Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata

Is it a real hotel?

Yes. Sidi Driss is a genuine troglodyte property, not a purpose-built film attraction — its underground courtyards and rooms were part of Matmata’s traditional architecture long before Star Wars arrived. Four of its five pits hold guest rooms; the fifth, the one from the film, is now the restaurant.

What can you see?

Look for the main courtyard, the Lars family dining area, the rounded doors, the pipes and other set decoration, the carved rooms and the connecting passages between them. Don’t expect a polished studio attraction — the appeal here is precisely that it remains a real, lived-in building and not a museum piece.

How far is it from Djerba?

Matmata is roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Djerba, depending on where you start and how many stops you make along the way. Visiting Sidi Driss is a full-day excursion, not a quick detour.

Best ways to visit

A Matmata-focused day trip suits serious Star Wars fans who want Sidi Driss to be the point of the day itself, with everything else built around it.

Matmata combined with Ksar Ghilane works well if you also want dunes and a Sahara experience — the Ksar Ghilane and Matmata jeep safari and the small-group 4x4 both run this combination.

A 2-day southern Tunisia tour suits travellers who want Matmata, Ksar Ghilane and the Tataouine region without rushing any of them into a single day.

Can you visit independently?

Yes, if you have a rental car or a private driver. The advantage is flexibility over timing; the disadvantage is the long return drive with nobody else sharing it.

How long do you need?

Around 30 to 60 minutes is enough for most visitors at the hotel itself. Allow more time for Matmata as a whole if the troglodyte homes and the village interest you beyond the film connection.

Is it worth visiting for non-fans?

Yes, provided you’re already interested in Matmata generally — the underground architecture is unusual enough to justify the stop even without any Star Wars context at all.

Hotel Sidi Driss or Ksar Hadada?

Choose Sidi Driss for the Lars homestead and the original-trilogy connection. Choose Ksar Hadada for Episode I and traditional ksar architecture instead — the two sit in different directions from Djerba, so combining both in one day usually means too much driving.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes and sun protection. The ground inside and around the pits can be dusty and uneven.

Which tour to book

The Ksar Ghilane and Matmata 4x4 is the best-evidenced pick at $69, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 325 guests, and pairs Sidi Driss with the Ksar Ghilane oasis and the Toujane mountain pass.

For the full completist route, the private Star Wars tour at $255 per group of up to two includes Sidi Driss entry outright alongside Ksar Hadada, Ksar Ouled Soltane and Chenini — see the filming-locations guide for how those sites compare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hotel Sidi Driss the Star Wars hotel?

Yes — its fifth pit courtyard is the Lars homestead interior from the original film.

Can you visit it?

Yes, as part of a Matmata day trip from Djerba, or independently with your own transport.

Can you stay there?

It is still listed as working accommodation, but confirm current availability directly before building a trip around an overnight stay.

Is it worth the drive?

For Star Wars fans, yes without question. For non-fans, it’s worth combining with a broader Matmata trip rather than visiting on its own.

Final thoughts

If you’re staying on Djerba and want to see one instantly recognisable Star Wars location, Sidi Driss is a strong choice. Treat it as one part of a wider Matmata visit, alongside the village’s troglodyte homes, and the day earns its long drive — the Djerba to Matmata guide covers how the rest of that day typically runs.