Djerba is not just a destination for beaches, palm trees, and cocktails. This Tunisian island offers surprising activities rarely visited by tourists: from preserved Star Wars sets to WWII shipwrecks, alongside contemporary street art. Here is our selection of the 5 experiences not to be missed.
1. Walk on the Star Wars Sets in Ajim
The village of Ajim served as a filming location for A New Hope (1977). The famous Chalmun’s Cantina, where Han Solo shoots Greedo, is still visible – although the building has been abandoned and deteriorating for decades.
In 2003, an international petition saved the site from demolition, but no restoration has been undertaken. The old 18th-century Berber bakery thus preserves its raw authenticity, exactly as it appears in the film.
Best period: September-October (72-82°F / 22-28°C)
Drones forbidden in Tunisia (confiscation at customs)
2. Bivouac Under the Stars at Dunes Insolites Sabria
Located 3.5 hours from Djerba via Chott El-Jerid, the Dunes Insolites Sabria Camp offers an authentic nomadic experience in the desert.
Site Characteristics:
Limited capacity: 30 people maximum per night
Accommodation: Comfortable Bedouin tents (real beds, not sleeping bags)
Activities: Equestrian show, khobz el mella demonstration (sand bread cooked under embers)
Flexibility: Possible adaptations (donkey rides instead of camel, etc.)
Rates and Booking:
Full night: €117-133 per person
Included: dinner, breakfast, evening activities, tent
Verify that dinner is included upon booking (€17 extra otherwise)
2-day/1-night circuit from Djerba: Starting at €175 per person (base 4 people)
Included: Round-trip transport + ferry, stops in Matmata and Sebkhet el Melah lake, all meals, bivouac
Practical Conditions:
Road accessible by regular car
Google Maps unreliable
Cash only – Withdraw dinars/euros before departure
Best Period:
March-April, October-November
Nighttime temperatures: 50-59°F / 10-15°C (blankets provided)
Clear skies, few crowds
Summer (June-August): 104-122°F / 40-50°C during the day
Winter: Can drop below 32°F / 0°C
3. Dive on World War II Shipwrecks
Four Italian shipwrecks lie around Djerba, sunk during the Tunisian Campaign (1943).
Wildlife Observed:
- Giant groupers, rays, octopuses
- Sea slugs
- Exceptional biodiversity (wrecks become artificial reefs)
Rates and Clubs:
Rates: €50-70 per dive (equipment, boat, guide included)
Packages: €210 for 5 dives
Possible in January (7mm wetsuit)
4. Observe 400 Nile Crocodiles at Djerba Explore
The Djerba Explore conservation park is not a typical zoo. Created in 1998 with the import of Nile crocodiles from Madagascar, the site houses 400 specimens in African landscaped pools.
Attractions Included in Single Ticket:
Crocodile Farm: Landscaped pools with papyrus, banana trees, palm trees
Lalla Hadria Museum: 1,000 pieces of Islamic art (13 centuries) – Calligraphies, fragments from the Kaaba, traditional Tunisian costumes
Heritage Conservatory: Reconstructed Djerbien village – Carpet weaving, oil mill, irrigation techniques
2025 Rates:
Adults: (~$11 / €10)
Children 4-12 years: (~$7 / €6.50)
Under 4 years: Free
Location:
Address: Midoun Tourist Road, foot of Taguermess Lighthouse, 4116 Midoun
Distance: 10 minutes from hotels, 20 km from airport
Taxi: 4-15 DT depending on starting point
Practical Tips:
Arrive at opening (9 AM) to avoid tourist groups (10:30-11 AM)
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
Bring Google Translate (signs mainly in French/Arabic, little English)
Animalia Café on site (high local prices: 4-5 DT vs 1-2 DT in town)
5. Djerbahood: 250 Street Art Murals in Erriadh
The village of Erriadh was transformed into an open-air museum in June 2014 by the Djerbahood project. 150 artists from 30 countries created over 250 murals.
Notable Artists:
eL Seed (Tunisia) – Also collaborates with Louis Vuitton
C215 (France)
M-City (Poland) – Transformed a car into a mechanical tiger
Swoon (United Kingdom)
Characteristics:
No official route: Free wandering through narrow streets
Integrated art: Uses 3D architecture as canvas
Context: 2,000-year-old village
Practical Information:
Cost: 100% FREE (public art)
Duration: 2 hours average, 3-4 hours for photographers
GPS: 33.82310, 10.85400
Best time: 8-10 AM (before groups, perfect light, empty streets)
Afternoon: White streets become stifling even at 77°F (25°C)
State in 2026:
Some murals have aged (2014), new ones added 2018-2022
Transport:
Taxi (10-20 DT) or shared minibus from Houmt Souk
Bonus: Create Your Own Pottery in Guellala
The village of Guellala (12 km south, 15 minutes by car) is Djerba’s traditional pottery center and the island’s highest point (56m / 184ft).
Recommended Workshops:
Pottery Mjahed Faouzi
Contact: +216 97 200 706
Reviews: Unanimous 5-star ratings (2024-2025)
Format: Free demonstration, participatory workshops available
Practical Information:
Duration: 1-2 hours per workshop, 3-4 hours for entire village
Payment: Generally cash only
Budget: Essentially free (best value for money in the guide)
Summary: Shipwrecks to Explore
| Wreck | Depth | Level Required | Characteristics |
| Edda/Ricardo | 27m (88ft) | PADI 2 (Advanced) | Cargo torpedoed Jan 19, 1943 by HMS Unbroken; 3 tanks; best preserved |
| Alga | 18-21m (59-69ft) | PADI 1 (Open Water) | Excellent marine life; accessible for beginners |
| Korda | 21m (69ft) | PADI 1-2 | Less explored; discoveries possible |
| Attitalla | 40m (131ft) | Experienced only | Rarely dived |
Djerba Explore Opening Hours and Activities
| Activity | Time |
| General Opening | 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays) |
| Reptile Show | 11:00 AM (15-20 min, daily except Monday) |
| Baby Crocodile Photos | 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM (Free/included; may have queue) |
| Crocodile Feeding | 4-5 PM (Officially suspended but sometimes practiced; check on site)/td> |
Suggested Day Itinerary
8-11 AM: Djerbahood (Erriadh) – 3 hours
11 AM-1 PM: Lunch on the road – 2 hours
1-3 PM: Guellala (pottery + village exploration) – 2 hours
