Say Djerba and you might think of camels walking along the beach, the sun going down over the sea, and a soft breeze in the air. Djerba is an island in the south of Tunisia, just off the Mediterranean coast. It’s the largest island in the country and one of the most relaxing places to visit. Life here feels simple and sunny almost every day.
With white houses, quiet villages, busy markets, and long sandy beaches, Djerba is full of charm. You might see people riding horses on the beach, fishermen bringing in fresh fish, or locals selling colorful pottery.
The island is known for its traditions, tasty food, and friendly people. Spend your days by the sea, exploring the streets, or sipping mint tea in the shade.
Want to know more? Check out our travel guides for Djerba and start planning your island trip.
The best time to visit Djerba is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for relaxing on the beach, exploring the island’s villages, or enjoying a quiet horse ride by the sea. The crowds are smaller, and the days are sunny without being too hot.
In the summer months (June to August), Djerba gets very hot, especially in the afternoons. It’s a great time to swim in the sea, try water sports, or spend time by the pool. Just be sure to take breaks in the shade if you’re out during the hottest part of the day.
Winter (December to February) is mild, especially compared to the rest of Tunisia. While it’s not beach weather every day, it’s still a good time to enjoy the island’s peaceful atmosphere, walk along the coast, and experience local life without the crowds.
The official currency in Djerba is the Tunisian Dinar (TND) and you can pay by credit card in bigger restaurants, hotels, and shops, but not everywhere. It is therefore always useful to have enough cash with you and also to give tips.
You will find ATMs in every touristic area and major city where you can withdraw money, but not in the more remote places.
The official language in Djerba is Arabic. But French is also widely spoken, especially in the cities and tourist areas. English is becoming more common, particularly among younger people and in touristic places.
Djerba is generally safe and very popular with tourists. The island is calm, welcoming, and well-patrolled. Most visits are easy and trouble-free.
Petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in busy areas, so stay aware. Solo female travelers may get some attention but often feel more comfortable here than in larger cities.
Tap water in Djerba is generally safe in hotels and main towns, but it may taste of chlorine. In smaller villages or rural spots, it's better to drink bottled water. To be extra careful, avoid ice cubes and use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
Djerba, like the rest of Tunisia, is a Muslim-majority area with both modern and traditional influences. There’s no strict dress code, but modest clothing is appreciated, especially outside tourist zones.
For women: covering shoulders and knees is a good idea in villages or religious places. Swimwear is fine at the beach or pool but not in town.
For men: shorts and T-shirts are usually fine, but going shirtless is only acceptable at the beach or pool.
Since Djerba is part of Tunisia, which is in Africa, European roaming charges do not apply. To stay connected without high costs, we recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card during your stay. Airalo is an excellent choice for an eSIM!
Haggling is a common practice in Djerba, especially in markets and souks where prices are often set higher than what the seller expects to get. If you're shopping for souvenirs, clothes, or handicrafts, it's normal to bargain and even expected.
Be polite and keep it friendly. Start by offering about one-third or half the asking price and work from there. Just remember, haggling is not usually done for fixed-price items like food, drinks, or public transport.
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Djerba, but it’s generally appreciated, especially in the service industry.
In restaurants, it’s common to leave around 10% of the bill if a service charge isn’t already included. In cafes and casual places, rounding up or leaving a few coins is enough.
Tipping taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides is also a kind gesture. You can tip taxi drivers by rounding up the fare, and hotel staff or tour guides usually appreciate a few dinars per day.
In Djerba, the power plug types used are C and E. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.