Ferries

Europe–Tunisia ferries

The port of La Goulette, on the edge of Tunis, receives ferries from France and Italy, notably from Marseille, Genoa and ports in southern Italy and Sicily depending on the season. The Tunisian Navigation Company (CTN), a public company, operates some of these routes. The crossing takes from a few hours to more than a day depending on the port of departure. Book early for summer.

The Djerba ferry, Jorf–Ajim

The ferry links Jorf, on the mainland, with Ajim, on the south-west coast of Djerba. The crossing takes only about fifteen minutes and sailings are frequent, by day and by night. It carries foot passengers and vehicles and is the shortest route to the island from Gabes and the north. In summer and during holidays, the wait for cars can reach several hours.

The Sfax–Kerkennah ferry

Ferries link the port of Sfax with Sidi Youssef, at the western tip of the Kerkennah archipelago. The crossing usually takes between one hour and one and a half hours. The boats carry passengers and vehicles; in season and at weekends, arrive well in advance if travelling by car. On the archipelago, a road links the two main islands and their fishing villages.

Alternatives and weather

Djerba is also linked to the mainland by the El Kantara causeway, on the Zarzis side, a good alternative when the wait for the ferry is too long. In strong winds, crossings on the Djerba ferry and the Kerkennah ferry may be temporarily suspended. Check the day's conditions before setting off, and allow extra time if you have a flight to catch.

Frequently asked questions