Best things to do in Port Vila
Find out more about those top places in Port Vila
Vanuatu Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Island Adventures & Why This Hidden Gem Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List
If you’ve never heard of Vanuatu, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This tropical paradise is what travel hipsters call a “hidden gem,” which is code for "less touristy, more brag-worthy Instagram shots." Nestled in the South Pacific Ocean, this Y-shaped archipelago of over 80 islands might not be as famous as its glitzy cousins—Fiji and the Solomon Islands—but when it comes to places to visit, things to do, and jaw-dropping sightseeing, Vanuatu is punching way above its weight class (in a friendly island way, of course).
Things to Do in Vanuatu: From Volcanoes to Waterfalls (and a Bit of Magic in Between)
Vanuatu’s top attractions are as wild and wonderful as you’d hope from a place that still has active volcanoes and beaches where the only crowds are curious crabs. At the top of your Vanuatu travel guide should be a trip to Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. Yes, accessible. As in you can actually stand near the edge and watch lava bubble like it’s cooking up a tropical smoothie from the underworld.
Craving more adventure? Hike through lush jungle trails to the epic Millennium Cave, a natural cathedral where you’ll clamber over rocks, wade through rivers, and emerge feeling like you just survived a National Geographic episode. For a more tranquil vibe, the Mele Cascades offer the perfect waterfall wonderland complete with swimmable pools and that obligatory jungle fairy-tale feeling.
Sightseeing in Paradise: Culture, Beaches & A Bit of Fire Dancing
Beyond the thrill-seeking, Vanuatu serves up some seriously chill island vibes. The beaches here are postcard-perfect—think white sands, turquoise lagoons, and hammocks gently swaying in the breeze (yes, you will fall asleep in one). Head to Port Vila, the laid-back capital, for local markets, tasty tropical eats, and a peek into ni-Vanuatu culture.
Don’t miss a cultural village tour where you can witness fire-walking, kava ceremonies, and traditional dancing that’ll put your last wedding reception to shame.
Top Places to Visit: Island-Hopping Made Easy
If you're wondering what places to visit in Vanuatu make the must-see list, the answer is simple: all of them. Okay, maybe not all 82 islands—but Espiritu Santo is perfect for scuba diving and champagne beaches (yes, that’s a real thing), while Tanna Island is your launchpad for volcanic adventures and authentic cultural experiences.
Efate, home to Port Vila, is where most visitors start their journey—easy to navigate and bursting with activities from zip-lining to reef snorkeling. Oh, and did we mention it’s warm and sunny basically all the time?
Final Thoughts: Come for the Volcano, Stay for the Vibes
If your idea of a perfect escape includes a mix of natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and enough downtime to forget what day it is, then Vanuatu might just be your new favorite place. It may not have the name recognition of other South Pacific destinations, but trust us—once you’re sipping fresh coconut water on a quiet beach with a volcano smoldering in the distance, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get here sooner.
So, pack your flip-flops, your sense of wonder, and maybe a GoPro—you’re about to discover one of the South Pacific’s best-kept secrets.
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Millennium Cave
No visit to Vanuatu is complete without a visit to the Millennium Cave, situated at Luganville town, in South Central Santo. Getting to cave, is not for the faint-hearted requiring a trek or hike through the forest – passing through plantations and bamboo bridges. The cave is about 20 m wide and 50 m high, tourists can go into the caves examining the cave walls and roofs. It is one of those trips to go with a proper guide to ensure safety and a full experience.
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Mount Yasur
If you are brave enough to visit an active Volcano, then head to the Mount Yasur. Situated on Tanna Island, it is a 45-minute away from Port Vila with an easily accessible trail leading up to its summit. Tourists are allowed to walk up to its 400 diameter rim - the Mount Yasur usually presents some aesthetically pleasing eruptions round the hour. Its eruptions are measured by the Vanuatu Geo-Hazards Observatory, who alerts the public on eruption levels – so before heading there, it is advisable to do some research.
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Mele Cascades
One of Vanuatu’s many waterfalls but certainly the most popular about on the island, maybe due to its beauty or its accessibility from Vanuatu’s busiest town Port Vila. Whatsoever the reason might be, the engrossing 35 m waterfall is a must visit – the falls get their source from a series of travertine cascades that culminates to form one great waterfall plunging into a natural pool at the base.
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Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is one of the unique attractions Vanuatu has to offer, it offers a peaceful and serene environment. The botanical garden offers both flora and fauna attractions – with several well documented signs on trees, and a couple of animals. A tour through the garden will be most educative because it also doubles as a cultural center where you can catch up on Vanuatu’s history and culture. After which you can relax at its Jungle Restaurants, visit the swimming pool or see a magic show.
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Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
It might not be the most exciting place in Vanuatu to visit, but an important place to explore. The domain is simply three sites that are linked to the life and death of the island most importance Chief, Roi Mata. The 17-century chief, which according to popular Vanuatu Legend was responsible for bringing peace among the islands of Efate. The three sites to visit include the Roi Mata’s residence, the site of his death and his burial site.
