Feel the Beauty of French Polynesia
Quick answer: To feel the beauty of French Polynesia, put Raiatea, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Maupiti and Taha’a at the top of your list. Together they offer sacred temples, rare flowers, surf, lagoons with sharks and stingrays, overwater bungalows and the world’s best vanilla.
If you love beaches and nature and are planning your next vacation, consider French Polynesia. It has so much to offer that it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular destinations during the warmer months. The hardest part might be choosing where to go, since French Polynesia is made up of 118 breathtakingly gorgeous islands. Here are the ones that should be at the top of your list.
French Polynesia’s Best Islands at a Glance
| Island | Best for |
|---|---|
| Raiatea | Hiking, nature and the UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuatea |
| Tahiti | Surfing, Papeete markets and hiking the Papenoo valley |
| Bora Bora | Overwater bungalows and lagoon tours |
| Maupiti | A quieter, less crowded alternative to Bora Bora |
| Taha’a | Vanilla farms and a slower pace |
Raiatea: The Sacred Island
Known as “The Sacred Island,” Raiatea offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, exploring and road tripping. It is also home to one of the rarest flowers in the world, the tiare apetahi, found only in this small part of the world, which makes the island perfect for nature lovers.
While you’re here, don’t miss Marae Taputapuatea, an ancient temple site that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tahiti: The Queen of the Pacific
If you don’t know where to start, you can always go with “The Queen of the Pacific,” Tahiti. Explore its beautiful coastline, home to tropical gardens and waves that are perfect for surfing.
A visit to the capital, Papeete, is a unique experience. Stroll through the local market and shop for seafood, pearls, vanilla and other exotic goods, or hike through the Papenoo valley and take fantastic photos of the scenery. In the evening, head to the food market on Papeete’s main square and try the local dish, poisson cru.
If that sounds good, there are many affordable Tahiti flights that can take you to the island where your vacation really starts.
Bora Bora
One of the most famous islands in the world, Bora Bora will not disappoint. Stay in a dreamy overwater bungalow and enjoy the view for your entire trip. It’s also a great place to learn more about World War II and the US troops who were stationed on the island during the war.
One of the best parts of Bora Bora is its lagoon, and many guided tours will take you there. You can swim with sharks and stingrays and enjoy local food while photographing this paradise. The only drawback is that Bora Bora is often crowded with tourists, but if you don’t mind that, you’ll have a great time.
Maupiti
If you like the sound of Bora Bora but dislike crowds, check out Maupiti. In many ways it is a miniature Bora Bora, but because it’s not yet as famous, it’s much less crowded.
It’s unbelievably beautiful, with a gorgeous lagoon, tropical flowers and breathtaking views. The locals are very friendly and the food is delicious, so if you’re looking for somewhere to rest and recharge, add Maupiti to your bucket list.
Taha’a: The Vanilla Island
If you love vanilla, Taha’a is the perfect destination for you. It’s home to the best vanilla in the world, grown on small farms. Besides tasting this heavenly delight, you can learn more about how it’s produced.
Taha’a is not a crowded island, and once you arrive you might feel as if time has stopped; you’ll probably wish it had, so you could stay forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many islands are there in French Polynesia?
French Polynesia consists of 118 islands.
Which French Polynesian island is least crowded?
Maupiti and Taha’a are both much quieter than Bora Bora, which is often crowded with tourists.
What should I eat in Tahiti?
Try poisson cru, the local dish, at the evening food market on Papeete’s main square.
What is Raiatea known for?
It’s known as “The Sacred Island,” home to the rare tiare apetahi flower and the UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuatea.
Conclusion
If you love beautiful scenery, untouched nature, good food and friendly locals, these islands are the best way to feel the beauty of French Polynesia. Once you see them for yourself, you’ll never want to leave.
