Djerbahood: visiting the street-art village of Erriadh

What is Djerbahood?

Djerbahood is an open-air street-art museum in the village of Erriadh, on Djerba: murals painted on lime-washed walls by artists from all over the world, discovered by walking from lane to lane. Access is free.

The project began in 2014 at the initiative of the Paris gallery Itinerrance, run by Mehdi Ben Cheikh. Depending on the source, it brings together about 150 artists of 30 nationalities and about 250 works; our island guide speaks of more than two hundred paintings. Erriadh, also called El Hara Sghira, is a village where people still live: you walk through lived-in streets, not a theme park.

Is there an entry fee for Djerbahood?

No. Djerbahood is free to visit at any hour: there is no ticket and no ticket office, since the works are in the village streets. Local guides and accompanied tours (including by e-bike) are offered by independent providers at their own rates, which we do not know; you can perfectly well visit alone.

If you stay at Dar El Bhar, reception helps arrange a taxi or an excursion.

How do you get to Djerbahood from Dar El Bhar?

From Dar El Bhar, on Sidi Mehrez beach, count about 20 minutes to Djerbahood, according to the house guide. You can get there by car, taxi or louage from Houmt Souk or Midoun.

For a sense of distances, these are the times we give our guests from the house: about 15 minutes to Houmt Souk, about 20 to Djerbahood, about 30 to Djerba-Zarzis airport. For the afternoon, reception can arrange a taxi.

When is the best time to visit Djerbahood?

Late in the afternoon: that is when the light is at its best on the white walls, according to our guide. As for the season, you can visit all year round since it is outdoors; winter is pleasant for walking, while in summer it is wise to keep the hottest part of the day for shade.

For the climate month by month, see Djerba in winter and Djerba in September. Bring good walking shoes, water and an afternoon: the village is discovered on foot, at the pace of your stops. Stay discreet: these are residents' streets, and a smile or a word before photographing someone is always welcome.

What is there to see around Erriadh?

Next to Erriadh stands the Ghriba, one of the oldest synagogues in the world and a place of pilgrimage that gathers visitors from across the Mediterranean every spring. The Houmt Souk souk and the potters of Guellala complete a day on the island; our guide Things to do in Djerba describes each of them.

How do you combine Djerbahood with a stay at Dar El Bhar?

The day we recommend: the morning in Houmt Souk as the souk wakes up, lunch by the port, the afternoon at Djerbahood for the street art, then back to the house for sunset at the beach bar.

After the walk, the spa extends the day: traditional hammam, scrub with the kessa glove, massage with warm oils or jacuzzi, booked at reception, ideally the day before for massages. Dar El Bhar is a boutique seafront hotel on Sidi Mehrez beach; you book direct on its website.

Frequently asked questions

Is Djerbahood free? Yes, access is free at any hour; only the guided tours offered by independent providers have a rate.

Where is Djerbahood? In the village of Erriadh (El Hara Sghira) on Djerba, about 20 minutes from Dar El Bhar.

How long should I allow for Djerbahood? An afternoon is enough, on foot, as in the typical day we suggest to our guests.

When should I visit Djerbahood? Late in the afternoon for the light; it can be visited all year round since it is outdoors.

Can you visit Djerbahood without a guide? Yes, a free walk on foot is the most common way.