Houmt Souk

★★★ Houmt Souk — Djerba's Lively Capital

The name literally means "market district" — and that's exactly what Houmt Souk is: a single large souk experience. The capital of Djerba (65,000 inhabitants) is the most charming town on the island, with white funduk buildings (former caravanserais), an authentic medina, and a picturesque fishing harbor.

★★★ The Souks

The souks of Houmt Souk are among the most colorful in Tunisia. Unlike in the big cities, the traders here are relaxed and friendly — the typical Djerba calmness. Particularly worth seeing:

• Souk el-Rebaa: The main market. Monday and Thursday are wholesale market days with traders from all over the island. Spices, olives, dates, ceramics, textiles.
• Jewelry market: Djerba is famous for its silver jewelry in Berber style. The intricate bracelets, fibulae, and necklaces are handcrafted according to ancient patterns. The "Khamsa" (Hand of Fatima) as a pendant is the most popular souvenir.
• Spice market: Pyramids of turmeric, Ras el-Hanout, saffron, and harissa. The spice traders mix individual blends on request.

★★ Bordj el-Kebir (Great Fortress)

The imposing 15th-century fortress stands at the harbor and is a reminder of the island's turbulent history. It was built by the Hafsids against the Spanish invasion, later expanded by the Ottomans. The walls are partly made of ancient Roman columns recycled from the ruins of the nearby city of Meninx.

Inside: a small museum on the island's history and a famous (albeit macabre) anecdote — the Tower of Skulls: In 1560, the Ottoman admiral Dragut erected a tower here from the skulls of defeated Spaniards. The tower stood until 1848 when the French buried the remains in the Christian cemetery.

At the harbor of Houmt Souk. 7 TND. Tue–Sun 9:00–16:30.

★★ Fishing Harbor

The small harbor with its colorful fishing boats and the squid hung out to dry is one of the most photogenic places in Djerba. A visit in the morning (6–8 am) is particularly worthwhile: Then the fishermen return and sell their catch directly at the quay. The restaurants at the harbor serve the freshest fish on the island.