Ovalau & the Lomaiviti Group

Despite its proximity to Viti Levu, the Lomaiviti group is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Fiji. Its residents may moan this is unfair, and if you make it here you'll understand why. It was in Levuka, the capital of the main island Ovalau, that the first Europeans settled and eventually made this the country’s first capital. Its wild and immoral colonial days are long over but you'll likely be seduced by its laid-back charms and welcoming atmosphere – not forgetting its historic centre that won Fiji's first World Heritage site listing in 2013.

South of Ovalau, the tiny coral islands of Leleuvia and Caqalai have sandy beaches, good snorkelling and simple budget resorts. To the north is Koro with its fantastic diving, family-oriented Naigani and the luxury resort of Wakaya island. Hawksbill turtles visit to lay their eggs, and a pod of humpback whales passes the east coast of Ovalau on their annual migration between May and September. Unfortunately Ovalau and the Lomaiviti Islands were badly damaged by 2016's Cyclone Winston.