Latest news with #Djerba
The Sun
18 hours ago
- The Sun
I visited the cheap African holiday island that feels like Mykonos and Santorini with new easyJet flights
TRAILING vibrant pink bougainvillaea frames white-washed buildings, spilling across blue window shutters and doors. A confetti of tiny petals drifts in the breeze, dancing along the narrow, cobbled streets. 8 8 8 Around every corner comes another eye-catching piece of technicolour street art. The walls and doors of the sleepy paths are a quirky, open-air gallery. The resemblance to the alleyways of Mykonos and Santorini is striking and my arty stroll ends at a small cafe under a sprawling canopy of trees in a sunlit square. But when I tell you a small cup of strong coffee here costs 25p, you'll know I am nowhere near the trendy Greek isles. The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba —which was used as a filming location for Star Wars — just off the south coast of Tunisia. And at its heart is Djerbahood, the passion project of a famous French art gallery owner who convinced some of the world's best street artists to travel to Djerba, and its inhabitants to allow their walls to be daubed. Now, more than 250 murals and sculptures have transformed the heart of the neighbourhood. Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites. Low-cost giant easyJet has launched year-round flights to the island from both London Luton and Manchester, with fares from just £115 return, and easyJet holidays has packages from just £373pp. The island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast, including our base, the 5H Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso. The resorts' vast pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas, leads down to small sand dunes and a broad stretch of sparkling white sands dotted with straw parasols. Its contemporary rooms are spacious and bright, with marble-clad bathrooms and balconies or terraces to soak up that sunshine. 8 8 8 With four restaurants, three bars and the biggest Thalasso spa on the island, you could be forgiven for not straying far. But the island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Troglodyte dwellings In the island's capital Houmt Souk on the north coast, the minarets of mosques sit alongside the St Joseph's Catholic church. Jutting out on a headland surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, the fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century. Today you can explore the impressive fortifications and admire the stunning sea views from its now thankfully peaceful ramparts. Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets lined with shops and restaurants lead on to covered souks and a spice market, as well as a rather less fragrant fish market. There's plenty of opportunities for a bit of souvenir shopping, from local handi-crafts and clothes, to Pottery Square where you can buy colourful ceramics from just £2 with a little haggling. If you're in need of sustenance after all that shopping, look no further than El Fondouk. This fabulous conversion of an 18th-century caravanserai, or travellers' inn, is open daily for morning coffees and pastries in its sun-soaked courtyard – then fresh seafood with couscous, fish curries and meaty kebabs at lunch and dinner. Prices are also excellent given the quality, with main dishes from £8 to £12. Also worth a trip out from the excellent restaurants back at the hotel was Haroun, in the nearby marina. Its outside terrace comes in the form of an actual ship's deck, complete with rigging and ropes, and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun sets. Inside, the dishes coming out of the kitchen include traditional Tunisian specialities such as brik — crispy filo pastry parcels filled with meat or fish — as well as fried calamari and fresh fish. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise. Again, prices are very competitive, with main courses from £13.50. And while Djerba has more than enough to keep a holidaymaker happy for a week, it would be a shame to come this far and not head over on to the mainland and into a galaxy far, far away. EasyJet has multiple tours you can take from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. The centuries-old causeway is essentially a bridge, and as you travel the five miles you're rewarded with stunning views of shimmering waters on both sides. As you travel through the arid desert landscapes of the mainland, huge rock formations rise dramatically from the flat plains. The rugged mountains are home to the Berber people, and at Chenini we peek into the unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the rocky hillsides and admire the palm trees and olive trees growing around the oasis by the Chenini Canyon. 8 Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise on the tour, including the Hotel Sidi Idriss and Ksar Hadada, an other-worldly Berber granary store that served as a key setting in The Phantom Menace.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The stunning Mediterranean island that's just like the Bahamas but much cheaper... and closer
A beautiful Mediterranean island that's under four hours away from the UK has been described as the ideal swap for a break in the Bahamas. Experts at easyJet holidays have suggested Djerba, an island off the coast of Tunisia, as the perfect alternative to a Caribbean break. Djerba was described by the Greek poet Homer as the 'Land of the Lotus Eaters' as it was so seductively beautiful that travellers who visited would find it difficult to leave. Tourists can unwind at Sidi Mahrez Beach, a sun-kissed shore with crystal-clear water, white sand and palm trees. Away from the beach, visitors can explore the island's main town, Houmt Souk. The town is best-known for its traditional souk market where tourists can browse handicrafts and local produce. Djerbahood is another of the island's top destinations. The quirky neighbourhood's white-washed buildings are decorated with street art by artists from around the globe. While Djerba is hot all-year round, temperatures can rise as high as 35 degrees during August. Direct flights are available from London and Manchester while Brits won't need to worry about jet lag as there is no time difference with the UK during summer. Djerba was described by the Greek poet Homer as the 'Land of the Lotus Eaters' as it was so seductively beautiful that travellers who visited would find it difficult to leave According to easyJet holidays, around two in five Britons are looking to holiday somewhere new this year. Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet holidays, says: 'As a nation, we love to travel abroad, and our research shows that many Brits are keen to try something new this summer. 'In fact, 63 per cent said they'd be more likely to book a holiday to a lesser-known destination if more information were available - highlighting a real appetite for something a little bit different.' The airline suggests swapping a trip to Marbella with a holiday to Spain's Costa de la Luz. It might not be as well known as the Costa del Sol, but the Costa de la Luz has incredibly beautiful golden beaches with fewer crowds than more touristy hotspots. easyJet also recommends switching Florence in Italy for Bilbao in Spain. Culture vultures can while away the hours at Bilbao's incredible Guggenheim art gallery. Meanwhile Venice could be swapped for Ljubljana, the pretty capital of Slovenia. Ljubliana is known for its riverside bars and green spaces. And if Cornwall's crowds are offputting, the airline recommends travelling to Zadar in Croatia instead. Djerbahood is another of the island's top destinations. The quirky neighbourhood's white-washed buildings are decorated with street art by artists from around the globe The city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast is known for its pretty old town and Roman and Venetian ruins. Matt says: 'By spotlighting lesser-known destinations, we aim to support local economies, celebrate diverse cultures, and encourage responsible tourism that respects the people and places at the heart of every trip.' ' That's why we're proud to launch our 'Different Destinations' range —a platform designed to inform and inspire, offering travel tips, local insights, and thoughtful recommendations that benefit both our customers and the communities they visit. 'We believe tourism should enrich everyone it touches, and this initiative reflects our commitment to more inclusive and considerate travel across Europe and Northern Africa.'
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Arab News
Tunisia Jewish pilgrimage sees low turn out amid security concerns
DJERBA, Tunisia: Only about 30 people turned up Thursday at this year's Jewish pilgrimage on Tunisia's island of Djerba amid safety concerns following a deadly 2023 attack and as the war in Gaza rages on. The pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue, Africa's oldest, has in the past drawn thousands of pilgrims from Europe, Israel and beyond, attracting international and local tourists as well. But after a 2023 deadly attack on the synagogue that killed two worshippers and three police officers, fewer pilgrims have been turning out to make the pilgrimage. 'It has been difficult for people to come, given what's happening in the world,' Rene Trabelsi, the event organizer, told AFP. 'The pilgrimage has gone through many difficult periods in its history,' he said. This year's activities were restricted to indoor events at the place of worship. 'In 30 years, I have never seen the Ghriba synagogue so empty,' said Khoudhir Hanya, the synagogue's manager. 'Usually even a week beforehand, pilgrims begin to arrive — sometimes up to 1,000 people.' Earlier this month, a knife attack injured a local Jewish jeweller, but Trabelsi said it was unclear whether it was motivated by anti-Semitism, as authorities have not provided further details. The pilgrimage is at the heart of Jewish tradition in Tunisia, where only about 1,500 members of the faith still live — mainly on Djerba. Many have left for Israel and France. Organizers say more than 5,000 people, mostly from abroad, attended the pilgrimage in 2023, whereas up to 8,000 pilgrims had attended in previous years. Security at the synagogue had already been tightened after previous attacks. A suicide truck bombing in 2002, claimed by Al-Qaeda, killed 21 at the synagogue, and another attack in 1985 killed four worshippers and a police officer.
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Associated Press
Jewish jeweler hospitalized after axe attack in Tunisia
DJERBA, Tunisia (AP) — The Jewish owner of a jewelry store in Tunisia was hospitalized Thursday after an axe attack on the island where Africa's oldest synagogue is located. The 50-year-old man was admitted to a hospital in Djerba, where many of Tunisia's remaining 1,500 Jews reside, community leader Rene Trabelsi told The Associated Press. The attack comes one week before Jewish pilgrims are expected in Djerba for the holiday Lag B'Omer. Across the island and at the 26-century-old El-Ghriba synagogue, Jews welcome thousands each year for three days of festivities. Trabelsi, who is Jewish and served as Tunisia's tourism minister from 2018 to 2020, said little was known about the attacker, adding he did not assume it had to do with religion or the holiday, but would await findings from Tunisian authorities about potential motives. 'We fully trust Tunisian authorities because we're Tunisian too,' he said. Trabelsi said that the store owner was expected to be released from the hospital on Friday after sustaining defensive wounds. Tunisian police have expanded security on the island, Trabelsi said. Two years ago, a 30-year-old Tunisian national guardsman killed two Jewish pilgrims and three security officers during the festival. Events were scaled back last year. Tunisian authorities have not commented on reports of the attack.
