Cook was the first European to visit the island, naming it Sandwich Island after Lord Sandwich, the patron of his voyage. Fortunately the indigenous name prevailed. European settlement began with the whalers, sandalwood traders and missionaries. The first European settlement by predominantly English people was on Havana Harbour, on the north side of Efate. After a long drought in 1882, and persistent outbreaks of malaria and the simple fact that the French brought women to their settlement in Port Vila, led the predominantly male population of Havannah Harbor to permanently migrate to Vila. Today, over 40 000 people live on Efate, more than half of them in or around Port Vila. The rest live in small villages along the coast. No villages remain inland.

Port Vila is located around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and Ifira islands. It is Vanuatu's international gateway and remains the only town on the island. The airport is but a few miles from town and all major resorts and hotels. Vila is a pretty town. Clean and uncluttered, the waterfront area is so unpolluted, visitors are stunned to look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish.

It's also fast becoming known as the gourmet capital of the South Pacific. The potpourri of expatriate cultures is reflected in food styles served in over forty restaurants and cafes - French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Melanesian and Mediterranean. You can buy an Aussie meat pie or American chili dog, sip cappuccino in one of the many outdoor cafes or purchase pates and salads from a patisserie in a supermarket to fill your picnic hamper. Though there is little night life in Vila except that offered by the Resort Hotels, there is a nightclub (Flamingo), a friendly casino (at Le Meridien Resort), a movie theatre (French only) and some restaurants often feature local or imported musicians. Best of all, Vila is a safe and hassle free environment. You can stroll along the waterfront, or darkened back streets late at night and passing locals are likely to wish you a soft "Good night", or perhaps strike up a friendly conversation. You will never have your bag snatched and shopping is fun and easy going. There's no such thing as a hard sell or pushy salesman. Prices are fixed and bargaining is not a part of the friendly lifestyle.
Accommodation in Vila ranges in style from dormitory Robinson Cruisoe to sophisticated over water bungalows. There are dozens of full day tours and half day tours to choose from.

Efate has a rugged coastline and rolling verdant countryside, fast flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, isolated sandy bays and lagoons. The interior is verdant rain forest cut only by a few walking tracks to remote weather and radio beacons. Havannah Harbour on the north side is a spectacular natural haven and consequently used during World War II as a naval rear base by the entire U.S. 7th Fleet. It is also the site of some extraordinary archeological digs and gruesome discoveries.

There are numerous types of accommodation scattered around Efate Island, such as Nagar or for just a day trip in mind, you can hire a car or take a bus or an aircraft around the island.
Cruises and ocean kayaking offer day and over night charters to the nearby islands of Hat, Pele, Moso, Nguna, Lelepa and Kakula Islands. You can also book a launch trip for full day walking tours to the extinct volcano on Nguna Island and the magnificent rain forest, giant trees and rare birds and butterflies of Emau Island.

You can pre-book your trip to Efate through a recognised agent. For further information see Tour Agents.