Djerba Island Holidays

Rising costs, complicated reservations and the daunting task of coordinating travel have long shied many families away from a true vacation holiday.

Today’s economy has produced smart shoppers – budget conscious families searching for the answer. Inclusive cruises have met that demand. Inclusive cruises , catering to each family member, provide worry-free travel in a cocoon of luxury. Needing only to unpack, families are now free to escape….and what better place to escape than the “Isle of Forgetfulness?”

Djerba, the Isle of Forgetfulness, is the largest island of North Africa. Nestles like a gem in the Gulf of Gabes, the island is rich in natural beauty and steeped in history.

Blessed with three hundred days of sun each year and offering over eighty miles of shoreline, Djerbabeckons those searching for paradise. Known also as the “land of dreams”, it is believed Nature created Djerba to enchant the imagination of the human soul.

The largest city, its capitol, is Houmt-Souk, meaning ‘market place’. With a population of around sixty thousand, Houmt-Souk delights tourists with intricate streets rich with oriental treasures.

Small cafes further add to the provincial charm. The long stretch of souk is an excellent place to purchase fabrics worn by many of the local women, embroidered wool both striking and colorful. Blankets have been woven here since the time of Hannibal.

Connected to the mainland by a long causeway, Djerba has many tiny towns that beckon exploration. El-May is a colorful market, while Fatou produces beautifully woven baskets and rush mats. In the town of Guellala, exquisite pottery and ceramics have been hand manufactured since the time of King Midas.

Nothing is ostentatious in Djerba. The tiny towns are nestled while maintaining the natural lushness of a flower –saturated oasis. The mosques, of which Djerba boasts over two hundred, are of moderate construction yet full of character. Strikingly white houses, built in traditional menzel (domed) fashion appear like pearls against their cerulean wrought iron trim.

Rich in history, Djerba sits on the ancient Roman city of Gerba. The island is home to more than seven thousand olive trees, some more than three thousand years old.

Roman statues and Byzantine mosaics captivate visitors. Djerba is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The El Ghriba synagogue in Hara Seghira stands on a site dating back to 586 B.C. and contains one of the oldest Torahs in the world.

El Ghriba synagogue – Djerba

In contrast, Djerba claims its place in literature and film. Homer’s Odyssey calls Djerba “the land of the lotus eaters”. This lush island was the 1977 location of the exterior scenes in the first Star Wars, filmed in the town of Ajim.

Djerba is home to exquisite modern tourist complexes on the northern and eastern coasts. These tourist palaces are built to blend man- made and natural beauty into a lush and serene environment.

Horseback riding, playing golf, exploring on a mountain bike or even flying a kite, are just a few of the activities available. Water sports, available year round, include water skiing, diving and paragliding. Banana boats, jet skis and catamarans further entice play. Gentle breezes during the holiday season allow children to safely frolic in the calm azure waters.

Exploring the island, families will love Djerba Explore Park, a museum, local cultural center and crocodile facility featuring Nile crocodiles up to seven meters.

The Lalla Hadria Museum features fifteen rooms filled with colorful collections of Islamic art.

For an afternoon of pampering, modern spas and wellness centers provide massages, all natural treatments and Turkish baths. Dramatic sunsets beckon one to pause and bless this colorful display. Restaurants, featuring the freshest fruits of the sea, live music, casinos and clubs entice tourists to explore the nightlife.
Against these azure skies, soothed by the whisper of palm trees and warmed by the golden sands, Djerba, the Isle of Forgetfulness, gently beckons you to her calm shores and golden sands to come play.