Where is Djerba? Djerba is an island in south-eastern Tunisia, in the Gulf of Gabès on the Mediterranean, not far from the Libyan border. From the UK you can reach it on a direct easyJet flight from London Luton or Manchester in about three and a half hours. Below you will find the country and sea Djerba belongs to, how far it is from Europe and how to get onto the island.
Where is Djerba? Country, sea and position at a glance
- Country: Tunisia, in North Africa.
- Sea: the Mediterranean, more precisely the Gulf of Gabès, also known as the Lesser Syrtis.
- Position in the country: the far south-east, just off the mainland coast.
- Size: about 514 square kilometres, which makes Djerba the largest island in North Africa.
- Latitude: roughly 33.8° north.
- Time zone: Tunisia is on UTC+1 all year and does not change its clocks. In winter that is one hour ahead of the UK; in summer, when the UK moves to British Summer Time, the two are on the same time.
The island is flat, with palm groves, olive trees and whitewashed villages. Since 2023, Djerba has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an example of a distinctive settlement pattern.
How far is Djerba from the UK?
Djerba lies south of Italy and Sicily, on the far side of the Mediterranean. From the UK, easyJet flies direct from London Luton and Manchester in about three and a half hours (roughly 3 hours 35 minutes from Manchester and 3 hours 25 to 30 minutes from Luton, gate to gate). Season and wind can shift that by a few minutes either way.
Direct flights from the UK (as of October 2026)
- Manchester: easyJet flies direct to Djerba throughout the winter season, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- London Luton: easyJet also flies direct, but the route runs in windows over the winter, so check your dates.
- Other UK airports: there are no direct flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham or Edinburgh. From there you usually need one connection, for example via Tunis or another European hub.
Schedules change through the year as airlines add new seasons late, so check your preferred date with the airline before you plan around it. Our guide to direct easyJet flights from the UK to Djerba goes into more detail.
How do you get to the island of Djerba?
There are three ways onto the island. Most visitors fly; the other two matter mainly if you are touring Tunisia independently.
By air: Djerba-Zarzis airport (DJE)
Djerba-Zarzis airport is on the island itself. From there, Ethic Village Djerba in Tezdaine, near Midoun, is about 30 minutes by car. UK passport holders can enter Tunisia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days; for current documents and conditions, see our guide to Tunisia entry requirements for UK travellers.
Over the El Kantara causeway
In the south of the island, a road causeway at El Kantara links Djerba to the mainland. It follows an ancient Roman causeway that runs for a few kilometres through the shallow water. If you are coming from the south, say from Zarzis or Médenine, you simply drive onto the island with no boat needed.
By ferry between Jorf and Ajim
In the west, a car ferry crosses between Jorf on the mainland and Ajim on the island. It is the practical option if you are coming from Gabès or Tunis, as it saves the detour via the causeway. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, and in summer you may have to wait at the quay when it is busy. I have often seen dolphins on this crossing.
From Tunis, you can also reach Djerba on a domestic flight of about an hour, or by car in roughly five to six hours.
For the full picture of routes and transfers, see how to get to Djerba.
The island at a glance: Houmt Souk, Midoun and the east coast
Djerba is compact, and the main places are all a short drive apart.
- Houmt Souk in the north is the island’s capital, with its souk, harbour and old-town lanes.
- Midoun in the east is the second centre, with markets and shops.
- The east coast and its long, fine sandy beaches is the main area for beach holidays.
- Ajim in the west is the ferry village, where the boats leave for the mainland.
The island’s whitewashed mosques are part of the landscape too. The villages have small, simple prayer houses, including the Ibadi mosques typical of Djerba, whose thick walls make them look almost like fortresses. The call to prayer is part of daily life here.
Would you rather see it than read it? Our interactive map of Djerba’s beaches and villages shows everything at a glance.
What the location means for the climate
Djerba sits in southern Tunisia on the edge of the Sahara, so the climate is mild and dry: long, hot summers and gentle winters, though winter can be cooler and wetter than many people expect. For month-by-month comparisons and current figures, see our page on the weather in Djerba.
Where is Ethic Village Djerba?
Ethic Village Djerba is a private family residence with four villas: Diamant, Jade, Opale and Saphir. It stands in Tezdaine, a neighbourhood of Midoun on the east side of the island. In Berber, Tezdaine means “the palm trees”. Each villa has its own private pool, not overlooked by neighbours, and is on one level. The residence is a quiet place for families, run according to Islamic values and open to everyone who shares them.
Two mosques belong to the neighbourhood: the Troujette mosque is a 5-minute walk away and the Khalid Ibn Al Walid mosque 10 minutes. Sidi Yati beach is 6 minutes by car.
Frequently asked questions about where Djerba is
Where is Djerba, and is it part of Tunisia?
Yes, Djerba is part of Tunisia. The island lies in the south-east of the country, in the Gulf of Gabès.
Which sea is Djerba in?
The Mediterranean, in the Gulf of Gabès off Tunisia’s south-eastern coast.
Is Djerba in Africa?
Yes, Djerba is in North Africa, only a few hours’ flight from Europe.
How long is the flight from the UK to Djerba?
About three and a half hours on the direct easyJet flights from Manchester (all winter) or London Luton (in windows).
If Djerba fits your plans, we would be glad to introduce you to the four villas of Ethic Village Djerba.
