Looking for a new and unforgettable destination for your next tropical getaway? Have you considered Fiji? Located in the South Pacific, and east of Australia and New Zealand, it is a country that most have heard of but which few know a great deal about. It is a destination of tremendous beauty, and it is an excellent idea to experience Fiji for yourself.
As you may hear from experts, there is not “just one Fiji”. Instead, there are more than 300 islands that make up this island nation. Around 110 of the islands are inhabited and of those, a few comprise most of the country’s land area. Each of the major islands have something unique and different to offer, but you can be sure that all of them have truly distinct beaches, landscape and local culture.
So, how do you experience Fiji? You start by learning a bit about the islands from which you can choose.
Viti Levu
This is usually where most visitors arrive, and because of this, the island has a more cosmopolitan flavor. It is also where the broadest range of accommodations will be found, including luxury resorts and private villas. The capital city is here and because of that you can find amazing restaurants, shops and more.
The island is also home to diverse landscapes and the activities that must always be part of such settings. Mountain villages with authentic native villages, gorgeous lagoons where you can enjoy water sports, and stunning beaches that are what make Fiji so famous.
Ovalau & Lomaiviti
Ovalau island is home to the former capital of Fiji, but is now a far quieter and undeveloped place to pay a visit. Authentic jungle covered mountains are here for the enthusiastic hikers and just as expansive stretches of flawless white sand are there to be savored, too. Close to Viti Levu, it is a much less visited area though one of the most exclusive resorts in the country is among the islands in this area.
The Mamanucas
This is a small gathering of islands that offer you that iconic, picture postcard view of Fijian islands. Dazzling white sands, impossibly clear waters, perfect surfing and lots of services for those who wish for nothing more than to enjoy every moment of the flawless beach life are what you can expect on any of these little islands.
The Yasawas
Sitting at the far end of the Mamanuscas, these are quieter and less populated. The famous 1980s movie Blue Lagoon was filmed on one of these islands, and it is a wonderful place for the avid snorkeler, beachgoer and even cave diver.
Kadavu
Are you an off the beaten path sort? This amazing island may be for you. The perfect eco-traveler’s destination, it is dotted with small and low key resorts that commonly grow their own organic foods and ensure you meet local villagers. However, many make a visit to see the Great Astrolabe Reef, popular with divers, fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Vanua Levu
Equally as off the beaten path as Kadavu is this stunning island. It is home to working coconut and sugarcane plantations, amazing waterfalls, a charming harbor town, stunning and quiet beaches, 4WD adventures, and some of the best diving – including the famous Rainbow Reef and the Namena Marine Reserve.
Taveuni
The lushest of all Fiji’s islands, it is nicknamed the Garden Isle. It too has a lot of waterfalls, amazing hiking trails and gardens, vast stretches of protected forest lands and a popular coastal walk that is one of the most amazing stretches you may ever witness.
That is not all of the inhabited islands, but if you wish to experience authentic Fiji, these are great places to begin. Whether it is pristine waterfront, world-class reef diving, impressive hiking, or a combination of activities, Fiji has it all and puts is own exotic spin on it.