Tahiti
Tahiti
The Island of Tahiti is the beating heart of French Polynesia and the starting point for your visit to these paradisiacal lands. In fact, it is on this island that the capital Papeete is located where the Faa’a International Airport is the hub for transfers between the islands. Unlike the other islands, where tourism linked to pure and simple relaxation prevails, Tahiti offers travellers an ideal mix of cultural, sporting and entertainment activities of all kinds; not to be missed is a visit to the Papeete market, where you can buy handicraft souvenirs and excellent local products, as well as participate in the Heiva i Tahiti festival (in July) where you can admire expert dancers dancing to traditional Polynesian music. Visiting Polynesia means spending at least one night in one of the many overwater bungalows, where the relaxing sound of the waves, breath-taking sunsets and fish of all shapes and colors will make your vacation a real daydream.
Crowned by a circle of majestic peaks, the Island of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, towers over the South Pacific ocean like a proud and royal Queen. The mountainous interior of Tahiti Island is adorned with mystical valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls. Most of the island’s population resides near the shore, leaving the interior of the island feeling almost untouched and ancient, despite such proximity to the bustling capital of Papeete. Papeete, meaning “water basket,” was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Now, Papeete, the touchstone of this island nation, boasts world-class Tahiti resorts, hotels, spas, fine dining and unique restaurants, nightclubs, vibrant markets, museums, pearl shops, and boutiques.
The largest and most lively of The Islands of Tahiti, known simply as Tahiti, lives at the pace of Tahitian culture, music and dance. Attend an enchanting Tahitian dance show called ‘ori Tahiti, or visit a contemporary art exhibition, an unusual play, or a traditional or modern concert in Papeete. Tahiti – and especially Papeete, Tahiti – provide the opportunity to discover artistic expression of all kinds.
Tahiti is also famous for its hospitality and sweet, relaxed atmosphere where everyone is welcome. The first thing visitors will notice is that the spontaneous and sincere friendliness of Tahitians is hard to match. Here, people smile all the time and often take the time to share a piece of advice, information, a map of Tahiti, or a story. Visitors will instantly feel comfortable living at the pace of Tahitian island life.
As you travel throughout the islands of French Polynesia and the Tahitian Islands, the island of Tahiti slowly unveils its beauty. It can be explored in many different ways: black sand beaches on the East coast, white sand beaches on the West coast, diving, beginner’s and legendary surf spots, mountainous peaks within desert lush valleys, at a luxurious Tahiti resort, or the historic site of Papeete’s colorful market and, oh, so much more.
We know Tahiti from personal experience and have done ourselves most of the activities we recommend here. If you’d like more information, tips and advice, and help planning and booking your holiday in French Polynesia, feel free to get in touch by chat, phone, videoconference, or email. We are always here to help.
Abe.
Travel Designer and Founder at Travelisto
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