On Foot in Houmt Souk Town Centre

Houmt Souk is a walking town in the plainest sense: a small, flat centre with a port at one end and a souk quarter at the other. It is not a place for a signposted heritage trail, a walled medina circuit or a guided programme with set departures. A short, self-led loop is enough to see the principal sights, and this page describes one that runs from the museum to the harbour.

What to know first

  • Time of day. Walk in the morning. The sun is strong in summer and shade is limited.
  • Fridays. The museum and the fortress are closed. Spend the day among the souks, which move more slowly, and along the port.
  • Footwear. Choose flat, sturdy shoes. The fortress stairs are steep.
  • Cash. Keep small notes in Tunisian dinars (TND) for tea, snacks and souvenirs.

The loop

1. Museum of the Traditional Heritage of Djerba. The museum stands beside the late-18th-century Zaouia of Sidi Zitouni, now an interpretation centre. Winter hours are 09:30 to 16:30 and summer hours are 09:00 to 17:00. Non-residents pay 8 TND. Opening times are not always reliable, so ask on the day.

2. The two mosques. The Mosque of the Turks lies behind Saint Joseph church, and the Mosque of the Strangers is also in the centre. Look at the exteriors only, because non-Muslims are not routinely admitted to the prayer halls.

3. Souk Errbaa and the jewellers. Walk into the covered hall, then drift through the lanes of silver and coral jewellery and palm-leaf goods. A secondary source gives Monday and Thursday as the main market days. Haggle politely.

4. The Central Market and fish auction. Fish is sold at auction by bidding, with the crier on a high chair. Timing varies between sources, from dawn to late morning, so ask locally. Watch from the edge.

5. Port and marina. Follow the quay. This is where boats leave for the flamingo flats at Ras Rmel.

6. Borj El Kebir. End at the 15th-century fortress. It is open 08:00 to 17:00 in summer and 09:30 to 16:30 in winter, and entry for non-residents is 8 TND. A French-era obelisk outside the fort is the memorial to the Tower of Skulls. Stop there in quiet respect.

What is too far to walk

Erriadh is about 8 km away, Midoun about 15 km and Guellala about 20 km. Use a metered taxi or a bicycle, and check that the meter is running. Erriadh has the Djerbahood murals and the El Ghriba synagogue, an active place of worship with tight security. Guellala is known for pottery.

Etiquette for the walk

  • Cover shoulders and knees near mosques.
  • Ask before photographing people or their stalls.
  • Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowded lanes.
  • Carry water.

Guided walks can be compared on GetYourGuide . The heritage page for the museum lists hours and fees, and the fish market guide describes the auction.

Read more: Sightseeing , attraction tours and the Djerba guide