Fiji is by far the most popular destination in the South Pacific, with its tropical beaches, majestic limestone cliffs and dense jungle. It’s easy to understand why film classics like “The Blue Lagoon” and the Tom Hanks flick “Castaway” were filmed here. Fiji, a small state east of Australia, consists of 332 islands with the main islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu. The capital Suva is located on the latter. Vanua Levu is less developed for tourism and is perfect for holidaymakers looking for an adventure away from mass tourism. In addition, the country has many islands that are either not populated at all or only very sparsely populated. Hindu temple in Fiji, Image: Henryk Sadura/shutterstock When you think of Fiji, the first thing that comes to mind is probably images of pristine white sandy beaches under palm trees. And rightly so. On the south side of the main island of Viti Levu is the 80km long Coral Coast. In this paradise for beach vacationers, you will find countless opportunities for sunbathing as well as a wide range of water sports such as jet skis and wakeboards. Due to their remote location, the Lau Islands are still an insider tip among tourists. Here you can snorkel on pristine coral reefs, visit the spectacular limestone caves of Lakeba and Vanua Balavu and visit the friendly inhabitants of the villages of Lomaloma and Sawana. With over 1000 species of fish and several hundred species of coral, Fiji is a paradise for divers. Of particular note is the Somosomo Strait, with its soft corals that bathe the reef in a red color, and the Koro Sea, where you can see big fish and even humpback whales. If you are looking for a special adrenaline rush, you can dive with eight different shark species under expert guidance. Wainibau Waterfall at the end of Lavena Coastal Path on Taveuni Island, Fiji. Taveuni is the third largest island in Fiji, Image: Don Mammoser/shutterstock Hiking enthusiasts also get their money’s worth in Fiji, for example in the picturesque sand dunes of Sigatoka on Viti Levu. The dunes, which are up to 60 meters high, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contain important archaeological treasures from the early settlement of the island. Nearby is the Kula Eco Park, where visitors can admire an impressive variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds and butterflies. If you like it even wilder, you can watch colorful birds on a tour through the jungle of Venua Levus or marvel at the majestic waterfalls on the “garden island” Taveuni. Many civilizations have left their mark on the archipelago. The authentic culture of the indigenous people can still be experienced on Robinson Crusoe Island, the longest inhabited island in Fiji. A particularly beautiful testimony to the Indian settlement of Fiji can be found in the colorful Snake Temple on Vanua Levu. The capital, Suva, still has many buildings from the colonial era, including the Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Botanical Garden. If you want to learn more about Fiji’s history, you will find the Museum of Ethnology in the capital. Among other things, the stern rudder of the HMS Bounty and cutlery of the cannibalistic natives are located here. A stroll through the city makes you hungry, but luckily the cuisine in Fiji is not only delicious, but also versatile: Among other things, fish in coconut cream, typical Indian curries and taro, a light root vegetable, are on the menu. Whether it’s a beach holiday or diving, cultural trips or hiking tours – Fiji inspires with its unique island world and leaves visitors with wonderful memories from one of the most beautiful tropical paradises in the world.
