Djerba (transfer time from Djerba Airport 30 minutes)

Legendary home of the 'lotus eaters' and Ulysses himself, the island of Djerba is well known for its mild and temperate winters and long hot summers. This sun blessed island has miles of unspoiled beaches lapped by the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. Overlooking the sea is the 15th century fortress Borj el Kebir which has seen a succession of occupiers including Berbers, Jews, Sicilians, Spanish, Turks, French even pirates. The Ghriba synagogue, one of the holiest Jewish buildings in North Africa still plays host to a small Jewish community resident on the island and during May is a place of pilgrimage for Jewish people from all over. Relatively flat yet rich in Palm and Olive trees, the island is easy to get around by bicycle. Djerba's main tourist development of fine, modern hotels is concentrated along the beach on the north-east shore, but you may prefer to stay in one of the small establishments in Houmt Souk, the island's capital.

The festival of Ulysses takes place in August and is a celebration of the songs, dances and traditions of the island. Apart from a single charter flight operation from February till April travelers will have to journey via Tunis using the internal flight connection. Although there are plenty of things to do and see on the island, Djerba is an ideal place from which to explore the southern part of Tunisia and in particular the timeless sands of the Sahara Desert. A causeway connects the island with the mainland and in addition there are ferries which run every half hour.

What to see

• The beautiful Ghriba Synagogue.
• Houmt Souk, the islands capital with its bustling marketplace and daily fish auction.
• The pottery village of Guellala, where potters still craft ceramics by hand.
• Borj el Kebir the 15th century fort which has seen plenty of action over the years.

Where to go

• Desert Excursions can be arranged through us and these will include a visit to the troglodyte village of Matmata which featured in the original Star Wars film, the remote Berber community at Chenini and the mysterious cliff top villages of the Ksour region.
• Further into the desert you can visit Douz, gateway town of the Sahara, the oasis town of Tozeur and nearby the Star Wars film set at Ong Jemel.