Djerba Island holidays

Holidays to Djerba Island aren't just about the beach. Sure, the 13-kilometre swathe of sand deserves the spotlight, but don't overlook the unpolished charm of towns like Houmt Souk.

Mythical island

Djerba, an island off the coast of Tunisia, was described by Homer as the land of the Lotus-eaters – a place so seductive, visitors find it impossible to leave. Today, the Lotus-eaters may be gone, but the attraction hasn’t diminished one iota. Its east coast is a shimmering stretch of white sand, backed by the Zone Touristique’s luxury hotels. To the north are the cobblestone alleys and sun-drenched squares of the capital, Houmt Souk. And in the island’s interior, orchards of fig and apple mask quaint, rural villages.

Sidi Mahres Beach

Sidi Mahres is Djerba Island's headline beach. It runs for 13 kilometres from Taguermes lighthouse in the east all the way to Flamingo Point in the north, where pink-feathered visitors congregate in February each year. The Zone Touristique commands the best stretch of beach, with a gently shelving shoreline that’s safe for children to paddle in and a long list of watersports. The hotels have parceled out the sand between them, so you’ll find sunloungers arranged in neat rows and beach bars serving drinks all day long.

Authentic Tunisia in Midoun

Just a five-minute drive away, Midoun is the nearest town to the Zone Touristique. It’s Djerba Island's second town after Houmt Souk and home to many shops and sights, plus a handful of Tunisian restaurants. Every Friday, the market rolls into town. And on Tuesday there’s the traditional Berber wedding ceremony in the town theatre, supported by a cast of tunic-wearing musicians.

The capital of Houmt Souk

Houmt Souk, Djerba Island's placid capital, is a 15-minute car journey from the Zone Touristique. Its tree-lined pavements are dotted with cafés that are perfect for sitting out and sipping a mint tea. Side streets are filled with old funduqs, or inns, where the chirrup of birds fills tiled courtyards. And the town centre's veined with cobbled alleyways where stalls overflowing with silver jewellery, Berber rugs, and ceramics all clamour for your attention.