Discover Port Vila

Port Vila combines views of a natural harbour with insights into Vanuatu’s cultures, art and lively market offerings. The waterfront promenade, museums and central market lend different character to a stay; nearby rainforest pools and waterfalls add to the picture. You can choose a holiday apartment to suit the experiences you want to make the focus of your trip.

Harbour and waterfront promenade

Port Vila is situated on a natural harbour. From the city, views extend to the islands of Iririki and Ifira and as far as Malapoa Point. For a quieter moment in your day, take a sunset stroll along the waterfront promenade. If you’d like to include an activity, you could plan a one-hour trip on the Reef Explorer glass-bottom boat. It departs from the waterfront promenade and is accompanied by a local guide. The glass bottom lets you view coral and tropical fish; specific sightings are not guaranteed.

Culture, art and history

At the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, visitors can learn about Vanuatu’s traditional Indigenous cultures. Topics include sand drawing, music, land diving, kastom practices and Indigenous knowledge. The centre also offers “Sounds of Vanuatu”, an audio experience featuring contemporary art and music that incorporates jungle sounds and singing. The National Museum of Vanuatu displays traditional objects such as masks, sculptures and ancient tools. The Suzanne Bastien Foundation, meanwhile, focuses on works by local and international artists. These different places offer a range of perspectives: from living cultural traditions to collection pieces and art.

The wider Shefa region is also home to an important historical site: Chief Roi Mata’s Domain comprises three sites dating to the early 17th century on Efate, Lelepa and Artok. The UNESCO site bears witness to the connection between oral tradition and archaeology, as well as the continuing influence of Roi Mata’s social reforms and conflict resolution.

Market life and local experiences

Port Vila’s central market offers tropical fruit, vegetables, herbs, local dishes and handicrafts. The market is said to be open daily except Sundays; check opening days before your visit. If you’re looking for handicrafts, you’ll find Port Vila Community Handicrafts on Avenue Edmond Colordeau, behind Independence Park. It’s about a five-minute drive from the city centre. Both places offer the opportunity to discover local produce and offerings alongside the cultural attractions.

Excursions and the wider landscape

The Mele Cascades are about 20 minutes from Port Vila. Natural pools are surrounded by dense rainforest, and visitors can climb up to a large waterfall. This makes for a different kind of excursion from the harbour views and cultural offerings in the city.

The wider destination of Shefa province includes the main island of Efate. Its landscape ranges from rugged coastline and gently rolling, green inland areas to fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls, secluded sandy coves and lagoons. This regional diversity describes the broader setting of Shefa, not individual features of the city. When choosing your holiday apartment, it may therefore help to first consider whether Port Vila’s harbour, culture and market life or the landscapes of the wider region will shape your trip more.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mele, Mele Maat, Sounaï, Eton, Port Havannah, Epule.

Back to the destination overview: Shefa.