Africa holidays > Tunisia holidays > Jerba

TUNISIA

Jerba

According to legend the island was the ‘Land of the Lotus-Eaters’, where Ulysses’ companions in the Odyssey did not want to leave after being given flowering food. Even today it is an enchanting place with superb beaches, traditional whitewashed architecture and a diverse religious and ethnic mix of people, including one of the last Jewish communities in North Africa.

Why visit Jerba?

Within the village of Erriadh is located the El-Ghriba Synagogue which is a major place of pilgrimage for Jews during the Passover Festival. The inner sanctuary is reputed to contain one of the oldest Torahs (Jewish holy book) in the world.

Jerba’s main town of Houmt Souq has a unique, beguiling charm with its distinctive whitewashed buildings, attractive small squares and a maze of narrow, winding streets. The covered souq has an excellent selection of handicrafts for sale including basketwork, pottery, carpets, sheeshas (water pipes), whilst the fish, spice, fruit and vegetable markets are colourful and atmospheric parts of the town. The Museum of Popular Arts & Traditions, which occupies the Zaouia of Sidi Zitouni houses a good collection of local costumes, pottery and jewellery.

The village of Guellala on the island’s south coast is well known for its pottery with many workshops and galleries displaying local wares. The waterfront mosque here is a fine example of Jerban Islamic architecture, whilst the village’s museum has various excellent folklore displays.

Recommended Lodges in Jerba

LODGE NAME ONE, CENTRAL KALAHARI

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TUNISIA KEY INFO

Visa

No Visa is required for UK passport holders.

Health Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations are required.

Time Difference

GMT + 1 Hour

Flight Time

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"Many thanks indeed. Fab holiday! Everything went incredibly smoothly, and all the staff/drivers etc charming and all our connections etc went smoothly. Highlights included white water rafting, zip wires, releasing new-born turtles into the sea, being in a boat amongst 200 dolphins, riding on beaches... Children and parents ticked off many from our “must do things in our lives” list. In terms of lodges, would rank Pacuare and Lapa Rios equal first. Quite different, but both outstanding in terms of people, location, set up, activities, comfort etc. So overall a brilliant holiday, expertly organised by WO/HL/JF! Many thanks indeed, and see you soon!"
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"We had an amazing time thank you very much. I was so impressed with your service everything ran like clock work !!! We could'nt believe how close we managed to get to the animals and how many we saw at Kieche, the staff we fabulous, the food was amazing in all 3 locations !! Thank you for all your efforts and organising such a wonderful trip for us".
The S. Family - Kenya & Zanzibar: August
"We have just returned today. It was totally magical. Everything worked like clockwork, and both the safari and coast were gorgeous. Thank you very much to you and Frank for organising"
Mr & Mrs F. Z. - Kenya: December
"I know it has been said but thank you again for all your hard work bringing this trip together for us all. It was just fantastic".
P. W. Family – Morocco: September
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Glenice Carver - Ethiopia