Powdery white beaches, colorful coral reefs, and green palm trees—the Fiji Islands are a true South Sea paradise. Just under 1,700 kilometers from New Zealand lie the Fiji Islands, consisting of 332 small and large islands. Approximately 860,000 people live in Fiji. The trend of visiting Fiji as a tourist is on the rise. Mainly Australians and New Zealanders come to this wonderful island, which is only a stone's throw away from them. For Europeans, this holiday destination is still relatively unknown, which could also be due to the great distance. However, if you are looking for a paradise on the other side of the world, this is the place for you. The capital of Fiji is Suva, where you will find bustling streets, modern buildings, and structures from the English colonial era. Street markets offer local fruits and fish, while artisans present visitors with paintings and souvenirs. Suva's botanical garden is home to an ethnographic museum and a clock tower. From the countless sandy beaches, you can take a ferry to the surrounding neighboring islands.
Fiji has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 16 and 32 degrees Celsius. During the summer months between November and April, the country experiences many tropical cyclones. Those who love unique flora and fauna will feel right at home in Fiji. Mangroves line the coast, while tropical rainforests and savannah formations can be found inland. Those who enjoy diving will find a huge variety of species in Fiji's underwater world, including freshwater and brackish water fish, frogs, and reptiles. Vanua Levu, also known as Big Island, is home to a true tropical secret. Few tourists are found here, as there are only two small towns. This makes the island the perfect place for adventurers. Divers will love the Great Sea Reef, which, at 20,000 m², is the third-largest coral reef in the world.
In addition to its impressive natural scenery with waterfalls and romantic sunsets, Fiji offers a unique culture to discover. What makes it special is that Indian, Polynesian, Melanesian, Chinese, and European traditions come together here. The cuisine found in Fiji is just as diverse. Tropical fruits and seafood, fish dishes and foods wrapped in banana leaves are often prepared in traditional earth ovens and taste absolutely fantastic. Fijians are particularly warm people who like to greet tourists with a smile. If you want to do something truly unique, visit the island of Taveuni. Here you can jump back and forth between days, as the island is located on the 180th longitude, i.e., the International Date Line. A spectacular experience!
