Travel
Find out how to decide the fitting island in Fiji
With 333 islands in Fiji’s archipelago, selecting the one which’s greatest for you would possibly really feel intimidating.
Relaxation assured that there are actually no bad islands to go to in Fiji – you can’t go wrong. Every one has its personal particular traits and sense of place, providing every thing from decadent resort experiences and household getaways to backpacker adventures. Wherever you go, count on the warmest welcome the world has to supply from the second your aircraft lands in Nadi.
Right here’s our rundown of Fiji’s greatest islands, and the way they may fulfill your journey needs.
1. Viti Levu
Finest for city life and family-friendly resorts
Commercial
The worldwide gateway to the Fijian islands, Viti Levu has a little bit of every thing the nation has to supply, from internationally well-known, fastidiously manicured resort areas similar to Denarau Island to the mountain village of Navala, the place locals stay in thatched bure (huts).
Households will love the vary of high quality actions like kayaking or rafting down the Navua River, zip-lining over treetops at Zip Fiji, strolling via the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, stress-free on the family-friendly beaches of Natadola and taking a motorcycle journey alongside a former sugarcane railway at Ecotrax. The island additionally hosts three of Fiji’s national parks, promising escapes into the wilderness.
Dive with resident tiger sharks in Beqa Lagoon, snorkel the thriving reef at Nananu-i-Ra or just soak in some solar on the dazzling white sands of the Coral Coast. On this island, there may be a lot to do – or not do.
Get a style of recent Melanesian life within the capital, Suva, with its energetic Municipal Market, the informative Fiji Museum and plenty of ultra-modern, air-conditioned buying malls. Fiji’s essential transport hub, Nadi (pronounced NAN-dee), showcases the nation’s Indian heritage via the spectacular Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami temple, quite a few sari retailers and fiery, scrumptious curries.
2. The Mamanucas
Finest for white-sand islands and surf breaks
Ah, the Mamanucas… This near-perfect string of white-sand islands hover within the blue water like some hallucination of paradise. Uninhabited Monuriki Island, for instance, is so picture-perfect that the movie Solid Away (2000), starring Tom Hanks, was filmed right here.
Well-known surf spots like Cloudbreak lure in these searching for the barrel of their life, whereas friendlier waves appeal to these nonetheless engaged on their paddle energy. Pristine reefs with sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and resident fish encircle nearly each island within the chain, making for a snorkeler’s heaven. When it’s time to dry off, an empty seashore is only a paddle away.
Beachcomber Island is named the reigning occasion resort island of the nation, with bottles of barely chilled Fiji Gold or Fiji Bitter flowing with abandon. Backpackers within the Mamanucas are inclined to observe a path that coincides with the Bula Pass, a boat-transfer ticket that may whisk you from island to island. But you probably have the money to spare, there are many upscale resorts that provide champagne seashore picnics the place privateness is sort of assured.
In order for you reliably good climate, brag-worthy pictures of white sand seashores and waiters wielding cocktails, the Mamanucas are for you.
Planning tip: Since a lot of the Mamanucas are solely an hour away from Viti Levu by boat, you may simply go to on a day journey.
3. The Yasawas
Finest for desert-island-paradise goals
Commercial
The Yasawas observe the tropical tail of the Mamanucas north, resulting in quiet and remoted bliss. A high-speed catamaran or a small aircraft makes getting there from both Viti Levu or the Mamanucas a cinch. When you’ve arrived, you’ll discover lodging starting from five-star resorts to laid-back backpacker digs.
As you hop from island to island, and from white-sand seashore to white-sand seashore, you may discover the clear, darkish waters of Sawa-i-Lau Cave and snorkel and dive the technicolor reefs all through the chain. The reef passage between Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa is frequented by manta rays (though since currents may be sturdy you must decide your day fastidiously).
It may be tougher to get a glimpse at Fijian dwelling whenever you’re caught to the confines of the sandy shoreline your resort is about on. Thankfully, Waya Island has a village whose famously hospitable residents welcome guests with open arms.
Planning tip: As soon as within the islands, ask at your resort about getting a raise to close by islands or inquire about native water taxis. Usually, these are native motorboats in various phases of disrepair (and with scant regard for security gear) – however you may relaxation assured that the boat captains right here know the water, reefs and climate just like the again of their fingers.
4. Kadavu
Finest for off-the-beaten-track adventures
Distant and actual but simply accessible by aircraft or boat from Viti Levu, Kadavu is one among Fiji’s greatest off-the-beaten-track spots. Eco-adventurers will discover happiness on the handful of resorts that develop their very own natural produce and work collaboratively with Kadavu’s native villagers.
Anyplace you keep, you’ll seemingly must get there by boat from the principle village, passing by jungle coves untouched by people however alive with uncommon and colourful endemic birds. The east a part of the island is fringed by the Nice Astrolabe Reef, the fourth-largest barrier reef on the earth, famend for its cavern and tunnel-filled underwater landscapes, manta rays and phenomenal fishing.
Planning tip: Every resort has its personal boat and can decide up friends from Vunisea airstrip; simply you’ll want to make preparations upfront. Notice that boat journeys are costly on account of gasoline prices. In tough climate, it may be a moist and bone-crunching journey to extra distant resorts.
5. Vanua Levu
Finest for exploring conventional villages and diving
Excessive, waterfall-strewn peaks rise in distinction to the bucolic lowlands of sugarcane and coconut plantations on comparatively untouristed Vanua Levu.
The principle flower-filled settlement of Savusavu attracts sailors and divers with its sheltered inexperienced bays and a small collection of retailers, bars, eating places and marina (which doubles as a social membership). Exterior city are miles of near-empty seashores, some with resorts, some fronted by villages and others solely surrounded by jungle. Guests ought to hire a 4WD to discover the wilds.
Divers within the know make the pilgrimage to the Rainbow Reef, well-known for its forests of soppy corals. Even-more-dedicated divers go to the close by Namena Marine Reserve for the nation’s most pristine waters, rife with 1000’s of fish. Get fortunate sufficient on the proper time of yr and also you would possibly spot a pod of dolphins or migrating whales within the waters round Savusavu.
Planning tip: When you do resolve to hire a automobile to discover the jungle, bear in mind that fuel stations are few and much between, and virtually every thing is closed on Sundays.
6. Ovalau and the Lomaiviti Group
Finest for historic buildings and offbeat journey
On Ovalau, Levuka was as soon as the capital of Fiji, and at present it’s one of many solely cities within the South Pacific with colonial-era buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Exterior of city, you may hike forested mountains and uncover undeveloped coasts dotted with conventional villages. By bike or rental automobile, Ovalau’s coastline-hugging street gives a simple solution to really feel the joys of an enormous journey with out the dedication of an extended journey.
Though Ovalau and its smaller sisters lie near Viti Levu, few guests make it over this manner. Islands like Leleuvia, Naigani and Koro have very laid-back lodging on alabaster seashores, whereas Wakaya hosts the Wakaya Island Resort and Spa, one of many nation’s most unique resorts.
7. Taveuni
Finest for jungles, waterfalls and mountain climbing
Often called the Backyard Island, Taveuni is Fiji’s third-largest island, and in addition its lushest. Abloom with tropical flowers and stuffed with stunning waterfalls that make for scenic hiking, Bouma Heritage National Park encompasses a lot of the island. Since a lot of the forests listed below are protected, you’ll discover many peaks to ascend and coastlines to wander right here. One spotlight is the Lavena Coastal Walk, which follows the forest’s edge for 5km (3 miles) alongside white- and black-sand seashores and villages to a waterfall; there’s additionally a trek to a collection of three waterfalls hidden amongst paths lined with wildflowers.
The Rainbow Reef (see Vanua Levu, above) may also be accessed from Taveuni, whereas smaller offshore islands like Qamea and Matagi have resorts on sugar-sand seashores. In every single place you go, you’ll discover lodging for all value ranges.
Native tip: Taveuni is one among Fiji’s greatest areas for bird-watching, with over 100 species on the island. The forested Lavena coast is an efficient spot to see orange (or flame) doves, Fiji goshawks, wattled honeyeaters and gray and white herons.
8. Lau and Moala Teams
Finest for getting away from all of it
Need to get manner, manner on the market? The Lau and Moala Teams are Fiji’s frontiers for guests, each nearly untouched by tourism. Flights and boat companies listed below are few – however with time, a way of journey and (even higher) a sailboat, it’s doable to discover these pleasant islands of blue water and conventional villages.
In Fulaga, a turquoise lagoon is marked with tons of of limestone islets and empty seashores. Vanua Balavu additionally has its personal clusters of dramatic islands linked by coral reefs. On Kabara, you may wander via a village with Tongan-influenced structure and pen a postcard for the month-to-month provide ship to gather and dispatch.
Elsewhere all through the Lau group, you’ll uncover seashores the place coconut crabs are the principle inhabitants, discover an overgrown path to a saltwater lake, seek for bats tucked atop limestone caves and peek at coral reefs which were undisturbed for millennia.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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