Djerba: The Mediterranean's best-kept island secret

There’s a Mediterranean island where whitewashed villages draped in bougainvillea meet pristine beaches and ancient synagogues stand alongside mosques. But it's not in Greece or Turkey – this is Djerba, Tunisia's island gem that has somehow managed to stay under the radar of most European travellers. Until now.

The arrival of easyJet holidays in Djerba, which offers direct flights from Manchester and London Luton from just £288pp, has finally put this North African paradise within easy reach.

Floating off Tunisia's south-eastern coast, the island delivers everything you'd expect from a Mediterranean escape at a fraction of the price. Here, you can explore traditional markets and UNESCO heritage sites, relax on uncrowded beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters and dine on fresh seafood. Even Star Wars crews fell for its charms, filming scenes here among the thousand-year-old buildings.

Whether you’re bookmarking Djerba for an early summer sunshine hit or are ready to jet off on a winter sun holiday, here’s everything you need to know about the Med’s best-kept island secret.

The best things to do in Djerba

Get lost in colourful markets

Djerba's core is Houmt Souk, the island's capital and soul. Here, narrow streets wind through markets where silversmiths craft intricate jewellery and weavers create traditional palm-frond baskets.

The covered market feels like stepping back in time – it's a place to wander slowly, stopping for mint tea and watching local life unfold.

Visit cool and cultural villages

The village of Erriadh reveals another side to Djerba's unique character. It’s where you'll find El Ghriba, Africa's oldest synagogue, with its blue-tiled walls telling stories of centuries of peaceful coexistence between faiths.

The streets have recently been transformed by Djerbahood, in which vibrant murals by international artists bring contemporary colour to the ancient, whitewashed walls.

Step into a Star Wars film set

Film buffs should head to the sleepy village of Ajim, which harbours a sci-fi secret: its fishing port served as the original Mos Eisley spaceport in Star Wars: A New Hope.

Nearby, you can still visit the house that became Obi-Wan Kenobi's home.

Relax on Djerba’s best beaches

Djerba's coastline unfolds in a succession of pristine beaches. The north-eastern ‘Zone Touristique’, where most hotels are, offers the most amenities, including beach clubs, watersports and camel rides along the shore.

The island has become a hub for kitesurfing, with consistent winds and warm, shallow waters making it perfect for both beginners and experts.

These same crystal-clear waters also hide some of the Mediterranean's most pristine dive sites, where you can explore coral-covered shipwrecks and rocky canyons teeming with groupers and octopus. Several PADI-certified schools offer year-round diving courses and equipment rental.

On the west coast, you'll find secluded coves where the clear Mediterranean laps untouched sand.

Take an overnight trip to the Sahara

For a different pace, venture across the Roman-era causeway to the mainland to explore the Sahara Desert.

Join an overnight or two-day trip to really explore the area; guided tours usually include visits to Berber villages, camel rides or quad biking through the dunes and camping in a Bedouin tent under the stars.

Where to eat in Djerba

The island’s cuisine reflects Djerba’s remarkable heritage as a Mediterranean crossroads where Arab, Jewish, Berber and European influences have mingled for over two millennia.

Since the time when Phoenician traders first dropped anchor here, through centuries of Roman rule, Arab conquest and Ottoman dominion, each culture has left its mark on the local kitchen.

In Houmt Souk, Restaurant Essofra serves traditional dishes in a cosy setting that feels like dining in someone's ancient home. The fish at Restaurant Haroun comes straight from the morning's catch – try the local specialty of chargrilled octopus salad or fresh fish with home-made harissa. For a posh meal out, head to La Placette in Erriadh, celebrated for its blend of local Tunisian and European flavours.

Even the simple act of drinking coffee becomes an experience here. At Café Les Arcades, open 24 hours, you can watch locals play dominoes and smoke shisha (hookah) while sipping potent Turkish coffee.

In the evening, there's nothing better than finding a café along the beach road, ordering mint tea with pine nuts as the sun sets over the African continent, casting long shadows across the island's ancient streets.

When to go to Djerba

Time your visit to Djerba carefully to make the most of its Mediterranean climate.

Spring transforms the island into a canvas of wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures make March to May ideal for exploring both beaches and cultural sites.

September through November is another sweet spot, with warm seas perfect for swimming but without the intense heat of summer. And while summer brings guaranteed sunshine, temperatures can soar, making anything besides laying on the beach a challenge.

Winter is mild but might be too cool for dedicated beach time. January gets average highs around 18C.

Getting around Djerba

Getting to Djerba has never been easier thanks to easyJet's new direct routes, but once you're on the island, transportation requires a bit more planning.

Most visitors rely on taxis to navigate between towns and beaches. The key is to negotiate your fare before setting off.

Many hotels can arrange private drivers for day trips, which is worth considering if you're planning to explore multiple sites. The island is surprisingly compact – just 200 square miles – making it possible to see many highlights in a single day.