10 Best Hidden Gems in Vanuatu

While the blue holes of Santo take all the limelight, Melon River and Beach provides a blissfully uncrowded yet varied swimming experience where the Riri River meets the lagoon.

This picturesque swimming hole, open every day, features cool inviting waters perfect for escaping the tropical heat, surrounded by shady riverside areas complete with convenient picnic benches.

The sandy coastal stretch provides an ideal spot for relaxation, while practical amenities include bathroom and changing facilities.

What makes this location truly special is its fascinating World War Two history. While you wait for the owners to unlock the chain access, you can admire authentic WW2 plane wings and bomber remnants displayed under a protective shelter.

For history enthusiasts, the friendly owners are happy to show you additional WW2 artefacts, including tanks, bombs and bullets from 1942, all at no extra charge.

Speaking of blue holes, if you're looking for a tourist-ready option without the onslaught of tourists, the blue hole known as Nanda, Jackie's and Santo's Blue Hole is an absolute must!

The blue hole features decks, steps and jumping platforms where you can leap into the vividly blue water or simply relax and soak up the lush jungle surrounding. There's an abundance of tropical fish that swim around the platforms, making it perfect for snorkelling amongst the beautiful limestone formations that line the hole's edges.

The site operates two different deck areas with separate entry fees; Santo's Blue Hole to the west and Jackie's Blue Hole to the east. The Santo's Blue Hole side includes convenient change rooms and restrooms, plus a bar area where fresh fruit juices and food can be ordered upon request.

Beyond just swimming, Santo's Blue Hole offers a unique half-day agriculture and cooking experience that includes a garden tour where you can harvest fresh produce, participate in traditional cooking classes, and enjoy complimentary blue hole access.

For those wanting to extend their stay, basic accommodation is available with breakfast included, and overnight guests enjoy free access to the Blue Hole.

Port Vila is known for the big names in culture villages, such as Pepeyo and Ekasup, but Jiarofa Agritourism Village is a little-known gem that, admittedly, is quite tricky to find. Though once you do, you'll be glad you did.

Experience hands-on learning through guided plantation tours showcasing traditional taro-farming methods, including the cultivation of unique varieties like mara (which we can best describe as "blue cheese bananas"). Participate in weaving and crafts workshops, traditional cooking classes, and witness mesmerising cultural dance performances where Futuna islanders use homemade instruments to create an uplifting ensemble!

The village also offers fascinating insights into traditional health practices, including frank talks on how women deal with their menstrual cycle in remote islands, as well as herbal medicine talks and ancient food preservation techniques.

One of the most spectacular experiences is witnessing Futuna's fearless fire walking ceremony on hot rocks!

One of the quaintest beaches we've discovered is actually on Vanuatu's main island, Efate!

This small but perfectly formed beach captivates visitors with its pristine white sand framed by gorgeous trees that create natural shady patches. The intimate photogenic cove offers an idyllic setting complete with thoughtfully placed picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch break.

What sets Cavalry Beach apart from other coastal destinations is its untouched, authentic charm and the sense of having your own private slice of paradise. The combination of crystal-clear waters, excellent facilities and spectacular natural beauty makes this our personal favourite along Efate's southern coastline.

Arguably, anywhere on the lesser-visited island of Malekula could be a hidden gem, so we'll just go ahead and list one of our favourite attractions on the island, the Losinwei Cascades!

This gorgeous half-day hike whisks you into the misty heart of central Malekula, where your local guide will lead you through forest trails that feel like stepping into a fairy tale. Your guide typically shares knowledge of the trees and plants along the way, explaining their traditional uses as you navigate the narrow, sometimes slippery paths.

The journey itself is part of the magic; you'll cross multiple rivers where the cool water provides refreshing relief and never rises above your waist, with rocks that offer good grip underfoot. Along the route, you'll encounter many beautiful tiered cascades that build anticipation for the main event.

The star of the show is Losinwei Waterfall, where swimming is required to reach the base of the cascading waters. Feeling adventurous? You can even go behind the thundering curtain of water or climb on top of the waterfall for a truly unique perspective.

The trek takes around 1 hr 15 mins - 1 hr 30 mins each way, allowing plenty of time to soak in this natural paradise before retracing your steps through the same enchanting forest trails.

Unlike some of Malekula's more demanding hikes LINK#TTD130, this walk proves that you don't need to be an extreme trekker to experience the island's incredible natural beauty. While not particularly strenuous, the careful pace required to navigate the terrain makes it an engaging adventure that rewards you with one of Malekula's most spectacular waterfalls.

Guides can be arranged through Dram-Dram Bungalows, who are easily spotted with a "Lawsinwe Kastom Forest Conservation" sign along the main road.

Kava bars, locally known as nakamals, are one of the most accessible authentic experiences you can have in Vanuatu, and the ones that you discover in the residential areas feel like a true hidden-gem experience, like the Lychee Nakamal!

The traditional setup invites you to fully immerse yourself in local customs: head to the bar to order your preferred shell filling (50, 100, or 150 VT), then make your way to the tap and sink area to collect your kava. After giving your shell a proper rinse, return to the bar to complete the ritual. On the other side, you'll discover a delightful snack area offering local treats like roast chestnuts served on skewers.

The seating area, surrounded by lush trees with undercover sections for when the weather turns, creates a pleasantly authentic atmosphere that makes Lychee Nakamal stand out from the rest.

The picture-perfect Caroline Bay with pristine white sand is truly tucked away, which you wouldn't even spot if you were sailing by.

This remote gem in Southwest Malekula is fringed with lush tropical greenery and offers an authentic experience shared alongside friendly local villagers.

The bay's isolation creates a wonderfully quiet atmosphere that's perfect for those seeking to escape the crowds. Established in 1967 as a second headquarters for the Nagriamel Movement, which played a significant (if not complicated) role in Vanuatu's independence, this secluded location holds fascinating historical significance alongside its natural beauty.

Access is typically arranged through local guesthouses like Malae Guesthouse, adding to the authentic, off-the-beaten-path appeal of this stunning destination.

A little off the beaten path, Santo Golf Club is undiscovered by many but this ultra-affordable yet decently maintained course (especially for a place that works off an honesty box system) is a real hidden gem for those who like to swing.

This nine-hole course transforms into a full 18-hole par 72 experience through clever alternate tees, winding its way uphill through tropical parkland dotted with swaying coconut palms.

What makes this course truly special is its breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas that unfold as you ascend the elevated fairways. The course operates year-round on an honesty system, reflecting the laid-back island charm that makes Vanuatu so appealing.

With small green fees including club hire, you can play unlimited rounds across this scenic tropical landscape. The clubhouse opens only for weekend competitions, so remember to bring everything you need, especially water, for your round.

A small unassuming building along the Efate Ring Road, the World War II Memorabilia Mini-Museum holds a wealth of artefacts.

This heartfelt tribute to Vanuatu's WW2 history feels more like visiting a passionate friend than a traditional museum. Open daily from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, this intimate one-room collection showcases evocative wartime memorabilia lovingly curated by local Mark, who continues his grandfather's remarkable 40-year collecting legacy with genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge.

You'll discover fascinating artefacts recovered from local reefs and wrecks, including Mark's prized recent finds like the guns he discovered in 2017. The museum's charm lies in its personal touch and unique stories, particularly the impressive collection of American Coca-Cola bottles that Mark's grandfather specialised in gathering. Each bottle bears different city and state names on the bottom, from New York to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Eureka, California, creating an unexpected window into wartime America.

Mark's passion for preserving his country's history is palpable, and his intimate knowledge of each piece's origin makes every visit captivating. Whether you're circumnavigating Efate or staying in the Havannah area, this grassroots museum offers a deeply personal glimpse into Vanuatu's wartime past that you'll struggle to find elsewhere on Vanuatu's main island.

You might be surprised that the restaurant we list as No. 1 in the 20 Best Restaurants in Port Vila & Efate could be classed as a hidden gem, but Regenerative Vanua is one that even many locals still don't know about.

The open-air dining venue is a collaboration of a restaurant and a health-juice bar with a shared mission.

My Aelan Cuisine serves wholesome breakfast and lunch featuring traditional island foods, whilst Thïcolor Bar offers health-focused beverages including speciality wellness tonics and locally roasted coffee.

Set in an open-air yet cool covered garden setting, this collective champions locally-sourced ingredients exclusively from Vanuatu, including everything from root vegetables to free-range chicken. The breakfast menu (7 am to 11 am) features nutritious island staples, whilst lunch offers grilled seafood, meats and traditional sides like kumala mash and steamed taro.

At the bar, try concentrated wellness shots packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Choose from six different tonic varieties, including the "Gintum Tonic" with ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper, or the vibrant "Butterfly Tonic" featuring butterfly pea flower.