Djerba, Houmt Souk

When arriving in the capital of the island of Djerba, “Houmt Souk”, you can not not get drunk in its souks. Without particular charm, you know from the start that you are not going to love much. Especially if you inquire a bit. Yet you can not help but stroll around. Here and there, we exhibit a craft fairly inventive. Camels, baskets, Nabeul pottery, and fake bags Vuitton, Chanel and Prada. What do you want ? It’s so “kitsh” that you end up having fun. Too bad, because the Tunisian craft is experiencing a real revolution. New brands innovate and flourish. It seems that they still arrive with difficulty on the island of Ulysses.

Start by sipping a fresh lemonade on the terrace of the Ben Yedder or Hajji café and overtake your aprioris. Go in search of beautiful pieces at the carpet dealers. There are still magnificent pieces; Kilims “,” mergoums “,” bagnouk “… Always in the streets of the Souk, go to the shop” Ariesdjerba “,” Amarante “or even to” La Coupole “a jewelry merchant whose reputation goes well beyond the Borders of Tunisia.

Also take time to visit the municipal market and to attend the very famous fish auction. It is a secular habit that has a charm. Besides, nobody can resist! It is also recommended to visit the mosques of Houmt Souk. They are not as beautiful as those of “Fadhloun”, but those of “Sidi Ibrahim el Jemni”, the Turks with the great minaret and The mosque of the Foreigners are most interesting.

It may be time to eat, you have the choice between “the Malibou”, a typical restaurant that has made its reputation on its salad and octopus soup. You can also try an exercise that many insiders love to the island. They go to the fish market to buy the basket of the day. They then go to the small restaurants around the Souk for a game of grilling. We particularly recommend “La Sofra” not only for its grills but also and especially for its couscous and rice the Djerbian way.

Later in the day, we suggest you go to the “Borj Ghazi” and the Heritage Museum. Newly restored, the latter presents a rather exhaustive idea of the life and customs of the island. If you have the strength, walk to the fishing port. There is a special ambiance. It is also the starting point for excursions to the island of flamingos. Although there are no more Flemings, the ballad remains very pleasant. Extremely touristy, we propose to the program bathings, songs, dances and bbqs. Know that this is the only way to get to this island. Unless you succeed in persuading a fisherman to take you to his felucca.

For lunch around the harbor and for the sake of authenticity, we are more inclined to propose a gargote where you serve delicious dishes. “Le Petit Pêcheur” probably has the best “ojja aux merguez” and shrimp on the island. It is nonetheless true that it is the restaurant “Haroun” which made the fine days and the reputation of Djerba.

If you feel like relaxing and sipping a mint tea or an espresso coffee, you can go to the other end of the harbor. The “Café Skifa” is the fashionable place where tourists, regulars and lovers meet. We love the nice terrace on the beach with the old raffle stranded. The “Café Skifa” is also one of the most suitable places to take the measure of the phenomenon of the tide in Djerba. Amel Djait

Situation Plan:

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