Best of Djerba Small-Group Cultural Island Tour

The Roman causeway of El Kantara

Djerba is linked to the mainland in the south-east by a road built across the shallow sea, about seven kilometres long, known as the causeway of El Kantara. Its origins go back to Roman times, when it connected the island town of Meninx with the coast, and it has been rebuilt many times over the centuries. Today it carries the main road from Djerba to Zarzis and the south.

The tour stops at a viewpoint where you see the long, straight line of the road disappearing over the water, with flamingos sometimes feeding in the shallows on either side. Your guide explains the history of the island, from Phoenician traders and Roman settlers to Berber, Arab and Ottoman times, and why Djerba has always been a crossroads of the Mediterranean. It is the perfect start to a Djerba cultural tour.

The potters of Guellala

Guellala, in the south of the island, has been the centre of Djerba's pottery for centuries. Its clay, dug from underground galleries near the village, is shaped on foot-powered wheels and fired in large kilns half-buried in the ground. The village produces everything from large storage jars and water jugs to decorated plates and the clay pots used by local fishermen to catch octopus.

You visit a working pottery workshop for about an hour, where a craftsman shows the steps of the work, from preparing the clay to turning and glazing. You can watch a jar take shape in a few minutes and browse the colourful pieces in the shop. Guellala pottery is one of the best souvenirs of the island, and buying directly from the workshop supports local families.

El Ghriba Synagogue

El Ghriba, in the village of Erriadh, is considered the oldest synagogue in North Africa by local tradition, and the community it serves has lived on Djerba for more than two thousand years. The present building is richly decorated with blue ceramic tiles, painted wooden ceilings, stained glass and elegant arches, and it is a place of pilgrimage every spring.

The guided visit lasts about 20 minutes. Visitors remove their shoes and cover their shoulders and knees, and a passport or ID is needed for the security check. Please note that interior visits are not possible on Saturdays; on that day your guide explains the site from outside. The visit is an opportunity to understand the long coexistence of communities on the island.

Djerbahood, the open-air gallery of Erriadh

In 2014, the old lanes of Erriadh were transformed into an open-air museum when artists from around the world were invited to paint murals on the walls of houses, shops and courtyards. The project, called Djerbahood, gave new life to the village, and many of the artworks remain today, mixing calligraphy, portraits of local life, geometric patterns and playful animals against the white walls and blue doors.

You spend about 45 minutes strolling among the murals with your guide, who points out the most striking works and the stories behind them. It is a wonderful place for photos and a surprising contrast with the traditional architecture of the island. If you are wondering whether Djerbahood is worth visiting, it is one of the most original sights in Tunisia and a favourite of photographers.

Houmt Souk and Borj El Kebir

Houmt Souk is the island's main town and its lively commercial centre. You have about 45 minutes of free time to explore its covered souks and shaded squares, where shops sell woven rugs, leather slippers, silver jewellery, spices, olive oil and local sweets. Your guide gives tips on where to buy and how to bargain politely.

The tour ends with a photo stop at Borj El Kebir, a 15th-century fortress standing on the seafront near the harbour, built to defend the island against attacks from the sea. You see its thick walls and towers from outside; entry to the interior is not included and can be paid on site if you wish. Our minibus then takes you back to your hotel, about four hours after pickup.