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Introduction
Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, located in a protected bay on the south east coast on Efate Island, roughly the central island of the Vanuatu group. Efate Island is a small volcanic island just 900 sq-km in size with high tropical mountains in its centre. About 50,000 people live on the island, more than half of these in Port Vila.
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Don't Miss
Waterfront Restaurants
Visit a Kava Saloon
Ekasup Cultural Village
Cascades Waterfall
Snorkelling at Hideaway Island
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Highlights
Although without a beach, Port Vila is an attractive seaside town built in the heart of a large bay backed by mountains which makes it ideal for visiting overseas cruise ships. The downtown area has some lively waterfront restaurants and bars, although its shops are shabby and uninspiring - the best place to browse is the flea market adjacent to the huge 24-hr fresh produce market. Across the hill, fronting a narrow beach alongside Erakor Lagoon, are Port Vila's holiday resorts which appeal to families and casino lovers. Further along the peninsula about 15 minutes drive from town are several smaller boutique resorts on nice beaches with decent snorkelling reefs. Port Vila is pretty enough for a holiday break and has several excellent sightseeing tours around the island, including some good tours for cultural interaction, but there is nothing exceptional that jumps out making Port Vila a must-see destination.
Travel Info
The international airport at Bauerfield is 15-minutes by road from downtown. Port Vila is a great place to get around by public transport with plenty of local buses plying around town - you simply have to ask the driver to take you somewhere and off they go, just like a taxi. but at a much cheaper rate. Taxis, by contrast, are quite expensive. Buses also travel around the island, but less frequently and without any formal timetable. Car hire is a good option, and the fit might even make it around by bicycle in two days.
Accommodation
Port Vila has the majority of the country's accommodation, with several large brand hotels, plenty of small boutique resorts and some decent affordable guesthouses in the downtown area. There are several good beach resorts on the outskirts of Port Vila and two island resorts, both with good snorkelling
Port Vila Accommodation Guide
Efate Island Accommodation Guide
Please select a Port Vila accommodation name from the list below for detailed information including room interior photos and independent reviews.
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