Africa

Jerba

According to legend the island was the ‘Land of the Lotus-Eaters’, where Ulysses’ companions in the Odyssey did not want to leave after being given flowering food. Even today it is an enchanting place with superb beaches, traditional whitewashed architecture and a diverse religious and ethnic mix of people, including one of the last Jewish communities in North Africa.

Within the village of Erriadh is located the El-Ghriba Synagogue which is a major place of pilgrimage for Jews during the Passover Festival. The inner sanctuary is reputed to contain one of the oldest Torahs (Jewish holy book) in the world.

Jerba’s main town of Houmt Souq has a unique, beguiling charm with its distinctive whitewashed buildings, attractive small squares and a maze of narrow, winding streets. The covered souq has an excellent selection of handicrafts for sale including basketwork, pottery, carpets, sheeshas (water pipes), whilst the fish, spice, fruit and vegetable markets are colourful and atmospheric parts of the town. The Museum of Popular Arts & Traditions, which occupies the Zaouia of Sidi Zitouni houses a good collection of local costumes, pottery and jewellery.

The village of Guellala on the island’s south coast is well known for its pottery with many workshops and galleries displaying local wares. The waterfront mosque here is a fine example of Jerban Islamic architecture, whilst the village’s museum has various excellent folklore displays.

Our preferred small hotel in Jerba is Dar Dhiafa.