Samoa
Holidays & Travel Facts

Samoa has some of the most beautiful and enticing landscapes in the South Pacific. Stare into the overgrown maws of extinct craters make your way through the lush undergrowth of sprawling plantations to clamber into eerie lava tubes, strap on a mask before coming face to face with multicoloured coral and other marine life in the shallow waters of deliriously lovely lagoons.

Samoa

Overview for Samoa

Where is Samoa?

Just across the international dateline about halfway between Australia and North America, Samoa forms the heart of Polynesia. One of the last bastions of Polynesian culture, life among the majority of Samoa’s population of 160,000 has changed little and time honoured customs are a part of everyday life. The country is made up of two main islands, Upolu (home to the capital of Samoa, Apia) and Savaii, the Big Island.

Upolu - Samoa’s most populous island offers a range of attractions both in and around Apia and beyond to the south coast. Apia has a rich colonial history and a range of restaurants and night spots. A highlight is a visit to Vailima, the Samoan home of Robert Louis Stevenson. A visit to a local church on a Sunday should also not be missed. The beach resorts are located along the south coast whilst Apia hotels offer a great base from which to explore the island.

Savaii - Across to the north-west of Upolu lies Samoa’s ‘big island’ of Savaii. Easily accessed by a 75 minute ferry ride, Savaii is a must for any visitor wishing to explore the real Samoa. You’ll find the pace easy and gentle – even compared with Upolu! We recommend at least 2-3 nights on Savaii to allow enough time to see the main attractions. On Savaii you will generally stay in simple bungalow (fale) accommodation.

You’ll enjoy your stay…

Samoa offers the visitor a very special holiday experience. There are kilometres of white sand beaches, waterfalls and traditional villages with unique people and culture. We suggest you try to spend some time on both islands to really appreciate your Samoan holiday.

Top Tours for Samoa

  • Discover Samoa

    Discover Samoa

    Samoa offers some of the most beautiful and attractive beaches of the South Pacific. This suggested itinerary explores the blow... more

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OUR TOP PICKS FOR SAMOA

1. Palolo Deep Marine Reserve - Check out the magical coral crevices, technicolour fish and some monster clams.

2.  Robert Louis Stevenson Museum - Wander through the immaculate grounds and history-soaked rooms of a famous author’s villa.

3. Afu Aau Falls - Visit a sublime, secretive waterhole fed by the cool overflow of a jungle waterfall.

4. Mt Matavanu Crater - Follow your nose through enigmatic plantations and up the side of a once-destructive volcano.

5. Mt Alava - Take the high road to a razor-sharp ridge with Pacific-wide views.