Discover Fiji’s urban landscapes
When you think of Fiji, you likely think of sun, surf, and sand – sugar-white beaches, pure blue ocean, and the many and varied bright cocktails that are the staple of any tropical holiday. But beyond the beaches and dotted amongst Fiji’s lush tropical jungles and plantations lie Fiji’s urban centres, cities filled with culture and adventure, just waiting to be discovered.
Nadi
The multi-cultural city of Nadi is a great introduction to Fiji, especially for its cultural side with the sounds, tastes and smells of the city centre with a bustling shopping and foodie scene.
95% of Fiji’s tourists begin their journey by travelling to or through Nadi, the home of Nadi International Airport, Fiji’s main international hub. In proximity to the city are lush tropical gardens, adventure activities such as ziplining and quad biking, Fijian villages and much more.
The city is spread across several different urban areas along the Queens Road, where there’s a mix of shops, temples, markets, eateries and nightlife to experience.
Suva
Suva is Fiji’s largest city, as well as its capital. It’s located on the opposite side of Viti Levu, and while you can get a flight there from Nadi International Airport, it’s far less expensive to take a scenic express bus trip and see some of Fiji along the way.
Suva has been Fiji’s capital since 1882, and in that time has become a melting pot of history, culture, and modern life. The city boasts beautiful colonial architecture, Fiji’s national museum and is in close proximity to the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. It also has a thriving performance scene, and a growing reputation as the fashion capital of the South Pacific.
Lautoka
Head north from Nadi and you’ll soon be in Lautoka, Fiji’s second-largest city. Also known as the Sugar City, Lautoka is located right in the heart of Fiji’s sugar cane-growing region.
Lautoka is a major centre for Hare Krishna worldwide,Featuring the Sri Krishna Kaliya Temple, the foremost International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in the South Pacific. Visitors are welcome anytime, but the noon puja (prayer) is not to be missed.
Sigatoka
Last but not least, Sigatoka the largest town on Fiji’s Coral Coast, and is a centre for tourism and culture in the south of Viti Levu.
Accessible from Nadi by bus, the Sigatoka skyline is dominated by an ornate Hindu temple, built by Hare Krishna devotees. There is a bustling produce market in the heart of town, a few souvenir shops, a large mosque and a fantasy-style, privately owned mansion overlooking the lot. The Sigatoka River, the second largest in Fiji, flows along the eastern edge of town.
