An active volcano you can walk right up to, and beaches without the crowds.
Vanuatu's main draw is Tanna's active volcano, an easy add-on to a beach stay near Port Vila or Espiritu Santo.
Lap lap
Vanuatu's national dish: grated root vegetable baked with coconut milk and meat or fish.
Coconut crab
A large land crab considered a local delicacy, though now protected in some areas.
Tropical fruits
Papaya, pineapple, and passionfruit grow abundantly across the islands.
Kava
A ceremonial drink shared widely across Melanesia, with strong roots in Vanuatu culture.
Mount Yasur, Tanna
One of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world, its viewing platforms sitting close enough to the crater rim to feel the ground shake and hear the roar of eruptions directly. It has been almost continuously active for at least 800 years, making it a reliable, if unpredictable, natural spectacle. Evening visits offer the most dramatic view, as glowing lava becomes visible against the darkening sky.
Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo
A wide crescent of powder-white sand and clear turquoise water often ranked among the best beaches in the South Pacific. Its name comes from the fizzing bubbles that rise through the sand in certain spots at low tide. It remains relatively undeveloped, with just a few small local stalls rather than large resort infrastructure.
The Blue Holes
Freshwater swimming holes scattered around Espiritu Santo, their vivid turquoise color a result of exceptionally clear, mineral-filtered water. Riverbank rope swings at several of the holes add a playful element to what is otherwise a peaceful swimming spot. They offer a refreshing freshwater contrast to the island's saltwater beaches and diving sites.
Port Vila markets
A produce and handicraft market that anchors the capital's waterfront, selling fresh tropical fruit, kava, and woven goods from vendors representing Vanuatu's many islands and language groups. The town itself, wrapped around a natural harbour, offers a relaxed introduction to the country before heading to more remote islands. It remains the main transport hub for onward travel throughout the archipelago.
SS President Coolidge wreck diving
One of the world's largest and most accessible shipwreck dives, a former luxury liner turned troop transport that sank just off Espiritu Santo in 1942 after striking mines. Divers can explore multiple decks, including cargo holds still containing jeeps, guns, and personal effects from World War II. Its accessibility from shore, combined with the wreck's scale, has made it a bucket-list site for wreck diving enthusiasts.
Pentecost Island land diving
The origin of modern bungee jumping, this traditional ritual involves young men leaping from tall wooden towers with only vines tied to their ankles, performed each year as part of a yam harvest ceremony. It's considered a rite of passage and remains deeply tied to local custom rather than staged purely for visitors. Access requires travel to Pentecost Island specifically during the April to June ceremonial season.
6 days covers Port Vila, Tanna's volcano, and Espiritu Santo at an island pace. 3–4 works for just Port Vila and Tanna; 8+ lets you slow down or add Pentecost Island's land-diving ritual in season.
1. Days 1–2
Port Vila
Markets, waterfront cafes, and a day trip to nearby Efate beaches.
2. Days 3–4
Tanna
A flight to see Mount Yasur's eruptions up close, ideally at dusk.
~40min flight from Port VilaBook ahead
3. Days 5–6
Espiritu Santo
Champagne Beach and the Blue Holes to close the trip.
~1h flight from Tanna via Port Vila
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Not for most Western passport holders (EU, UK, US, Canada) for short stays.
Which airport should I fly into?
Bauerfield International (VLI) in Port Vila, Vanuatu's main gateway.
Is it safe to see Mount Yasur up close?
Yes, with a licensed local guide — access is carefully managed and closed when activity levels are deemed unsafe, but on permitted days you can get remarkably close to the active crater.
What is the land-diving ritual on Pentecost Island?
A traditional ceremony, the origin of modern bungee jumping, held seasonally, typically April to June — visiting requires specific timing and a respectful, guided approach through a local operator.