The wonderful, tropical islands of Fiji have many white beaches, turquoise water, and a culture of their own. In the old days called the “Cannibal Islands” is Fiji today one of the more modern Melanesian countries. The people of Fiji are some of the friendliest people on the planet, with legendary hospitality which is for most visitors to the Islands the most memorable.
Bula! Welcome to the Fiji Islands
The Fiji Islands are a holiday destination, full of activities, adventures, scuba diving, snorkeling and natural beauty with a warm climate throughout the year, clear and warm oceans teeming with fish and coral, mountains, jungle, islands, beaches…
Fiji caters to the backpacking individual traveler with lots of budget accommodations to the rich and famous with luxury resorts that, in combination with the natural beauty of Fiji, are literally are out of this world.
There are over 322 islands and about 500 islets in Fiji, so it can be difficult to decide where to go and what you should do first. Here are some of the best places to visit on the Fiji islands.
Viti Levu
The largest of the Fiji Islands, it’s the hub of the entire archipelago. Visitors to Fiji will arrive at Nadi International Airport. Nearby towns Nadi and Lautoka are the departing points to the Mamanuca or the Yasawa Islands.
Along the south coast of the main island is the famous Coral Coast with plenty of resorts located directly on the beach easily accessible from Nadi via the Queen’s highway. The beauty of the Coral Coast is captivating with its sugar cane plantations, pineapple plantations, lush gardens and fantastic views of the ocean.
Further along, the south coast of Viti Levu is Pacific Harbour the “Adventure Capital of Fiji”. It’s the gateway to Beqa Lagoon, known for world-class dive sites with coral and wreck dives, as well as one of the world’s best shark feeding dives. There are adventure tours into the jungle, river rafting, zip-lining, game fishing, shops, and restaurants… The resorts here are the perfect base for an active or relaxing holiday.
On the southeast of Viti Levu is Fiji’s capital Suva. It’s a modern, bustling and multicultural city with shopping malls and markets, restaurants, entertainment, cultural activities surrounded by parks, gardens, museums, and a vibrant nightlife.
The Mamanucas
Just off the coast of Nadi is a group of 20 small beautiful islands surrounded by white sandy beaches, turquoise sea’s and reefs, that make your stay an unforgettable experience. These isles were used to film the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks. They are very popular and well developed to cater for visitors, Getting there is quick and easy with many departures daily from Nadi. Perfect for beachcombing, diving, snorkeling kayaking, paragliding, windsurfing… Whether you’re looking for adventure, party or just relaxing, you have the freedom to choose. The most famous are the Beachcomber, Mana, Tokoriki, and Malolo.
Yasawas
The Yasawa Islands are located off the northwest coast of Viti Levu. It’s a group of about 20 islands that fulfill the picturesque postcard south seas cliche. Gentle hilly landscapes, secluded palm tree-fringed bays with white sandy beaches to relax and dream. The turquoise crystal clear water of the lagoon’s invites to swim and snorkel.
The budget resorts on most of the Yasawas Islands attract a lot of backpackers and travelers seeking beaches and stunning nature without spending big dollars. There is a well-organized infrastructure of passenger ferries and island supply boats that allow swift daily transport in and out of the islands.
There are also some very up-market resorts here, the most famous one being Turtle Islands Resort where the movie “The Blue Lagoon” was filmed.
Ovalau
Ovalau Island is a lush tropical volcanic island of about 100 square kilometers surrounded by large coral reefs. It is the main island of the Lomaiviti Group which is made up of the islands of Namena, Makogai, Koro, Wakaya, Batiki, Nairai, Gau and Ovalau. The islands are the peaks of deep-sea volcanoes that became extinct millions of years ago.
Levuka town on Ovalau was the first capital of Fiji and is the countries only UNESCO World Heritage Site for its value as a Historical Port Town. Still, Levuka and Ovalau are off the main tourist track, but it’s a destination to experience the real Fiji.
Vanua Levu
Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second-largest island. In the past known as The Sandalwood Island and Fiji’s center for copra production. It was still a lot of untouched lush tropical forests covering the hilly mountains. The coast along the north shore is one of the most unexplored and undiscovered areas of Fiji with only the occasional Fijian village set on its beaches. Most infrastructure is concentrated around Vanua Levu’s two towns.
Labasa in the north is mainly an Indian community with thriving businesses centered around the sugar industry. Not really a very picturesque place to visit.
The Opposite is Savusavu town, known as the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji”. It is located on the south coast of Vanua Levu is one of the South Pacific’s most beautiful bays. There are hot springs scattered around the city limits that are used by locals for cooking and hot water.
The town has a range of accommodation, activities, and adventures. Around Savusavu is a number of resorts the most famous one the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort just at the southeast of Savusavu peninsula.
Taveuni
The fourth-largest island Taveuni, of Fiji, is known as the Garden Island. Covered by lush mountains and tropical nature with a wealth of endemic plants and animals. Nature lovers will find lots to do: hiking, birdwatching, visit Bouma National Heritage Park, find the Tagimaucia flower one of the rarest and largest flowering plants in the world. The chiefly village of Somosomo is known for the international Dateline cutting through. There are several dive resorts on Taveuni which offer world-class diving on colorful soft coral reefs. The most famous ones are the Great White Wall and the Rainbow Reef.
Kadavu
Kadavu is a remote island south of Viti Levu, regular ferries, and air transport link it to the main island. The island is popular for watersports and eco-adventurers. Some of the resorts grow and use organic produce and try to be as environmentally friendly as possible by using solar and wind for power generation. Most of the island is still undeveloped with roads only found around Vunisea, the main village on Kadavu. Kadavu is a rugged hilly island with secluded bays and long beaches. Epic coral reefs surround Kadavu, the most famous being the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. Kadavu dive sites are known for big fish diving and famous “Manta Magic”, a site with regular Manta ray sightings. Several dive resorts are located all around the island.
Lau Group
The Lau Group is far east from Viti Levu, about halfway to Tonga. Tourism is not very developed here and people here live a very traditional life. If you want to visit here you need lots of time and you must be invited by a local to get permission to stay on the islands.
There are local cargo vessels that service the islands and a couple of flights to some of the large Lauen Islands.
The island’s traditional villages can only be visited by following Fijian protocol. The Islands and the scenery is most beautiful. These islands are great for those looking to explore and enjoy the south pacific nature.
The wonderful, tropical islands of Fiji are a stunning and most beautiful vacation spot. Fiji’s islands are great for backpacking, a getaway, or just a relaxing time at a resort. Fiji is very welcoming to all travelers.
