

It should be noted right away that taxi prices here are higher than in the mainland of Tunisia. The island of Djerba is small, but its attractions are still far from each other. If you are lucky enough to be holidaying in Houmt Souk, go to the medina. This is the name given to a walled medieval quarter in the Arab world. Besides the bustling places where you can buy beautiful jewelry, embossing, carpets and pottery, you will see many characteristic houses with white walls and domed roofs. These are “menzels” - 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 that are worth visiting: Jamaa Ettruk, Esh Sheikh and Jemaa el Ghorba. But the main attraction of the old city is the Borj el-Kebir fortress. In the Jewish town of Hara-Segira 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 as a souvenir of the island of Djerba (Tunisia)? Reviews advise, in addition to carpets, to buy excellent local wines. The French colonialists 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 liqueur will be very useful, as will a package of excellent olive oil. For exotic lovers, we recommend buying a melhafa, a traditional orange striped bedspread, at the bazaar in the medina. Fine ceramics are sold in the town of Gellale.

Useful information for tourists about the island of Djerba in Tunisia - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Attractions

Guide

Not far from the Mediterranean part of the African coast is one of the most famous Tunisian resorts - the island of Djerba. Its area is just over five hundred square kilometers. There are no mountains or hills on the island. Fresh water It is mined from artesian wells. The island is connected to the continent by a causeway.

Olives, date palms and fig trees are grown on the island, fishing, sponge fishing and, of course, tourism are developed. The latter is not surprising: swimming season here it starts in May and ends in mid-autumn (and even later). In winter, light rain is possible here, and summer is usually dry. In general, the climate of the island can be described as typical Mediterranean, but the proximity of the Sahara also has an effect. It should be noted that the island is usually warmer than other Tunisian resorts (and there are fewer jellyfish in the sea water).

The beginning of the island's history is lost in the mists of time. According to legend, it was here that the nymph Calypso waited for Odysseus. The island was visited by the Phoenicians (they exported a special paint from here - a mixture of pink and purple colors), and the inhabitants of Carthage, and the Romans... Once upon a time there was a base here for the corsair Turgut Reis, who built a tower on the coast from the skulls of his enemies.

Currently, the island is a well-known tourist destination.

Transport

On the island of Djerba is located international Airport. Most comfortable view The means of transport that can be used to get to the resort from Russia is, of course, an airplane. Flight time from the Russian capital is approximately four and a half hours. You will arrive at the airport, located approximately nine kilometers from the city of Houmt Souk. This is the only airport on the island. Although there is only one runway, the airport handles both domestic and international flights.

To get from the airport to the city, you can use a taxi. You don't have to look for a car: taxis usually stand right next to the exit. You will immediately recognize them - these are bright yellow cars.

As for the transport that you can use for other movements around the island, your choice is limited: it could be the aforementioned taxi, a bus or a rented car. But keep in mind that buses run quite infrequently. If you decide to use this type of transport, it is better to study the schedule in advance. Advice to those whose choice is a taxi: be vigilant so as not to become a victim of scammers.

Sights and excursions

One of the main attractions of the island is the Borj el-Kebir fortress. It is located near the city of Houmt Souk (the largest on the island). The fortress was built in the 80s of the 13th century. In the 60s of the 16th century it was rebuilt. The structure has the shape of a rectangle. The walls are approximately four meters thick and are surrounded by a moat. In the depths of this ditch you can see ancient cannonballs and cannons covered with rust. Also there you can see the remains of a 13th century fortress. In autumn, winter and early spring the fortress is open from 9:30 to 16:30. In April, the opening hours change: the attraction can be viewed from 8:00 to 19:00, this schedule remains until the end of summer. On Fridays the fortress is closed to visitors.

Not far from the fortress walls there is a local history museum, which is also worth a visit. Another attraction located near the fortress is the Bordj el-Rus obelisk. Its history is gloomy: once on this site there was a tower made of the skulls of the Spaniards who died in the battle with Turgut Reis. The tower was “built” in the 60s of the 16th century and stood until the 40s XIX century. Then the remains of the Spaniards were buried.

Houmt Souk, located near the attractions described above, is also one of the island's tourist spots. Its blue and white clay houses and narrow streets forming a labyrinth invariably attract travelers. Here you can sit in a cozy cafe, buy souvenirs in a shop or market, and explore one of the three city mosques. In addition, the city has museums and monuments.

One of the most interesting attractions of the island is El Ghriba - an ancient synagogue. It contains one of the oldest scrolls on the planet with the text of the Torah. The synagogue is not only a famous landmark, but also a place of pilgrimage for Tunisian Jews. A hotel has been built for them on the temple grounds. The synagogue building was erected about two thousand years ago. The temple is one of the oldest synagogues in the world. True, the original structure has not survived to this day; the current synagogue was built later (on the site of an ancient building).

Not far from the town of Midoun there is another attraction of the island - a museum and entertainment complex. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to the culture and history of the country. The ancient dwelling of the islanders has been recreated on the territory of the complex. This is a clay building, whitewashed with lime, divided into rooms. In the museum and entertainment complex you can pet and photograph a live camel (children especially like this). In a separate area of the complex there is a farm where crocodiles are raised. Here you can not only watch the reptiles, but also feed them. During the “high season” the farm is open from 9:00 to 20:00; in other months (from mid-autumn to March) it closes to visitors two hours earlier.

Among the tourist places on the island, the villages of Azim and Guellala should also be mentioned. In addition, it is necessary to mention Jewish settlements and the Roman road (although some tourists consider this route to be a rather dubious attraction).

Beach holiday

It is believed that best beaches and hotels on the island of Djerba are located nearby Midoun. Most hotels on the island operate on an all-inclusive basis. In their surroundings you will not find a variety of cafes and restaurants, so it is especially important to choose a truly comfortable hotel. The better it is, the more comfortable you will spend your vacation.

The island's beaches are wide, with white sand that looks a little like powder. However, this description is true only for those beaches that are located in the tourist area, not far from hotels. In other places the coast is rocky, even clayey in some places.

All beaches on the island are public and admission is free (this is subject to local legislation). You can usually see both tourists and locals on the beaches. Sellers of souvenirs and fruits walk along the surf line. On the beaches you can take a photo with a camel or a horse, as well as ride them: these animals are sometimes brought here by local businessmen.

Although the beaches are public, this does not mean that they are strewn with garbage or covered with algae. Not at all. The beaches on the island are clean. Usually the cleanliness of the beach is maintained by the staff of the hotel located nearby. They also place sun umbrellas and sun loungers on the shore.

By the way, if we talk about the beaches of the island’s tourist area, there are quite a few local residents here. The reason is that many hotels are located at a considerable distance from settlements. But this distance usually does not stop fruit or souvenir sellers: they are on all Djerba beaches.

The entrance to the sea is convenient and gentle. The water is so clear that during calm periods you can see small fish. But when the wind picks up (and this often happens in the afternoon), little can be seen in the waves.

Lovers water activities can fly over the sea with a parachute, ride a jet ski or admire underwater world scuba diving. Those who prefer an active holiday on the shore can play, for example, beach volleyball.

Food and souvenirs

Most tourists eat in hotels. Be prepared for the fact that the food may be unusual. However, in different hotels They prepare different dishes, so it makes sense to find out in advance what exactly the buffet will be like at your hotel, what kind of food will be served.

If you dream of trying local dishes traditional cuisine, there will be no problems with this: Tunisians are happy to prepare them for tourists. But keep in mind: one of the features of Tunisian cooking is the large amount of hot sauce added to food. That is, approximately thirty percent of the local cuisine you try may seem very spicy to you. Although it should be noted that this is precisely where some tourists see the main charm of the local cuisine, and even buy hot sauce (harissa) as a “gastronomic souvenir”.

Tunisians also love olive oil, tomato paste and tomatoes. They add all this very generously to food. Tunisian cuisine has a lot meat dishes. You can also be sure that the hotel will offer you potatoes (fried, baked, mashed or fried), and maybe potato salad. There will be no shortage of pasta either: pasta is not a traditional Tunisian dish, but the locals love it very much. And, of course, bread - French buns and Arabic flatbreads on a buffet will most likely be nearby.

But if you like cheeses, cottage cheese and yoghurts, then you will be disappointed: the locals do not like them too much, and they are not particularly tasty here. Oddly enough, there are few seafood dishes on the island. If you order fish, eat it carefully: the fillets are not separated from the bones here. As for sweets, they are usually High Quality, the sad exception is chocolate.

And, of course, if you are not interested in Tunisian cuisine and want to get familiar food, there will be no problems with this: the island serves many European cuisines.

As for the “gastronomic souvenirs” that are usually brought from the island, these are olive oil, salted lemons, sweets, dates, and alcohol. Among the “inedible” souvenirs, ceramics, cosmetics, blown glass products and much more are popular.

If you arrive on the sunny island of Djerba, a guide will immediately attack you with a fairly impressive list of excursions and entertainment, and you will also be attacked by local guides who promise the same thing, only cheaper
Let's try to figure out what is better to visit, where you should take a full excursion, and where you can go on your own.

1. Crocodile farm

These are not only crocodiles, of which there are really a lot (about 4,500 Nile monsters). This is a fairly large complex that includes a farm, a Berber village and a museum.
Entrance: 15 dinars. Taxis in Djerba are very inexpensive, so the fare from the nearest hotels to the farms will be 2-3 dinars. You can and should go here on your own. The guides still don’t take you around the museum and don’t tell you anything special. It is worth finding out in advance at what time and on what days crocodiles are fed in order to see how they crawl out of the water and greedily pounce on pieces of meat. In general, the spectacle is not very dynamic, but the number of crocodiles per square meter is amazing. After the show you can take a photo with the little crocodiles for free. They are very cute!
The village consists of several houses that show the life and economy of the Berbers. There is also a camel working there, whose task is to demonstrate the extraction of water for irrigation. For 1-2 dinars you can take a photo with him.
The museum is small. Interesting, but I advise you to first read about the history of this place so that the contemplation of antiquities will be conscious.

2. Gelala Museum.

The ethnographic museum is quite large, interesting, and even children will not be bored there. Every room and house of this museum depicts the life of the local population, their activities and way of life. I advise you to go on this excursion with a Russian-speaking guide who will tell you interesting stories from the life of the Berbers. Entrance: 7 dinars.

There is a pottery workshop next to the museum. After all, it is the village of Gelala that is considered the center of the island’s pottery art. As a rule, as part of the excursion, the process of making clay products is shown. But the prices in the shop at the workshop are very high. On the market, the same products are 2-3 times cheaper.

3. Borj el-kebir fortress

This fortress was built in 1284 and served as a defensive fortification against invaders: the Normans and the Spaniards. Entrance: 7 dinars.
It's interesting to just climb here. There are no special exhibits. But I, for example, love all kinds of fortresses, so I walked around it all with pleasure. Moreover, from the walls of the fortress there is a wonderful view of the sea and beautiful pictures provided for you. From here you can walk on foot to the pier, where there are “pirate” ships that take vacationers to wild islands. By the way, wild islands are not very wild and you won’t find bounty-style landscapes there. But for children, a ride on a pirate ship with animation and a search for treasure will certainly be interesting!

4. La Ghriba Synagogue.

Come here early in the morning and without excursions. The synagogue dates back to the 6th century BC. e. and being the oldest synagogue in Africa is an interesting fact. The room with fragments of the Western Wall is tiny. But it’s worth visiting a place where pilgrims from all over the world have been coming every year for thousands of years!

5. The cities of Hum Souk and Midoun
You need to go to these cramped towns for fruits and souvenirs. You should bargain desperately and almost until you lose consciousness

Then you will return with a mountain of purchases and a good mood. They will tell you that you are the mafia, that you have ruined the poor Tunisian traders, but in fact that is how it is all intended. Despite the fact that merchants are actively inviting people to buy, no one grabs hands or swears, purchases take place in a pleasant atmosphere.

6. Sahara

Show picture

Excursions to the Sahara from Djerba are offered only by tour operators! Even if one of the locals offers it, don’t agree. This is a long and eventful excursion and it is better if the likelihood of jambs is minimized.
The excursion is possible for 1 or 2 days. But given the long road, it’s still worth taking a two-day trip. I think this is the most worthwhile excursion! Because nothing can replace the views of a real desert. On the way, you will meet the houses of the Berber troglodytes, as well as the Star Wars filming site, where the film's scenery still remains. Take a photo with the Fennec fox, ride horses and camels, see an unrealistically beautiful sunset and watch the sunrise in the desert!

7. Camel and horse riding

This is in abundance in Djerba! There are a lot of options: if you want, you can go yourself and lead the animal; if you don’t want, the guide will carefully guide your horse or camel. I’ve already ridden horses in Crimea, so this time we chose a camel. They drive very slowly and if you catch the right mood, such a leisurely walk along the sea will give pleasure and peace.

8. Quad biking

The ski route is quite unusual. First you need to drive along the highway, then through local villages, and then along small dunes with steep turns. Very interesting, but I was scared, so I rode holding on to my husband’s broad back. At the end, the ATVs stop near the lagoon where you can take photos.

9. Fun on the water
Bananas, pills, flights over the sea - it's all there and in large quantities. And in general it’s not expensive. You can rent a jet ski and go to desert island. There is also boat trips on boats with a net on which you can lie and watch fish swim under you, and if you’re lucky, dolphins.

Djerba - beautiful and interesting island! And there is also beautiful soft sand on the beach and a delightful warm sea!

August. By oneself

Tunisia, Djerba island

August. Trip to the island of Djerba.

I went to Hammamet, Tunisia, alone. I like to relax alone, you manage your own time and plan your vacation as you want. This was my first trip to Africa. First impressions - it’s very hot, you can’t breathe and you want to quickly hide somewhere. But this is only true at the beginning; soon you adapt and you practically don’t notice the scorching sun.

Me as an amateur active rest, during his entire stay in Hammamet, visited several interesting excursions, among which was a trip to the island of Djerba. It is relatively small but very picturesque island, located in the Gulf of Gabes.

We visited this island, small but very beautiful city Houmt Souk. The city has an ancient synagogue, a beach and a cafe with delicious shawarma and falafel. The guide told us that Djerba is famous for its olives, there are entire plantations there.

I promise that when I get married, I will come here with my whole family!

Julia and Konstantin

July. As a couple

Tunisia, Djerba island

July. A long-awaited trip to Tunisia.

Our long-awaited vacation has finally arrived! We immediately, on the second day of our vacation, bought a last-minute ticket to Tunisia resort town Hammamet. My husband and I went to hot Africa for ten whole days!

The vacation was simply unforgettable. Beautiful sunny resort, friendly locals and many excursions... It all went like a fairy tale. We visited the amazingly beautiful island of Djerba. We saw the poor life of local citizens, whose main income is based on the sale of olives or fish.

Of course, the nature of the island is richer than on the mainland. But we really liked Tunisia! We will definitely come here again and visit places we haven’t been before.

One of the famous resorts of Tunisia is the island of Djerba. The hospitable place is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and is in great demand among tourists every year. Climatic conditions allow vacationers to soak up the sun and swim until mid-autumn. The average air temperature on the island is 2-4 degrees higher than that of the inhabitants of the continent.

Djerba ranks first in size among the islands of the Mediterranean coast of Africa . But the area of 514 km² can easily be explored during your vacation. It will take about 6 hours to get from one end of Djerba to the other.

The article is visited by those who have chosen Tunisia and the island of Djerba for their vacation. What kind of place is this, does it live up to the brochures presented and is it perfect? First things first.

When planning your vacation, pay special attention to the geographical subtleties of the resort. If you like the hotel prices or the cost of a trip in the Zaris region, do not rush to pay for everything at once. Pay attention to its location.

Although it is formally considered part of Djerba, in fact it is located on the Tunisian mainland. Be careful and take into account this feature of the resort area.

How to get to paradise island?

Today, visitors have three available options:

water trip. A ferry runs regularly on the route mainland - Admim;
overland travel. There is a causeway between the island and the Tunisian mainland;
air travel. Maximum comfort for tourists will be provided by a quick plane flight directly to their desired vacation spot.

Our journey began from Moscow Domodevo airport. Airline flight North wind took 4.5 hours. We were pleased with the comfortable trip. Belarus, Hungary and Italy are left far behind. After an hour of flight, a pretty flight attendant came out to us.

A snack along the way could be a nice addition. There were a variety of cold and hot drinks to choose from. Then the main course came out. In a large, bright and promising box there was a small and nondescript sandwich.

Local airport of Djerba island

There is one small airport to receive vacationers on the island. It is located 15 minutes by car from the capital of Djerba - Houmt Souk. Just nine kilometers separate Melita or Djerba Zaris airport from the main town of the resort island.
By local standards, the airport is considered large, despite having only one runway. Work is underway both on receiving domestic flights and on international routes. Djerba Zarissuda Airport also welcomes guests from Russia. You will definitely get to know it if you have chosen Tunisia and the island of Djerba for your holiday.
After landing, every tourist is in a hurry to leave their heavy suitcases at the booked hotel. The best way to get there is to take a taxi. Drivers wait for fellow travelers right at the airport exit. Yellow cars stand in an even formation, waiting for tourists.
For those who like to book everything in advance, there are online services. You can order a car from the airport to your destination via the Internet. All you need to do is provide your contact information with your flight number and the driver will be waiting for you at the exit. A sign with your initials will help you accurately identify the greeter.

Preparing documents for the trip

A mandatory condition for flying to Tunisia is that you have an international passport. You do not need to apply for a special visa to enter. For Russian tourists The law requires 90 days of stay. Upon landing, visiting guests must fill out a migration card. Everything is absolutely free; everything necessary for issuing a card is provided right at the Tunis airport.

The map consists of two parts. One for you, one for the border guards. After you fill out and submit the required paperwork, your passport is stamped. Be careful and do not lose your part of the card, you will need it when flying back home.

Money and currency exchange in the resort of Djerba

Take care of currency exchange in advance. Rubles on the island of Djerba are absolutely useless. You can only exchange the Tunisian dinar for local money, the euro, the dollar, the pound, but not the ruble. Unlike European countries The best exchange rate is at Djerba Zaris airport. Of course it will be at your hotel too exchange office. The experience of tourists recommends not to delay exchanging money, more advantageous offer than you are unlikely to find at the airport.
After a monetary transaction, be sure to save the receipt you receive. Only by presenting it on departure will you be able to perform the reverse operation, that is, exchange dinars for dollars, euros, pounds or other convenient currency.
If you take a large sum with you, you should not immediately transfer it entirely into Tunisian dinars. Prices on the island are not high and you are unlikely to spend all the money you brought. Plus, when exchanging money back into your currency, some of the money is lost due to exchange rate differences. And there is no point in returning home with local dinars.

How to get around the island

Yellow taxi cars have become the optimal way to travel for visiting tourists. It won't be difficult to call her. If desired, you can pre-order transport at the hotel reception. This method of transportation is the most comfortable and not too expensive.

You can calculate the approximate cost of the trip yourself. It all depends on the distance and time. Taxi drivers use meters at the rate of 1 kilometer - half a dinar. Please note that 0.450 Dinars are automatically added to the resulting amount. Most likely this is the landing price.

Local beaches and sea

Arriving on the island and looking at the beach, you will immediately find differences with the advertising brochures. The paradise oasis with date palms is actually a little more modest. The clean, snow-white sand from the pictures is found only in the tourist part of the island of Djerba, in the hotel area.

Most of the beaches are pebbles and something of unknown origin. Looking for the perfect beach holiday It's worth heading to the Midoun region. Concentrated here most of expensive hotels and the most developed infrastructure of the island. Local beaches were photographed as the basis for promotional brochures;
When sunbathing on the beach at the hotel, do not be surprised by the large concentration of people. In Tunisia, any beach is public and open to the public according to the law. According to the rules, any beach within 30 meters of the sea is a public property and cannot be occupied by private property;
While sunbathing, you will most likely encounter local residents selling sweets, fruits or souvenirs. You can buy a dog, camel or horse right on the beach. If you wish, you can take a photo with your favorite animal or ride a horse along the shore. A camel ride will cost only 15 dinars;

Despite the public nature of the beach area, hotel workers pay close attention to the nearest beach. They regularly remove garbage, level the sand, clear the area of algae, and carefully arrange umbrellas and sun loungers. Therefore, when going to the beach, look in advance good hotel. How better hotel, the more pleasant the beach.

My family vacationed at the Djerba Plaza 4* hotel. I definitely recommend the local beach.

Quality of beaches within walking distance

Large animals are often found on the beaches: horses, camels. It is not surprising that after them tourists find not the most pleasant surprises. We were lucky. The employees of the Djerba Plaza 4* hotel approach their territory responsibly. The fate of vacationers in three-star hotels was not so successful. Feces are not uncommon on local beaches.

The downside of most beaches was the unpleasant smell. Most likely a consequence of rotting algae.

You will find security guards on every beach. They keep order. But there is no need to relax. It is not recommended to leave valuable personal items unattended. Local security will not guarantee the safety of your expensive camera or wallet.

In most cases, the bulk of the people on the beach are vacationers. You don't see local residents often. After all, most hotels are located at a considerable distance from populated areas. You are more likely to meet with sellers than with native Tunisians.

Sea baths on the island of Djerba

Fans of water procedures will be satisfied with the quality of the water. Transparent water of a magical blue color confirms everything promised by advertising brochures. Swimming near the shore you can meet a school of small fish. Unfortunately, such beauty does not reign on the island all day long. Frequent and strong waves are not a rare event on Djerba. The color and quality of water directly depends on local weather conditions.

Excellent conditions have been created for adults and children to enter the water. The slopes are gentle, the bottom smoothly disappears from under your feet, there are no sudden changes in height. The water temperature in October is comfortable, on average up to +25 degrees. From time to time, algae appears in the water near the shore. Such meetings happen where hotels do not pay too much attention to the beaches.

Inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea near the island of Djerba

You can safely swim in the sea. It is possible to meet a neighbor in the form of a jellyfish, but very often. Thanks to large size and the bright coloring of the animal immediately catches your eye, you can easily swim away and avoid a collision.

Cute crabs can be found on the sandy or pebble shore, and schools of fry swim in the water. The local inhabitants do not disturb tourists and serve as a nice addition to the local nature.

What to do on the beach of Djerba island?

after swimming and sunbathing, a tourist can ride a camel or take a horseback ride along the beach;
Among the water activities available to guests of Tunisia: scuba diving, flying hot-air balloon above Mediterranean Sea, jet skiing. The average price of fun leisure is from 20 to 30 dollars for two for 20 minutes;
if extreme entertainment is not for you, you can just play badminton or beach volleyball. All necessary accessories in the form of a ball or rackets are sold in local stores.

Hotels in Djerba resort

When you decide to go on vacation to the island of Djerba, pay special attention to choosing a hotel. The more stars and positive reviews it has, the more comfortable your trip will be.
Most local hotels operate on an All included system. This type of work is due to the lack of bars and restaurants in the resort area. It's a real rarity to come across a decent cafe. The accommodation and conditions in the Midoun region are considered the most comfortable and popular.
Finding a delicious lunch outside the hotel is difficult. If you are lucky enough to meet a restaurant along the way, the menu will not be large, but the price will be high
Your vacation will directly depend on the level of the hotel. How better hotel, the higher the quality of service, cleaner beach, more entertainment and more comfortable rooms.

Weather in mid-autumn

Our trip to the island of Djerba took place in the second half of October. Like most tourists, we began to prepare for the trip in advance. My favorite website, Gismeteo, helped me get acquainted with the long-term weather forecast on the island.
The promises were promising - several rainy days and an average air temperature of +20 degrees. The water temperature is + 23. Naturally, the suitcase contained sweatshirts, pants and even sweaters. In fact, we didn’t need any warm clothes.
We were lucky and there were no dogs at all. The temperature turned out to be higher than promised, up to +30 degrees. The water in the sea exceeded all expectations, on average +24 degrees. Now we recommend everyone to choose for a holiday in Djerba in mid-autumn. There are already significantly fewer people in the resorts of Tunisia at this time, the air and water temperatures are very comfortable.

The only downside was the insects. Autumn is the time to harvest dates. Whole flocks of flies flock to the sweet ripe fruit.

From the end of September to the beginning of October, the date ripening season begins, so the number of flies on the island increases.

Local beauties of the island of Djerba

Having carefully studied the advertising brochures on the island of Djerba, the tourist prepares to meet not only blue water and white sand. According to the booklet the island is favorite place Pink flamingos.
In fact, they are rare guests here. Only in certain seasons, if you are lucky, can you catch them at the resort. The plumage of the birds is also very different from the images in the pictures. It is not bright pink at all, but rather grey. There are also pale pink flamingos. The color directly depends on the animal’s nutrition;
You won’t even find thickets of date palms on Djerba. The vast majority of trees are olives. The resort area is rich in trees and shrubs. Leaving the tourist part, you are unlikely to find an abundance of green spaces; unfortunately, next to the hotels, in the cities of Djerba there is a sad environmental situation.
Local residents store garbage on roadsides and streets. The houses of local residents are in deplorable condition. Which is very predictable, given the economic situation of the African continent. According to reviews from travelers, the urban part of the resort resembles land after the apocalypse.

Thalassotherapy on the island of Djerba

One of the main sources of replenishment of the island's treasury is tourism. Thalassotherapy is very popular. The purely main components of the country’s economic base include income from Agriculture, inbound tourism and fishing.

The Ministry of Health of Djerba is responsible for the development and promotion of thalassotherapy. Visitors from different countries people around the world choose the island as a place to restore health and improve immunity.

You can easily book a thalassotherapy session in every hotel. There are also separate buildings on the island where healing procedures based on sea water and the natural resources of the region are carried out. Everyone will be able to undergo complex treatment or order several separate procedures. The price of pleasure is moderate - 3000 rubles for a full wellness complex.
We are this popular destination did not use alternative medicine. I can judge the effectiveness of the procedures from the reviews of my hotel neighbors. I really liked the friendly staff of the medical centers and the price of pleasure. The quality of the procedures themselves left much to be desired.
It is not surprising that the shops of the island of Djerba are filled with thalasso-cosmetics. The composition of cosmetics makes them in demand and popular all over the world. For production, only natural substances are used, for example, black cumin seeds or cactus. The price of the product is quite social. Thirty milliliters of cumin oil will cost 7 dinars.
You can buy almost any cosmetics: toothpaste, cream, cleansers for the face and body, hair masks, balms and shampoos.
For visitors there are special trips on a free basis to get acquainted with the thalasso boutique. The cosmetics store provides a wide selection of natural cosmetics at reasonable prices. If you did not have time to visit the boutique, you can purchase all the products in stores or markets. Their prices will be less favorable.

On excursions to Thalasso, tourists have the opportunity to pay for goods in their native currency. Even rubles are accepted here. But the course is extremely unprofitable. If you want to save money, take dinars with you.

The local concept of a boutique is very different from the usual European term. Due to the modest size of the frame, several stores in one building are already called shopping center. Small shops familiar to us can receive boutique status.

Alcoholic drinks and hookahs in Djerba resort

In Tunisia, tourists can try local beer or wine. The taste of the drinks is difficult to distinguish from the ones we are used to. The island's liqueurs have original tastes. The bitter taste will find its connoisseurs. Liqueurs Tibarin and Cedratin resemble absinthe and have a lemon flavor. Bukha vodka became the national alcoholic drink. Its strength is 36-40 degrees. Thanks to the unique recipe, the strength is not felt at all.

Local drinks are often taken home as gifts to friends and relatives.

Smoking hookah is a favorite pastime of local residents. Its quality is excellent and is in great demand among guests of the island. Almost every cafe and restaurant provides a hookah smoking service.

Shopping on the resort island

Those who love shopping will be disappointed. The island is not aimed at shopping fans.

Tourists take with them classic refrigerator magnets, postcards and other Chinese nonsense as souvenirs. Interesting gifts include ceramic dishes from the local potters' village. The place is called Gellala. There is a wide selection of plates, pots, vases, figurines and souvenirs to suit every taste. Products can be purchased not only in the village itself, but also in many shops on the island.

Tourists take natural products as souvenirs. Olive oil is popular. The main task is to choose locally produced products. Cosmetics are also exported. Budget tourists take local spices, coffee, tea, and alcohol as gifts.

All local products are suitable as a souvenir:

carpets, leather goods, jackets, bags;
They take with them confectionery products: halva, bedspreads and carpets, fig or cactus jam. Food unusual for Europeans is in demand.

We took a couple of jars of halva with us. Tasty and moderately sweet, we really liked it. Next time we'll definitely take more

Bazaars: what and where to buy?

A logical continuation of the topic of shopping and souvenirs would be the question of local shops and markets. Where and what is better to buy?

You will find all the necessary goods right next to the hotel. Lovers hiking They can also walk to the nearest town. You will find the best value for money in eastern markets. The cost of the goods will be minimal, and the range will be the widest;
the island's largest market is located in capital city Houmt Souk. Bazaars are also found in small towns. For example, Midoun is the closest city to the most developed tourist center. The atmosphere of the shopping area is absolutely original. Everyone should visit such a place;
if not because of the goods, then because of the amazing atmosphere. It is at the market that tourists will be able to get acquainted with the eastern side of the island. Be sure to take time and go to the local market.

Local cafes and restaurants

The majority of establishments are located in the cities of Djerba. They are not particularly popular among tourists. The fact is that most visitors choose the all-inclusive system.

Going to a cafe means trying Turkish coffee and the famous hookah. The goal is not food, but local flavor. Pizzerias are in demand. Large portions at a reasonable price are always appreciated.

Tipping in Tunisia

Whether or not to tip the local staff is entirely your own goodwill. Nobody obliges you to do this. By personal experience I recommend not to skimp and leave a few dinars. It's a small thing, but sometimes it works wonders.
The average salary of Tunisians is 150-200 dollars. The income is very modest. For local residents, even a small tip will be a good help.
We didn't hesitate to leave a couple of coins for the service staff. Tipping on the island is truly deserved. Employees of hotels, cafes and restaurants try to do their work as efficiently as possible. The people are friendly and welcoming. Plus, the poverty of local residents encourages them to leave a couple of dinars and help in some way.

Prices for goods place of production

Shopping on the island is not the most popular activity. If you are in the mood to make a few purchases, the prices will pleasantly surprise you. A bag made of genuine leather will cost you 25-40 dinars. The price depends on the size of the product.

A glass of natural juice with pulp sells for only 3 dinars. Exotic cactus jam averages about 4 dinars per 220 grams. Halva costs 4 dinars per 350 grams. Among food products, olive oil is in demand;
one liter will cost you 8 dinars. For comparison, a similar can in Moscow supermarkets already costs 1,680 rubles, as in all resorts the price depends on the place of purchase. The closer to the tourist area, the more expensive;
Those who like to bargain should definitely visit the local oriental market. Sellers will happily sell the item at a lower price. Thanks to a well-structured conversation, the price of a product can fall by 2-4 times.

Resort Island Security

Video reports and news reports often scare tourists about the high crime rate on the island. In fact, the situation in Djerba is quite calm. The bulk of visitors are vacationers from France, Germany and England. Today, the situation on the island of Djerba is considered the safest in all of Tunisia.
The city streets are patrolled by military vehicles. These measures are necessary due to the dangerous proximity to Libya. The locals themselves are friendly to guests of the country. After all, the success of the country’s economy and, consequently, their well-being depend on tourists.
The only nuance of staying on the island is the dress code. Pay attention to your appearance when leaving the hotel. Don't expose yourself too much, show modesty. You should not provoke Tunisians by violating their cultural customs. As in any unfamiliar country, you should not walk in unfamiliar places at night. Don't get into arguments or conversations with strangers.

Russian language at the resort

Surprisingly, the Russian language in Djerba is familiar to many Tunisians. In all shops, restaurants, markets, hotels and inns, island residents are familiar with Russian. Everyone involved in tourism activities is trying to establish contact with visitors and learn to speak their native language.

Knowledge of German, English or French. Owning at least one is a guarantee of easy communication with others. Local residents are actively studying languages. If you tell them a few phrases in Russian, they will definitely remember them and use them in communication.

Spending time on the island of Djerba

At the resort, everyone will find something to their liking. Visit, active entertainment or sightseeing tour- your choice. detailed information about leisure activities was presented in the previous article. In order not to repeat ourselves, we will not re-describe all the available entertainment on the island.

Let's remember just a few of the most memorable places:

Cozy park Djerba Explore. A modest, well-kept place to relax.

If you get tired of relaxing in the shade of trees, check out the crocodile farm. Here guests will see real Nile crocodiles feeding.

There is an interesting attraction in the park - the city museum under open air. A traditional Djerbian village with houses of national architecture was created. In the small park there is another museum of traditions and crafts.

Djerba potters' village of Gellala. Here tourists will find several interesting attractions. You can see with your own eyes the process of creating national ceramic products. The workshop opens its doors to everyone. Guests will also see clay caves - the source of material extraction.

The next attraction is the Guellala Ethnographic Museum, perhaps the best on the island. Visitors will get acquainted with an exhibition telling about the traditions of Tunisians.

The center of Gellaly itself will delight tourists with many souvenir shops and shops. The product directly from the manufacturer is ready to please visitors at a very reasonable price.

Once on the island of Djerba, you definitely need to get to the capital - the city of Houmt Souk.

To feel the oriental flavor, you just need to visit the local bazaar. Shopping lovers will definitely be pleased.

Of cultural interest are the Ghazi Mustafa Fort, mosques and amphitheater.

A special place to visit was the synagogue in the city of Riyadh.

Which cities in Djerba are worth visiting for tourists?

The main city of Djerba is the capital Houmt Souk. This is the cultural and business center of the island. It is number one on the list of cities to visit.
In second place is the city of Midoun. It is near the main tourist area.
The top three includes Azhim. The main fishing port is located here. Guests of the island will be able to walk along the embankment and see with their own eyes the process of catching sea sponges and octopuses.

Personal opinion about the resort of Djerba

The overall impression of the holiday is positive. There is something interesting for everyone. For fans of water treatments - good beaches and warm sea, for lovers of cultural recreation - excursion programs and attractions for active recreation - sports and extreme entertainment.

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