ZarzisTunisia · Ferry Destinations

All About Zarzis

Formally known as Jarjis, Gergis, and Zita, present-day Zarzis is a bustling destination on the southeast coast of Tunisia. A town with relics dating back to 3000-2000 BC, Zarzis presumably gets its name from the Girgashites, who moved to the region from the Arabian Peninsula, or the Byzantine Emperor, Gregorius. Luring visitors with its one-of-a-kind pastoral landscape, Zarzis enjoys a distinct location, one where the arid Tunisian Sahara meets the azure of the Mediterranean. As a result, Zarzis has forever been a historically significant city, an essential meeting place on seafaring trade routes.

Covering roughly 340km² and having a population of 75000, Zarzis nowadays is famous for its quintessential Tunisian architecture, Mediterranean summer vibes, and olive and sea sponge harvesting. Traditional, serene, and convenient, it is only 50km from the popular tourist island of Djerba, making it an idyllic sojourn for an extended Tunisian holiday.
 

Routes and Ferries to Zarzis

Considering Zarzis’ Mediterranean backdrop, one of the best ways to reach the city is by boat. Tourists can purchase ferry tickets to Zarzis from Marseille and Toulon in France and Genoa in Italy from Ferryscanner and relish a leisurely trip across the sea. Operated by CTN, there is only one ferry sailing from Marseille a week, which takes roughly 36 hours to complete the journey.

Travelers taking the plane can land at Djerba-Zarzis Airport, 50km from the city center. A taxi from the airport takes an hour. Otherwise, you can head to Houmt Souk, the central neighborhood of the island, and ride a bus to Zarzis. However, do keep in mind that major and low-cost airlines mostly have seasonal connections to Djerba-Zarzis Airport.

If traveling by land, Tunis is 540 km from Zarzis. To cover the distance by car will take you about 6 hours. Using the train and bus combo can be tiring as the trip takes close to 10 hours.
 

Port of Zarzis

Port of Zarzis, simple as it may be, serves as an important economic center and has been the same since Roman times. Covering an area of 28 hectares, the harbor is significant in the development of tourism, agricultural export, and commerce. Consequently, the last few years have seen the construction of a 38-hectare economic business zone adjoining the port.

Besides catering to passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Zarzis, the port accommodates local fishermen. It also showcases, through installations, various cultural elements that define the history and heritage of the region. The 14m high, octagonal Zarzis Lighthouse, built in 1894, is one of the places to visit while at the port. You can also have a deliciously fresh seafood meal at Restaurant Le Phare by the waterfront before taking your ferry to Genoa, Toulon, or Marseille.
 

Best Beaches of Zarzis

Very much like nearby Djerba, Zarzis is the perfect Mediterranean seaside escape, boasting a 30km coastline. Beaches in Zarzis and neighboring towns are typically sandy and free. Moreover, the adjoining clear-blue sea presents ample opportunities to enjoy a variety of water sports.

Plage de l’Abattoir

The closest beach you can hit after landing with ferry tickets to Zarzis is Plage de l’Abattoir. It’s only a short walk from the port and presents an excellent opportunity to take in the city’s character. The beach itself is rugged and might not be the best for swimming. However, you can certainly enjoy some sunbathing or seaside strolls here.  

Sonia Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Zarzis, Sonia Beach, is about 2 kilometers from the port. Visited by locals and tourists, it has lovely walkable sand, affordable restaurants, and plenty of space to lounge around. Primarily a free beach, you can still rent parasols and beach chairs at a few places on this family-friendly sandy strip. Moreover, when the wind is right, Sonia Beach sees and flurry of activity as it is among the most favored spots on the shoreline for windsurfing.

Sangho Beach

About 15km north of Zarzis center, Sangho is a long, thin, palm tree-lined sandy strip visited regularly by tourists. In addition to the welcoming white sand, the beach promises a range of water sports as well as carriage, camel, and horse rides. The water level remains shallow, making it ideal for kids. At the same time, a wooden jetty allows adults to jump into the deep end of the sea. Sangho Beach is close to Hotel Odyssee Resort, offers lounge chair rentals, and has several restaurants and cafes close by.

Plage Essaguia Djerba

Plage Essaguia is a clean sandy beach on Djerba’s eastern coast. The kid-friendly strand hides behind a beautiful lagoon and stays busy during the entire summer. Highlights here include the warm water for swimming, horse and camel rides, fishermen’s boats bobbing in the sea, restaurants, and water sports such as banana boats and parasailing.

Plage Yéti

Plage Yéti is a thin sandy beach between the lagoon and the sea on the east coast of Djerba. Although 50 minutes by car from Zarzis, a visit here to spend the day is worth the effort, especially if you wish to swim in the luminous blue sea. Furthermore, the water stays shallow, and beachgoers can enjoy activities like jet skiing and camel rides. Yéti has plenty of places to eat and beach loungers on rent.
 

Things To Do Around Zarzis

There is more to Zarzis than meets the eye. It’s a splendid beach destination but also scores high on the culture quotient. Also, do not miss out on weekly farmer’s markets when staying in town. Held every Monday and Friday, they are an excellent opportunity to buy fresh local produce, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

Spend a day in Djerba

Admittedly, compared to Zarzis, Djerba has a more dynamic personality, resulting in it becoming a bona fide tourist destination. Connected to the mainland by a causeway known as the Roman Road, the island has lovely sandy beaches, waterfront retreats, clubs, and restaurants. Typical of Mediterranean seaside getaways, it also offers eccentric attractions like a crocodile farm, fish market, and street art, highlighting the island’s colorful and contemporary individuality. While on the island, also visit Guellala to see potters work their magic and the 14th-century fortress Borj El Ghazi Mustapha in Houmt Souk. Budget travelers can stay in Zarzis, which offers cheaper accommodations while covering Djerby through a couple of day trips.

Stop by the The Zarzis Museum

Stop by the Zarzis Archaeological and Heritage Museum to learn more about the ancient history of the Zarzis peninsula. This city museum is a main attraction close to the port. You can visit the museum after arriving with ferry tickets to Zarzis. Previously the Notre-Dame de la Garde Church, built in 1920, the museum is a classic Tunisian building housing cultural artifacts collected from towns like Djerba, Chammakh, and Hinchir Zian. Inside, you’ll find on display a miniature model of the region, pottery from the Punic era, ceramics, as well as antique tools used for olive farming and storage.

Visit Matmata

Although the Beber village of Matmata is a two-hour drive inland from Zarzis, it is truly an eye-opening cultural experience to include in your itinerary. After all, it is in Matmata that locals live in troglodytes, cave dwellings featuring rooms connected via tunnels. Fans of Star Wars will find it fascinating that the underground houses are the inspiration behind Luke Skywalkers’ home in Tatooine. Also, it was in Matmata that parts of the movie were filmed. A few organized tours to Matmata also consist of a homemade meal with a local family.

Go on a Sahara 4X4 Safari

To be next to the Sahara and only spend your time by the water is a missed opportunity. Thus, one of the most exciting things to do in Zarzis is to experience a 4X4 desert safari. Whether a full-day tour or an overnight excursion, the safari is a great way to see how people live in contrasting landscapes. At the same time, you come across wildlife like gazelles and falcons. Most half-day evening tours consist of camel rides and sunset in the desert. In comparison, the overnight camp provides the chance to taste local food cooked on the spot.

Partake in Zarzis Sponge Festival

From the end of July to mid-August, Zarzis hosts its annual Sponge Festival. This is the perfect summertime event to experience the local marine culture and learn about cultivating sea sponges. The 15-day festival includes talks, dance, music, and the possibility to taste the local cuisine. Zarzis Sponge Festival is one of the few times the town comes out of its shell to portray its livelier side.
 

Transportation Around Zarzis

The central attractions of Zarzis as well as some of its main beaches are easy to cover on foot. However, the yellow taxis aren’t all that expensive and easy to find around town. Driving a rental car is the other option if planning to venture out of the city limits.

Public transportation is convenient and the cheapest mode to travel from one place to another. Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Zarzis can take a bus to anywhere in town or Djerba from near the port.

At the same time, louages, or shared minibusses, are a pretty standard site on Zarzis roads. Both tourists and locals use them regularly. You cannot book a seat on a louage in advance, but you will quickly find plenty at any nearby station.