The city of Zarzis

The city of Zarzis (also known as Gergis) is a coastal city in southeastern Tunisia. It belongs to the governorate of Medenine and serves as the capital of its delegation. The municipality had 72,611 inhabitants in 2014 and covers 34,000 hectares (340 km²). Located at the southeastern tip of the peninsula bearing its name, Zarzis lies southeast of Djerba, about 50 km from Houmt-Souk. The delegation has a very wide coastline with diverse landscapes and climatic conditions.

Zarzis’s economy relies mainly on tourism, fishing, and agriculture. The food industry dominates the industrial sector, with 55 companies out of 89. The olive tree holds a special place here, with 1,228,700 trees occupying 61,335 hectares. Production reached 59,500 tons of olives (11,900 tons of olive oil) during the 1999-2000 campaign. Fifty-seven oil mills transform this production, providing over 5,000 direct jobs.

The City of Zarzis : Port and Tourism

Zarzis has a commercial port with a capacity of two million tons per year. It extends over 28 hectares, including 9,000 m² of hangars. The port has a 610-meter commercial quay for 25,000-ton ships and an oil terminal. Since 1993, a free zone (Zarzis economic activity park) covers 38 hectares. Since 1999, an additional ten hectares within the port enclosure have been available. Fishing, olive oil production, and tourism drive the local economy.

Zarzis offers a double attraction. Its fine sandy beaches along thirty kilometers of coast make it a coveted seaside destination. Its proximity to Djerba (just a few kilometers away) is another asset. Holidaymakers can also explore the nearby desert. Excursions lead to Matmata (troglodyte dwellings), Tataouine (ksour fortresses), and the oasis of Ksar Ghilane. The archaeological site of Gightis in Bou Grara covers 130 hectares. It features thermal baths, Hadrian’s forum, and the remains of a large temple. The private museum of El Hafi, resembling a cave, has served as an oil mill for centuries. The site of Chammakh lies a few kilometers north. Visitors can also explore the city museum, housed in the former Notre Dame de la Garde church, displaying Punic and Roman collections. The synagogue of Mouansa, west of Zarzis, is also worth visiting. The Djerba-Zarzis International Airport serves the city and the entire southeastern region.