Oceania

Fiji

Coral islands, warm welcomes and villages where kava is still shared.

Fiji is more than 300 islands, with Viti Levu and Vanua Levu the largest. Most visitors head from Nadi to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands for white-sand beaches, clear water and reef snorkelling. Taveuni is lush and known for soft-coral diving, while Viti Levu's Coral Coast, the Sigatoka Sand Dunes and the capital, Suva, show a more everyday side of the country.

Fijian and Indo-Fijian cultures blend in the food, from lovo feasts cooked underground to curries and roti. Village visits often begin with a kava ceremony, and 'Bula!' greets you everywhere. Island-hopping boats and small planes link the resorts. May to October is dry, sunny and less humid; November to April is the hotter wet season, with cyclones possible from December to March.

Best time to visit Fiji

May, June, July, August, September.

Places to visit in Fiji

• Mamanuca Islands: A chain of small coral islands off Nadi, with resorts, reef snorkelling and famous surf breaks like Cloudbreak.
• Yasawa Islands: A chain of volcanic islands north of the Mamanucas, with village visits, swimming with manta rays and the Sawa-i-Lau caves.
• Suva: Fiji's capital on the wetter eastern side of Viti Levu, with a major museum, colonial buildings and a busy municipal market.

Essentials

• Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD)
• Language: English, Fijian and Fiji Hindi
• Plugs: Type I, 240 V
• Driving: Left side
• Time zone: UTC+12
• Tipping: Not expected; many resorts have a staff fund instead
• Getting around: Ferries and small planes to the islands; buses and taxis on Viti Levu
• Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking

Plan a trip to Fiji