The picturesque Mamanuca Islands, located just a short distance from the tourist hotspots of Nadi and Denarau Island, are one of Fiji's most popular destinations, and with good reason. With more sunshine and less rain than other island groups, these 20 splotches of beautiful white sand and startling blue ocean have some of Fiji's best weather.

It is in 1st most beautiful island in Fiji. The brilliant beaches, pristine oceans, and fish-rich coral reefs make up for the lack of cultural attraction on these islands. Survivor and the renowned Tom Hanks film Cast Away were both filmed on islands in this chain, because to this unique tropical splendor.

Divers and snorkelers are drawn here by the coral reefs, while surfers come for the world-class breakers, notably the famed Cloud Break, which is just a short boat trip away.

From thatched bures (traditional Fijian huts) to magnificent beachfront villas, there's something for everyone, and most of the resorts are on their own islands in the Mamanuca group.

Location: Pacific Ocean

The thinly populated Yasawa Islands, located north of the popular Mamanuca Islands, are more distant and less developed than their sister islands further south, but as beautiful.

One of these tropical wonders was the setting for Brooke Shields' 1980 film The Blue Lagoon. These islands, which are surrounded by crystal-clear waters in practically every shade of blue, are drier than their southern counterparts, with towering peaks that descend to stunning white-sand beaches.

Kayaking, swimming with manta rays, and visiting the cathedral-like Sawa-i-Lau caves are all popular activities in the Yasawa Islands.

The Yasawas have no towns, only small settlements, yet there are a variety of lodging alternatives. From primitive backpacker hostels to luxury resorts, there's something for everyone.

Location: Pacific Ocean

You'll most likely fly into Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island and international gateway, if you're traveling for the first time. The main airport is located at Nadi, on the western part of the island, where souvenir shops and Indian restaurants crowd the busy streets.

Suva, the capital and one of the largest cities in the South Pacific, is located on the island's eastern side and has a thriving expat community.

Denarau Island, just six kilometers from Nadi, is an elite resort enclave with a cluster of major hotels and an 18-hole golf course if you're searching for some nice digs near the airport. Most visitors to Viti Levu stay here or on the Coral Coast, which is about a two-hour drive from Nadi and features white-sand beaches and major resorts.

Viti Levu, on the other hand, has a wild side. You may explore traditional mountain towns, zipline through the jungle, and raft or kayak down the Navua River through beautiful rainforests if you venture away from the tourist traps.

Location: Pacific Ocean

Vanua Levu is Fiji's second largest island and a favorite location for nature enthusiasts who prefer to venture off the beaten path. It is less touristy than Viti Levu. It is one of the most beautiful islands in Fiji.

Waterfalls cascade down the verdant hillsides of Wasali Nature Reserve, and hiking routes wind through the rainforest to hot springs and panoramic lookouts.

The village of Savusavu features a vibrant farmers market, and sailors flock to its sheltered bay. 4WD aficionados will like the island's rutted dirt lanes, especially along the picturesque Hibiscus Highway, which follows the coast past coconut farms and apple-green sugarcane fields. Hiking and mountain biking in the forest, river tubing, and relaxing on the empty, jungle-fringed beaches are all popular activities here.

The waters around Vanua Levu are also great for diving and snorkeling; Jean-Michel Cousteau (Jacques' son) runs a popular dive center with courses for all skill levels. Rainbow Reef, known for its multi-hued soft coral, and Namena Marine Reserve, home to some of the country's most pristine reefs, are two of the best dive sites.

The fabled Snake Temple, with the Naag Baba Mandir, a sacred Hindu growing stone, is located about 20 kilometers outside of Labasa (Vanua Levu's main town).

Location: Pacific Ocean

Taveuni, on Vanua Levu's western coast, is a paradise for hikers, wildlife lovers, and anyone looking for a more real Fiji experience on their vacation.

Because of its lush jungles and numerous waterfalls fed by periodic rains, it is known as the "Garden Isle." The Bouma National Heritage Park protects a major portion of the island, with unique tropical blossoms and excellent bird-watching opportunities; Kula lorikeets and silktails are only two of the many valuable bird species found here

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The Lavena Coastal Walk, a five-kilometer hiking track that rims the rough coastline, where black- and white-sand beaches blend with reef-dappled waters, is one of the greatest ways to see the island.

Dive and snorkeling are popular activities since the seas are home to over 1,198 distinct kinds of reef fish, nearly 300 different species of hard coral, gigantic clams, turtles, sharks, and rays. Rainbow Reef, Eel Reef, the Great White Wall, and Waitabu Marine Park are among the best places to visit.

Other popular activities in Taveuni include bamboo rafting down pristine rivers, bathing in natural pools at the 60-foot Tavoro Waterfalls, kayaking along the coast, village stays, and mountain climbing (Mt. Uluigalau, Fiji's second highest peak, stands at 1,241 meters).

Location: Melanesia

The 2,200-acre Wakaya Island is privately owned and home to the all-inclusive luxury Wakaya Club & Spa, a sumptuous, secluded getaway in pristine settings, and is part of the Lomaiviti Group of islands, due east of Viti Levu.

Celebrities such as Keith Richards frequent these beaches, where they stay in big air-conditioned villas strung along a strip of white sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs. Natural materials like woven bamboo, tropical hardwoods, and lava rock are used everywhere, along with opulent Italian linens, Tibetan rugs, high-speed Internet, enormous soaking tubs, and private gardens.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking are among the water sports available, while land-based activities include anything from nature walks and nine-hole golf to tennis, croquet, private picnics, and tours of the organic gardens and orchidarium.

Location: South Pacific Ocean

About a 30-minute boat ride from Suva along the scenic Navaloa River, tiny Toberua Island, in the Lomaiviti Group, is one of Fiji's island gems.

Approaching from the sea, four-acre Toberua (pronounced "Tomberua") looks a little like Gilligan's Island, with its sliver of white-sand beach, arching palms, and cute thatched bures. Known for its personal service and friendly feel, Toberua Island Resort accommodates guests in 18 bures nestled along the shore, featuring a blend of natural textures and modern comforts

All of the visitors are known by name by the long-serving personnel, and there's no need for a watch or phone here. When each meal is ready, pulsing drums proclaim it, and the pleasant crew locates you on the island to collect your dinner order.

Diving, snorkeling, and fishing on the surrounding reefs, kayaking, swimming in the island's pool, spa treatments, petanque, and tours to adjacent villages are all popular activities on the island.

Location: Lomaiviti Group

The 240-acre Matangi Island, stretching northeast of Taveuni in the shape of a grin, is one of the greatest islands to stay on in Fiji for couples. The picturesque Matangi Private Island Resort is a popular wedding and honeymoon resort on the island.

The island is an extinct volcanic crater with coral reefs surrounding Horseshoe Bay, a sensuous curve of white sand beach flanked by palm trees.

The thatched bures, which are air-conditioned, combine natural textures with modern amenities. Some are split-level treehouses on stilts that stretch up into the thick jungle canopy, while others are scattered along the shore. The water's edge is guarded by a luxurious spa.

Diving, fishing, swimming, kayaking, traditional village and waterfall tours, and treks on adjacent Qamea Island are among the activities available. If lying in a hammock between rustling palms and gazing out at the blue, blue sea is your idea of paradise, you can do so.

Location: Togo Village

The pristine Kadavu series of islands are famed for the great diving on the Great Astrolabe Reef, the planet's fourth largest barrier reef, and are off the beaten tourist path.

Kadavu Island, about 100 kilometers south of Viti Levu, is the largest of the group, with volcanic peaks and extensive swaths of virgin rainforest. The Kadavu musk parrot, velvet dove, and red dazzling parrot are among the many species that call these woods home.

Except for a few pleasant eco-resorts dotted along the coast, some with organic gardens and gorgeous beaches, there is virtually no tourist infrastructure. Two of the most popular resorts are Matava and Papageno.

Kayaking trips with a guide are a terrific way to see the coastline, and you can also visit some of the surrounding villages for a taste of Fijian culture. This is one of the few spots in the world where you can disconnect from the internet and immerse yourself in pristine natural beauty on land and in the ocean.

Location: South Pacific Ocean

Ovalau is Fiji's sixth largest island. The island is about 13 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide and is part of the Lomaiviti Archipelago. It has a total area of 106.4 square kilometers and a population of around 9,100 people, roughly half of the population of Lomaiviti. Fiji's former capital, Levuka, is the largest of the island's 24 towns and villages.

Ovalau Island, once the capital of Fiji, is an interesting site to visit. With jungle-covered mountains, natural coastlines, and traditional settlements, there are a few lovely beaches, but it's far less developed than neighboring islands.

Apart from the Lovoni Valley in the island's center, Ovalau is known for its steep topography and lack of flat area. Between the enclosing lagoon and the steep crater sides, the island is an eroded volcanic crater with a thin stretch of flat to undulating landscape. Nadelaiovalau (625 meters) and Tomuna (526 meters) are the highest peaks in the east and south, respectively.

Ovalau, a land rarely traveled by tourists, has an inexplicable allure that makes it worthwhile to be one of the few travelers that go here from Viti Levu's main island. While you're there, be sure to visit the quaint colonial town of Levuka. You can also hire a local guide to give you a personalized tour.

Location: Lomaiviti Archipelago

Qamea is one of three islets off the coast of Taveuni, Fiji, to the east of Thurston Point. The other two are Matagi and Laucala.

Qamea is a 34-square-kilometer island located 2.5 kilometers east of Thurston Point. It stretches for ten kilometers and varies in width from a few hundred meters to five kilometers. High hills (some reaching 300 meters in height) and precipitous valleys characterize the island. Because the mongoose was never introduced, indigenous animals fared better in Qamea than in many other parts of Fiji. Naivivi Bay in Qamea is renowned as a hurricane hole because it is a natural hurricane refuge.

Kocoma is the largest of the island's six communities, with a population of around 550 people. Dreketi, Togo, Naiviivi, Vatusogosogo, and Waibulu are the others. The islands are famous for a delicacy known as paileve, which is fermented in a pit. The migration of "lairo," or red land crabs, which happens during the full moon in November, is also well-known. Waterskiing, fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, shelling, and canoeing are among the activities available.

Location: east of Thurston Point