Fiji’s Best Kept Secrets: A Journey Through Coral Atolls and Volcanic Wonders in 2024
The varied landscape of the Fiji (or Fiji Islands), an archipelago of lush islands surrounded by coral reefs of indescribable beauty, stands out on the horizon with its green volcanic outcrops, while the cobalt waters of the Pacific Ocean teem with colorful corals and variegated marine creatures. These fairytale views, which fully satisfy the expectations fueled by tourist brochures, represent only a part of the beauty of these islands: equally extraordinary are the Fijian people, tirelessly warm and spontaneous. From a geographical point of view, the archipelago is located east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga, and south of Tuvalu, and includes approximately 322 islands, of which 106 are permanently inhabited, and another 522 small islets. Due to their small size, the Fiji Islands are perhaps the easiest destination to visit in the whole of the South Pacific.
A Brief History of Fiji
The term Fiji is actually the Tongan toponym for these islands, later adopted by Europeans, who originally called them Viti. At the beginning of the 19th century, the archipelago was known almost exclusively to whale hunters and sandalwood traders, while only in 1874, under the reign of Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau, did the islands become a British colony, remaining so until the proclamation of independence in 1970. After a few months, the state joined the United Nations, starting a period of precarious political stability, finally shattered in 2006, when Fiji fell into the hands of Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama, Commander of the Military Forces of the Republic of Fiji, who currently holds power.
Viti Levu and the Main Attractions
Viti Levu, the largest island in the Fiji archipelago, plays a central role in the country, hosting the main industries, most commercial activities, and the seat of the political bodies. It is home to approximately 75% of the total population of the state and is the destination of all visitors who, during their stay on the island, can relax on the beach, but also visit the interior, characterized by a series of humid and lush highlands where you can go trekking, cool off in the waterfalls, and visit traditional villages. A series of welcoming resorts extends to the south of the island, along the Coral Coast, in front of a splendid coral reef located just offshore.
Suva, the largest city in the entire South Pacific and the capital of Fiji, is a sultry and lively cultural and gastronomic center. Among the city’s major attractions are the Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens, Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, and the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus. Other towns of interest on Viti Levu include Nadi, the hub of many island excursions; Lautoka, Fiji‘s second largest city; Sigatoka, a small town nestled in a green, fertile landscape near the mouth of the Sigatoka River; and Korotogo, a village located along the magnificent Coral Coast.
The Beauty of Beqa Lagoon and Nananu-i-Ra
Off Pacific Harbour, a 40-mile-long coral reef encloses the stunning Beqa Lagoon, world-famous for its fabulous dive sites, including Side Streets and Caesar’s Rocks. Divers are joined by keen surfers who can’t wait to test out the big breakers to the left of Frigate’s Passage, also known as Kavu Kavu Reef. In the middle of the lagoon are the beautiful Beqa and Yanuca Islands, virtually untouched atolls.
A short distance from Viti Levu is tiny Nananu-i-Ra, a tiny island measuring just 1.2 square miles (3.5 square kilometers) that has a landscape and atmosphere different from the rest of the country. It’s home to wide beaches, rugged coves, and rolling grassy hills that offer views of Viti Levu‘s volcanic Nakauvadra Range. There are no roads or villages, and most of the inhabitants are of European origin, so contact with the indigenous culture is rather limited.
Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands
The Mamanuca group is very beautiful, with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters offering fabulous snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Sunny and nestled in a lagoon formed by the Malolo Barrier Reef and Viti Levu, these 20 islands look like they have just stepped out of a travel agency brochure. Many of them welcome tourists on day trips from nearby Nadi and Lautoka, while for longer stays the islands have a wide range of resorts to suit all budgets.
Like the Mamanucas, the Yasawa Islands offer a pleasant, dry, sunny climate, crystal-clear lagoons, and excellent snorkeling and diving. However, these 20 volcanic islands are larger, have slightly less crowded beaches, and more rugged landscapes. The technology here is still a mystery, and a stay of more than a day will allow you to gradually understand the true meaning of time to the Fijians.
Rotuma: A Unique Experience
Located about 450 kilometers north of the Yasawas, Rotuma is ethnically and linguistically distinct from the other Fijian islands. Its proud, friendly people are influenced by Tongan culture, and visitors are welcomed as participants rather than spectators. Those willing to make the effort to get to Rotuma are rewarded with pleasant surprises in this Polynesian outpost, with the landscape dotted with volcanic craters reaching up to 250 meters high and colonies of birds nesting on nearby islands.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The climate is tropical maritime, mild and humid all year round, with average temperatures around 25 degrees. On scorching summer days, the mercury can reach up to 31 degrees, while during the coldest months, namely July and August, the minimum values drop to 18/20 degrees. The rainy season lasts from November to April, while the dry season lasts from May to October, although showers can occur at any time of the year. The best time to visit Fiji is from May to October, as the dry season offers cooler temperatures and less humidity.
Getting There and Around
Most international flights to Fiji land at Nadi International Airport, with some flights arriving at Nausori International Airport, near Suva. Reaching Fiji by sea is difficult, unless you join a cruise or a yacht trip. Internal transport consists mainly of buses, vans, and ferries, which allow you to move from one island to another relatively easily and cheaply.
