After soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches and exploring the historic sites that are among the top things to do in Djerba, consider taking day trips from Djerba to experience the broader cultural and natural landscape of Tunisia. These excursions can lead you to ancient Roman ruins, traditional Tunisian villages, and breathtaking desert oases, offering a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of North African beauty and heritage.
Moving beyond Djerba, you’ll find a wide array of things to do in Tunisia, from wandering the alleys of the ancient medina in Tunis to marveling at the vastness of the Sahara Desert. Each journey offers an insight into Tunisia’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the stunning contrasts between its Mediterranean shores and desert interior.
Choosing where to stay in Djerba is crucial for those wishing to blend leisurely beach days with explorations of Tunisia’s varied attractions. A strategic location provides not only a comfortable base for your island adventures but also easy access to embark on day trips into the heart of Tunisia’s enchanting landscapes and historical sites.
Discover Best Day Trips from Djerba, Tunisia
1. Matmata, Tunisia
Matmata is famous for its unique underground troglodyte structures and was a filming location for the Star Wars movies. The Berber villages and the distinctive architecture provide a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life.
Distance: Approximately 120 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Underground troglodyte houses, Berber villages, Star Wars filming location
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Troglodyte House Museum: $2
- Matmata Cultural Center: $3
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Traditional Berber homes, surrounding desert landscapes
Travel Tip: Visit a troglodyte house, now converted into a museum, to experience traditional underground living.
2. Tataouine and Ksar Ghilane, Tunisia
Tataouine, known for its ksour (fortified granaries), offers a peek into the region’s rich history. Nearby Ksar Ghilane is a gateway to the Sahara, featuring a hot spring and opportunities for camel treks.
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours to Tataouine, plus an additional 1 hour to Ksar Ghilane
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Ksar (fortified granaries), Sahara Desert gateway, hot spring
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Entrance Fees:
- Ksar Ghilane Entrance: $5
- Camel Trek: $15
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Desert dunes, Ksar Ghilane oasis
Travel Tip: Plan to stay overnight in a desert camp in Ksar Ghilane for the full Sahara experience.
3. Tozeur and the Mountain Oases, Tunisia
Tozeur, known for its date palm production, is a gateway to the stunning mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides. These oases offer breathtaking scenery with waterfalls and canyons.
Distance: Approximately 350 km
Travel Time: About 4 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Date palm oases, mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Entrance Fees:
- Chebika Oasis: $3
- Tamerza Waterfalls: $2
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Mountain oases, desert canyons, waterfalls
Travel Tip: Take a 4×4 tour to fully explore the mountain oases and their rugged terrain.
4. Gabes, Tunisia
Gabes is unique for its seaside oasis, a rare ecological phenomenon, and its lively market, where you can experience the local culture. The city is also a gateway to exploring the Jebel (mountain) region.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Seaside oasis, lively market, Jebel region exploration
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Gabes Market: Free
- Jara Spice Market: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Seaside oasis, Jebel region landscapes
Travel Tip: Visit the spice market in Gabes for a sensory experience and to purchase unique local products.
5. El Jem, Tunisia
El Jem boasts an impressively preserved Roman amphitheater, often compared to Rome’s Colosseum. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a journey back in time to the grandeur of Roman architecture.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Roman amphitheater, El Jem Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- El Jem Amphitheater: $5
- El Jem Museum: $3
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Roman ruins, ancient architecture
Travel Tip: Visit the El Jem Museum nearby to see beautiful mosaics and learn more about the site’s history.
6. Sfax, Tunisia
Sfax, Tunisia’s second-largest city, is known for its rich history and bustling medina. The city walls, traditional architecture, and local markets offer an authentic Tunisian experience.
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Historic medina, city walls, local markets
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Medina Entrance: Free
- Sfax Kasbah: $2
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Medina streets, traditional Tunisian architecture
Travel Tip: Explore the medina in the early morning to avoid crowds and experience the daily life of the locals.
7. Douz, Tunisia
Douz, known as the “gateway to the Sahara,” is a small town that offers access to the grandeur of the desert. It’s a great spot for camel treks, quad biking, and experiencing Bedouin culture.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Travel Time: About 3.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Sahara Desert gateway, camel treks, Bedouin culture
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Entrance Fees:
- Sahara Camel Trek: $20
- Douz Museum: $2
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Desert dunes, palm groves
Travel Tip: Plan your visit during the International Festival of the Sahara in Douz for a unique cultural experience featuring camel racing, traditional music, and dance.
8. Gafsa, Tunisia
Gafsa is a historical town with Roman pools and a rich archaeological museum. The town serves as a cultural hub in the region and offers insight into the area’s historical layers.
Distance: Approximately 300 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Roman pools, archaeological museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Roman Pools: $2
- Gafsa Archaeological Museum: $3
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Roman pools, ancient ruins
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Roman pools, which are a rare sight in this part of the world, offering a blend of history and relaxation.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Djerba, Tunisia
What are the best day trips from Djerba?
Top day trips from Djerba include exploring the Berber villages in the Tunisian desert, visiting the ancient Roman ruins at Dougga, and experiencing the oasis towns of Tozeur and Nefta.
Can I visit the Sahara Desert from Djerba?
Yes, the Sahara Desert is accessible from Djerba for a day trip. Many tours offer camel treks, quad biking, and visits to film sets like the one from Star Wars in the desert.
Is a trip to the island of Flamingo possible?
Absolutely! A boat trip to Flamingo Island offers a chance to see flocks of flamingos in their natural habitat, especially during the migration season. It’s also a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Are there guided tours to Matmata?
Yes, guided tours to Matmata are available, showcasing its unique underground troglodyte houses and the landscape that was used as a filming location for Star Wars.
What cultural experiences can I have on a day trip from Djerba?
Day trips from Djerba can include visits to traditional Tunisian markets, pottery workshops in Guellala, and the ancient synagogue of El Ghriba. These experiences provide a deep dive into the local culture and history.
Is a visit to the Tunisian Crocodile Farm recommended?
Definitely! The Djerba Explore Park, which houses the Tunisian Crocodile Farm, is a fascinating visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts, offering close encounters with these majestic reptiles.
Can I explore Tunisian cuisine on a day trip?
Yes, food tours are available from Djerba, allowing you to taste traditional Tunisian dishes like couscous, brik, and seafood, often combined with visits to local markets and olive oil mills.
Are there any archaeological sites near Djerba worth visiting?
The region around Djerba is rich in history, with nearby archaeological sites such as the Roman ruins at El Jem and the Punic city of Kerkouane offering insightful day trips for history buffs.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/djerba-l302/
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