The 9 Top Destinations to Explore in Fiji

The tropical paradise of Fiji is the epitome of South Pacific beauty. This archipelago, consisting of over 330 islands, captivates visitors with its pristine white-sand beaches, azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, lush rainforests, and a rich multicultural society, all centered around joy and hospitality.

Most of Fiji’s tourist attractions are found in clusters on islands like the Yasawas and Mamanucas to the west, the northern islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni, the southern Kadavu group, and the main island of Viti Levu.

Each island presents a unique array of island experiences, from scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing at luxurious resorts to rainforest hikes, village tours, farm visits, and authentic rural homestays.

Depending on your interests and the duration of your visit, Fiji’s attractions can be enjoyed in many ways. Here’s our curated list of the top places in Fiji to plan your journey and experience the finest offerings of this island nation.

1. Nadi

Ideal for cultural connections

As the location of Fiji's main international airport, Nadi acts as the primary entry point to the archipelago, making it an unavoidable stop for every traveler. Beyond its logistical importance, this lively town on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, offers opportunities for friendly interactions with locals in its numerous cafés, bars, and nightclubs, along with cultural experiences like participating in a traditional kava ceremony to taste Fiji's beloved national drink.

At the outskirts of town, the vividly multicolored facade of the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple – a cherished site for Fiji's Hindu community – offers a fantastic photo opportunity. Nadi also features a range of upscale hotels and restaurants that provide comfortable accommodations and a delightful array of Fijian and international dishes. Overall, it's an ideal spot to start and finish your Fijian adventure.

Tip for planning: The beach at Wailoaloa, located southwest of the airport, transforms into a vibrant hub each evening, where locals gather to unwind with cold beers, tasty cocktails, and energetic music.

2. The Yasawas

Ideal for island retreats

This slender chain of islands along Fiji’s northwestern coast is where you'll discover the essence of Fijian experiences. Whether it's snorkeling with reef sharks at Kuata, exploring the limestone caves of Sawa-i-Lau, experiencing local culture in Wayasewa homestays, encountering manta rays off Drawaqa, or relaxing in luxurious resorts on pristine beaches, there’s always an abundance of activities to enjoy here. 

The Yasawas are accessible from Viti Levu via a ferry service that departs near Fiji’s international airport in Nadi. The journey takes just two to three hours, making it convenient for those on tight schedules.

Tip for planning: You can explore the islands at your leisure by hopping on and off the Yasawa Flyer, a daily shuttle ferry service that departs from the marina at Denarau, just a 20-minute taxi ride from Nadi.

3. Rainbow Reef

Ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling

True to its name, the stunning Rainbow Reef boasts an incredible array of Fiji’s 400-plus coral species, adorning its underwater ravines with vibrant colors and diverse textures. Consistently ranked among the world’s premier scuba diving spots, this narrow yet deep ocean channel descends to 65m (213ft), providing opportunities to encounter marine megafauna such as sharks, rays, turtles, and occasionally humpback whales and orcas during specific seasons. 

Dive sites like the Great White Wall and Cabbage Patch hold legendary status in the diving community. While some locations cater to advanced divers, others are accessible to novice divers and snorkelers. The reef is reachable via a 30-minute boat ride from the nearby island of Taveuni, where local dive shops arrange pickups from resorts each morning.

Tip for planning: Flying from Nadi to Taveuni with Fiji Airways takes approximately 90 minutes. Daily flights are available, either direct or with a stopover in Suva, the capital of Fiji.

4. Savusavu

Best destination for families

Situated on the edge of an extinct submerged volcano on the southern side of Vanua Levu, Savusavu has transformed from its humble beginnings as a 19th-century trading post for sandalwood and coconuts.

This charming town is known for exciting activities such as fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and free-diving, as well as for its renowned organic chocolate and the famous Fiji pearls cultivated in the mineral-rich waters of Savusavu Bay.

A two-hour boat journey from town, the Namena Marine Reserve is a coral paradise featuring several spectacular dive sites, with dive boats visiting multiple times each week. On land, hot sulfur springs emit steam, showcasing the area’s volcanic history.

Tip for planning: Savusavu is accessible via daily flights from Nadi (approximately 70 minutes). Alternatively, you can fly from Nadi to the nearby town of Labasa and take a taxi to Savusavu, which takes about an hour.

5. Denarau

Ideal for dining and shopping

This meticulously designed artificial island off the western coast of Viti Levu features a delightful mix of upscale resorts and luxury townhouses, an expansive golf course and racquet club, an aquatic park brimming with exciting rides, various craft studios and fashion boutiques, along with a vibrant waterside shopping complex next to a state-of-the-art marina.

In essence, Denarau is Fiji’s epitome of luxury, making it a wonderful place to relax for a few days after exploring the country’s adventure-filled landscapes, particularly if traveling with children.

Tip for planning: If you're seeking a more secluded atmosphere, take a ferry from Denarau’s marina to the nearby Yasawa and Mamanuca islands.

6. Pacific Harbour

Top island for scenery and activities

This beautifully appointed coastal town serves as a base for adventurous travelers eager to dive into a range of thrilling activities along the southern coast of Viti Levu. Choose from diving with powerful bull sharks, whitewater rafting through rocky river gorges, hiking along rugged mountain trails, camping in lush highland valleys, or tubing down mangrove-lined rivers to the sea.

Situated on the main road connecting Nadi and Suva, Pacific Harbour is a convenient day trip from both locations, though many visitors prefer to spend a night or two at one of the numerous resorts. If your visit aligns with the annual 10K runs or half-marathons held in the nearby highlands, feel free to join the locals for an island-style run.

Tip for planning: Pacific Harbour acts as a gateway for boat trips to the nearby island of Beqa, famous for its captivating fire-dancing traditions.

7. Volivoli

Ideal for unique adventures

Nestled on a stunning cape and just a two-hour drive from Nadi’s international airport, Volivoli receives high praise for its exceptional snorkeling and abundant diving options within the protected waters of the Vatu-i-Ra marine conservation area.

Volivoli also serves as a launch point for some unconventional excursions, such as the six-hour trek up 1324m (4344ft) Mt Tomainivi, the highest mountain in Fiji. Alternatively, you might drive to the breathtaking Nabalasere waterfall, visit the picturesque traditional Fijian village of Navala, or embark on a dolphin-watching cruise around the remote Moon Reef off the eastern coast of Viti Levu.

Tip for planning: A quick 10-minute boat ride from Volivoli brings you to Nananu-i-Ra, where you can hone your kitesurfing and kayaking skills.

8. Suva

Ideal for photography and leisurely strolls

It’s unfortunate that Suva is not as appreciated by travelers as it should be. Nestled on a rain-soaked peninsula against the backdrop of dramatic mountains on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s capital showcases an impressive collection of stunning buildings, lush gardens, and palm-fringed parks that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it served as the center of British administration in the country.

Suva's vibrant commercial area is a paradise for street photographers, featuring bustling clusters of shops, cafés, markets, and malls offering everything from Bollywood-inspired saris and spicy Indian-style curries to electronic devices and everyday trinkets.

If you have a day or two to spare, Suva is a wonderful place to savor the simple pleasures in life. Slow down with a leisurely stroll along the seawall, join locals for a game of rugby at Albert Park, or enjoy stunning sunsets from the inviting patio of the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Planning tip: Be sure to visit the impressive Fiji Museum for an enlightening overview of Fijian history.

9. Ovalau

Perfect for history enthusiasts

Soaring majestically to the east of Viti Levu, the mountainous island of Ovalau is rich in historical significance. Its main coastal town, Levuka, was the largest boomtown in the South Pacific during the late 19th century, attracting merchants, missionaries, fortune seekers, beachcombers, castaways, captains, rogues, and sailors from around the world, all arriving by tall ship to socialize in its many hotels and inns.

The nostalgic allure of Levuka can still be felt by exploring the row of well-preserved buildings lining the main street, which includes banks, churches, schools, and even an old police station. Accessing the island is straightforward; Ovalau is linked by a 90-minute ferry ride to Natovi pier on Viti Levu, approximately 90 minutes by road from Suva.

Planning tip: Perched high in an extinct volcanic crater, the historic village of Lovoni is accessible via a challenging three-hour hike through untouched rainforests.