TN
Djerba
A flat, sunny island of beaches, whitewashed villages, pottery and street art
A flat, sunny island of beaches, whitewashed villages, pottery and street art
The island’s main town has covered souks, old caravanserais turned into hotels, a fishing port and shaded café terraces.
Morning fish auctions are held at the market.
Photo: Synek125, CC BY 3.0
This 15th-century fort by the sea, also called Borj Ghazi Mustapha, was the scene of a major battle between Ottoman and Spanish forces in 1560.
Photo: El Golli Mohamed, CC BY-SA 4.0
In the village of Erriadh, this is one of Africa’s oldest Jewish sites, though the present building dates from the early 20th century. Its blue tiles and stained glass are striking. It draws pilgrims every spring.
Expect security checks; dress modestly.
Photo: Dr. Ondřej Havelka (cestovatel), CC BY 4.0
In 2014 about 150 artists from around the world painted murals on the walls of Erriadh. Many have faded, but the lanes are still an open-air gallery.
Photo: Rani777- Baha-Eddine MKD, CC BY-SA 4.0
This southern village has made pottery from local clay for centuries. The Guellala heritage museum on the hill covers island traditions.
Photo: Amirmogaadi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try grilled fish, couscous with fish, Djerban rice (riz djerbien) cooked with greens and meat, and brik.
Houmt Souk has cheap local restaurants; hotel zone restaurants are pricier.
Djerba–Zarzis airport has flights from Tunis and seasonal flights from Europe. Buses from Tunis take about 8 hours.
By road, cross the El Kantara causeway from Zarzis or take the short car ferry from Jorf to Ajim. Taxis and rental bikes are the easiest way to get around the island.
Tunisia uses the dinar (TND), which cannot legally be taken out of the country.
Check current prices.
Beach time plus the island’s villages.
Explore the souks and Borj el Kebir, then relax on the beach.
Visit El Ghriba and the murals of Erriadh, then the potters of Guellala.
Take a boat trip to Ras Rmel (flamingo island) or rent a bike.
The best sand is on the north-east coast.
Flamingos are most common from autumn to spring.
Ask the driver to use the meter.
Check your government’s travel advice; the UK advises against travel near the Libyan border on the mainland, which does not include Djerba.
Quick answers for planning time in Djerba.
Fly to Djerba–Zarzis airport, or travel overland via the causeway or the Jorf–Ajim ferry.
Yes, usually, with security checks and modest dress. Access can be restricted during the spring pilgrimage.
Street art painted in Erriadh village in 2014.
Yes, since 2023.
April to June and September to October.
Planning a wider trip? Our Tunisia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.