Port Vila
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At a glance
- Country
- Vanuatu
- Region
- Shefa
- Population
- 50,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Bauerfield International (VLI)
- Coordinates
- 17.73°S, 168.32°E
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Overview
Vanuatu's small capital curls around a harbour on the island of Efate, with a lively market, French and English street names and island ferries tied up along the waterfront.
It's a relaxed place to begin a trip, and the real draws are close by: waterfalls, blue lagoons, snorkelling reefs and villages where kava is the evening ritual. Hire a car or join a tour to circle the island.
Things to see
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Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand, CC BY 2.0 Port Vila Market House
Open-sided market on the seafront, piled with tropical fruit, root vegetables and flowers brought in from the villages.
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Photo: PhillipC, CC BY 2.0 Vanuatu Cultural Centre
The National Museum, with carved slit drums and sand-drawing demonstrations that explain island traditions.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Виктор Пинчук, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mele Cascades
A series of turquoise pools and falls a short drive north of town, ideal for a cool swim.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jean Van Jean, CC BY 3.0 Hideaway Island
A small island off Mele Bay with a marine reserve and an underwater post office.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: HutheMeow, CC BY-SA 4.0 Circle Efate
Drive the island ring road to swim at the Blue Lagoon and Eton Beach and stop at roadside stalls.
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Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 Drink kava at a nakamal
Try the earthy local drink at sunset in a traditional kava bar, then expect a quiet evening.
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Snorkel the reefs
Clear water and coral gardens lie just offshore, from Hideaway Island to the lagoon resorts.
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Photo: Rolf Cosar, CC BY 2.5 Fly to Tanna
A short flight takes you to Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes.
Find tours
Where to stay
Port Vila waterfront
Close to the market, restaurants and ferries, with views across the harbour.
Hotels in Port Vila waterfrontErakor Lagoon
Calm water and resorts just south of town, good for couples and families.
Hotels in Erakor LagoonMele Bay
Quieter beachfront stays near the cascades and Hideaway Island.
Hotels in Mele Bay
Getting around
Minibuses marked with a B on the number plate run all over town and can be flagged down. Hire a car for the round-island drive.
Bauerfield airport is about 10 minutes from the town centre by taxi or minibus.
When to go
The cooler, drier months from May to October are the most comfortable. November to April is hot, humid and wet, and the cyclone season, so check forecasts and allow flexibility.
Plan your trip to Port Vila
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.