View of a coastal town with white and sand-colored houses, palm trees rising between them. The blue-turquoise sea can be seen in the background.

Djerba

Published: 12 August 2025, 13:53

Island paradise in southern Tunisia

Djerba is rightly known as the “Island of Dreams.” Its charm lies in its mix of fine sandy beaches, living Berber and nomadic traditions, and a rich history dating back to ancient times. Surrounded by the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea, this southern Tunisian island is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. With around 325 days of sunshine a year, the island is the perfect destination for anyone looking for sun and relaxation all year round. There is plenty to discover for travelers who like to be active: from palm groves, dunes, and salt flats to historical sites such as the Borj El Kebir fortress and the El Ghriba synagogue. Djerba is also a feast for the senses: strolling through the lively souks of the island's capital, Houmt Souk, you will discover a variety of spices, regional specialties, and handmade goods.

Numbers, data, facts

Time difference: none
Population: 160,000
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND)

Five aspects of Djerba

Inner courtyard of a souk with white walls, arcades, and blue doors. Colorful carpets hang over the railings on the upper floor, while painted ceramics are displayed on the ground floor.

The main town of Houmt Souk attracts visitors with its traditional souks, old caravanserais, and cozy cafés. Be sure to try the mint tea with pine nuts! © BTWImages/stock.adobe.com

Wide sandy beach with palm trees, turquoise sea, and straw-roofed parasols. In the foreground, gentle waves roll onto the shore.

Turquoise sea and fine sand: Djerba offers picture-perfect beaches, including the popular Sidi Mahres beach and the tranquil coastline of the flamingo island of Ras R'mel. © Narda/stock.adobe.com

Handmade pottery in various shapes and sizes. In the background are painted ceramic plates and decorated tiles, displayed in two blue wall niches.

Traditional craftsmanship: In the pottery village of Guellala, you can watch clay jugs being made and buy Berber pottery as souvenirs right there on the spot. © fotografci/stock.adobe.com

Two-story white building with blue doors and shutters, round arches, and arcades surrounding an open courtyard.

Religion and spirituality: The El Ghriba Synagogue in Erriadh is the oldest in Africa and a major pilgrimage site for Jews in Tunisia. © travelview/stock.adobe.com

A sandstone-colored building with a round tower and an angular tower, surrounded by palm trees, agaves, and desert plants in a dry, sandy garden under a blue sky.

Nature and art: Djerba Explore Park combines a crocodile farm, a museum of Arab-Islamic art, and a petting zoo—all nestled in a well-maintained complex. © juhanson/stock.adobe.com

Excursions to mainland southern Tunisia

Those staying longer on the island and looking for a change from a beach holiday should plan a trip to the nearby mainland of southern Tunisia – either on their own with a rental car or as part of a guided tour. For those who want to experience the magic of the desert, Douz is a must. The small oasis town is considered the gateway to the Sahara and is the starting point for camel treks and jeep tours through the endless sand dunes. Those who delve deeper into this region will discover not only fascinating landscapes, but also the traditional culture of the Berbers and nomads. Star Wars fans are particularly drawn to Matmata: scenes from the cult saga were filmed in the underground cave dwellings of the Berber village. Another destination worth seeing is the rock village of Chenini, whose houses were built directly into the hillside. Nearby is the town of Tataouine, known for its historic mud-brick castles (ksour), which were once used as storage buildings by the Berbers.

Berber villages, desert sand, and movie sets

Wide desert landscape with golden yellow sand dunes and a small group of palm trees on the horizon under a clear blue sky.

How about a trip to the desert? The small oasis town of Douz is considered the gateway to the Sahara. From here, you can embark on desert tours by jeep or on camelback. © Fotokon/stock.adobe.com

: Houses dug into the ground with a round courtyard and palm trees. In the background, a desert landscape stretches out with more palm trees and white houses under a blue sky.

Insights into the life of the Berbers: In Matmata, you can visit underground cave dwellings. Film fans will also know Matmata as the location for “Star Wars”. © John Boss/stock.adobe.com

A caravan of several camels crosses a large sand dune in the middle of a wave-like desert landscape under a blue sky.

More sand and Sahara: The Ksar Ghilane oasis is another recommended destination in the Tunisian desert. If you want to experience the desert air, this is the place to be. © Christian/stock.adobe.com

: Multi-story, sand-colored clay buildings with wooden, partly semicircular doors and external staircases in a traditional desert village under a blue sky with clouds.

The city of Tataouine is known for its ancient mud-brick castles, known as ksour. These once served as grain stores and protection against invaders. © Leonid Antronov/stock.adobe.com

View of a mountain village with colorful ceramic bowls in the foreground, terraced buildings on the right, and a bright minaret in front of a striking desert mountain in the background.

A trip to Tataouine can be easily combined with a visit to Chenini, a Berber village in the mountains. The drive offers unique views of the desert region. © John Boss/stock.adobe.com