Djerba hotels

Hotels in Djerba

Set in the Gulf of Gabes, just off the coast of Tunisia in north-east Africa, is the island of Djerba. It is a place of pristine white sands, stunning azure waters, quaint rural villages and sun-drenched cobbled streets. The island enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine a year and so it's no surprise that Djerba is so popular with holidaymakers as a year-round destination.

Idyllic coastal scenery

Head for the white sands of Sidi Mahres beach and you'll get to enjoy 13km of unspoilt paradise. The best and most popular stretches of coastline sit within the Zone Touristique and the water here is safe for families with children.

You'll have no trouble finding water sports to try as there's a huge range of activities on offer, from windsurfing and jet skiing to paragliding and sailing. During the summer season Sidi Mahres often becomes a haven for young people thanks to its night-time beach parties.

Houmt Souq

Many of the Djerba hotels you'll find here on the website lie close to the coast, as do a lot of the island's cafés, shops and restaurants. Houmt Souq, set in the centre of the north coast, is Djerba's capital. Here you'll find a wonderful selection of café-lined squares, gift shops and colourful markets filled with all kinds of goods, from pottery and jewellery to fresh produce and spices.

Get a taste for local life by visiting the daily fish market in Marché Central, or head to the Mosque of the Strangers for a closer look at one of the city's important Islamic sites.

The town of Midoun, close to the Zone Touristique, is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Why not pop into one of the local seafood restaurants to sample the day's catch.

The Star Wars connection

One of Djerba's main claims to fame is the fact that part of the commune of Ajim and the surrounding area was used as a set for the original Star Wars movie. Whitewashed domed building can be found across the island, along with plenty of desert landscapes and rocky canyons. Some fans of the series visit the island specifically to have their picture taken next to Obi-Wan Kenobi's house.

Exploring further afield

Although you'll find plenty to do on the island of Djerba, it's certainly worth considering a trip to mainland Africa. A causeway built in Roman times connects the island with Tunisia, along with a ferry that runs regularly from Ajim.