Port Vila Travel Guide

As Vanuatu’s capital city located on the island of Efate, Port Vila offers visitors plenty to see and do. The city centre is filled with centuries-old colonial-style buildings, including the former French Residency in Independence Park. Other notable architecture includes the pink building that is home to the Supreme Court and the French Quarter’s lovely Coeur Cathedral.

Go back to Vanuatu’s cultural beginnings and learn all about South Pacific history at the Vanuatu National Museum. With tribal clothing and musical instruments on display, you can learn more about the people of the South Pacific. The Michoutouchkine Pilioko Foundation Art Gallery in nearby Pango village is the place to go to see beautiful and exotic artwork and sculptures.

Besides the plentiful artistic and cultural activities on offer in Port Vila, the paradise beaches and beautiful scenery are the biggest attractions for visitors. Eton Village is home to a wonderful beach, and its church, choir and local school are also worth a visit.
You can hop on the ferry to the resort on nearby Iririki Island. Once there, you can take in the great views from the former British Residency – the ferry operates a 24 hour service across Vila Bay and is free to guests of the resort. Adrenaline junkies can ride a jet-ski to Paradise Cove – don’t forget to keep your eyes out for dolphins on the way!

If you’re looking for adventure then drive the short distance to Mele Bay, where you can take your pick from different nature walks and adventure activities. Explore the largest tropical garden in the South Pacific take a jungle trek to Mele Cascades and take a zip-line ride 80 metres above a canopy forest.

Port Vila is a great place for shopping, whether it be for fruit and vegetables, handmade arts and crafts, or souvenirs and jewellery at Port Vila Market. If you’re a coffee lover then you really should pay a visit to an Arabica coffee factory, while a pioneer microbrewery is a great chance to sample some local beers. If you can, try and attend a Melanesian Feast, and try some kava, the national drink.