|
 Black sand beach © Tahiti Tourisme French Polynesia's main island of Tahiti (meaning 'the gathering
place') stands sentinel over her surrounding sisters like a proud
queen, her soaring interior mountains sheltering deep valleys,
plummeting waterfalls and crystal streams flowing down to the
rugged coastline of black and white sand beaches and blue lagoons.
Tahiti is made up of two islands, Tahiti-Nui and Tahiti-Iti, joined
by a narrow isthmus.
Most holidaymakers start their island idyll at the international
Faa'a Airport at Papeete, Tahiti's capital and the commercial hub
of French Polynesia. The small, busy city has a French flavour and
laid-back atmosphere, worth exploring for its vibrant Central
Market, pearl shops, attractive waterfront with its unique mobile
diners, and a selection of excellent restaurants. Another must for
visitors is to take a round-the-island tour, along the 73-mile
(117km) road encircling the island, passing historic monuments,
museums, beaches, ruined temples, waterfalls, gardens and dramatic
scenery.
The island's best white sand beaches are between Punaauia and
Papara, but most visitors get more of a thrill out of visiting the
famed black sand beaches on the east coast, particularly renowned
Pointe Venus. Besides enjoying the seaside, Tahiti also offers some
interesting sightseeing, including magnificent Botanical gardens,
museums, archaeological sites, the tomb of the royal family Pomare,
a lake containing unique eared eels, lava tubes, and a host of
other unusual experiences.
Attractions
|
Le Marche
The vibrant heart of Papeete is its fascinating public market,
where for more than 150 years traders have touted a vast array of
exotic goods from Tahitian arts and crafts, to fragrant oils,
flowers, fruit, straw hats, seashell jewellery and pareus
(sarongs). The market is particularly colourful and lively in the
late afternoon when the day's catch is brought in from the fishing
boats, and on Sunday mornings when the island families
traditionally do their weekly shopping.
|
Address: Two blocks from the Papeete waterfront, opposite the cruise-liner dock;
Opening time: Daily 5am to 5pm
|
| |
|
Paul Gauguin Museum
The famous French painter, Paul Gauguin, spent the last 12 years
of his life in Tahiti and fittingly, the island sports a museum
dedicated to his life and work. Among the exhibits are some
original sculptures, engravings and gouaches.
|
Address: PK 51, 2 Papeari;
Telephone: 571 058;
Opening time: Open daily 9am to 5pm;
Admission: 600F (adults), 300F (children)
|
| |
|
Pearl Museum
Cultured pearls, particularly the famed Tahitian Black Pearl,
are French Polynesia's main export and the best buy for visitors to
the islands. If you are planning to shop for pearls it is wise to
first stop by the Pearl Museum in Papeete where you can find out
all about these 'gems of the sea' and learn to judge their
quality.
|
Address: Vaima Center, Rue Jeanne d'Arc, Papeete;
Telephone: 452 122;
Opening time: Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 7pm, Sunday and public holidays 9am to 7pm;
Admission: Free
|
| |
|
|
|
Travel Agents!
Subscribe to Word Travels Professional: Email and print off customised travel guides for your clients.
Brand this guide with your logo and contact details.
Word Travels includes authorative and reliable information on thousands of destinations.
More info Apply for a free trial
|
|
|
|
