Things to Do in Efate

Efate might be Vanuatu's most developed island, but it manages to strike that sweet balance between accessibility and authentic Pacific charm. The capital, Port Vila, sits along a gorgeous natural harbor and serves as the country's main hub, though you'll find it refreshingly low-key compared to most capital cities. Beyond the town, the island reveals volcanic landscapes, traditional villages where custom ceremonies still take place, and some genuinely beautiful beaches that haven't been overrun by development. The whole place has this laid-back Melanesian vibe where island time actually means something, and you'll likely find yourself slowing down whether you planned to or not.

Port Vila has a surprisingly good food scene that mixes French colonial influences with Pacific flavors and fresh local ingredients. You'll find excellent seafood everywhere, and lap lap (meat or fish cooked with root vegetables in banana leaves) is worth trying at least once. The waterfront area has several upscale restaurants with harbor views, while the municipal market is great for cheap, authentic local food. French pastries and coffee are genuinely good here thanks to the colonial connection, and there are decent Asian restaurants serving the local Chinese and Vietnamese communities.

May through October offers the most reliable weather - it's the dry season with lower humidity, less rain, and cooling trade winds. That said, it's also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. November through April is hotter and more humid with occasional cyclones, but you'll find better deals and fewer tourists. The shoulder months of April-May and September-October might give you the best of both worlds - decent weather without peak season prices.