Most people who visit Fiji look for a little more than a white sandy beach, cloudless skies and the opportunity to rest under a palm tree.

On this point, Fiji does not disappoint. Fiji has been a well-known tourist destination for decades and those who wish to drink cocktails on the alabaster beaches will be delighted. But the country offers more than that. Indeed, its underwater landscape is spectacular, you can find some of the most beautiful and accessible diving sites in the Pacific. Its reputation as the coral capital of the world is well justified. The Fiji Archipelago is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand and consists of 332 islands. A handful of them constitute the main part of the surface, only 110 are inhabited. Its closest neighbours are Vanuatu to the west, New Caledonia to the southwest, the Kermadec Islands to the southeast, Tonga to the east, Samoa and Wallis and Futuna to the northeast, and Tuvalu to the north. Fiji is the product of volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters. Its majestic and varied coral reefs attract tourists from all over the world. To the northwest of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu, lies the Yasawa Group, a chain of volcanic islands. A catamaran makes the daily connection from one bay to the other. To become familiar with the national mentality you must spend time on one of the two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Two thirds of the population live in the urban centres and it is on Viti Levu that you will find the two cities of the country: Suva, the capital, and Lautoka, a port city which depends largely on the sugar cane farms which surround it. The wet season in Fiji runs from November to April, with heavy rains between December and mid-April. Fiji has an average mild temperature of 25°C, but it can rise above 30°C in summer (December and January) and fall to 18°C in winter (July and August). The best time to travel to Fiji is during the Fijian winter or dry season, between May and October. This time of year is the most pleasant with decreasing precipitation and humidity, milder temperatures and there are fewer risks of weather hazards such as cyclones. As a result, these six months are the peak season and airfare and accommodation costs are at their highest. The Diwali Festival is held in late October or early November and can be a real pleasure during your stay in Fiji.

Art and Culture in Fiji
Fiji culture is a mixture of indigenous, Indian, European and Chinese cultures. The indigenous tradition represents an active and living part of daily life for the majority of the population. However, it has evolved with the introduction of many crops, particularly those from Tonga and Rotuma. Language has created a unique communal and national identity.

What to visit in Fiji
The Garden of the Dormant Giant was the garden of the famous actor Raymond Burr. It covers 20 hectares and is rich in native orchids and many other flowers. With a beautiful lily pond and many exotic plants, this garden is sure to take your breath away. The Fiji Museum is an excellent place for tourists to understand the historical background of Fiji. With artifacts dating back as far as 3,700 years it offers numerous exhibits that educate travelers about the traditions of the nation and their culture. The museum is located in the heart of Suva's botanical gardens.

Gastronomic specialties in Fiji
Local specialities include fresh tropical fruits, paulsami (taro leaves marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, often served with a meat or fish filling and a little onion or garlic), kokoda (fish or other seafood marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk), and any kind of dishes cooked in the lovo or oven in a pit. Vutu is a local nut variety grown mainly on the island of Beqa, but also available in Suva and other cities between January and February. Much of the food is cooked in coconut milk.