Vanuatu is an island state, i.e. completely made up of islands and with no territory on the mainland. This has helped to preserve a certain 'tranquillity' with almost no nightlife, except for Port Vila, the state capital. But the beauty of Vanuatu lies precisely in this. The limited relations with the rest of the world has meant that the folklore, villages and natural paradises have remained unaltered, locked in a timeless history, enhanced by the inhabitants themselves who put it at the tourist's fingertips. Let's look together at some useful information for planning a holiday.
Informed travel: useful info
Inhabitants: about 250,000
Capital: Port Vila
Languages: English, French, Pidgin and more than 100 local languages
Local currency: Vatu (VUV). (€1.00= 128.20 Vatu)
Climate: somewhere between tropical and equatorial. There are also substantial differences between the mountainous and lowland areas of the islands.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations required
Entry requirements: Electronic passport. A visa is only required if the stay exceeds 90 days.
Distance from Italy: 16,477 km from Rome. (approx. 38 hours flight time)
Where to find us
The 83 islands of Vanuatu are an island state in the South West Pacific, located north of New Zealand and east of Australia. Vanuatu is a parliamentary republic.
How to get there
From Milan or Rome: The islands' international airports are located at: Port Vila (Efate Island), Luganville (Espiritu Santo) and on the island of Tanna. A trip to Vanatu from Europe always involves at least 2 changes (stopovers are generally Dubai, Brisbane, Sydney or Bangkok). The journey takes about 40 hours in total, including stopovers. From the international airports getting to the various islands is fairly easy. These can be reached by boat from the ports of Port Vila (Efate) and Luganville (Espiritu Santo).
Flights to Port Vila from €1,968.00From major European capitals: There are no direct flights connecting the Vanuatu Islands to cities such as Paris, Berlin or London. To get to the islands from one of these European capitals you will face a journey similar (in terms of duration and number of stopovers) to that departing from Rome or Milan.
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 22 / 30° | 18 days / 320 mm |
February | 23 / 30° | 17 days / 280 mm |
March | 22 / 29° | 20 days / 365 mm |
April | 22 / 28° | 17 days / 210 mm |
May | 20 / 27° | 14 days / 135 mm |
June | 18 / 26° | 13 days / 130 mm |
July | 18 / 25° | 12 days / 110 mm |
August | 17 / 25° | 12 days / 110 mm |
September | 17 / 26° | 12 days / 105 mm |
October | 18 / 27° | 12 days / 110 mm |
November | 20 / 28° | 13 days / 175 mm |
December | 21 / 29° | 14 days / 180 mm |
Climate: In Vanuatu the climate varies considerably from one area to another: in the northern islands touched by the trade winds (e.g. Espiritu Santu) it is equatorial hot and rainy all year round, in the central and southern islands (e.g. Efate and Tanna) it is tropical, hot and rainy from December to March, and cool and with less rain from May to October. The climate data for the capital Port Vila can be found in the table above.
Best period: June, July, August, September and October corresponding to the austral winter. During this period, temperatures are at their annual lows and rainfall is rarer.
Period to avoid: from November to May, the rains are uninterrupted and there is a risk of running into cyclones (especially between late December and early April).
Tips: pack light clothes for the day, a scarf for the breeze, a sweatshirt for the evening. Don't forget a light mackintosh or umbrella, snorkelling equipment, water shoes or rubber-soled shoes for the reef.
Which island to go to?
Espiritu Santo is the largest island of Vanatu. It is home to Tabwemasana, one of the highest volcanoes in the area, while the eastern part of the island is flat and used for grazing. To the southeast, we come across Luganville, the second largest town in the archipelago, which also has a regional airport and the Vathhe Conversation Area, the country's first national park, which is home to rare orchids. The island is famous for the presence of underwater wrecks off its coast, countless unique bird species and kauri trees, the tallest in the Pacific.
Efate: the most populated island of Vanatu, Efate is home to the capital of Port Vila, the hub of tourism on the islands, and the only city that comes closest to the western meaning of the term. Given the influence of both the British and French population, it will be easy to find restaurants centred on both cuisines in the streets of the capital. Outside the walls of Vila, life on the island is more 'rustic' and quaint, with people still engaged in a traditional lifestyle of farming and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Tanna Island is among the most visited islands on Vanatu. Most of its people still live exactly as their ancestors did, and they still believe they can bring back Americans laden with goods, as they did during World War II, by praying and practising specific ritual ceremonies. The island's main attraction is the Yassur volcano, which can be reached in an hour by following a well-made path. From the crater there is a wonderful view of the desert and a unique spectacle, especially at night when, every two minutes, it ejects sulphur, ash and lava.
What to see and do: beaches and places of interest
Port Vila: the country's capital is located on the island of Efate, around the bay of the same name. Highlights include the National Museum of Vanuatu, which houses a collection of local artefacts, Independence Park and the Parliament Building.
The Mele-Maat Cascades are located a few kilometres away from Port Vila, on the island of Efate. Nestled in the tropical rainforest, the crystal-clear water cascades are bordered by the Secret Gardens: a reserve home to some 20 exotic animals.
WhiteSands Beach is a white sandy beach located east of Port Vila, lined with pandanus trees, ideal for snorkelling, diving or simply swimming.
The EtonBlue Hole is a stretch of water near Eton, on the island of Efate, which can be reached by continuing westwards along the coast. Here it is possible to admire the beauty of nature in absolute tranquillity.
Lake Takara, located on the island of Efate, is perpetually swept by winds, even sustained winds, making it a paradise for surfers and kitesurfers.
Theisland of Nguna lies off the coast of Efate, and is home to the village of Taloa, which is organised to give tourists a taste of island life without sacrificing comfort.
Epi is an island not far from Efate, on which Lamen Bay is located: the home of sea turtles and sea slugs. Sports enthusiasts can rent kayaks, canoes and even try their hand at reef fishing.
South of the island of Epi is Valesdir, which includes the plantation of the same name. Here there are historical remains of an ancient palace, an airstrip and an enchanting bay.
Tanna is the most important town on the island of Epi, located within a lush tropical forest. Near the town is Mount Yasur, one of the most accessible volcanoes in the world, where hiking is possible. To the east of the village is Sulphur Bay, where a hot spring pours onto a black sand beach.
Malekula is the famous dog-shaped island that, in its northern part, is home to the cannibal site of the Big Nambas, one of the island's tribes. In the eastern part is Aop Beach, characterised by beautiful palm trees and turquoise waters.
The small islands of Uripiv and Uri lie a short distance from Malekula, and are home to a reserve established to protect the coral reefs and mangroves.
Ambryum, owes its nickname 'Black Island' to the dark soil caused by the presence of twin volcanoes: Marum and Benbow, both still active. The island is the centre of the practice of witchcraft, believed to be strongest in the presence of volcanoes.
Pentecost is the island famous for its grandiose views and the naghol ritual, during which men dive from high towers to ingratiate themselves with the gods. The island is also home to many 'festivals', with magicians invoking rain, and Penama Day, held on 15 September.
Gaua Island is home to the country's only monoliths, sites of ancient ritual dances. In addition, the island is home to the Siri Waterfall, characterised by frozen water, and Lake Letas, suitable for bathing, among the largest freshwater lakes in the Pacific.
How much does a holiday in Vanuatu cost? Prices, offers and tips
The Vanuatu islands are becoming more and more important from a tourist point of view, so prices are around Italian standards. In fact, we see that the average cost of one-star accommodation is around €37.00, while a meal for two people in a medium-class restaurant (three courses) costs between €28.00 and €47.00. To drive, an international driving licence is required, and car hire is only possible on Efate and Santo Espiritu: on the other islands, minibuses and taxis are the only way to get around (basic fare €1.20; plus an additional €1.20 per kilometre travelled).
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €19.00 per room
Cheap flights: from €1,883 - see deals
