Port Vila is Vanuatu’s capital. It’s also the country’s largest city, with more than 51,000 people calling it home. It can be found on the southern coast of Efate, an island in the country’s central part. Since it’s the biggest settlement and the country’s hub of com-merce, it should come as no surprise that many tourists who visit Vanuatu spend some time here. Here’s a look at some of the many things you can do while in Port Vila.
Vanuatu National Museum
For those interested in the country’s culture, history and heritage, a visit to the Vanuatu National Museum is a must. It’s located near the country’s national parliament building in Saralana Park and is home to a diverse line-up of exhibits. The items on display pertain to the country’s extensive history and give visitors the chance to see things that are hun-dreds or even thousands of years old.
The museum is set within a traditional building. Some of the many artefacts housed here include:
- Ceremonial headdresses
- Examples of locally produced pottery
- Jewellery made out of shells
- Slit drums
- Outrigger canoes
These are just a few of the many things you can see on display. Every item on display has a story to tell, so visiting the museum can be a worthwhile and enriching experience.
Port Vila Market House
This covered market is where you can purchase all sorts of locally grown produce, from colourful fruits and vegetables, to healthy snacks, tasty herbs and spices, and more. The market sellers are local ‘mamas’ who help make the place lively, vibrant and bursting with character. Typically open round the clock from Monday morning right through to midday on Saturday, the market has vendors from all over the country come and sell their fresh foods.
Visit the Port Vila Market House if you like your food to be fresh and delicious. By making purchases here, you’ll be supporting the locals and helping the country’s food industry to thrive.
Restaurants and Cafes
Port Vila is known for being a culinary hotspot in the South Pacific Ocean. Thanks to its status as an economic and commercial hub, the city has developed a rich and varied din-ing scene. There are more than 40 eateries to be found throughout the city, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants and more.
Since people from many different countries have settled here over the years, there’s a broad range of cuisines to sample. Some of the many cuisines represented in the city’s dining establishments include:
- Mediterranean
- French
- Japanese
- Mexican
- Vietnamese
- Thai
- Melanesian
And many more. Foodies may well be surprised at just how many different dining experi-ences the city has to offer.
Erakor Island
If you feel like escaping the city, head to Erakor Island. Even though this resort island is just a short distance from the city centre, it still manages to give you the feeling of being away from it all. Visit on a day trip and you can relax on beautiful white-sand beaches, explore the waters by going snorkelling and diving, or even just enjoy a leisurely kayaking session around the island. There’s also a restaurant that specialises in seafood.
Hideaway Island
Another nearby island resort is Hideaway Island. It’s not completely hidden away, but it does offer visitors plenty of peace and quiet. If you’re not a guest at the resort, you can still visit and make the most of what’s available. Among the highlights are snorkelling and diving. If you join a diving tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the only under-water post office in the world – it even has waterproof postcards you can send.
The Summit Gardens
Follow a winding road up to The Summit Gardens, a botanical garden and lookout point that offers captivating views of Mele Bay, the main body of water separating Port Vila from the ocean. It’s nearly 200 metres above sea level and can be easily accessed by taxi, bus or car.
Spread across 10 hectares of land are 11 gardens, each one of which is distinct in its own way. Also on-site is an oil distillery where products such as candles and soaps are produced. You can visit and explore the distillery on your own, or you can book a guided tour.
Beaches and Waterfalls
No island would be complete without beaches and Efate certainly doesn’t disappoint on that front. There are a number of pristine beaches to be found throughout the island, as well as some in Port Vila itself. Eton Beach over on the island’s east coast is a top choice. It may be 45 minutes away from the centre of Port Vila, but it’s well worth the drive.
Outdoor Activities
In and around Port Vila there are loads of outdoor activities that give you the to see more of the place and have fun in the process. Zip lining through the jungle and surfing are some of the more adventurous options, while for those who prefer calmer activities there’s fishing, kayaking and scenic horse riding session. There’s no shortage of things to do and whatever your own tastes are, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy doing here.