These are the best places to travel this summer

Efate

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Cascades, Port Vila Vanuatu

©Damian Walls/500px

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Efate

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Efate is Vanuatu's main island, politically, economically, industrially and in terms of population and tourism. Even so, outside of the capital Port Vila it's pretty low-key with some of the village life you'll find on other islands.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Save
    Mele Cascades Waterfall Port Vila Vanuatu

    Mele Cascades

    Port Vila

    This popular and photogenic swimming spot is 10km from Port Vila. A series of clear aquamarine pools terrace up the hillside, culminating in an impressive…

  • Save
    National Museum of Vanuatu

    National Museum of Vanuatu

    Port Vila

    This excellent museum, in a soaring traditional building opposite the parliament, has a well-displayed collection of traditional artefacts such as tamtam …

  • Save
    Bungalows on Iririki Island and yachts on Mele Bay from Port Vila.

    Iririki Island

    Port Vila

    Iririki is the green, bungalow-laden island right across from Port Vila’s waterfront; it was closed following Cyclone Pam in 2015 but is expected to…

  • Save
    Hideaway Island

    Hideaway Island

    Port Vila

    Just 100m or so offshore from Mele Beach, Hideaway Island isn't all that hidden but it's one of Vila's favourite spots for snorkelling, diving or just…

  • Save
    Chief Roi Mata Burial Site

    Chief Roi Mata Burial Site

    Efate

    Chief Roi Mata's domain and burial site became Vanuatu's first World Heritage site in 2008. Roi Mata was a powerful 17th-century chief who, as legend has…

  • Save
    Ekasup Cultural Village

    Ekasup Cultural Village

    Port Vila

    Futuna islanders talk about and demonstrate their traditional lifestyle at their kastom village. If you're not heading out to other islands, this is an…

  • Save
    Erakor Island

    Erakor Island

    Port Vila

    Erakor is one of Vila's excellent resort islands. Day trippers can swim and snorkel at the shallow white-sand beach, kayak around the island or dine in…

  • Save
    Vila Outdoor Market

    Vila Outdoor Market

    Port Vila

    Vila’s colourful waterfront covered market (also known as the Mama's Market) is open round the clock from Monday morning to noon on Saturday with women…

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Efate

Go Beyond

Efate and beyond