Efate Island is the central island of Vanuatu and serves as its hub for tourism, commerce, industry, and education. The diverse coastline of Efate features a variety of bays, estuaries, islands, cliffs, and crevices. Efate is the most accessible choice for Vanuatu immigrants and tourists, whereas other islands are relatively wilder and more rugged. It hosts two high-quality deep-water anchorages, Vila Bay and Havannah Harbour, a major airport, and the capital city, Port Vila.
Port Vila is the face of Vanuatu and is arguably more famous globally than Efate Island or Vanuatu itself; it is a treasure in the eyes of travelers. With a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, the city boasts magnificent hotels and restaurants, and offers a wide range of activities.
Climbing the cliffs along the horseshoe-shaped Vila Bay leads to Port Vila, where the view from every corner is breathtaking. As the former seat of the Anglo-French Condominium established in 1906, the city retains many colonial-era buildings. With its beautiful harbor and a fading French atmosphere, Port Vila is one of the most charming towns in the South Pacific.
The main shopping district of Port Vila is only about 1 kilometer from the coast and is very walkable. Lini Highway is the main thoroughfare of Port Vila, winding parallel to the coastline. Carnot Street and Rue de Paris are part of Chinatown. You can buy anything here, from Japanese audio equipment to straw hats, and from Chinese cigarettes to balls of yarn. During World War II, the U.S. military established Radar Stations No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 here. Radar Stations No. 2 and No. 3 were located in Nambatu, and Nambatu and Nambatri are now the most luxurious residential areas in Port Vila. Nambawan is known as the "Independence Park" of Vanuatu.
Main Attractions
1 Vanuatu Cultural Centre
This museum and cultural center exhibits traditional handicrafts, including slit drums, large outrigger canoes, ceremonial headdresses, and Lapita pottery. It also features photo exhibitions, and visitors can learn about local traditional ceremonies and legendary culture through videos.
2 Markets
Port Vila's colorful outdoor market is open from Monday through Saturday until noon. Here, you can purchase fruits and vegetables, flowers, jewelry, wood carvings, and other souvenirs. Outside the harbor wall lies a comfortable grassy area, and the nearby Nambawan Market offers Wi-Fi, snacks, ice cream, and handkerchiefs.
3 Iririki, Erakor, and Hideaway
Taking the 24-hour ferry to these three small islands is a lot of fun. Iririki is only 300 meters from the coast of Port Vila. Boats to Erakor depart from the south of the Le Lagon Resort, and another ferry departs from Mele Beach to Hideaway Island, located nine kilometers north of Port Vila. All three islands have small white sand beaches and exquisite leisure facilities. You can spend the whole day strolling on the islands or renting kayaks, catamarans, or snorkeling gear at the water parks.
4 Mele-Maat Cascades
These beautiful small waterfalls can be seen on the way to Mount Kelm. These cascades are distributed around a large 35-meter waterfall, shaded by the canopy of the tropical rainforest, with charming, crystal-clear light green water. A zip line leads to the top of the waterfall, and there are changing rooms and restrooms at the entrance to the waterfall area.
5 Ekasup Cultural Village
Residents of Futuna Island dress in local attire at the cultural village, perform folk dances to traditional music, and discuss their traditional way of life. The evening feast includes kava, interesting entertainment, and a sumptuous meal.