Djerba, A Place To Fall In Love With

I had never thought of visiting Djerba, in Tunisia. It never really caught my attention, and I thought of it as one, huge resort that would be uninteresting to visit and where I may eventually go anyways as it is really close to Italy. My assumptions were based on my total ignorance about Tunisia, but that “I may go anyways” moment came last May, and I am glad it did: as it turns out, I actually fell in love with Tunisia and I hope to visit again soon.

Djerba was nothing short of surprising to me. I arrived there right when the sun was about to set, and as the bus drove through the island, I already caught a glimpse of its beauty. White buildings with brightly colored doors and blinds stood against the bluest of skies. Fishermen boats were berthed in the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean sea. Camels roamed free on the side of the road.

The morning after, I set off to explore the island. What I discovered is a place rich in culture and traditions, which I could have a first taste of in Djerba Explore. This interesting park finely reproduces a traditional Tunisian village, with several homes, a well where the water is pumped with the help of a camel, and various workshops where women are employed in traditional occupations. Other places to learn a bit more about the culture and history of Djerba are the Lella Hadria museum and the Museum of Art and Traditions.

I continued my exploration in the Souq, getting lost in the tiny alleys, rummaging through the beautiful shops selling colorful ceramics and peeping through the doors to see traditional barber shops or hostels that are set in beautifully restored buildings. People went about their daily business: a chat with friends at a local coffee shop, an errands run, a quick meal.

I then moved to Djerbahood. Little did I know that street art was actually a big thing in Tunisia: an entire neighborhood has been painted with street art, where murals depict aspects of daily life on the islands, as well as traditions. Seeing the murals against the traditional white buildings of Tunisia, the cobbled alleys with bouganville flowers pouring out of gardens made the experience even more interesting.

I went to Djerba right during the Lag Ba’omer. This is a celebration taking place on the 33rd day after the Jewish Easter. In Djerba, it is celebrated at the Ghriba, which is the oldest synagogue of Africa, built in 586 BC and located in the village of Hara Sghira. I happened to be there right on the day of the main celebration, and it was an interesting experience. Men and women, dressed up for the occasion, travel from Tunisia, neighboring countries and even far away ones to experience this pilgrimage. As a woman I talked to told me, “this is my way to feel closer to God, to send him my prayers and to show him I am still here in Tunisia.” But it isn’t just all about prayers: this is also a time to get together, chat, eat and play – which is done in the caravanserrai right on the other side of the synagogue, which was built to welcome pilgrims and is no longer used.

My visit to Djerba would have not been complete without a dip in the sea. I am a beach girl deep down – I couldn’t be otherwise as I grew up in Sardinia. But I am very spoiled when it comes to beaches and sea. I am used to the very best, and it is usually hard to find a place that meets my standards. Even in this case, Djerba didn’t fail to impress me: long, white sandy beaches with the most amazingly clear waters. I was so thrilled by it that I literally sprinted to jump in.

When I boarded my flight back to Italy, I knew I had fallen in love with Djerba and I regretted not having gone any sooner. The good news for me is that Tunisia is really easily accessible and I know I will go back for more.

Claudia Tavani is a former human rights lawyer and academic who abandoned her career to follow a life of travel, which has taken her on many adventures around the world. Through her blog, she aims to inspire others to travel and to provide travel tips.

Check out Claudia’s blog “My Adventures Across The World“.