Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Where to go
The vast majority of travellers arrive at Nadi International Airport on
Viti Levu
, the biggest
island in the archipelago. Most stay around the suburban tourist hub of
Nadi
for a day or two
to organize travels to other parts of the country, or use it as a convenient base for explor-
ing the surrounding countryside and offshore islands. The most popular destination in Fiji
lies visible off Nadi's coastline - a gorgeous collection of islands known as the
Mamanu-
cas
. Here you'll find sublime beaches and tiny coral cays with suitably exotic names such as
“Bounty” or “Treasure Island”. Extending north of the Mamanucas are the
Yasawa Islands
,
a string of larger, volcanic islands home to a mixture of budget beach resorts and upmarket
boutique accommodation.
Almost as popular as the Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands, especially with families, are the
beach resorts of the
Coral Coast
along the south coast of Viti Levu. Around an hour's drive
from Nadi, these larger resorts offer good value all-inclusive packages and a great choice of
sightseeing tours. Inland is the rugged
rural interior of Viti Levu
. This region was once
home to fierce, cannibalistic hill tribes and is crisscrossed with
hiking trails
including the
route to Fiji's highest peak,
Mount Tomanivi
. Heading east along Viti Levu's south coast
brings you to
Pacific Harbour
, Fiji's adventure tour capital offering whitewater rafting, jet-
ski safaris and world-renowned shark dives off the nearby island of
Beqa
. Beyond is
Suva
,
Fiji's cosmopolitan capital city and the hub for sea transport throughout the archipelago.
Of the outer islands, the most accessible are in the
Lomaiviti Group
, a short trip by boat
from the east coast of Viti Levu. Here you'll find the quirky former capital of Levuka on the
island of Ovalau and a good range of budget island resorts - a less commercial alternative
to the Mamanucas and Yasawas. Spreading east for hundreds of kilometres is the vast
Lau
Group
. Reached by cargo boat from the mainland, these islands provide a true adventure for
the intrepid traveller and the chance to sample Polynesian culture. South of Viti Levu is the
snaking shape of
Kadavu
, a magnet for scuba-divers thanks to the impressive Great Astro-
labe Reef.
Fiji's second largest island,
Vanua Levu
, is in the northern part of the archipelago. On its
south coast is the beautiful sailing anchorage of Savusavu while to the east is
Taveuni
, Fiji's
lush “Garden Island”. Half of Taveuni is protected as a national park and it's the best place
in Fiji to hike through rainforest and encounter the country's rare, native birdlife. Offshore
is the stunning Rainbow Reef, aptly named after its colourful soft corals. Far north of Vanua
Levu, the tiny Polynesian island of
Rotuma
is politically part of Fiji but so isolated it feels
like a different country, with its own language, culture and traditions.