Forget the Caribbean—Djerba, a tiny island off the coast of Tunisia, offers bone-white beaches and turquoise waters just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK. Despite its tropical allure, the island remains under the radar, attracting only 278,000 visitors in the first nine months of 2024—a fraction of the crowds flocking to Spain or Greece.
Described by Homer as the 'land of the Lotus-eaters', Djerba is a melting pot of culture and history. Lonely Planet hails it as having 'soft, sandy beaches, warm Mediterranean waters, loads of activities, and an array of shops selling local handicrafts'. The island also boasts a maze of cobblestone streets and a rich ethnic and religious diversity.
Beyond the beach, visitors can explore the Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum, which delves into the island's Jewish history, pottery industry, and food sector. The El Ghriba synagogue, with its blue-painted columns and stained glass, has been a place of worship since the 19th century and is a must-see.
EasyJet operates direct flights from London Luton and Manchester to Djerba, taking around three hours and 25 minutes. Return fares can be as low as £119 in July, according to Skyscanner. Accommodation ranges from budget to luxury: a week at Hotel Djerba Inn costs £572 for two people sharing a double room, while the Radisson Blu Palace Resort offers a sea-view superior room for £881 on the same dates.
