With more than 333 islands scattered across the South Pacific, of which only about 110 are permanently inhabited, Fiji can easily be reached from Australia’s East Coast within a 3.5-4 hour flight.
Like most people, we began our 10 day itinerary in Nadi/Denarau Island, which is the perfect gateway to explore Fiji and its amazing islands.
This was my second time travelling to the Fiji islands and I loved it even more this time around! I researched a lot before heading off too as there are simply so many islands to consider. I’ll outline exactly where we stayed and highlight the best islands that felt like waking up in a postcard, including how to get there and what there is to do.
Best Time to Go to Fiji
The best time to visit Fiji is from May to October, the dry season. During this period, the weather is generally sunny with lower humidity levels and minimal rainfall.
I visited Fiji in May, which is considered the shoulder season and it proved to be an excellent time to explore the stunning landscapes and enjoy the many outdoor activities. The temperatures were comfortable, the skies were mostly clear, and the crowds felt relatively small compared to the peak tourist season, which runs from June to September.
Best Places to Stay in Fiji: Overview
Fiji, though relatively small in size, offers plenty of different places to see. You’ll likely fly into Nadi International Airport and if you stay on the mainland Viti Levu, you’ll either find a hotel in Nadi or the nearby Denarau Island. The latter has more luxury resorts and well-known hotel chains. Alternatively, you can also head one hour south to the Coral Coast, a popular domicile for families visiting Fiji.
If you’re more adventurous and island hopping is your thing, there are two popular island groups that can be reached from Nadi. The idyllic Mamanucas Islands are around 30-45 minutes from Port Denarau while the Yasawa Islands can be reached in around 3+ hours by ferry. This can be shortened if you travel by seaplane or helicopter.
1. Denarau Island & Nadi (Mainland Fiji)
Viti Levu is the largest island in Fiji and Nadi is the starting point for almost all travellers as this is where all international flights arrive. Nadi is a small, stretched-out city with no skyscrapers. Fringed by palm trees, it’s got some markets, lively streets and a compact nightlife, but I recommend it only for a short few nights before heading out to the islands.
Don’t expect the postcard-perfect scenes of white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, they do not exist in Nadi. They don’t even exist on Denarau Island, the beaches are man-made here with black sand and rather murky water. To get the quintessential Fiji postcard experience, you’ll have to head out to any of the islands.
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Travel distance: Denarau Island is a 30-minute drive from Nadi International Airport. It’s a convenient area to stay for any nights before or after island hopping as it’s near the Denarau Port where all boats leave. If you choose to stay around Downtown Nadi (which is more affordable than Denarau Island), you’ll get there in 10-15 minutes from the airport.
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Best for: Families with toddlers and kids, golf enthusiasts, an older demographic, a stopover.
2. The Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands are made up of 20 idyllic islands, but not all are inhabited. They are the easiest Fijian islands to reach from Nadi and perfect if you like short travel times for your tropical getaway.
Depending on which island you choose, you’ll be snorkelling around stunning coral reefs, going hiking, doing watersports and relaxing on white sandy beaches framed by palm trees, just as you’d expect to find in the South Pacific. Also, note that many of the Mamanuca Islands allow day trippers from Nadi so you may have to share your tropical paradise in the daytime.
The Mamanuca Islands also offer world-class surfing spots, including the famous Cloudbreak, known for its epic waves that attract surfers from around the globe. I’ve stayed on the biggest island in the Mamanucas, Malolo Island. Nearby, Tavarua Island is renowned for its distinctive heart-shaped formation.
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Travel distance: The travel distance from Port Denarau to the Mamanuca Islands typically ranges from around 30 minutes up to 1 hour by boat, depending on the island’s location and weather conditions. You can shorten the trip by taking a helicopter (if your budget allows).
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Best for: Couples, luxury resorts, families with slightly older children, also backpackers and those short on time.
3. The Yasawa Islands
Think uncrowded, untouched beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes – the Yasawas are truly stunning. The islands here are home to vibrant Fijian communities and some of the best snorkelling I’ve ever done! Walk right off the beach to see vibrant healthy coral reefs or go kayaking or on sunset hikes through the jungle.
Most islands are private with a single resort on them and no day trippers. Many of them have very manageable numbers of bures, you won’t find big room numbers here which makes these remote islands even more intimate.
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Travel distance: To get to the Yasawa Islands, the most affordable way is to take a high-speed ferry such as South Sea Cruises. We stayed on the southern end of the Yasawa archipelago and the journey took about 3.5 hours. Some islands higher up will require a travel time of close to 5 hours. It might make sense to break up the journey and hop to a few different islands if you have time. Also note that ferry transfers are expensive. To the Yasawas with South Sea Cruises, we paid just about AU$280 for a return trip.
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Best for: Couples, honeymooners, adventure seekers, divers, backpackers.
4. Coral Coast (Mainland Fiji)
Stretching along the southwestern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s Coral Coast has some beautiful white-sand beaches fringed by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters, just like you’d find them out on the islands.
There are plenty of activities too, from snorkeling and diving amidst colorful coral reefs to exploring lush rainforests and waterfalls to jet boat safaris and golfing.
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Travel distance: Around 50 minutes to 1.5 hours south of Nadi, all depending on the time of day and traffic. You’ll travel along the scenic Queens Road, which is not a highway though and we’ve had to dodge a few horses that walked onto the road along the way.
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Best for: Couples, honeymooners, families with kids, golf lovers, an older age group.
5. Tavenui
Tavenui is a hidden gem tucked away from the tourist crowds of Fiji. I am listing it as a place as I highly considered going but it’s now still on the bucket list for my next visit.
Being a remote destination, it’s great for adventurers and untouched natural beauty. If you’re really looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and see the unspoiled wonders of Fiji’s wilderness, Tavenui should be on your list.
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Travel distance: To reach Tavenui Island, you will have to take a domestic flight from Nadi International Airport or Suva Airport to Taveuni Airport, which is located on the island. There are only a handful of direct flights per week with Fiji Airways. The flight takes about 1.5 hours and when I checked prices it was about AU$250-350 depending on season.
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Best for: Adventurers, disconnecting, nature, couples.
Fiji Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1-2: Denarau Island
Our Qantas flight from Brisbane landed in the late afternoon just after 5 pm in Nadi. We planned to stay 2 nights on Denarau Island to relax before heading out for island hopping. You can also just spend 1 night in Nadi (more affordable than Denarau) and then directly transfer to the islands the next morning.
The most convenient place to stay is on Denarau Island as the port is right here and it’s easy to catch your boat or ferry in the morning. From Nadi International Airport, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange transfer to Denarau Island. You’ll find mostly luxury hotels and resorts here.
Some resorts in the closer Mamanuca Islands still allow private transfers after dark, which is a great way to skip Nadi and then wake up the next morning in a stunning island paradise.
Where to stay on Denarau Island
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa
We stayed at a 1 Bedroom Beachfront Apartment at Hilton Fiji. Being located on the upper floor, we woke up with beautiful views over the resort gardens and overlooking the waters of the South Pacific Ocean with the Mamanuca Islands twinkling in the distance. Our apartment was spacious and stylish, had two balconies and a big bathroom including a huge tub.
The resort itself is pretty big too, it’s got 4 different pools, including an adults-only pool, a spa and fitness center and various restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the nightly Fijian torch-lighting ceremony! We also enjoyed dinner at KORO which is adults-only and right next to the pool.
Check availability & best rates: Hilton Fiji website | Booking.com
Other Denarau Island hotels to consider
Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa
Things to do on Denarau Island & Nadi
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Relax at one of Denarau Islands’ Resorts: Enjoy the luxurious facilities, pools, and spa treatments offered by the island’s high-end resorts.
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Port Denarau Marina: Browse the shops or dine at waterfront restaurants, I recommend Indigo Restaurant.
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Golf at Denarau Golf & Racquet Club: Play a round of golf on the scenic 18-hole championship course.
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Day Cruises and Island Hopping: Take a day trip to the nearby Mamanuca Islands.
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Big Bula Waterpark: Fun for families with water slides, pools, and inflatable activities.
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Nadi Town Visit: Shop for souvenirs at the local markets, and explore the town’s shops and restaurants.
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Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple: Visit the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Garden of the Sleeping Giant: Wander through lush gardens and see a vast collection of orchids and tropical plants. Just 12 minutes from Nadi Airport or 30 minutes from Denarau Island.
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Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool: Relax in natural hot springs and mud pools.
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Beach Activities: Enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling along Denarau Island’s beaches. Just don’t expect picture-perfect beaches!
Alternative Mainland Stay: Coral Coast
For those considering a longer stay on Fiji’s mainland, the Coral Coast presents an excellent alternative to Denarau Island. It’s approximately one-hour drive south of Nadi and renowned for its family-friendly resorts and scenic beaches, notably Natadola Bay, which offers the quintessential white sandy shores typically associated with Fiji’s islands, yet without the need for additional boat travel.
This makes the Coral Coast an ideal option for couples and families looking for Fiji beachfront luxury without venturing far from Nadi. The area’s amenities and natural attractions provide a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure, suitable for families, couples and solo travelers.
Where to stay on Fiji’s Coral Coast
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Set along the shores of the picturesque Natadola Bay, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa offers luxury 5-star accommodation with stunning beachfront views and world-class facilities.
We stayed in one of the 1-Bedroom Club Suite with Private Plunge Pool which has a large living space, separate bedroom and bathroom with two sinks, shower and a detached toilet. What I loved most was the outdoor terrace and tropical green garden that framed the pool.
You can check out my full review of InterContinental Fiji in this post here.
I can highly recommend booking a suite with Club access as this will gain you some additional perks such as exclusive access to the Club Lounge and its stunning infinity pool. You also get complimentary breakfast, afternoon high tea and a sunset cocktail hour with snacks and Fijian entertainment every night.
Check availability & best rates: InterContinental Fiji website | Booking.com
Other Coral Coast hotels to consider
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay (overwater bungalows)
Day 3-7: Yasawa Islands
This archipelago is known for its unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic landscapes and the ferry trip to get there was already out of this world beautiful. It somewhat reminded me of Hawaii!
Over the next few days, you’ll explore secluded beaches, snorkel or dive into some of the best coral reefs you have ever seen, and visit traditional Fijian villages, all while enjoying the slow pace of island life.
Whether you’re snorkeling with manta rays, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, or simply relaxing in a hammock by the sea, the Yasawa Islands offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. You’ll also be in for some amazing sunsets, make sure you order a pina colada or your favourite cocktails to enjoy the views.
Of course, you can also choose to exclusively explore the Yasawa or Mamanuca Islands and spend some more time around either of these two main island groups.
Where to stay in the Yasawa Islands
Barefoot Manta Island Resort Fiji on Drawaqa Island (where we stayed!)
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort on Nacula Island (one of the most popular ones in the Yasawa Islands)
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa on Yasawa Island
Navutu Stars Resort Hotel on Yaqeta Island
Things to do in the Yasawa Islands
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Snorkeling and Diving: I was absolutely amazed by the coral reefs and abundant marine life that you can find in the Yasawa Islands. Hubby and I were snorkelling right off the shores of Drawaqa Island where we stayed and we were in awe day after day. We also spotted reef sharks every day right outside our bure along the paradise beaches.
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Manta Ray Encounters: We also swam with the manta rays, who frequent the channel right offer Drawaqa Island.
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Beach Hopping: Relax on some of Fiji’s most beautiful and secluded beaches. You can island hop along the Yasawa chain by ferry. Some islands have very basic homestay accommodations while a handful are a little more luxurious.
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Village Visits: Learn about the local culture and traditions by visiting a traditional Fijian village.
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Hiking: We walked up to the panoramic viewpoint of Drawaqa Island and it did not disappoint for sunrise with its stunning 360-degree island, reef and ocean views.
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Cave Exploring: Discover the Sawa-i-Lau Caves, renowned for their underwater passages and ancient limestone formations.
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Kayaking and Paddleboarding: We loved kayaking and paddleboarding over the crystal clear waters, you could see all the reef right below, just wow!
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Cultural Performances: We enjoyed multiple traditional Fijian dances and a traditional kava ceremony.
Day 8-10: Mamanuca Islands
For the final leg of your Fiji island hopping itinerary, head to the Mamanuca Islands and choose another island to just relax and enjoy the idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, surf breaks and some of Fiji’s best luxury resorts.
These islands offer a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Spend your days lounging on the pristine white sands, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, and indulging in the luxurious amenities of your resort.
The Mamanucas are also home to the famous Cloudbreak surf spot, making it a haven for surfers. Whether you’re exploring the underwater wonders, enjoying a sunset cruise, or simply soaking up the sun, the Mamanuca Islands provide a perfect conclusion to your tropical getaway.
Where to stay in the Mamanuca Islands
Six Senses Fiji
Located on the picturesque Malolo Island, Six Senses Fiji is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Mamanucas. We stayed in one of the Hideaway Pool Suites, a large Fijian-style Bure with high ceilings and a thatched roof and a private plunge pool. We loved waking up surrounded by stunning greenery and footsteps from the white sandy beach.
The resort is an ideal sanctuary for indulging in holistic wellness treatments at the spa and partaking in all sorts of watersports, including the close proximity to renowned surf breaks like Cloudbreak.
Additionally, Six Senses Fiji prioritizes sustainability by running entirely on solar energy, implementing plastic-free initiatives, and actively engaging in recycling and composting efforts. Love that!
Read my full review of staying at Six Senses Fiji here.
Check availability & best rates: Six Senses Fiji website | Booking.com
Other hotels in the Mamanucas to consider
Things to do in the Mamanuca Islands
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Water Sports: Have you always wanted to try water sports? Most places offer kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing and parasailing.
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Surfing: Experience world-class surfing at renowned breaks like Cloudbreak and Restaurants for surfers of all skill levels.
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Visit Cloud 9, Seventh Heaven Fiji or Malamala Beach Club: Visit any of these three floating platforms – the last one is an actual island – and relax in the sun, have some drinks or enjoy water sports in the middle of the ocean.
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Sailing and Cruising: Set sail on a catamaran to admire the stunning island scenery and crystal-clear waters.
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Snorkeling and Diving: Dive into the stunning underwater wonderland of Fiji with its vibrant coral reefs and colourful marine life. You can even get your scuba certification.
10 Day Fiji Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is good for Fiji?
A 7 to 10-day trip is ideal for exploring Fiji. I believe this allows enough time to experience multiple islands, enjoy all the amazing water activities I (highly recommend snorkelling or diving!), and immerse in the local Fijian culture without feeling rushed.
How many places can I visit in Fiji in 10 days?
In 10 days, you can visit multiple places in Fiji, typically covering 2 to 3 islands. Popular itineraries often include stops in the Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, and perhaps the Coral Coast or Taveuni Island, which is a little more off the beaten path if you feel like visiting more remote islands.
Is 5 days in Fiji enough?
While 5 days in Fiji is a relatively short trip, you can still have a great experience. You can spend this time exploring one or max two destinations, such as the Mamanuca Islands or the Coral Coast, and partake in activities like snorkelling, hiking, or simply relaxing on the beach. However, if you’re looking to visit multiple islands or delve deeper into Fiji’s culture and attractions, a longer stay of 7 to 10 days may be more suitable.
How do I island hop in Fiji?
Island hopping in Fiji is relatively easy and can be done by boat, seaplane or helicopter. Several ferry services operate between the main islands, such as the Yasawa Flyer and the South Sea Cruises. This makes it convenient to get to popular destinations like the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Additionally, domestic flights are available between the major airports, allowing you to hop between more remote islands that cannot easily be reached by boat.
Is Fiji expensive to visit?
Fiji can be moderately expensive to visit, particularly if you’re staying at upscale resorts or participating in high-end activities like helicopter flights, diving or jet ski safaris. However, there are options for budget travelers, including budget accommodations and free or low-cost activities like hiking and snorkeling. Overall, the cost of your trip to Fiji will depend on your accommodation choices, dining preferences, and activities you’d like to do. Certain islands in Fiji are extremely secluded, with limited dining options beyond what is provided by the resort. Typically, these resorts offer a mandatory daily meal package, which can ultimately be more cost-effective than dining out three times a day during a vacation in Australia.
10 Day Fiji Itinerary – Final Words
I loved every minute of my 10 day Fiji itinerary, it really was a dream vacation! From the shores of Denarau Island to the remote Yasawa Islands, each day has been filled with so much adventure and yes, we even got to relax a little bit!
Whether you’re gonna spend your days hanging out on the white sand beaches, snorkelling the coral reefs looking for Nemo, or making new friends with the friendly locals, you’ll probably find yourself wishing for a few extra days to soak up all those Fiji vibes.
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