The Best Islands to Stay and Visit in Fiji 🏝️

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The Mamanuca Islands: Island Holiday Ease

Looking for paradise? Picturing islands scattered across turquoise waters? You’ll find it in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. This group of 20-something islands is the closest island group to Nadi International Airport, making it a super popular choice for travellers seeking that island resort holiday. The islands are either uninhabited or harbouring resorts, from backpacker accommodation to five-star adults-only luxury retreats and everything in between. We personally love the ease of access and variety of options in the Mamanuca Islands. If you want that island getaway that’s not too difficult to get to, choose the Mamanuca Islands.

Start exploring the Mamanuca Islands with The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands.

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The Yasawa Islands: The Archipelago of Adventure

Travel further north from the Mamanucas, and you’ll reach the Yasawa Islands. This is a larger scattering of islands, big and small, featuring rugged volcanic peaks and, of course, gorgeous beaches. While similar to the Mamanuca Islands in many ways, the Yasawa Islands feel more remote, where life moves at a slower pace and immersing in the Fijian culture is all part of the parcel. From what we’ve personally experienced, manta ray swimming is a highlight from May to October, as is snorkelling with sharks and day trips to the limestone Sawa-i-Lau Caves and the Blue Lagoon. Simply unwinding at your resort is also a good way to spend your “Fiji time” here.

Sounds like the islands you’ve always dreamed of visiting? Take a further look at The Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands.

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Denarau Island: A Modern Marvel

For the traveller who isn’t quite ready to disconnect from the world and who wants a few urban comforts mixed with fabulous resorts, Denarau Island could be for you. The manmade island is connected to the mainland (Viti Levu) by a causeway, taking only around 20 minutes to reach from Nadi International Airport. At the centre of it all is an 18-hole championship golf course surrounded by glamorous five-star resorts. The island has a small town looking out to a marina where tours and transport depart for the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. So, if you’re looking for a fly-and-flop holiday, perhaps with the chance of visiting outer islands or exploring inland, then consider Denarau Island as your best island in Fiji. From our experience, it’s the perfect mix of luxury and convenience.

Sounds like your sort of thing? See more about Denarau in The Complete Guide to Denarau Island.

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Viti Levu: The Crown Jewel of Diversity and Inland Exploration

Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest island and the island of arrival for most visitors. As a holiday destination, the island presents a huge array of experiences, from relaxing in resorts to scuba diving in vibrant coral reefs. But unlike the outer islands of Fiji, Viti Levu also offers some amazing inland experiences, where it’s possible to do white water rafting down vast river canyons, visit picture-perfect waterfalls, and have cultural experiences in remote Fijian villages.

There are several regions to explore across Viti Levu, each with its own drawcards, from the adventure-fuelled Pacific Harbour to the sandy shores of the Coral Coast. Active travellers could explore them all by hiring a car and creating an itinerary around the island on the Queens and Kings Roads. We love that each region offers unique experiences that are worth discovering. Learn more about each region in the appropriate guides below:

• The Complete Guide to Nadi
• The Complete Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Complete Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Complete Guide to Suva
• The Complete Guide to the Suncoast

We also give a quick overview of each region in The Complete Travel Guide to Viti Levu.

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Taveuni: A Nature-Lover’s Dream

For the traveller who knows that a tropical paradise can mean more than just breathtaking beaches, Taveuni is an island topped with wonderful wilderness. Nicknamed “the Garden Island”, Taveuni is mostly made up of the Bouma National Heritage Park, a rainforest awash in waterfalls, remote villages and verdant forest. Snorkel in marine reserves, scuba dive at the famous Rainbow Reef, stay with the locals or in a luxury resort – whatever your style, hit the surfing waves and go horse riding on the beach. All in all, Taveuni is a nature-lover’s dream. From what we’ve experienced, this island in the north of the Fiji archipelago, accessed by domestic flight or cargo ship, offers an unforgettable adventure.

Want to learn more about the Garden Island? Get a load of The Complete Guide to Taveuni.

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Vanua Levu: From Activities to Artisans

Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu, sits in the northern reaches of the Fiji archipelago, offering a fabulous array of off-the-beaten-track luxury resorts and a few budget-friendly options. This hidden gem is home to charming small towns, rejuvenating hot springs, lush forest parks, and marine reserves teeming with vibrant marine life, perfect for scuba diving enthusiasts. We’re drawn to its perfect balance of luxury and natural beauty, as we’ve seen for ourselves.

The main tourist hub, Savusavu, showcases a different side of Fiji with its talented artisans. Here, you’ll find skilled craftspeople creating delectable chocolates, stunning pearl jewellery, and soothing organic soaps. Some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Fiji call Vanua Levu home, ensuring a truly indulgent stay.

Adventure seekers won’t be disappointed either! There’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained, from invigorating waterfall hikes to colourful snorkelling excursions. Don’t miss the chance to experience the unique “river drift” at the tidal Naweni River and Salt Lake – a truly unforgettable Fijian adventure!

Ready to explore this captivating island? Discover all there is to know in The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu.

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Kadavu: The Final Frontier

A 50-minute flight from Nadi, located in the south of Fiji, Kadavu is an island option usually enticing travellers who have seen much of Fiji before. It presents the alternative Fiji holiday experience in down-to-earth eco-friendly resorts that provide an authentic island experience. Scuba diving and manta ray swimming at the Great Astrolabe Reef are popular here, as well as surfing on uncrowded breaks and visiting secluded waterfalls in the rainforest where spotting the island’s endemic parrots is all too easy! From what we’ve experienced, it’s our personal favourite among the islands of Fiji.

Intrigued? Discover more in The Complete Guide to Kadavu.

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The Best of the Rest

Need more ideas? Not convinced that the above islands are the “best islands in Fiji”? Then you might be more drawn to Fiji’s lesser-known islands, which are definitely the best options for the intrepid traveller or those seeking something a bit more exclusive.

Lomaiviti Islands

Located just off the east coast of Viti Levu, the Lomaiviti Islands are best compared to the Mamanucas or the Yasawas but far less travelled. The resorts here mostly cater to the budget market, but there are a couple of luxury resorts that soak up the tranquil setting in style. The Lomaiviti Islands are also full of history, being the main centre where the colonisation of Fiji began. Find out more in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.

Lau Islands

You’ll be extremely lucky (or rich) if you make it to the Lau Islands. The largest and most scattered island group, the Lau Islands, are untouched tropical paradises. Only one resort can be found among its clear waters. It’s a popular group for yachties to explore. Find out more in The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands.

Dive further into the various areas of Fiji with A Guide to the Fiji Regions & Island Groups.