Port-Vila, also called Vila by the locals, is the capital and largest town of the Republic of Vanuatu, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean on Efate Island. Its center accommodates colorful market stalls selling fresh local produce and handicrafts. Interesting would be a visit to the National Museum of Vanuatu which displays artifacts such as slit-gong drums and outrigger canoes. The town serves as a base for diving and trips to stunning Mele Cascades, a multi-tiered waterfall with fascinating rock pools in a lush rainforest.
Port-Vila is located on Mélé Bay and is the commercial center of the island group. Although the town has a French appeal, it is a melting pot for multinational populations including ni-Vanuatu, British, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Port- Vila is a vibrant commercial port that includes all amenities such as hospitals, hotels, casinos, markets and shopping districts, a sports stadium, a cultural center, a teacher-training institution, a campus of the University of the South Pacific, and several meat-and-fish-processing plants.
Bauerfield, a bit outside the town, is the major international airport in Vanuatu. Port-Vila served as a base for Allied forces in World War II. A strong offshore earthquake caused extensive damage to the town and surrounding area in January 2002. In March 2015 Cyclone Pam, a category 5 (highest-intensity) tropical cyclone, devastated the town once again.
Today Port-Vila has recovered and is an exotic lay-back destination where you can experience the local culture, amazing cuisine and of course soak your feet in its sugary sand beaches and dive in amazing shades of blue.
Located in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu is consisting of a chain of 13 main islands and many smaller ones. There are 3 main tourist destinations here, the islands of Efate, Espiritu Santo (or just Santo) and Tanna. The unique mix of unspoiled natural beauty and resort-style accommodation attracts a plethora of visitors. Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu where you can find the national museum, various local markets, and ideal spots for diving. Santo island is well known for Champagne beach and diving at the Million Dollar Point. Tana island with the active volcano Yasur will surely amaze you while you can also go diving at Efat to view the sea turtles. You will find also find visiting Volcanos at the islands of Abrim, Eromangko, Epi, Aoba, Lenakel, Gaua, and Nguna.
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