Introducing Viti Levu
Frequently referred to as 'the mainland' Viti Levu is that hub of a place where commerce, industry and the small matter of running a country supersedes the idyllic holiday business 'offshore'. Around three-quarters of the population resides here, many in the three biggest cities; Suva, Lautoka and Nadi. That said, don't forget that we are talking about Fiji, so while Viti Levu may be all the above to the local population, for visitors it's an opportunity to discover a Fiji you never imagined.
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With the exception of Natadola, Viti Levu's beaches run a poor second to the sublime shorelines on the outer islands; but the island's best features lie elsewhere. Turn your attention from the coast and plant it firmly in the cooler climbs of the interior's dramatic highlands. Trek through national parks, freshen up under a waterfall or 10 and visit a local village without the gimmicky hype. Marvel in the views and history of hill forts or get caught up in the heady hype of a local festival. Don your culture vulture hat and delve well beyond the brochures in Fiji's sultry capital. Sporting the country's most diverse population, cuisine, cultural attractions and nightspots, Suva is the best spot to simmer in the local culture.
Quite simply Viti Levu is all things Fijian that an idyllic beach is not. But, if you're still yearning for a slice of the coast, escape to enigmatic Nananu-i-Ra island in the north, renowned for its windsurfing and diving, or pick and choose from the smorgasbord of resorts along the Coral Coast.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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Viti Levu
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Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Viti Levu
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1 Coral Coast
Take a southern road trip along the scenic Coral Coast
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2 Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
Trek the spectacular mountains of Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
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3 Suva's bars and restaurants
Savour some urban culture in Suva's bars and restaurants
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4 Fiji Museum and Ka Levu Cultural Centre
Explore Fijian culture at the Fiji Museum and Ka Levu Cultural Centre
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5 Navua River
Kayak or raft the mighty Navua River in the rugged Namosi Highlands
Our favourite Viti Levu Blogs (beta)
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Fiji – What to do on the Main Island
Blog: Canada's Adventure Couple - 6 February 2012
Bula Vinakka! Hello, Welcome to Fiji. You will hear these words every where you go in Fiji as warm and genuine smiles greet you at every turn. We have been to nearly 60 countries during our travels and nowhere on earth seems as happy and genuinely glad to see you as the people of Fiji!
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Exploring the Real Fiji!
Blog: Canada's Adventure Couple - 18 May 2011
It would be easy to go to Fiji, check into one of the Coral Coast resorts on the main island of Viti Levu, and never needed to leave the grounds. But the real rewards await when you venture out to explore the real Fiji.
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PhotoFriday – Family travel to Fiji
Blog: Sophie's World - 12 March 2010
Back in 2003, while on parental leave (a year off work with 80 % pay - a great Scandinavian employee right), the girls and I lived in New Zealand for 6 months. While in the neighbourhood, we did some South Pacific family travel, island hopping between Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Norfolk Island. PhotoFriday – Family travel to Fiji is a post from: Sophie's World
