Popular Destinations in Vanuatu
Port Vila
Port Vila is the capital city and main hub of Vanuatu, on Efate island. The
small downtown of the city is home to hued market stalls selling local
handicrafts and produce. History lovers must not miss out on visiting the
National Museum of Vanuatu located inside the Vanuatu Cultural Centre. The
museum displays artifacts such as outrigger canoes and slit-gong drums. The
town is a base for diving and trips to Mele Cascades, a multi-tiered
waterfall with rock pools in a rainforest. Guided tours run to Ekasup
Cultural Village, where indigenous tribes showcase traditional dances,
music and food.
Tanna
Tanna is an island in Vanuatu, an archipelago country in the South Pacific.
On the southeast coast, it’s known for Mount Yasur, an active volcano with
frequent explosions from its vents. To the east, Port Resolution is a
natural harbor with nearby hot springs, a freshwater lake and a beach. The
villages of Sulphur Bay and Imanaka are known for their devotion to the
John Frum religious movement.
Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo is the largest island in Vanuatu. The island is popular for
its sandy beaches, such as Lonnoc Beach and Champagne Beach. These beaches
boast coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. For history buffs, the town of
Luganville is an excellent place to visit as it is home to WWII relics like
Quonset huts at Main Wharf. Located in proximity to Luganville are the
popular dive sites including the Million Dollar Point’s submerged U.S. war
machinery and the sunken SS President Coolidge cruise liner. In the north
along the coast is located the Loru Rainforest Protected Area which is home
to huge coconut crabs, a bat cave, and bush trails. Located close to this
protected area, Nanda Blue Hole is a natural limestone swimming pool.
Birdwatchers can head towards the Big Bay’s Vatthe Conservation Area
featuring birdlife including the endangered royal parrot-finch. There is a
trail in Espiritu Santo that leads through rainforest to Millennium Cave
and its waterfalls. Some of Vanuatu’s highest mountains are in the western
part of the island, such as Santo Peak and Mount Tabwemasana. Thee
mountains boast climbing trails and viewpoints across the island.