Djerba

Geography

Djerba lies in the Gulf of Gabes, connected to the Tunisian mainland by a 7 km Roman-era causeway at Zarzis. The island is overwhelmingly flat, with sandy beaches along its eastern coast and shallow salt marshes inland.

Culture

The Ghriba synagogue at Hara Sghira is one of the oldest in North Africa, with parts of its present building dating to the 19th century. An annual Lag BaOmer pilgrimage draws Jewish visitors from across the diaspora.

Mythology

Greek tradition identifies Djerba with the Land of the Lotus Eaters visited by Odysseus, where the lotus fruit caused his crew to forget their longing for home.