Djerba

Djerba is often called an island of dream because of its soft sandy landscapes and low horizon, mild climate and naive charm of traditional architecture as well as because of thousands centuries-old olive trees knotty trunks of which show their venerable age. On the small parts of earth nourished with fresh water local peasants cultivate wonderful jasmine and fruit gardens in the shadow of which they spent short serene moments.

This island has long history which begins in the age when Carthage and Rome hadn't even been built, when famous Homer had described the landing of Ulysses and his crew on this very island of Djerba. Now the island is one of the main resorts of Tunis because of numerous centres of thalassotherapy. An additional advantage of Djerba is the fact that one of seven Tunisian airports is located here.

The island is connected with the mainland through a dam 7 km long - it is an ancient Roman road; the depth of the sea in this place is up to 1.2 m only.

The resort attracts foreign tourists through all the year. Many Italian families buy private houses here. Tourists admire the unique, mild and healing climate of the island: in August (the hottest months of the year) the temperature doesn't rise over 35 degree. At the same time, it is never cold here: caressing Sun gives its vivifying warmth in any season.

The main architectural sightseeing of the island is Menzeli - "small castles" of the square shape with blind, perfect white walls. Three hundred small mosques of roundish easy contours and milky white colour add much to the modest charm of the island of Djerba. Two oldest mosques are under the earth; one of them is functioning.

The "capital" of the island is Houmte Souk (it means Big Market); it is the administrative centre where 60% of the population lives. Each Sunday, from dawn till dusk, and each Monday, from dawn till midday, there is a large market on the main square where you can purchase everything: from a needle to a camel.

We can't miss a well-known district of Gelela Djerba. It is a central point of private workshops of local craftsmen producing hand-made ceramics of exciting beauty. All the work is done with hands, as it was in the old days. They use clay of different colours: white, red and brown. The Festival of ceramics and trade show are held here annually.

Tourists are also attracted by Griba (it means an alien woman). It is one of the oldest synagogues of the world founded in the 6th century by Jews expatriated from Jerusalem. As a sign of friendship of religions a mosque is erected near the synagogue.

Those who would like to forget about history and to relax in an active company have a chance to visit the biggest Casino of the whole Northern Africa which is located on the island. It is a large entertainment centre for adults and children, for experienced gamblers and for beginners.

And sportive people can find a number of types of activity for themselves, too. It can be diving, snorkeling, surfing or underwater fishing. Golf-players are welcome in the complex of "Djerba Golf" with 27 holes which was opened in 1995. Now, it is one of the leaders among the clubs of the Mediterranean coast.