If you've soaked up the sun in Tenerife, danced the night away in Ibiza, and marvelled at the iconic sunsets of Santorini, prepare to expand your Mediterranean horizons. A new island destination is capturing the imagination of British holidaymakers, offering a compelling blend of adventure, culture, and remarkable value.
The Rise of a North African Jewel
Djerba, a sizeable island situated off the coast of Tunisia, has been officially recognised as a major up-and-coming hotspot for UK travellers. This designation comes from Easyjet's influential Great British Holiday Audit for 2026, which highlights shifting travel trends. The budget airline notes that British tourists are increasingly willing to embark on longer journeys, with flight durations of five to six hours becoming more commonplace.
This evolving appetite for exploration has directly benefited Djerba, which has witnessed a significant 12% surge in bookings over the past year. Easyjet describes the island as 'lesser-known', yet it holds the distinction of being the largest island in North Africa. Its growing prestige is further cemented by a feature in Condé Nast Traveller's prestigious list of the best 25 places to visit last year.
An Unorthodox and Enchanting Escape
The publication praised Djerba as 'delightfully unorthodox', painting a vivid picture of its attractions: 'complete with turquoise waters, flocks of flamingos, and well-dressed camels.' The island promises something for every type of traveller, from traditional villages and pristine, white-sand beaches to unique cultural sites and even a pilgrimage spot for Star Wars enthusiasts.
Practical Travel Essentials for Djerba
Getting There and Around
For UK travellers, reaching Djerba is straightforward and affordable. Easyjet currently operates direct flights from both Manchester and Luton airports to Djerba-Zarzis International Airport. The journey takes approximately three hours and twenty-five minutes. Remarkably, return fares can start from as little as £40 for travel in February 2026, according to Skyscanner data.
Once on the island, navigation is simple. While public transport options are limited, taxis are plentiful and known for being reasonably priced. For more independent exploration, visitors can readily hire motorcycles or quad bikes to traverse the landscape at their own pace.
Ideal Weather and When to Visit
Djerba enjoys a classic hot and dry Mediterranean climate, boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually with minimal rainfall. The consensus for the best time to visit is during the spring months, from April to early June, when temperatures are warm yet comfortable.
Even in February, average temperatures hover around a pleasant 18°C. However, the peak summer months of July and August can be intensely hot, with temperatures frequently soaring above 33°C. October typically marks the wettest period, bringing light to moderate showers. Winter offers milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C, and the added bonus of fewer tourists.
A Tapestry of Culture, Art, and History
Beyond its famous coastline, often called the 'island of a thousand palm trees', Djerba possesses a deeply rich cultural and artistic heritage. A standout attraction is 'Djerbahood', an extraordinary open-air art museum located in the village of Erriadh.
This unique project began in 2014, involving 150 artists from 30 different countries who collaborated to create a vibrant street art gallery. They produced around 250 coloured stencils, paintings, and graffiti pieces that adorn the walls and buildings of the traditional medina. While some artworks have faded with time, the area remains a popular and captivating site for visitors.
The island is also a remarkable example of cultural coexistence, where Jewish and Islamic communities have lived side-by-side for centuries. Djerba is home to over 350 mosques, including the notable Jama Fadloud and Sidi Yati Mosque. The El Ghriba Synagogue, renowned for its beautiful blue tiles, is a significant site for visitors.
In the capital, Houmt Souk – meaning 'market district' – visitors can wander cobblestone streets filled with bustling markets, diverse shops, and the historic Aghlabid Fortress, which dates back to the 9th century. For film fans, a historic mosque located just outside Ajim in western Djerba was used for exterior shots of Obi-Wan Kenobi's home in Star Wars: A New Hope.
Accommodation and Safety Considerations
Despite its modest size, Djerba offers a wide range of accommodation to suit different tastes and budgets. Most hotels are clustered along the northeastern coast, particularly around Midoun and Sidi Mahrez Beach.
For a five-star luxury experience, the Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso offers beachfront access and extensive spa facilities. Travellers seeking a more authentic and traditional vibe might prefer the Hotel Djeba Authentique in Midoun, which combines local charm with modern amenities at a more accessible price point.
Regarding safety, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Tunisia in January. It currently advises against all travel to specific regions, primarily areas near the borders with Algeria and Libya, due to risks of cross-border terrorist activity and military operations. Importantly, there are no warnings advising against travel to Djerba itself, making it a considered destination within the country.
As British travellers continue to seek new, value-rich experiences beyond the traditional European hotspots, Djerba stands out as a compelling and culturally vibrant alternative for 2026 and beyond.
