Travel to Fiji: cheap flights to Nadi
More than 300 islands, turquoise lagoons, a society shaped by Fijians, Indo-Fijians and Chinese, and a rugby team that carries the national pride: Fiji is the hub of the South Pacific. Here is what to know before you go, and how to track flights to Nadi.
Fiji in numbers
Capital
Suva
Population
~885,000
Area
~18,270 km²
Currency
Fijian dollar
Languages
English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi
UNESCO sites
1
Continent
Oceania
Time zone
UTC+12
Airports covered
1
Why visit Fiji
An archipelago where cultures meet around the lagoon
A multicultural nation
Indigenous iTaukei, the descendants of Indian sugar-cane workers, Chinese, Europeans and other Pacific Islanders share three official languages. Nadi has the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere, Sri Siva Subramaniya.
Levuka, a World Heritage port
Levuka on Ovalau was Fiji's capital until 1877 and was inscribed by UNESCO in June 2013 as an example of a late colonial Pacific port town. Its Royal Hotel is described as the oldest hotel in the South Pacific still in operation.
Lagoons, diving and soft coral
Soft coral reefs make scuba diving a major draw. The Mamanuca group, off the south-west coast of Viti Levu, counts about 20 small volcanic and coral islands, with Malolo the largest.
Rugby, meke and lovo
Rugby union is the national sport, with around 80,000 registered players among about 900,000 people. Meke dances, the cibi war dance before matches and ceremonial yaqona (kava) are part of everyday life.
Regions and landmarks
From Nadi to the Mamanucas, the Coral Coast and Levuka
Nadi and Denarau, the gateway
Nadi, the third-largest city, sits on the western side of Viti Levu. The area has the highest concentration of hotels in the country and is the base for reaching the islands. The Sri Siva Subramaniya temple is a landmark, and Denarau Island is where many boat transfers start.
The Mamanuca and Yasawa islands
The Mamanucas lie roughly 20 km off Viti Levu, with Malolo the largest island, edged by a barrier reef about 90 km long. They sit in the rain shadow of Viti Levu, so they are drier and sunnier than much of the main island. The Yasawas to the north feel more remote. The classic choice: a resort island, snorkelling in the lagoon and reef diving.
The Coral Coast and Viti Levu
The southern coast of Viti Levu strings together beaches and villages. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes are one of the most visited natural sites, and a tourist railway links Yanuca with Natadola and Sigatoka. In Suva, the Thurston Gardens and the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park show how much of the island is covered in tropical forest.
Levuka, Taveuni and Vanua Levu
Levuka, founded around 1820, hosted many of Fiji's firsts: the first bank, the first public school and the Fiji Times, founded in 1869 and still published. The 180 degree meridian runs through Taveuni, and diving is a draw on Taveuni and Vanua Levu, where the endemic monkey-faced fruit bat also lives.
Food and culture
Lovo, fresh fish and curries
Fijian cooking blends Melanesian, Indian, Chinese and Western influences. Coconut, fish, cassava, taro and rice are staples. The lovo, an earth oven in which meat, fish and vegetables wrapped in leaves cook on hot stones, is still the dish for big celebrations. Indo-Fijian curries appear in every town and reflect the history of indentured workers who arrived in the 19th century.
Yaqona, or kava, is the ceremonial drink, and its preparation and drinking were already part of the rites of the island chiefs. Meke dances, which tell stories and recall events of each clan, are still taught. Dates worth knowing: National Day on 10 October (independence, 1970) and Diwali, celebrated by the Hindu community.
Getting around
Buses, taxis, boats and small planes
Nadi International Airport, 9 km north of the town centre, is the main arrival point, even though Suva, the capital, is on the other side of Viti Levu. Nausori, near Suva, is mostly for domestic flights. Fiji Airways is the national carrier, and the country has 15 public airports.
On the big islands buses are frequent and cheap, and taxis are licensed. To reach resort islands you go by boat or catamaran, often from Denarau, while ferries serve other islands. Leave a margin between an international arrival and a boat transfer. Neighbours worth combining in the Pacific include Tonga and New Caledonia.
Before you go
Two seasons, and some islands drier than others
| Area | Climate | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Nadi & Mamanucas | In the rain shadow of Viti Levu, drier and sunnier; about 22 C in July to 28 C in January | May to October |
| Coral Coast & south Viti Levu | Wetter; the south-eastern sides of the big islands get more rain than the north-west | May to October |
| Suva & east coast | Warm and humid year-round with frequent showers | Cooler season, May to October |
| Taveuni & Vanua Levu | Tropical marine; diving and rainforest | May to October for sea conditions |
The warm, wet season runs from November to April and the cooler, drier season from May to October, averaging about 22 C. Cyclones strike about once a year on average, in the warm season: check forecasts and take suitable travel insurance. Entry rules depend on your nationality, so check official sources before you travel.
Flying to Fiji
The Fijian airport covered by SniperAir
Nadi International
About 9 km north of central Nadi, the main gateway to Fiji and the base of Fiji Airways.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Fiji
Which airport should I fly into for Fiji?
Nadi (NAN) is the main international airport, 9 km from central Nadi on the western side of Viti Levu. Suva, the capital, is on the opposite side of the island. Nausori near Suva handles mostly domestic flights.
When is the best time to visit Fiji?
May to October, the cooler and drier season, averaging about 22 C. November to April is hot and humid, with cyclone risk.
Is Fiji expensive?
It is a mid-range destination: most accommodation is priced in the middle, with luxury resorts at the top end. Costs depend mostly on the island package you choose. Compare options before booking with partners.
Do I need a visa for Fiji?
Tourists are generally admitted with a return ticket and enough funds for stays of up to four months. Rules depend on your nationality, so verify with the authorities before you travel.
How long should I stay in Fiji?
Plan 7 to 10 days to combine Nadi, one island group (Mamanuca or Yasawa) and the Coral Coast. Add a few days for Levuka and the northern islands.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Fiji drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert with your departure airport and Nadi as destination. We watch prices and notify you as soon as an opportunity matches your criteria. See also how it works.
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