The weather is turning chilly, and as the UK prepares for a cold snap, we’re dreaming of warmer temperatures, and sunny, summer holidays.
And if you’re itching to book a flight out of here, some winter sun could be the perfect remedy.
But forget your typical winter getaways like the Canary Islands or Caribbean resorts; this year, it’s easier than ever to travel to a sun-soaked hidden gem with barely any tourists.
A new bi-weekly flight route is launching this month from Manchester Airport to Djerba, a ‘delightful’ island situated off the Tunisian coast.
It’s actually the largest island in North Africa – and has just been named by Condé Nast Traveller in their list of the best 25 places to go in 2025.
The publication calls the destination ‘delightfully unorthodox’, adding the Djerba is ‘complete with turquoise waters, flocks of flamingos, and well-dressed camels.’
There’s something for everyone: traditional villages, pristine beaches and even something for Star Wars lovers.
Here’s everything you need to know.
How to get to Djerba
The new Easyjet route from Manchester to Djerba-Zarzis International Airport takes around three and a half hours, with flights starting from £47 for a single fare, according to Skyscanner.
Several other airlines also fly directly from the UK, with London Heathrow being the most popular starting point.
The Easyjet flight time is three hours and 25 minutes, and prices on Skyscanner are around £100 for a round-trip in November.
Once you’re on the island, it’s easy to get around. While public transportation is limited, taxis are everywhere – and are reasonably priced.
Motorcycles and quad bikes are also available to hire on the island, for those looking for a quicker way to explore.
What’s the weather like in Djerba?
Many find the best time to visit Djerba is during the spring (April to early June) when the weather is warm but comfortable.
Djerba enjoys a hot and dry Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine and very little yearly rainfall.
However, the summer months – particularly July and August – can be unbearably hot, with sizzling temperatures often exceeding 33°C.
October is the wettest season in Djerba, and visitors should be prepared for light or moderate showers throughout their visit.
If you’re chasing some last-minute sun though, November is ideal; while it’s cooler than the intense summer heat, the mercury is currently climbing to 26°C.
Meanwhile, the winters offer milder weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C, and fewer tourists for those who want to escape the crowds.
What to do in Djerba
Djerba is perhaps best known for its stunning white-sand beaches and azure waters, and is often called the ‘island of a thousand palm trees’.
However, aside from its coastlines, Djerba boasts a rich cultural and art scene. One of its main attractions is ‘Djerbahood’, an open-air art museum in the village of Eriiadh.
In 2014, the neighbourhood saw 150 artists from 30 countries collaborate on a street art project, resulting in 250 coloured stencils, paintings and graffiti covering the walls and buildings of the traditional medina.
Although many of the works have faded over the years, the museum is still a popular spot for tourists to explore.
A Tripadvisor review of the area from 2024, written by Above the Clouds, read: ‘This is talent. The art was out of this world. Just outstanding.’
Another, Abdel-Rahman Ghandour, described the area as a ‘delightful surprise’, adding: ‘What a delight to walk along the narrow alleys and discover great large drawings on walls at every turn.’
The island is a melting pot of culture where Judaism and Islam coexist, with over 350 mosques on the island, including the Jama Fadloud and Sidi Yati Mosque.
In the capital, Houmt Souk – which translates to ‘market district’ – there’s plenty for visitors to explore.
Its cobblestone streets are home to bustling markets, shops galore, and the imposing Aghlabid Fortress, which dates back to the 9th century.
Djerba might also be the perfect getaway for Star Wars fans. Located just outside Ajim in western Djerba is a historic mosque, which was used for the exterior shots of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s house in Star Wars: A New Hope.
The top five things to do in Djerba, according to Tripadvisor
Where to stay in Djerba
Although a relatively small island, Djerba packs a lot in, and visitors could spend days enjoying the island.
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‘Djerba is the sort of place that can entrance you for many days, but if pressed, you could squeeze its highlights into just 24 hours,’ writes Lonely Planet.
Five fab hotels to stay at in Djerba
Raddison Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso – £57
TUI Blue Palm Beach Palace Djerba – £82
Hotel Djeba Authentique – £36
Vinci Dar Midoun – £163
Club Palm Azur – £226 (for a three-night minimum stay)
Prices checked for a one-night stay in November for two adults on Booking.com.
The majority of its hotels are concentrated along the northeastern coast, particularly around the Midoun and Sidi Mahrez Beach.
For those wanting a five-star experience, the Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso is located directly on the beach and offers a host of spa and massage treatments.
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Those seeking a more authentic vibe could try the Hotel Djeba Authentique in Midoun, which has a traditional charm and luxurious amenities starting from £36 a night.
Is it safe to travel to Tunisia right now?
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice to Tunisia in October, after Israel carried out military action against Iran. While it believes most of the country is safe to travel to, it warns against travelling to areas near its borders with Libya and Algeria
The Foreign Office warns that ongoing hostilities in the Middle East could escalate quickly and pose risks to the wider region.
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border
FCDO advises against all travel to:
- the Chaambi Mountains National Park
- the designated military operations zones:
- Mount Salloum
- Mount Sammamma
- Mount Mghila
This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces.
In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park
- within 30km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
- Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla
- within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate
- within 10km of Mount Mghila
- Mount Orbata
Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border
FCDO advises against all travel to these areas:
- the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
- within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba
- the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area
This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya.
In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
Find out more information here.
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