A guide to things to do in Djerba

Plage Sidi Mahrez

The main beach of Djerba also happens to be its most popular, and the palm tree fringed beauty of Plage Sidi Mahrez is always a tantalising prospect when you’re planning how to spend an afternoon.

Deck chairs and tropical-themed thatched parasols dot the shoreline, although there are plenty of wide open stretches of sand to enjoy as well, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds on your holidays to Tunisia.

This beach boasts a fair few amenities close at hand, and with 13 kilometres of beach at your disposal, you’re free to stroll and sunbathe at your leisure.

Ras Rmel

Better known to tourists as Flamingo Island, a short boat trip from Djerba’s Houmt Souk, which we’ll talk about a little later in this list, will have you experiencing a lovely secluded landscape.

This tiny island welcomes fishers and sunbathers as much as divers and swimmers, yet its star attraction is the flamingoes who make their home here year on year. Their vibrant pinks contrast the blue sea splendidly, and they make for a scrumptiously surreal escape from the norm. Definitely bring your camera for this one.

Houmt Souk's old town

While all of Djerba’s capital of Houmt Souk warrants your attention, and it’s a springboard to adventures on Flamingo Island as we described, its old town district shines as a tourism attraction. Unspoilt by mainstream attention, it shows how islanders have lived for generations, and the stalls and stores sell ceramics and fabrics galore.

You can put your haggling skills to the test among some cheeky stall-keepers, or instead marvel at the classic architecture and the colourful fishing boats in the harbour.

Guellala

The little town of Guellala shows off Djerba’s skilled handicrafts like nowhere else on the island. More specifically, it’s the centre of the island’s handmade pottery trade, with over 450 potters of all walks of life and across the whole span of generations making their home here.

Expect the streets to be garlanded with colourful ceramic wares, from bowls and jars to vases of exquisite detail. Souvenirs from here are a must, and the authenticity of the skills on show can’t be topped.

Quadbiking the sand dunes

Numerous companies, like Quad Evasion, have set up shop on Djerba, making the most of the island’s superb scenery and unspoilt stretches of land. If you’re ready to head from the sea views, as tricky as they are to ignore, and head into the hinterlands, a quad bike tour works wonders.

Saddling up and roaring through the wilderness over sandy trails and weaving through slopes and dunes is a great way to spend your day, and can make for some exciting memories.

The Mediterranean Crocodile Farm

Scaly friends with shiny teeth are brought over to live happy lives in the sun at this sprawling park, leaving the likes of The Nile in Egypt behind to laze their days away in the lakes and streams here. In fact, over 400 crocodiles of all ages live here today – another one for the photo album, for sure.