I start this post saying that we higly recommend to come for 3 weeks in order to have a first appreciation of Fiji & relax a bit (to understand what really "Fiji time" means).
Nevertheless, we understand that most of you do not have 3 weeks holidays, so we tried to summarice what are for us the highlights of Fiji in 2 weeks.
Days 1-2: Relaxing in Nadi
Take the first day to recover from your international flight by lounging around the pool or beaches near Nadi. Spend Day 2 on land-based excursions, such as to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant or Viseisei Village, the country's oldest native Fijian village. Finish off with dinner in Nadi (Port Denarau has excellent restaurants & nightlife). End the night in an Indian disco - an unique experience in life.
Days 3-4: Exploring the Coral Coast
Get up early and drive south to the Coral Coast, on the southern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's "main island." On the way stop at the Momi Guns for a look at the World War II battery and a gorgeous view across Nadi Bay; the Kalevu South Pacific Cultural Centre for a glimpse into Fijian culture; and do not miss the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park for an example of its more interesting geology. The next day, visit Kula Eco Park to meet Fiji's interesting and unique wildlife, and hike to a waterfall with Adventures in Paradise Fiji. Catch an evening show featuring the "fire walkers" from Beqa Island.
Day 5: Rafting on the Navua River
One of our favorite Fiji excursions is on the Navua River, which carves a dramatic gorge through Viti Levu's mountainous interior before spilling into a flood plain west of Suva. The usual trip takes you upriver on a fast speedboat but brings you back on a bilibili (bamboo raft). Alternately, you can ride an inflatable boat over white waters with the excellent Rivers Fiji.
Day 6: Suva
On the way to Suva stop in Pacific Harbour for a presentation of native arts, crafts, and traditions at the Arts Village, the country's best cultural center. Once in Suva, take a walking tour of downtown, ending at the Fiji Museum. Be sure to have a Fijian lunch at the Old Mill Cottage and enjoy Suva's bars & cafes surrender by locals. If you have the chance, talk to them and discover the differences between Polinesian, Melanesian, Indo-Fijians, etc.
Day 7: A Trip Back in Time to Levuka
A day trip from Suva to Levuka always highlights a visit to Fiji. The country's original capital, the old town has retained its 19th-century appearance, and the backdrop of sheer cliffs makes it one of the South Pacific's most beautiful towns. Get Ovalau Watersports to organize a morning walking tour and an afternoon excursion to Ovalau. Either catch the late afternoon flight back to Suva or plan an overnight at the charming Levuka Homestay.
Days 8-9: Exploring Taveuni
If you slept on Ovalau, take the early morning Air Fiji flight back to Nausori Airport near Suva. You can connect from there to Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island. Famous for world-class diving on the nearby Great White Wall and its Rainbow Reef, Taveuni also is a hiker's paradise. Stay near the airport, from where it's an easy trip to the waterfalls in Bouma National Heritage Park and the scenic Lavena Coastal Walk. The next day hike to the mountaintop Lake Tagimaucia, where you might see the rare flower of the same name.
Days 10-11: Savusavu: "Little America"
A morning flight will land you at Savusavu, on Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu. Although it is rapidly developing, the town still recalls its days as a 19th-century copra port. Stroll along the harbor, have lunch at the Bula-Re Cafe, and visit the famous Savusavu Hot Springs, where Fijians still cook their evening meals. Stop by Rock 'n Downunder Divers to rent a kayak or arrange an excursion to a Fijian village.
Days 1-2: Relaxing in Nadi
Take the first day to recover from your international flight by lounging around the pool or beaches near Nadi. Spend Day 2 on land-based excursions, such as to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant or Viseisei Village, the country's oldest native Fijian village. Finish off with dinner in Nadi (Port Denarau has excellent restaurants & nightlife). End the night in an Indian disco - an unique experience in life.
Days 3-4: Exploring the Coral Coast
Get up early and drive south to the Coral Coast, on the southern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's "main island." On the way stop at the Momi Guns for a look at the World War II battery and a gorgeous view across Nadi Bay; the Kalevu South Pacific Cultural Centre for a glimpse into Fijian culture; and do not miss the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park for an example of its more interesting geology. The next day, visit Kula Eco Park to meet Fiji's interesting and unique wildlife, and hike to a waterfall with Adventures in Paradise Fiji. Catch an evening show featuring the "fire walkers" from Beqa Island.
Day 5: Rafting on the Navua River
One of our favorite Fiji excursions is on the Navua River, which carves a dramatic gorge through Viti Levu's mountainous interior before spilling into a flood plain west of Suva. The usual trip takes you upriver on a fast speedboat but brings you back on a bilibili (bamboo raft). Alternately, you can ride an inflatable boat over white waters with the excellent Rivers Fiji.
Day 6: Suva
On the way to Suva stop in Pacific Harbour for a presentation of native arts, crafts, and traditions at the Arts Village, the country's best cultural center. Once in Suva, take a walking tour of downtown, ending at the Fiji Museum. Be sure to have a Fijian lunch at the Old Mill Cottage and enjoy Suva's bars & cafes surrender by locals. If you have the chance, talk to them and discover the differences between Polinesian, Melanesian, Indo-Fijians, etc.
Day 7: A Trip Back in Time to Levuka
A day trip from Suva to Levuka always highlights a visit to Fiji. The country's original capital, the old town has retained its 19th-century appearance, and the backdrop of sheer cliffs makes it one of the South Pacific's most beautiful towns. Get Ovalau Watersports to organize a morning walking tour and an afternoon excursion to Ovalau. Either catch the late afternoon flight back to Suva or plan an overnight at the charming Levuka Homestay.
Days 8-9: Exploring Taveuni
If you slept on Ovalau, take the early morning Air Fiji flight back to Nausori Airport near Suva. You can connect from there to Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island. Famous for world-class diving on the nearby Great White Wall and its Rainbow Reef, Taveuni also is a hiker's paradise. Stay near the airport, from where it's an easy trip to the waterfalls in Bouma National Heritage Park and the scenic Lavena Coastal Walk. The next day hike to the mountaintop Lake Tagimaucia, where you might see the rare flower of the same name.
Days 10-11: Savusavu: "Little America"
A morning flight will land you at Savusavu, on Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu. Although it is rapidly developing, the town still recalls its days as a 19th-century copra port. Stroll along the harbor, have lunch at the Bula-Re Cafe, and visit the famous Savusavu Hot Springs, where Fijians still cook their evening meals. Stop by Rock 'n Downunder Divers to rent a kayak or arrange an excursion to a Fijian village.
Days 12-13: An Island Retreat
Spending at least 1 night on a small island in the Mamanucas or Yasawas is an essential ingredient of any trip to Fiji, whether it's in one of Fiji's first overwater bungalows at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, at the raucous Beachcomber Island Resort, the family-oriented Plantation Island Resort, a quiet couples-only hideaway like Matamanoa Island Resort, the charming Navutu Stars Resort in the Yasawas, or our favorite Bounty island. They are all like the paradise-island you always see in the brochures describing the Pacific.
Day 14: Last-Minute Shopping in Nadi
If your homeward flight departs late at night, you can stay in the islands for an extra day. Otherwise spend your last day catching up on shopping.
Spending at least 1 night on a small island in the Mamanucas or Yasawas is an essential ingredient of any trip to Fiji, whether it's in one of Fiji's first overwater bungalows at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, at the raucous Beachcomber Island Resort, the family-oriented Plantation Island Resort, a quiet couples-only hideaway like Matamanoa Island Resort, the charming Navutu Stars Resort in the Yasawas, or our favorite Bounty island. They are all like the paradise-island you always see in the brochures describing the Pacific.
Day 14: Last-Minute Shopping in Nadi
If your homeward flight departs late at night, you can stay in the islands for an extra day. Otherwise spend your last day catching up on shopping.
For that, bus connections are available, but we recommend renting a car in order to have maximum flexibility. Ferries run from Suva to Taveuni and Savusavu, but flying is your best bet.
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