Djerba, Tunisia: all the details about the holiday for tourists

In the books and guides about Tunisia Djerba, not so much space and information is given. But this does not mean that the island is a depressed industrial region or a tourist outsider. On the contrary, Djerba (Tunisia) eagerly welcomes visitors all year round. One can even say that in recent years, tourism has pushed the traditional weaving of carpets by 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 the 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 on Djerba, no mermaids are needed, because the gentle sea, thalassotherapy procedures and the hospitality of the locals will do their thing.

Geography

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is not large. Its length is only 29 kilometers, and the width is even smaller - maximum 28 km. Also this piece of land is not high, it rises 55 meters above the sea. Speaking of the "island", we adhere to a clear geographical definition, although in order to get there, there is no need to swim by the sea. It is so close to the mainland that it is connected to it by a bridge. And this jumper is not an achievement of modern engineering. The bridge was built by the ancient Romans more than two thousand years ago. From all sides the island is washed by the azure waters of Gulf of Gabes. The coastline of Djerba is 130 kilometers of the most beautiful beaches. The main city of the island is Houmt Souk, the bustling commercial center of southern Tunisia. Djerba exports not only carpets of wonderful work, but also sponges, soap, pottery and fish.

Climate

The North African heat, softened by the fresh breath of the Atlantic Ocean, promises you an excellent holiday in Tunisia. Djerba, thanks to its geographical location, boasts that the island's temperature is always 2-3 degrees higher than on the mainland. And yet this is not Egypt. Despite the assurances of travel agencies that in Djerba you can sunbathe and swim all year round, there is a "dead season" here. These are three winter months. The coldest season is January. The air temperature is at + 15 ° C, and in February and December - + 17 ° C. The best time to relax on Djerba reviews is called off-season with their comfortable + 22-26 ° C. The Mediterranean climate has created a variety of landscapes on a small island. The lush green of olive and date groves here contrasts with the desert landscapes.

Land of the Lotophages

The island of Djerba (Tunisia) is so beautiful that it is not surprising that there are many legends around it. The first came up with Homer. From the Odyssey we learn that Ulysses sailed from the blazing Troy and, after long adventures, reached the deserted shore, on which lived the inhabitants who are unaware of grief. They ate lotus flowers, which grew in abundance here. For this Odysseus also called the island "the land of the lotophagi." A brave navigator met the Calypso nymph here. She also gave him a nectar from a lotus flower, and this drug so stupefied Odysseus that he forgot the purpose of his journey and stayed on the island (in love, of course) for seven years. Homer gives the island the name of Oligia. In this myth it is easy to believe, because today the atmosphere reigning on Djerba, is imbued with a certain intoxicating sweet ether. On the second day, even the most collected and pedantic person loses the sense of time and plunges into a blissful languor.

History

In reality, everything was somewhat more prosaic, but not less interesting. Discoverers of the island were the Phoenicians. In the distant eighth century BC they brought here the rudiments of trade and crafts. But they inhabited Tunis, the island of Djerba and the oases of the Western Sahara, the local tribes of the Berberians. They still retain their identity, although they co-exist side by side with other nationalities of the country. The island received a powerful economic push in the era of domination of the Roman Empire. A bridge-mound was built across the two-kilometer strait, connecting Djerba with the mainland. The island is a small homeland of the emperors Valerian and Gallien. Later Tunisia was owned by Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, Turks. In the 16th century, the name of the terrible pirate Drogut Reis, who had one of his bases on the island, was thunderous here. There is an opinion that filibustier hid his treasures somewhere here. In 1560, the pirate erected a tower of five thousand skulls of his enemies. Bordzh-el-Rus stood there until 1848, after which it was dismantled, and human remains were buried.

How to get there

The hotels of Djerba Island (Tunisia) beckon travelers, but the road to them, especially from our penates, can be long. In high season from Russia, Nouvelair airline carries out charter flights. But at other times you will have to travel with transplants. The local airport Djerba-Zarzis regularly accepts only domestic flights. You can fly to the capital of the state, the city of Tunis, and then take advantage of one of the proposals of local airlines (one-way ticket will cost about one hundred dinars). The way in "Lluz", long-distance minibus, will be longer, but four times cheaper. They move away from the stops as they fill. An alternative to them are buses. More expensive, but comfortable, with air conditioning. And they walk on schedule.

Tunisia, Djerba Island: hotels

The hotel base of local resorts allows you to relax to a wide variety of tourists. Most of the hotels are concentrated on the north and west coasts, as well as in the city of Houmt Souk. On the southeastern tip of the island, the excellent Midun resort flourishes. If we consider hotels by star, then the vast majority is the "quartet". And the quality of service in them exceeds the Turkish "five". Here are presented as well-known in Europe network hotels (Magic Life, Iberostar, Caribbean World and others), and local, with inimitable color and buildings in the Berber style. Five-star hotels Djerba (Tunisia) offer their guests a life-giving thalassotherapy course. These are such oases of bliss as Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa Prestige, Ulysse Palace, Movenpick Ulysse, Vincci Al Kantara, Radisson Blu. Of worthy "treshkas" you can advise Miramar, Garden Park, Mehari and Palma.

Popular excursions

Djerba Island (Tunisia) is a unique place where the Christian West and the Muslim East, African beliefs and Judaic wisdom are intertwined. Here, as a time machine, you can go to the medieval medina and wander for hours on the shady narrow streets. Tourists are offered a large number of excursions both on the island and on the mainland of Tunisia. Which one to choose? The reviews are very praised by the organized two-day trip to the Sahara with the arrival in the Berberian settlements of Ksara and the Tatauin district. By the way, those who watched the epic "Star Wars", for certain will recognize in this deserted landscape a fictional planet with the same name. Yes, Tatauin was filmed here, and at the same time lent the name. It will be interesting for children to visit the crocodile farm and the Laguna reserve, where lotuses grow and flocks of pink flamingos live. Unforgettable impressions you will have after visiting the lunar landscapes of Matmata.

Independent travel

Immediately need to make a reservation that the prices for a taxi here are higher than in the mainland of the state of Tunisia. The island of Djerba is small, but still its sights are remote from each other. If you were lucky enough to rest in Humm-Suk, go to the medina. So called in the countries of the Arab world enclosed by the fortress walls of the medieval quarter. In addition to the bustling oriental bazaars, where you can buy beautiful jewelry, embossing, carpets and pottery, you will see many characteristic houses with white walls and a domed roof. These are "menzels" - the traditional dwellings of the inhabitants of Djerba. Thanks to this construction of the building, it always keeps cool. In the labyrinths of the medina are three main mosques that are worth visiting: Jamaâ-Ettruk, Ash-Sheikh and Jemaa el-Gorba. But the main attraction of the old city is the fortress of Bordzh-el-Kebir. In the Jewish town of Khara-Segira is the oldest synagogue of La Griba (Amazing). According to legend, she is already two thousand six hundred years old. And in the town of Meninx, there are ruins of an ancient Roman settlement.

Souvenirs

What to bring to the memory of the island of Djerba (Tunisia)? Reviews advise, except for carpets, to buy fine local wines. The French colonialists have instilled a taste for subtle beverages to the local population, so you will not be disappointed. Everywhere on the island grow palm trees, so from dates make alcoholic beverages. A bottle of liqueur will be very handy, as is packaging of excellent olive oil. For lovers of exoticism, we recommend buying a millhaf in the medina at the bazaar - a traditional orange striped veil. In the town of Gellale, beautiful ceramics are sold.