Discovering the Islands of Vanuatu
These are 6 of the major islands of
Vanuatu
As one of the most diverse island nations in the South Pacific region, Vanuatu
offers a multitude of cultural experiences and natural encounters to suit any type of traveller.
The archipelago is made up of just over 80
islands, 65 of which are inhabited, and is home to an
amazing variety of flora and fauna. If you are travelling to Vanuatu and want to know which islands to explore,
this quick guide can help you to discover the major islands of
Vanuatu.
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Out of 83 islands in Vanuatu's archipelago, 65 are
inhabited, although only a handful
are known to Vanuatu visitors, including Mystery Island that can
be reached via boat
from Port Vila town and its resorts. |
Efate
Home to the nation’s capital Port
Vila, the island of Efate is the primary international hub of
Vanuatu. It is the most visited and most populated of all of the archipelago’s islands. Efate offers a fantastic range of activities suitable for all travellers including
zip-lining and marvelling at natural wonders such as the Mele Cascade
Waterfalls. The beautiful beaches and bustling markets of Port Vila on Efate island provides plenty to do on your holiday to
Vanuatu.
Efate caters to all travellers with their selection of day activities
and accommodation that caters to all
budgets and travel styles from family friendly to adults
only. This island is especially suited to first-time visitors, families and more upmarket travellers.
Espiritu
Santo
Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu’s largest island. Though it is less developed than
Efate, the main town of Luganville has an international airport with
flights from Australia on local carrier Air Vanuatu. Similar to Efate’s Port Vila, Luganville offers markets, shops, bars and restaurants but on a much smaller
scale. It is a great destination if you are looking to stay away from the big tourist crowds, especially during
peak travelling season.
Espiritu Santo
is known as a fantastic destination for active travellers as there is a lot of natural, untouched beauty to explore
away from the typical tourist hotspots. The island is home to the famous
blue holes, freshwater limestone pools that are amazing shades of blue, and popular dive spot,
Million Dollar Point. Accomodation options allow you to stay
on the mainland or just off the coast on one of the island resorts.
Tanna
Home to one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes, the mighty
Mount Yasur, Tanna Island is a great place to immerse
yourself within Vanuatu’s local culture. From kava tasting and village visits, to viewing the islands turtles and
dugongs, Tanna Island will give you a taste of authentic
island life. When visiting the island, travellers cannot miss the Volcano Safari which gives you the once in a lifetime opportunity to view
a live volcano up close.
The island is a short 45 minute flight from
Efate and is a must do for adventurous travellers seeking an authentic island experience. Don’t let the
fact that there is no five star accommodation available on the island deter you from the adventure that awaits you
on Tanna Island.
Pentecost
Another one for the adventurous traveller seeking insight into local cultural
traditions, Pentecost island is home to the
famous land diving ritual called Naghol that takes place each year
between April and June. The tradition serves as a right of passage for local men and marks the annual yam
harvest.
Guests to the island are welcome to watch the tradition themselves and can choose
between a day trip or overnight stay tour.
Ambrym
Home of twin volcanoes
Mount Benbow and
Mount Marum, Ambrym Island is known as the “balck
island” because of the blanket of volcanic ash that covers it. It is considered the Black Magic centre of Vanuatu
as Black Magic is still practiced here. Those who visit Ambrym have the opportunity to view traditional rituals and purchase local carvings,
as well as trek the volcano to see the crater up close. Ambrym is accessible via
helicopter from Port Vila and with no hotel options available, those who wish to stay overnight must
stay in traditional bungalows.
Malekula
Only a few tourists venture to Malekula, Vanuatu’s second largest island. The island’s untouched, rugged natural beauty is
something to be marvelled at and the adventurous spirits that journey to the island will be met with gushing
waterfalls, lush rainforests and jagged mountain ranges, perfect for on-foot trekking. This wild island is the best
place to learn about and explore ancient cannibalism sites and discover the local history
of Vanuatu off the beaten track.
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