Navigating Fiji

Fiji is made up of more than 300 islands scattered over 200,000 square miles of ocean – so it’s understandable if the idea of planning your Fiji vacation seems a tad overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve done the dirty work for you – here are the highlights, so you’re ready to plan your Fiji vacation.

Viti Levu
Fiji’s largest and most populated island, Viti Levu’s several visitor regions are always a reliable choice. Many travelers start in Nadi, home to the international airport and Fiji’s second-largest city. In just a 20-minute drive, visitors can reach Denarau Island, a resort complex with championship golf course, marina, cruise port and high-end international hotels. Take a drive up the Coral Coast from Nadi for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, sugar cane fields and coral lagoons. This region is home to some of Fiji’s largest and best-known resorts. Next along the highway is the Pacific Harbor, Fiji’s adventure capital, offering soft-adventure activities and popular backpacking.

Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands
Some of Fiji’s most famous resorts are located in the Mamanucas, which are noted for a particularly gorgeous coral reef and private enclaves. Getting here from Viti Levu is easy – just catch a catamaran at the port of Denarau, and take no more than two hours to reach the farthest island. Each island offers something unique, from backpacking on South Seas Island, to high-end resort life on Malolo Island. The Yasawa island chain is further out, and also popular with backpackers. There are, however, also five-star resorts to be found here.

Northern Islands
These remote islands are perfect for those seeking a true escape. Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island, is home to the town of Savusavu, as well as super-luxurious resorts like the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort. Often called the “Garden Island,” Taveuni can be reached by a 15-minute flight, though it mainly attracts very wealthy travelers.