In the south of the island, Guellala has lived from pottery for centuries. The clay, dug from the nearby hills, is shaped on the wheel in workshops that are often half underground to keep them cool, then fired in large kilns. You can still watch the potters at work, and the village shops sell jars, dishes, tagines and decorative pieces, from the useful to the purely touristy: compare before you buy. On the hill, the Guellala museum presents the island's traditions, costumes, crafts and festivals, and offers a fine view. The visit pairs well with Djerbahood and El Ghriba, further north, for a day in the island's interior. Guellala pottery also turns up in the souks of Houmt Souk; and for lunch after your visit, see where to eat in Djerba.
Guellala and its potters: your questions
Where is Guellala?
In the south of Djerba, on the coast facing the mainland.
Can you buy pottery in Guellala?
Yes, directly from the workshops and the village shops. Remember to wrap fragile pieces well for the journey home.
By the Restaurant Sultana team.