A country · 29 places · 5 regions

Vanuatu, all of it.

29 curated places across 5 regions — photographed, mapped, and noted with the season each is best in.

Port Vila · via Wikimedia Commons

The 4 biggest regions — Shefa, Tafea, Penama and Sanma — read below as chapters, with 1 more waiting past them.

Chapter I · Shefa · 10 places

Shefa

The capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila sits on a protected harbour on the southwestern coast of Efate island and is the main entry point to the Vanuatu archipelago. The city is a blend of Melanesian, French, and English influences reflecting the country's colonial history as the New Hebrides Condominium. The waterfront market offers fresh produce, root vegetables, and island crafts, while the nearby Mele Cascades provide a freshwater swimming destination within easy reach of the city.

Port Vila

Shefa, Vanuatu

✦ April to October · $$

Eratap Beach

Shefa, Vanuatu

✦ April to October · $$

Chief Roi Mata’s Domain

Shefa, Vanuatu

✦ November–March · $$

All 10 places in Shefa →

via Wikimedia Commons

Chapter II · Tafea · 3 places

Tafea

A tiny uninhabited coral islet off Aneityum ringed by pale sand and clear reef water. Cruise visitors come ashore to snorkel over its shallow, fish-filled lagoon.

✦ April to October

Meet Mystery Island All 3 places in Tafea →

Chapter III · Penama · 2 places

Penama

An island in northern Vanuatu known for land diving, a ritual in which men leap from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. The ceremonies, tied to the yam harvest, are held between April and June.

Pentecost Island

Penama, Vanuatu

✦ April to June

Melsisi Church, Pentecost

Penama, Vanuatu

All 2 places in Penama →

via Wikimedia Commons

Chapter IV · Sanma · 2 places

Sanma

Espiritu Santo is the largest island of Vanuatu, known for its blue holes, white-sand beaches and wartime history. It draws divers to nearby wrecks and travellers to freshwater springs and jungle rivers.

✦ April to October · $$

Meet Espiritu Santo All 2 places in Sanma →