Djerba is, at 514 square kilometres (198 sq mi), the largest island of North Africa, located in the Gulf of Gabes, off the coast of Tunisia. It has a population of about 160,000. The island comprises three of the delegations within the Medenine Governorate.
Legend has it that Djerba was the island of the Lotus-Eaters where Odysseus was stranded on his voyage through the Mediterranean. An archaeological field survey of Djerba, carried out between 1995 and 2000 under the auspices of the University of Pennsylvania, the American Academy in Rome and the Tunisian Institut National du Patrimoine, revealed over 400 archaeological sites, including many Punic and Roman villas.
Djerba has a mild climate and fertile soil. Its largest city and the main town is Houmt-Souk, with a population of around 65,000. Known for its beautiful beaches and dramatic sunsets, the island is a popular tourist destination, particularly with French, German and Italian tourists. It is one of the few remaining places in Tunisia where a Berber language is still spoken. Another factor drawing some tourists to Djerba is that, in 1977, the town of Ajim was used as the setting for the Mos Eisley exterior scenes in the first Star Wars movie.
Midoun is the second largest city of the island. In Midoun a small pedestrian street with restaurants, cafes and small supermarkets is located. On the large square every week on Fridays the big market takes place, were local art, souvenirs, foods such as fruits and fish are on sale. Its proximity to the hotel zone of the island Midoun is considered a tourist town. At market times, many tourists pushing through the narrow streets. The streets and squares are in a very modern condition.
