African island that’s a ‘hidden gem’ has new easyJet flights from the UK

AN island in Africa yet to be popular with Brits has new flights from the UK and they take just a few hours.

The Tunisian island of Djerba is often overlooked by UK tourists, who instead often choose to head to the Tunisian capital Tunis.

Getty - ContributorDjerba is often overlooked as a tourist destination by Brits[/caption] AlamyThe island welcomed new easyJet flights last year[/caption]

But easyJet has launched a number of new routes to the island destination.

Starting last year, the flights operate from London Luton and Manchester, with flights as little as £81 return.

Currently popular with French and Tunisian holidaymakers, the new flights are expected to make it a popular destination with Brits too.

Not only was Djerba said to have inspired Homer’s Odyssey, but it was even used as a filming location for Tatooine, a planet in Star Wars.

Two of the filming locations have since been turned into hotels – called Hotel Sidi Idriss and Ksar Hadada.

Elsewhere on the island is the capital city is Houmt Souk, which translates to ‘the market neighbourhood’.

One of the most popular is Bazaar Houmt Souk, where tourists can buy souvenirs and food from the many vendors.

A popular traditional Tunisian dish that can be found at the market is brik – a deep-fried spicy pastry filled with fish or meat.

Another activity when visiting Djerba is visiting one of the island’s ancient olive groves.

The island’s olive groves have a long history, with some even dating back to the Roman Empire.

But if you are looking for something completely different, then head to the island’s crocodile farm.

The Reptile Park, at Djerba Explore Park, is the Mediterranean’s largest crocodile farms and is home to over 400 Nile crocodiles.

These prehistoric creatures roam in a setting that evokes the depths of Africa, featuring papyrus, palm trees and banana trees.

Some of these crocs measure up to seven metres long, and weigh nearly a tonne.

Djerba Explore Park is divided into five parts, including a village, cafes and restaurants, the Lalla Hadria Museum and the heritage site.

Entrance costs £8.26 for adults, and half that price for children.

GettyThe island was used as a filming location in Star Wars[/caption] GettyHoumt Souk is home to a bustling market with a myriad of vendors[/caption]

In general, prices are pretty cheap across the island.

A beer costs of average £1.65, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people costs around £15.26, and a cappuccino can be picked up for under a £1.

Depending on the type of the hotel you want to stay in, prices range from around £24 to £105 per night.

Temperatures remain high through the year with the hottest months to visit being July and August with highs of 34C.

Africa has many island destinations, including one with 31C winter temperatures.

Plus, The Sun’s Sophie Swietochowski recently visited a Spanish island off the coast of Africa and home to laid-back resorts.

AlamyFlights to the island can cost as little as £81 return[/caption]