Djerba is an island in the Gulf of Bages off the southeast coast of Tunisia, joined to the mainland by a 6km (3.6 mile) causeway build on a Roman foundation (el-Kantara). Its 133km (83 mile) coastline abounds with white-sand beaches which are gently lapped by the warm clear waters of the Mediterranean. Home to Tunisia's main Jewish community, it has its own very distinct culture.

In Greek mythology, Djerba was the home of the seductive lotus eaters. In Homer's Odyssey, Ulysses almost lost his men when the beautiful maidens of the island fed them the lotus flower. They became intoxicated by the lotus making it almost impossible for Ulysses to get them to return to their ships.

Most of the resorts are along the north coast or Zone Touristique. But it is well worth making the effort to travel further inland to see the true Djerba. It is and island covered with trees and flowers, small fields of apricots, carobs, figs, grapes, grenadines, lemons, mandarins, oranges and pomegranates. Amidst these are beautiful villages with their unique and striking white houses (menzels).  

The capital of the island is Houmt-Souk, which means market centre, and is one of the most picturesque urban centres in Tunisia. It is centred round a lively souk overflowing with traditional clothing, blankets, wrought gold and silver jewellery, leather goods, straw mats and beautiful pottery.

With its own airport and access via the car ferry from Ajim to el-Jorf, Djerba makes a stunning holiday destination or day trip if you are staying on the Tunisian mainland.