Djerba Island holidays

Beaches are what Djerba does best. Almost 80 miles of sugary sands wrap themselves around the island, so you're never too far from a stellar sunbathing spot. Whether you fancy somewhere scenic and secluded or lively and upbeat, there's plenty on the table.

Djerba's longest seaside swathe is Sidi Mahrez Beach. This is where you'll find the most popular sandy spots on the north-east coast, including the famous Zone Touristique. Lots of sections in this area are privately owned by the hotels that line up along the shore, so chances are, if this is where you're staying, you’ll have direct access to your own Bounty-ad backdrop.

If you’re looking to escape the tourist hubbub, head for the sandy strips between Aghir and El Kantara on the island’s south-east coast. They don’t boast quite as many A-list attributes as those in the Zone Touristique, but they’re blissfully quiet and perfect for relaxing.

Bargain hunters can mooch to their heart's content around open-air markets and souks. At these places, haggling’s the norm – you can name your price on all kinds of souvenirs, from leather goods to painted ceramics. The Midoun markets and the Houmt Souk bazaars are great places to start.

Malls in Djerba are packed with everything from clothing stores to tech brands. Bourgo Mall is the biggest shopping hub on the island – it's bright and modern, with around 45 shops and boutiques to browse. There's a handful of eateries, too, so you can fuel up between spending stints.

If you're after something special to take home with you, there are plenty of artisanal boutiques in the centre of Houmt Souk. Plus, the main market has a jewellery quarter, where you can splash out on traditional gold necklaces, restored vintage pieces and brooches in the shape of symbolic Djerbian motifs – think fish, doves and hands that represent life, fertility and protection.

If you fancy a low-key evening with a meal and a couple of drinks, head for the marina in the island's capital city. It's dotted with seafood restaurants, and it's a pretty place for a stroll at sunset. You might stumble upon a shisha lounge or two, too, where you can sip mint tea before turning in.

Djerba's main tourist area – Zone Touristique – is a lively spot when the sun goes down, especially during the peak summer months. Most hotels host beachside cocktails, live music and upbeat karaoke sessions. There's a crop of beach bars where you can grab a local beer, too.

Are you a foodie who always seeks out the most popular local dish? The gold medal pick on this island goes to Djerbian rice. It might sound simple, but it's bursting with flavour – steamed grains are loaded with meat, herbs and colourful vegetables.

Djerba's surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, so there's no surprise that one of its specialist subjects in the kitchen is seafood. Fish couscous is a popular pick, along with loaded plates like grilled sea bream and tender octopus salad.

The tingly scent of mint often welcomes you into a traditional tea house in Djerba. The vibes are calm and you'll sometimes see smoke from shishas floating through the air. Locals sit on low wooden benches or colourful cushions as they sip their chosen brew – you can pick from lists of herbal teas served in traditional metallic pots.

Djerba's got plenty up its sleeve if you're more of a dessert person than a starter person. One of the most famous sweet treats is the country's take on baklava. It's made with ultra-thin pieces of pastry called warqa, and while Turkish baklava puts the spotlight on pistachio nuts, the Tunisian spin subs them out for almonds.

When you're wandering around an open-air market in the sun, you're bound to need a little snack to keep you going. We'd seek out brik – this wafer-thin pastry comes in a triangular shape, stuffed with egg, tuna and fresh herbs. It's deep fried, so it's nice and crispy, too.