Guellala & Berber Villages
★★ Guellala — The Pottery Village
In the south of Djerba, on a hill with a sea view, lies the oldest pottery village in Tunisia. Guellala has been producing ceramics for over 2,000 years — the tradition dates back to the Punic era. Dozens of workshops line the main street, where potters shape jugs, amphorae, plates, and the typical Djerba oil lamps on the wheel before visitors' eyes.
Particularly worth seeing: the Guellala Heritage Museum (Musée du Patrimoine), which documents the traditions and daily life of the Djerba Berbers — from wedding customs to olive oil production to pottery making. The museum is housed in a traditional Houch (Berber homestead) and offers a panoramic view of the island.
Guellala, 22 km south of Houmt Souk. Museum: 7 TND. Workshops: freely accessible.
★★ Djerba Mosques
Djerba has a unique mosque architecture: The over 300 small white mosques on the island look like miniature fortresses — square, with thick walls, without a minaret (or only a small one). They belong to the Ibadi faith, a distinct Islamic branch practiced only on Djerba, in parts of Algeria, and in Oman. The Ibadis came to Djerba in the 7th century and have shaped the island's culture to this day.
- Mosque Fadhloun: One of the oldest (10th century), with underground rooms that served as hideouts in times of crisis.
- Mosque of Mahboubine: Photogenic white cube shape amidst olive groves — a typical Djerba motif.
Meninx — Forgotten Roman City
At the southeastern tip of Djerba lie the barely excavated ruins of Meninx, the ancient capital of the island. Under the sand lies a complete Roman city with a forum, baths, and villas. What has been uncovered so far: mosaic fragments, column remains, and an ancient harbor. For archaeology fans, a fascinating place, even if there is little to "see" — the imagination must work.
