The Kerkennah Islands are a group of flat, sandy islands in the Gulf of Gabès, 20 km off the coast of Sfax. They are the anti-resort: no international hotel chains, no packaged beach clubs, no rows of sunbeds stretching to the horizon. Instead, there are narrow roads through olive groves and octopus farms, calm shallow water, a working fishing village culture that still uses traditional Cherfia fish traps, and a pace of life that makes Djerba feel frenetic.
The main islands are Gharbi (West) and Chergui (East), connected by a causeway. The ferry from Sfax arrives at Sidi Youssef on Gharbi; Remla, the main town, is a short drive further on Chergui. El Attaya, in the middle of Chergui, is the largest settlement. Plage Sidi Fenkhal, on the island’s eastern edge, is the best beach.
Kerkennah is not for travellers who need beach resort amenities. It is for those who want somewhere genuinely quiet, genuinely local, and genuinely different from the coastal Tunisia tourist circuit.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on Kerkennah is concentrated in and around Remla and along the main coastal road of Chergui. There is no resort zone in the European sense. Most properties are guesthouses and small hotels run by local families.
Hotel Cercina
Hotel Cercina in Ouled Yaneg is the most established hotel on the archipelago — 2-star in classification but with genuinely good atmosphere. Garden, terrace, restaurant, and private parking. Rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies with sea or garden views. Staff speak Arabic, English, French, and Italian, which is useful given the mix of European visitors. The Cercina is pet-friendly and has consistent long-stay guests who return each summer.
Rooms run approximately TND 90–150 per night as of 2026. Breakfast and half-board options are available, which matters on an island with limited restaurant options outside the main towns. Couples rate the location 8.6. Check availability and prices →
Beit El Ezz — Les Suites
Beit El Ezz Les Suites is a beachfront B&B in Ouled Yaneg with direct sea access and sea views. Family rooms with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, air conditioning, dining area, and balconies. Free WiFi, a lounge, concierge service, shared kitchen, and minimarket on-site. Additional activities include culture classes and bicycle hire, which fits the pace of the islands well.
This is the most atmospheric option for Kerkennah — beachfront position, thoughtful interiors, and a genuine island guesthouse feel. Breakfast is included in most rates. Rooms from approximately TND 160–250 per night as of 2026. Check availability →
Beit El Ezz — La Petite
Beit El Ezz la petite is a recently renovated self-contained holiday home in Ouled Yaneg: 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with oven and coffee machine, and 2 bathrooms. A practical option for couples or small families who want kitchen independence. Pricing is per property rather than per night per person, which makes it good value for two or three travellers sharing. From approximately TND 120–180 per property per night as of 2026.
Searching Booking.com for Kerkennah
The islands have additional smaller guesthouses and private rentals that cycle through availability. Search Kerkennah Islands on Booking.com for current availability, including seasonal properties that are not listed year-round.
Getting Around the Islands
The islands are flat, which makes bicycle and moped rental practical. Several guesthouses and local shops offer bicycle hire for approximately TND 10–15 per day as of 2026. Mopeds are available in Remla. Private cars can be brought over on the ferry from Sfax.
Taxis operate between the ferry landing at Sidi Youssef and the main towns. There is no formal bus network on the islands — walking, cycling, or taxis are the main transport options.
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to October are the most pleasant periods. Summer (July–August) is hot, reaching 38–40°C in August, and the islands attract Tunisian domestic tourists, which makes accommodation scarcer and prices higher. The sea remains calm and warm throughout summer, but the heat can make cycling and walking uncomfortable in midday hours.
Outside of summer, the islands are very quiet — some guesthouses may have reduced hours or close entirely from November to March. Always confirm opening dates when booking in low season.
What to Do
Traditional fish traps (Cherfia): The Kerkennah fishing communities still use palm frond fish traps set in the shallow seabed. The technique is specific to this archipelago and is worth seeing in operation on a morning walk along the coast.
Plage Sidi Fenkhal: The best beach on the islands, on the eastern side of Chergui. Calm, clean, and noticeably quieter than the beaches of Sousse or Hammamet. Bring your own water and supplies.
Octopus drying: In season (spring and autumn), lines of octopus dry on wooden racks along the coast — a visual that is entirely specific to Kerkennah and the Gulf of Gabès fishing culture.
Sfax: The ferry crossing to Sfax connects the islands to Tunisia’s second city, which has a strong Arab-Norman medina and one of the country’s better food markets. Sfax can be visited as a day trip from Kerkennah or used as a base for the ferry.
Practical Information
Ferry schedule: Multiple daily departures from Sfax (ferry terminal on the port). Journey time approximately 75 minutes. Tickets purchased at the terminal — no advance online booking required for foot passengers. Vehicle spaces fill quickly in summer; arrive early if bringing a car.
Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND). ATMs are limited on the islands — the most reliable is in Remla. Bring sufficient cash from Sfax for your stay.
Mobile signal: Coverage is variable on the islands, particularly outside the main towns. A Tunisian SIM (Orange or Ooredoo) generally performs better than roaming on international plans.
Plan Your Trip
Flights to Tunisia: Search flights to Tunis or Sfax — Aviasales compares across airlines for the best fare.
Travel insurance: Get travel insurance for Tunisia — covers medical, cancellation, and trip interruption.
eSIM: Buy an eSIM for Tunisia — Airalo data plans work across Tunisia including the Kerkennah coast.
See also: Kerkennah Islands guide | Where to stay in Sfax | Where to stay in Djerba