The ‘delightful’ island that’s 25°C in November and a £46 flight from the UK

With the clocks going back last weekend, winter is officially upon us, bringing with it long, dark evenings and chilly temperatures. 

If you’re looking to lighten up your spirits during the dark season, some winter sun could be the perfect remedy. 

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 set to launch from Manchester Airport in November to Djerba, a ‘delightful’ island situated off the Tunisian coast. 

Nestled in the Gulf of Gabes, the east coast, Djerba is the largest island in North Africa – and there’s plenty to do despite it being off the beaten track.

There are traditional villages, pristine beaches and even something for Star Wars lovers. Here’s everything you need to know. 

The new Easyjet route from Manchester to Djerba-Zarzis International Airport takes around three and a half hours, with flights starting from £46 for a return 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 start at £113 for a round-trip. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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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. 

And 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.’

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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. 

Although a relatively small island, Djerba packs a lot in, and visitors could spend days enjoying the island. 

‘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. 

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. 

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. 

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