Are you dreaming of an island escape? Fiji is a tropical paradise beyond compare, with pristine white sands and crystal clear turquoise waters. A galaxy of sand and sea, Fiji has 333 islands to explore, which begs the question, where should you start?
Far-removed from the rest of the world, deep in the Pacific Ocean, Fiji is so worth journeying across the globe for. Without further ado, here are the islands you should visit:
Yasawa Islands
A group of 20 volcanic islands northwest of Viti Levu, the Yasawas are known for having some of the best beaches in Fiji, and with family-run hostels as well as luxury resorts, there’s something for everyone. The natural exotic beauty of these islands makes them a popular spot for filming, blessed with dramatic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches.
Full of culture, you’re also likely to come across locals from their villages living a traditional island life, running small eateries and fishing off the shores. The world is your oyster, trek through the forests, swim with the fishes, and partake in the activities on offer, such as fishing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
Getting around the islands is no fuss, as you can arrive by ferry and island hop using your Bula Pass - a hop-on, hop-off boat pass for the local islands.
Kadavu Island
Fiji’s fourth largest island, Kadavu is perfect for travellers seeking an adventure. Here, nature has been left to do its thing, as the island has been kept wild. Hike into the dense vine-covered forests in search of hidden waterfalls and natural springs, in a tropical oasis that seems a million miles away from the urban jungle you came from.
Kadavu island is home to The Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, where you can have the snorkelling and scuba-diving experiences of your dreams, surrounded by rainbows of diverse fish.
Although just a short 50 minute flight from Nadi, this island still feels far off the beaten path.
Mamanuca Islands
Just 20 minutes from Nadi via ferry, the Mamanuca islands host a collection of beach clubs and resorts for you to explore, complete with white sand beaches and landscaped gardens. The proximity of these islands to the main island doesn’t detract from its charm, as the 20 islands of the Mamanucas naturally fit into the category of ultimate tropical getaways.
There’s a bit of everything in the Mamanuca islands, from the heights of luxury with properties such as Six Senses Fiji occupying its own inlet, to the rocking party island Beachcomber Island attracting backpackers far and wide.
Malamala Beach Club is the first beach club in the world to occupy its own island. Just a hop, skip and a jump over the water from the main island, you can kick back in this day trip getaway with a cocktail and a poke bowl of fresh tuna in a coconut as the sun goes down.
Taveuni Island
Known as Fiji’s Garden Island, Taveuni has long been an enigma. It is 75 minutes flying time away from Nadi, and most travellers have never heard of it. The most intrepid of explorers bush trek through wild national park, discovering eden-like waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
Taveuni is surrounded by some of the top diving sites in the world, such as the Somosomo Strait, dubbed the “soft coral capital of the world”. Surfers can even catch some waves in these parts, and you can find birds and flowers you’ll see nowhere else on Earth.
Taveuni is an eco-tourist’s dream, but with everything from budget rooms to five star luxury resorts, you don’t have to sleep in a tent.
If you’re lucky enough to land in Fiji, make sure you don’t just stay on the main island. Venture into the blue and uncover the hidden gems of the Pacific Ocean.