The Samoa archipelago consists of the islands of American Samoa (U.S. territory) to the east and the independent Samoa archipelago to the west (formerly Western Samoa). The main island of the island state, which has been sovereign since 1962, is called Upolu. This is also where Apia, the capital of Samoa, is located.

The Pacific climate in Samoa provides tropical warmth all year round, with constant temperatures ranging from 26ºC to 27ºC in some cases even up to 30ºC. The water temperatures are also impressive. They are between 22ºC and 26ºC all year round. The rainy season begins in November and ends in April. The humid trade winds coming from the southeast during this time will cause hot, humid and very rainy weather. The following dry season between May and October is climatically somewhat more pleasant for Europeans due to the prevailing trade winds coming from the northeast and is therefore the best time to travel to Samoa.

For nature lovers and outdoor fans, Samoa is the fulfillment of all their wishes. Natural, unspoilt beaches, rugged mountain slopes covered with lush rainforest, volcanic craters, lava fields, deep gorges and high waterfalls inland.

All this, surrounded by colorful coral reefs in the warm waters of the South Seas, make every vacation in Samoa an unforgettable experience. Active holidaymakers can choose from a wide range of options, such as hiking, horseback riding, diving, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking and sailing. Holidaymakers who prefer to take it a little easier will not be disappointed either. On the often deserted beaches, lined with coconut palms and small beach houses (beach fales), tourists seeking relaxation can relax wonderfully.

Sights and excursion tips in Samoa

Upolu, the main island of Samoa, has a lot to offer. The first port of call for Samoa vacationers is always the capital Apia, because all international flights land here. If you have some time, you should take the opportunity to visit one of Apia’s three large markets, the flea market (Mulinu’u Road), the fish market or the food market (Fugalei Street). A visit can also be made up for later, as the markets (flea market without Sunday) are open daily. At the flea market you can buy Samoan wood carvings and jewellery or one of the traditional Samoan sarongs. The food market offers fresh fruit and vegetables. From bananas to coconuts to taro roots, you can try everything there.

After visiting the city, the Sliding Rocks are a must. In the nearby Papase’ea district, you can slide down into the water on two huge smooth rocks to cool off on the jungle river there. One of the rocks is over five meters high. An adrenaline rush is guaranteed. Leisure and evening entertainment are offered to holidaymakers in one of the many bars and discos. Especially a visit to one of the authentic Samoa culture shows that often take place in Apia should not be missed.

The sandy beaches on the south coast of Upolu are the epitome of South Sea romance. For beach lovers, the beautiful Aganoa Beach with its unique black sand (accessible via a dirt road or by boat from the sea), Matareva Beach, Tafa Tafa Beach or Lalomanu Beach are recommended. The latter with an offshore coral reef for snorkeling and exploring the Samoan underwater world.

A holiday experience of a special kind is an overnight stay in the Fale, one of the wallless, Samoan wooden houses on stilts.

Must-see destinations on Upolo for holidaymakers are the Pupu Pu’e National Park and the Pe’ape’a Cave. The latter can be reached with an approximately one-hour hike through the jungle. And let’s not forget the magnificent waterfalls. The Togitogiga waterfall pours in several cascades into shallow pools where the heated holidaymaker can refresh himself. Other waterfalls worth seeing on Upolo are the Sopoaga Waterfall and the 55-meter-high Fuipisia Waterfall. This is privately owned, but can be visited for a small fee of about 5 dollars. Swimming is allowed at all waterfalls.

But Savaii, the second main island of Samoa, does not have to hide either.
First and foremost, the archaeological site of Tia Seu ancient Mound deserves to be mentioned. These are the oldest man-made stone buildings in Polynesia. The large historic site, originally consisting of over 3,000 buildings, was built between 1100 and 1400 AD. The stone pyramid made of basalt stones, which is well worth seeing, is 12 meters high and covers an area of 65 x 60 meters.

Another attraction and at the same time fascinating natural spectacle on Savaii are the Alofaaga Blowholes. The water fountains, some of which are up to 15 meters high, are created when waves breaking on the coast shoot up at high pressure through holes in the shore rock.

The turtle sanctuary in the village of Sato’alepai Village is an insider tip. An absolute highlight for children, as you can feed the turtles and you can even swim with them.

Also worth a visit is the 50 km² lava field of Saveaula. It was formed during the last eruption in 1905-1911 of the Matavanu volcano, which is still active today. An unforgettable natural spectacle is offered by the Papapapaitai waterfall, with a height of 100 meters the largest waterfall in Samoa. But the Afu Aau Fall at the southeastern end of the island, which consists of a total of three waterfalls, is also worth a visit.

Those interested in culture will not miss out on Samoa either. In the Museum of Samoa in Apia you can get to know the Pacific and especially the special culture of the Samoans. Other attractions in Apia include the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.

When you think of a South Seas holiday, New Caledonia is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. The archipelago east of Australia in the Pacific is actually in no way inferior to its better-known neighbor Vanouta: Miles of sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea, tropical climate – a unique nature. All the prerequisites for a wonderful holiday.

Since its discovery in 1774 by Thomas Cook, who also gave New Caledonia its name, the archipelago has experienced an eventful history. Among other things, as a French colony. Even today, after the last referendum in 2018, New Caledonia is part of France as a so-called “French Overseas Territory”.

This has a clear influence on the dominant culture – especially in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, which is located on the island of Grand Terre. Here, a large part of the inhabitants are of European origin. And if you take a stroll through the capital’s trendy district, you will feel strongly reminded of the ambience of the Côte d’Azur in France . Here, bars, bistros and restaurants with French-inspired cuisine are lined up, offering a pleasantly relaxed flair and good food.

Geographically, however, New Caledonia belongs to Melanesia, with a tropical climate and fauna and flora that are largely endemic. The descendants of the indigenous people – Melanese and Kanaks – live for the most part in the sparsely populated surrounding area. Village structures and ancient tribal cultures have been largely preserved here.

Many animal species and plants are only found here in New Caledonia. The main island, Grand Terre, is surrounded by numerous smaller islands. Lifou, Ouvéa, Belep, Maré and the beautiful Île des Pins. To name only the most important ones. Smaller islands where only a few people live, which means that they still fulfill the cliché of the lonely island that many urban stress-seekers sometimes wish to visit.

New Caledonia – coral reefs, powder beaches and other worthwhile destinations

Each of the smaller islands has beautiful, white-powdered beaches surrounded by palm trees. In total, it is a whopping 2254 kilometers. Particularly famous is Kuto Bay, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world with its natural ambience and its shimmering blue, crystal-clear waters.

A paradise for snorkelers and divers is the New Caledonian Barrier Reef, which has formed around Grand Terre. In 2008, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique reef structure. Rare fish species, turtles and an infinite number of corals can be observed here under water. Simply great what nature has created here.

More than an insider tip for snorkeling is also the so-called “Piscine Naturelle”, on the island of Île des Pins. A pool “built” by nature, which is home to numerous small and large exotic fish. A magical place that is best visited in the early morning. Then, when there aren’t too many other human visitors in the water who have already heard how beautiful it is here. The interior is characterized by forests and hilly terrain up to rugged mountain ranges. A mountain range runs through the middle of Grand Terre and forms an ideal terrain for mountain bike tours.

Sights, luxury, good food – and real island life too

Urban life with hotels, exclusive fashion boutiques and good restaurants can only be found in Nouméa, the capital, which is also the only major city in the country. If you prefer to get to know the original island life and can do without Western-influenced luxury: There is also the possibility to stay in smaller private guesthouses and quarters in the village area.

If you want to get an even deeper insight into the cultural history of the indigenous people, you should definitely visit the Tjibaou Cultural Center in Nouméa. It consists of a building complex designed by star architect Renzo Piano and is modelled on the traditional living huts of the Kanaks. Paintings, art objects and historical finds illustrate the cultural history from the beginning to the present day very well.

Another attraction is the Saint Joseph Cathedral, which is enthroned on a hill just outside and can be reached on foot from the city centre within a few minutes. And if you just can’t get enough of the wide view of the sea, a trip to the Phare Amédée is recommended. The 56 m high lighthouse on a small coral island offers a beautiful view from above over the water and the natural island landscape.

And as far as the culinary delights are concerned, the food is also very French, especially in Nouméa. A large part of the food, from sparkling wine, wine and champagne to meat and vegetables, is imported and imported from far away across the Pacific. But there are also typical dishes on the menus, in which local fish is also used. Bougna is particularly typical and recommended.

This is a dish that is common to all Pacific islands in its way of preparation. The ingredients – mainly chicken, lobster and fish – are napped with coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. The small packets are then cooked on hot stones in the traditional earth oven. The result: delicious! Real island-typical taste.

The conclusion: Even though the area has unfortunately been hit by stronger earthquakes recently (2018 and 2019) – New Caledonia offers all the possibilities for a dream holiday that offers a small taste of paradisiacal ambience during your lifetime. And because it is still considered an insider tip among those seeking relaxation and water sports enthusiasts, those looking for a real nature experience will get their money’s worth here. In an area that is not yet so overrun by tourists.