Viti Levu - All about holidays on the main island of Fiji

Viti Levu is the largest island in Fiji, the most developed and densely populated in the country. Its name is translated from the local language as "big island". More than 70% of the entire population of Fiji lives here. 200 years ago, the coast of Viti Levu was first seen by the expedition of William Bligh , and today it is one of the most popular resort destinations in the Pacific Ocean. The capital of the country, the city of Suva , is located on Viti Levu , as well as the international airport. 97% of Fiji's guests arrive here. It is an economic and cultural center that offers an incredible range of adventures.

The main island usually does not show everything that the maritime state as a whole has to offer. But with Viti Levu, everything is exactly the opposite. Despite the development and population growth, the island has rich tropical nature, resort hotels of world chains and tourist centers are open here.

General information

• Island area: 10,388 km²
• Length: 146 km
• Width: 106 km
• Location: Central West Fiji
• Population: about 600 thousand
• Major cities: Suva , Lautoka , Nadi
• The main resort areas are Denarau Island , Pacific Harbour , Coral Coast. Coast )
• Languages: English, Fijian , Hindi

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Location and geography of the island

Viti Levu is the sixth largest island in Oceania. The nearest continent is Australia, located at a distance of 2700 km. It is adjacent to the second largest land mass of Fiji - Vanua Levu , which is separated on the north-eastern side by the Latu -i-Ra Strait . Eight of Fiji's fourteen provinces are located on Viti Levu , and the small islands of Mbau , Mbenga , Vatulele and Nukulau are also territorially part of it . Not far from the main island are the western groups of Yasawa and Lomaivichii . The population of Viti Levu mainly consists of the Indian diaspora.

Viti Levu is considered the oldest of all 333 Fiji Islands. It has a mixed structure of continental and volcanic origin. In the center of the island stands out a mountain range, and most of the land is layered with the remains of volcanic activity. Viti Levu is home to the highest mountain in Fiji, Mount Tomanivi (1324 m).

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Climate and weather

Viti Levu , like other Fiji islands, has a subequatorial climate with hot summers and warm winters. The average air temperature throughout the year is about 28-30°C. The water near the coast is consistently warmed up to 28-29°C.

The mountain range climatically divides the island into a more humid south-eastern side, where the average annual rainfall reaches 3050 mm, and a dry north-western part - 1800-2300 mm.

• The hot (summer) season is from November to April.
• The warm season (winter) lasts from May to October.

The second period is drier . The Fijian winter is considered the velvet season on Viti Levu . From May to October, there are the most comfortable weather conditions for any leisure on land and water, including diving , road trips and trekking .

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Nadi International Airport

Fiji's main airport is located on Viti Levu , a few kilometers from the city of Nadi. It serves more than 2 million international passengers annually. It is Fiji's main transit hub. The island also has a second airport, Nausori , but Nadi receives 97% of tourists. Every day, about 4 dozen flights land here from the following airlines:

• Fiji Airways
• Air New Zealand
• Air Vanuatu
• Aircalin
• Korean Air
• Virgin Australia
• Qantas
• Air Niugini
• Jetstar Airways
• Nauru Airlines
• Solomon Airlines

Fiji Airways provides direct flights to Auckland, Brisbane , Christchurch , Hong Kong, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Melbourne, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney and Wellington.

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Transport and travel around the island

90% of Fiji's roads are built on two large islands, and Viti Levu accounts for the lion's share. Public transport is well-established here. You can get to any area by bus. They are hardly modern, but tourists perceive it as an experience. More comfortable express buses run between large cities. Bus tours to Viti Levu are very popular.

Travel . Public transport operates on an electronic ticket system. Most tourists prefer a single-use electronic ticket, which is valid for 30 days after the first use. Tickets are available in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 FJD. You can buy them in cash directly from the bus driver. If there are still funds left on your electronic ticket at the end of your holiday, you can return them to Vodafone outlets .

Intercity travel . Express buses are not as easy to catch on the road as local buses, so it is better to book through hotel reception or tour desks. Bus fares range from 1 to 4 FJD, depending on the distance. Approximate intercity bus fares:

• Nadi to Coral Coast: 6-10 FJD
• From Nadi or Suva to Pacific Harbour : 5-15 FJD
• From Nadi to Suva (via Queens Road ): 16-22 FJD

Hop-On Hop-Off . The Hop-On-Hop-Off open-top tourist bus runs between the resorts of Viti Levu from Port Denarau . The most suitable mode of transport if you want to ride through beautiful places with a breeze and a good view. A one-day ticket costs 10 FJD.

Taxi . It is advisable to use taxi services on Viti Levu if you need to get from the airport to your destination. At Nadi airport, it will not be difficult to catch a car. Approximate cost of a taxi ride from the terminal to popular resort areas of the island:

• to Nadi city: 10-20 FJD
• Denarau Island : 30-50 FJD
• Point Resort : 25-35 FJD
• to Lautoka : 45-55 FJD
• to Coral Coast ( Sigatoka ): 80-130 FJD
• to Pacific Harbor: 170-200 FJD
• to Suva : 200-230 FJD

When booking a hotel on Viti Levu, be sure to check information about the transfer service from /to the airport .

Car rental . On Viti Levu the largest selection of car rental companies in Fiji. On a large island there is a lot to travel, so renting any type of transport will be acceptable. A suitable option can be found at Nadi Airport, in Suva or on the Coral Coast. Let's note some of the most prestigious companies that guarantee quality and good rental conditions:

• Unique Fiji
• Coastal Rental Cars
• Thrifty Car Rental
• Avis
• NCH Rentals
• Europcar
• Budget
• Hertz
• Satellite Rent-A-Car
• Angels Rental Cars
• Aims Rent-A-Car
• James Rental

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Suva is the capital of Fiji

The capital of the Fiji Islands is located on the southeast coast of Viti Levu . It is a dynamic and modern port city, where there are no paradise beaches, but there is an incredible mix of cultures. Historically, Suva has been home to many people, including indigenous Fijians, immigrants from India, China, the Kingdom of Tonga, Samoa and Europe. The city is ubiquitous with Hindu and Christian temples, mosques and cultural centers of different ethnic groups. All this harmoniously fits into one extraordinary society. Suva is a place where you can stroll among colonial architecture, a colorful market and multifaceted, from a culinary point of view, establishments.

Top Attractions in Suva

• Fiji Museum. The only historical and archaeological museum on the islands.
• Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. A Catholic cathedral built in the centre of Suva in the early 20th century.
• Fiji Parliament Building.
• Albert Park.
• Thurston Botanical Gardens .
• Colo-i-Suva Forest Park .

Where to stay in Suva

There are over 40 accommodation options in the capital of Fiji. Among the most popular are:

• Holiday Inn Suva
• Grand Pacific Hotel
• Quest Apartments Suva
• Rainforest Eco Lodge
• Island Accommodation
• Tanoa Plaza Hotel

Maksym Kozlenko (CC BY-SA 4.0)

City of Nadi

Situated on the western side of the island, surrounded by sugar cane plantations, the airport in the vicinity of Nadi is the gateway to Fiji, so visiting the city often involves short excursions while waiting for your flight. Fiji's third largest city impresses with its versatility and hospitality, offering beautiful views, restaurants, entertainment and an excellent choice of accommodation.

What to visit in Nadi

The city is famous for its colorful main street, with a Hindu temple and many colorful handicraft shops. Be sure to stroll through the local market, where you can appreciate all the exoticism of Fiji. At the end of the market begins the picturesque municipal beach of Wailoaloa . The main places in the vicinity of Nadi, to which tourist buses run - hot springs Sabeto and Garden of the Sleeping Giant.

Just 5 kilometers from the city is the popular resort area of Denarau . Many day trips start from here, including excursions to the Mamanuca Islands , fishing and diving . If you have already seen Nadi, and still have time to walk around, we recommend taking a bus to the authentic Lautoka , located 30 kilometers away.

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Denarau Island

The perfect place for an action-packed holiday in Fiji. This artificial island, built on mangrove swamps and connected to Viti Levu by a causeway, has been transformed into a modern resort center with the largest and most picturesque yacht marina, a collection of prestigious resorts of world chains, restaurants, clubs, the largest shopping center and a golf course . In addition to resort privileges, Denarau is a departure point for day trips, diving , snorkeling , fishing and cruises to the western island groups of Mamanuca and Yasawa .

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Best Hotels in Denarau Island

• Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
• Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort
• Sheraton Denarau Villas
• The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa , Fiji
• Club Wyndham Denarau Island, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
• Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa
• Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island

Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island

Coral Coast ( Coral Coast )

No less popular than Denarau is a resort destination. Here are concentrated the most picturesque coastlines of Viti Levu , with surrounding sugar cane plantations, bays and lush tropics. Coral The Coast skirts the southern shore of Viti Levu from Natadola Beach in the west to Pacific Harbour in the east. The main centre is the town of Sigatoka . Like Denarau Island , there is an excellent choice of luxury hotels and resort activities.

The Coral Coast is a classic resort that was one of the first to be established in Fiji. Active travelers will find here all the opportunities for diving , fishing, golf and surfing.

What to visit on Coral Coast

• Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
• Biausevu Falls
• Sigatoka River Rafting and Authentic Village Visit
• Park adventures Kula Wild Adventure Park
• Natadola Beach

Luxury Resorts on Fiji's Coral Coast

• Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort&Spa
• Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
• Shangri-La`s Fijian Resort & Spa
• Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji
• The Warwick Fiji
• The View Fiji
• Maui Palms

Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort&Spa

Pacific Harbor

Or Pacific Harbour, located along the coastline south of the Coral Coast, is another developed tourist area of Viti Levu . This place is called "Fiji's adventure capital" for good reason. The range of main entertainment here is concentrated around the Navua Valley , the longest river in Fiji. In Pacific Harbour you will find ziplining among the most beautiful hilly landscapes of Fiji, river rafting , tubing, kayaking , jet skis, speedboats, world-class fishing, visiting a local village, horse riding, hiking, quad bike safaris in the interior of the Namosi highlands and much more.

Among the marine adventures, Pacific Harbour offers access to reef diving in Beqa Lagoon and swimming with sharks.

Popular Pacific Harbor Hotels

• Nanuku Resort
• ULTIQA Fiji Palms Beach Resort
• Uprising Beach Resort
• The Pearl Resort & Spa
• Tiri Villas
• Club Coral Coast
• Nanette's Accommodation Pacific Harbor
• Club Oceanus

Nanuku Resort

Sunny Coast ( Sun With oast )

Sun The Oast is a stretch of coast and highlands in the north of Viti Levu , between the towns of Lautoka to the west and Corokou to the east. The area offers adventures that are no less adventurous than the main tourist centres on the southern side. Here you will find authentic accommodation and plenty of options for a budget holiday in Fiji, as well as some stunning natural sites. Sun With oast promises sun-drenched coastlines, green peaks, pine forests, mountain waterfalls, cosy towns with colonial echoes and traditional villages.

While exploring the northern part of Viti Levu, don't miss

• Coroyanitu National Heritage Park and its waterfalls.
• Markets in Lautoka and Rakiraki , along the main Kings Road Road .
• The city of B a and its attractions.
• The picturesque village of Navala (in the Nausori highlands ).
• The tomb of the legendary cannibal Udre Udre .
• The Cave of the House of the Snake God.
• Church of the Black Christ.
• The ancient rock Navatu , near the village of Vitava .
• Vatukula is a settlement of gold miners.
• Trekking along the wild routes of the highest mountain in Fiji, Tomanivi .
• Kayaking or a walk around Nananu-i-Ra Island .
• Diving the reefs of Bligh Sound Water .

Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast

Sun With oast offers comfortable hotels, authentic villas, budget cottages and traditional bure huts. A popular place for an authentic holiday is Nananu-i-Ra , located 10 minutes by boat from Viti Levu .

The best accommodation options on the Sunshine Coast Viti Levu , based on reviews:

• The Fiji Orchid
• Volivoli Beach Resort
• Wananavu Beach Resort 
• Dua Dua Beach Resort
• Dreamview Villas
• White Vula Resort
• Golden Point Resort
• Takalana Bay Retreat
• McDonald's Nananu Beach Cottages

Volivoli Beach Resort