Photo by Kahunapule Michael Johnson. The Solomon Islands are characterised by crystal-clear water, rich and diverse fauna, thousands of animals and fish of all kinds and colours. A true Eden, with a highly unspoilt nature, light years away from the tropical paradises turned into tourist destinations. Let's take a look at some useful information for organising a holiday.
Informed travel: useful info
Inhabitants: 611,343
Capital: Honiara
Languages: English and local dialects
Local currency: Solomon Islands dollar (€1.00=9.17 Solomon Islands dollars)
Climate: equatorial extremely humid all year round. The average temperature is 27 °C with minimum variations throughout the year.
Vaccinations: Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for travellers coming from countries where yellow fever is at risk of transmission (mainly African nations and some regions of Latin America).
Entry requirements: passport with at least six months validity required. You must also have a return ticket and sufficient money to prove your financial independence for the duration of your stay. An entry visa is not necessary for up to 90 days
Distance from Italy: 15,226 km (40-50 hours flight time)
Where to find us
The Solomon Islands are an island nation in theSouth Pacific Ocean, located east of Papua New Guinea. They consist of about a thousand islands, which together cover an area of 28,000 square kilometres.
How to get there
From Milan or Rome: Handerson International Airport, about 10 km from the capital Honiara, is the nation's main airport. It is directly connected to Brisbane (Australia) and Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) by flights of the Solomon Airlines company. To reach the islands from Italy one must therefore first reach one of these cities via Emirates and British Air planes and then take a direct flight. The journey can take between 40 and 70 hours, depending on the number and type of stopovers planned. Flights to Honiara from €1523.00 - see offers
From major European capitals: unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Europe to the Solomon Islands. Those leaving from major European capitals such as Paris, Berlin and London are forced to travel to Brisbane, Auckland or Port Moresby and then take a flight to Honiara.
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 23 / 30° | 20 days / 280 mm |
February | 23 / 30° | 20 days / 300 mm |
March | 22 / 30° | 22 days / 330 mm |
April | 22 / 30° | 18 days / 215 mm |
May | 22 / 30° | 17 days / 140 mm |
June | 21 / 30° | 15 days / 100 mm |
July | 21 / 30° | 17 days / 115 mm |
August | 21 / 30° | 15 days / 115 mm |
September | 21 / 30° | 16 days / 115 mm |
October | 22 / 30° | 16 days / 150 mm |
November | 22 / 30° | 16 days / 165 mm |
December | 22 / 30° | 19 days / 235 mm |
Climate: equatorial, humid and rainy all year round. Temperatures are stable throughout the year, with highs around 30/31 degrees from November to April, falling by one/two degrees from May to October.
Best period: June to October, the least sultry and rainy period of the year, bearing in mind that rainfall in the form of showers is always possible.
Periodto avoid: November to mid-May, period of cyclones
Tips: light, natural-fibre clothes, a hat for the sun, a scarf for the breeze, a light sweatshirt for the evening, a light mackintosh or umbrella. For walks in the mountains, mid-season clothing, sweatshirt, jacket, mackintosh, hiking shoes. Snorkelling equipment, water shoes or rubber-soled shoes for the reef.
Which island to go to?
The archipelago has a total of 1000 islands of all shapes and sizes, the most important of which are:
Guadalcanal: where the capital Honiara is located and Mount Popomanaseu, the highest peak in the entire archipelago. With the exception of the territory where the city is located, the island is almost entirely covered by jungle
Florida: not far from Guadalcanal, it is home to the ancient capital of the islands, the city of Tulagi. A quiet place, it is recommended for diving enthusiasts, which can be done in one of the many lagoons sheltered from the ocean currents.
Malaiata: on the island we find the pretty town of Auki, known for its shark ceremony, which consists of honouring the animal, considered by the natives to be the reincarnation of their deceased ancestors.
Things to see and do: beaches and places of interest
Honiara: the capital, besides being home to most of the inhabitants of Guadalcanal Island, is also the place where the major historical and cultural sights of the entire nation are to be found.
Rennel Island: a small atoll on which is located the Te' Nggano National Park, which is home to hundreds of species of animals, both marine and non-marine, and an equal number of specimens of flora.
TheTinakula volcano: located on the island of the same name, it is a still active volcano just under 900 metres high, and is one of the most visited by tourists
TheKavachi volcano: located south of the island of Vangunu, Kavachi is an active underwater volcano that enchants visitors with its periodic eruptions.
World War II wrecks: the Solomon Islands were the battlefield of the Americans and Japanese during World War II. Many wrecks are still visible both on the mainland and especially at sea. The main diving areas are Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Munda and South Lagoon Marovo.
Thecity of Tulagi: it is the former capital of the Solomon Islands. There are places here that are suitable for diving enthusiasts because of the lagoons whose ocean currents act as protection. It is also rich in historical relics of the era, having been the site of the battle of the same name during World War II.
East Rennell: is the world's largest coral atoll, located in the Rennell and Bellonadistrict and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mataniko Falls: close to Honiara, the falls are framed by a path leading to the caves below, which were used as hiding places for World War II soldiers
The Langa LangaLagoon in Auki: this is a place where you can admire both the artificial islands and the locals at work making handicrafts and classic canoes
How much does a holiday in the Solomon Islands cost? Prices, offers and tips
The cost of accommodation on the Solomon Islands ranges from €17.00 for a hostel to around €53.00 for a stay in a three-star hotel. As far as meals are concerned, considering two people, a mid-range restaurant and three courses ordered, the average price paid can range from €32.00 to €76.00. As far as transport is concerned, however, it is recommended to use public transport, buying a ticket for €0.33 for one journey.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €53.00 per room
Cheap flights: Flights to Honiara from €1523.00 - look at the offers
