© FijiPocketGuide.com
© FijiPocketGuide.com

The 5 Best Small Towns & Villages to Visit in Fiji

© FijiPocketGuide.com

Explore Fiji’s Small Towns and Villages

Swap the hustle and bustle of Nadi or Suva for the small-town vibe of towns and villages like Sigatoka, Savusavu and more. From Fijian villages with traditional South Pacific architecture to boutique shopping hubs to even a town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s a number of interesting towns and villages to visit in Fiji. Check out our top recommendations in this list of Fiji’s best small towns and villages.

1. Navala

The last remaining Fijian village with traditionally-thatched bures (bungalows), Navala is a picture-perfection set among the grassy mountain backdrop of Viti Levu’s interior. While there is one accommodation nearby the settlement, the most popular way to visit is on day trips, either with a guided tour, such as with Rosie Holidays (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) or by hiring a 4WD and taking the gravel and dirt roads to get there independently. If visiting independently, don’t forget to bring a sevusevu (gift), such as kava roots to present to the chief. Learn more about village etiquette here. For more ways to visit Fijian villages, see the 10 Best Village Tours in Fiji.

Island Group: Viti Levu

The 5 Best Small Towns & Villages to Visit in Fiji© Mark Snyder - Tourism Fiji

 

2. Levuka

See an alternative historic settlement in Fiji, the town of Levuka. Fiji’s first capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has resulted in beautifully preserved colonial buildings to admire. Levuka sits on the coast of Ovalau Island, just 20km (12 miles) off the eastern coast of Viti Levu. The town features quaint boutiques, a museum, historic churches and several hotels, lodges and guest houses. The town also makes a good base for exploring the rest of the lush volcanic island and taking kayaking and boat trips to the surrounding coral reefs. Learn more about Levuka in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

Island Group: Lomaiviti Islands

The 5 Best Small Towns & Villages to Visit in Fiji© Captain Cook Cruises

 

3. Sigatoka

The hub of the popular Coral Coast, Sigatoka provides a pleasant small-town vibe for any travellers craving such while staying in Viti Levu. Pronounced “Sing-a-toka”, Sigatoka is based along the Sigatoka River, which is the start of exciting inland river adventures with Sigatoka River Safaris (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Mick’s Fiji Tours & Transfers (on Viator and Tripadvisor). The town is also excellent for shopping with duty-free stores, handicraft shops and a vibrant produce market, while the Indo-Fijian restaurants are among some of the best in Fiji. There are hotels in town, as well as resorts within a short driving distance. Learn more about exploring the Coral Coast in The Complete Guide to the Coral Coast.

Island Group: Viti Levu

The 5 Best Small Towns & Villages to Visit in Fiji© Rene Young of Together we roam on Wikipedia

 

4. Savusavu

Savusavu is one of the main hubs of Fiji’s second-largest yet far less-visited island, Vanua Levu. Sitting on the edge of the Savusavu Harbour, Savusavu offers a good and varied selection of places to eat, hot springs to check out, and is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and more. There are a few budget lodges and hotels in the town, while some of Vanua Levu’s most prestigious resorts are only a 15-minute drive away. Learn more about the “Friendly North” in The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu.

Island Group: Vanua Levu

The 5 Best Small Towns & Villages to Visit in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

 

5. Port Denarau

The manmade island of Denarau, exclusively home to lavish holiday homes, five-star resorts and apartments, has its own small-town set-up. On the harbour, Port Denarau is manicured town centre unlike anywhere else in Fiji, consisting of a championship-style golf course and an array of shops and eateries. As one of the main tourist hubs of Fiji, you’ll also find plenty of tours to take you out to the idyllic Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Learn more in The Complete Guide to Denarau Island.

Island Group: Viti Levu

The 5 Best Small Towns & Villages to Visit in Fiji© FijiPocketGuide.com

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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