Fiji holidays

Fiji holiday highlights

Eco-tourism leader Fiji is known as the ‘soft coral capital of the world’, so be sure to head out and discover its resplendent marine life. One of the must-sees is its picturesque Coral Coast — 50 miles of brilliant golden beaches, secluded bays and palm-fringed shores on the south coast of Viti Levu, the country’s main island. Cakaulevu Reef (or the Great Sea Reef) off the northern shore of the second largest island, Vanua Levu, is the third longest continuous barrier reef in the world.

Close to Fiji’s main airport in Nadi and a swift but scenic seaplane or helicopter transfer away, the exclusive Mamanuca Islands are the perfect spot to kick back and take things at your own pace. Their soft-sand beaches, inviting turquoise sea and exotic coconut palms feature in the classic Tom Hanks film Cast Away, and the islands of Tokoriki, Malolo and Matamanoa are home to intimate, secluded and luxurious hotels. You’ll have world-famous diving spots at your fingertips as well as other watersports ranging from kayaking to snorkelling and banana boat rides to waterskiing, or you can just enjoy the miles of spotless South Pacific coastline.

The island of Taveuni, Fiji’s third largest and known as the ‘Garden Island’, is a great place for a more active and outdoorsy Fiji holiday. Explore sprawling jungle, wander beautiful beaches and spot colourful wildlife, including over 100 species of birds ranging from Orange Doves to Parrot Finches. Swim in natural pools at the secluded Tavoro Waterfalls in the Bouma National Heritage Park, which covers a large chunk of the island, and visit the marine park at Waitabu for first-class dive sites such as Eel Reef and the Great White Wall.

If you’re a keen surfer or fancy giving it a go, then April to October is the best time to catch some waves in Fiji. While most of the waves break onto the reef and so are better for more experienced surfers, there are still plenty of surf schools and beach breaks for beginners. Experts can head to the island of Tavarua in the Mamanucas, close to Viti Levu, for the iconic Cloudbreak — this is one of the finest breaks in the world, with incredible swells which often reach 20 foot and attract scores of surfers each year.

Where is Fiji?
Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific comprising 333 islands, around 1100 miles north of New Zealand. Its three largest islands are Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are home to over 80% of Fiji’s population). Fiji is a three-hour flight from New Zealand and a four-hour flight from Australia, and 22 hours from the UK including one stopover — Hong Kong and Singapore are the most popular.