Fiji Travel Guide: Islands, Resorts and Best Time to Go

Best monthsMay to October
Time needed5 to 10 days
Main airportNadi (NAN)
On-island budget€90–180 / day

Fiji in one minute

More than 300 islands, but most trips use two areas: Viti Levu with the Nadi airport, and the island chains of the Mamanucas and Yasawas. Friendly, easy in English and suited to every budget, from dorms to private-island resorts.

Go if you want

  • Easy beach days, snorkeling and island hopping
  • A family-friendly trip with kids' clubs and shallow lagoons
  • Warm service and simple logistics in English

Think twice if you want

  • Polynesian culture and volcanic scenery: compare with Tahiti
  • Cheap flights in high season: book early
  • Cyclone-free weather from January to March: it is not guaranteed

Our ratings

Scenery
4
Beaches
5
Culture
4
Food
3
Adventure
4
Value
4

Odali editorial scores out of 5.

When to go

JFMAMJJASOND
Dry, calmer pricesDry and busiestWetter

The dry season from May to October brings sunshine, lower humidity and calm seas. The wet season, about November to April, is hotter and humid, with a cyclone risk between January and March. Check forecasts and insurance cover if you travel then.

Calm lagoon and palm-lined beach at a resort in Fiji
Sandbank with palm trees in Fiji

Day-by-day plans

Pick your length. Each plan keeps one big outing a day and leaves time to rest.

Day1
Arrive
Land at Nadi, transfer to Denarau, early night.
Day2
Morning
Boat from Port Denarau to a Mamanuca island. €70–110
Afternoon
Snorkeling and a sandbank walk.
Day3
All day
Stay on the island: beach, reef and a village or sunset cruise.
Day4
Morning
Back to Viti Levu, drive the Coral Coast. Car €45–80
Afternoon
Sigatoka sand dunes and a swim.
Day5
Morning
Market in Nadi, last shopping.
Afternoon
Airport transfer.

Where to stay

Denarau for arrival nights, the Mamanucas for easy island stays, the Yasawas for a quieter feel.

Sandbank with palm trees in FijiBest value

Backpacker or simple bure

€30–90 / night
Yasawas or NadiMeals often includedBasic comforts

Hostels and simple island bures give the cheapest stay, with beaches at the door. Stays on the Yasawas can be basic.

Compare simple stays
Lagoon beach in FijiEasiest base

Coral Coast or Denarau hotel

€110–220 / night
Pool and beachKids' club commonNear transfers

Practical beach hotels, an hour or two from the airport, good for families and a calm start.

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Island resort lagoon in FijiComfort

Mamanuca island resort

From about €300 / night
Short boat from DenarauMeals and activities

Island resorts are the simplest way to get a lagoon stay, with transfers, reef and activities handled for you.

See island resorts

Our advice

Spend one night near Nadi at arrival, then go to the islands. Check the resort's age policy for children and the boat transfer time before booking.

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Things to do

Prices are indicative ranges. Confirm with the operator.

Sandbank in the MamanucasFirst trip

Mamanuca island hopping

€70–110 / person
From Port DenarauDay tripSnorkeling

Short boat rides reach small islands with reefs, snorkeling and sandbanks. Easy for a first trip.

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Fiji lagoon

Village visit and kava ceremony

€40–70 / person
Half dayModest dressLocal guide

A respectful visit with local guides is a highlight. Dress modestly and follow your host's lead.

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Clear water in Fiji

Diving and snorkeling

€80–140 / person
Soft coral reefsAll levels

Soft coral reefs and clear water make Fiji popular with divers of every level.

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Sigatoka coast in Fiji

Coral Coast and Sigatoka dunes

Car €45–80 / day
Half dayBeachesDunes

Beaches, resorts and the Sigatoka sand dunes, good for families and a calm start.

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Fiji coast

Waterfalls and hot springs

€40–70 / person
Half or full dayRivers and mud pools

Inland tours from Nadi and Pacific Harbour combine hikes, rivers and mud pools.

Compare inland tours

Where to eat

Island resorts include most meals. In towns, try lovo, kokoda and the Indo-Fijian curries.

Local favourite

Nadi market and street food

Under €8 / meal

Curries, roti, fresh fruit and fried fish at markets and small cafes. Cheap and filling.

Resort dinners

€30–55 / personOften on the beach

Island resorts often include meals, and many offer a beach dinner at sunset.

Village lovo

Earth-oven feastTours and villages

A traditional earth-oven meal is part of many village visits.

What to order

  • Kokoda: raw fish cured in lime and coconut milk
  • Lovo: meat and root vegetables cooked in an earth oven
  • Fish curry: from Indo-Fijian kitchens

What it costs

Build your own estimate. Ranges are indicative and exclude flights.

Estimated on-island total

Includes rooms, local meals and the activities you picked. Open-ended prices are shown as a starting price.

Check live prices
Simple bure, per night€30–90
Coral Coast hotel, per night€110–220
Island resort, per nightfrom €300
Car or taxi, per day€45–80
Mamanuca day trip€70–110
Village visit€40–70
Market mealunder €8

Before you go

Book boat passes early

Catamaran ferries link the Mamanucas and Yasawas from Port Denarau. Book ahead in high season.

Mind the cyclone season

Risk is highest between January and March. Check forecasts and insurance.

Carry some cash

Cards work in resorts and towns. Cash is useful in villages and on boats.

Say bula

A friendly greeting goes a long way.

Dress modestly in villages

Cover shoulders and knees and follow your host's lead.

Protect the reef

Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not stand on coral.

How many days do I need in Fiji?

Five to ten days let you combine Viti Levu with one island group.

Is Fiji family friendly?

Yes, many resorts have kids' clubs and shallow lagoons. Check the resort's age policy before booking.

Do I need cash?

Carry some Fijian dollars for villages, markets and tips, and use cards in resorts and shops.

Is Fiji worth it?

Yes, especially for families, couples on a mid-range budget and anyone who wants friendly service and easy logistics.

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Prices and schedules change: confirm with airlines, ferries, operators and hotels before booking. Photo credits: Fiji sandbank, Jason Baker (CC BY 2.0). Lagoon beach, Keith Yahl (CC BY 2.0). Via Wikimedia Commons, resized.