Photo of Semhur. The Marquesas Islands are paradises with primordial views , made of cliffs overlooking the sea, mountains of volcanic origin with peaks over 1,200 meters covered with dense and impenetrable forests. Dots in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, whose charm has always conquered its visitors, including illustrious ones, such as the painter Paul Gauguin and the singer-songwriter Jacques Brel who chose to live here forever.
In the local language they are called Henua Emana which means Land of Men: they are considered the cultural center of the Polynesian tradition , testified by the presence of suggestive archaeological sites of the ancient local peoples. This is where the art of tattoos was bornand its craftsmen are considered the best in all of Polynesia.
Travel informed: useful information
- Population : 9,261 (2012 data)
- Capital : Taiohae on the island of Nuku Hiva
- Languages : French, Tahitian
- Local currency : CFP Franc (€ 1.00 = CFP 120 Francs)
- Climate : Sub-tropical climate, constant temperatures all year round, with the dry season from August to November
- Vaccinations : no vaccinations required
- Entry requirements : passport with residual validity of at least 3 months (6 months in case of stopover in the USA), return ticket, ESTA in case of stopover in the USA
- Distance from Italy : 16,805 km (23 – 40 flight hours)
- Travel / health insurance : recommended. With us you get a 10% discount and you have full coverage, 24h medical insurance and unlimited telephone advice. Get
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Where they are located
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, south of the Equator, they are the northernmost archipelago of the Polynesian islands, 1,500 km from Tahiti. Politically they are part of the French Overseas Territories.
How to get
- From Milan or Rome : there are no direct flights from Italy, you need to make a stopover in the main European hubs (London, Paris, Frankfurt), from which there are over 22-25 hours of travel to Tahiti, where another flight of about 3 hours takes you to the airports of the island of Nuku Hiva or Hiva Oa. Compare flights to Papeete / Tahiti – from € 1,124
- From the main European capitals : from Paris with AirFrance via Los Angeles, or even from London and / or Frankfurt, United Airlines operates with stopovers in the US.
Compare flights to Papeete / Tahiti – from € 1,124
When to go
Info on climate and best period
Month Average temperatures (min / max) Precipitation (days / mm) January 23/31 ° 11 days / 90 mm
February 23/31 ° 10 days / 85 mm
March 24/31 ° 13 days / 115 mm
April 24/31 ° 11 days / 100 mm
May 23/30 ° 12 days / 95 mm
June 23/29 ° 16 days / 190 mm
July 22/29 ° 13 days / 115 mm
August 22/29 ° 13 days / 90 mm
September 22/29 ° 11 days / 90 mm
October 22/30 ° 11 days / 65 mm
November 23/31 ° 9 days / 55 mm
December 23/31 ° 9 days / 75 mm
- Climate : the archipelago is off the beaten track of tropical hurricanes and cyclones. Despite being close to the equator, in the sub-tropical belt, the climate is drier than the other islands. The wettest months where most of the rains are concentrated are from May to July, the driest between September and November.
- Best period : from the second half of August to February when the climate is drier.
- Period to avoid : from May to July when most of the rains are concentrated.
- Advice : light clothes, beachwear, shoes suitable for rocks and for excursions in the interior. A sweatshirt or light jacket for the evening, a rain jacket.
Which island to go
The archipelago consists of 12 mountainous islands , of which only 6 are inhabited.
They are divided geographically into two groups (north / south): to the north Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou and Ua Huka (the island of horses), to the south Hiva Oa, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva.
The three main islands are:
- Nuku Hiva (north) : is the largest island, home to the capital Taiohae and other picturesque villages such as Taipivai and Anhao. Dominated by two inactive volcanoes and steep landscapes, there are also the Vaipo waterfalls, a natural wonder among the highest in the world with a drop of 350 meters.
- Hiva Oa (south) : it is considered one of the most fascinating, a source of inspiration for the master Paul Gauguin who spent the last years of his life here and painted faces and landscapes in his works. The island is also called “the garden of the Marquesas” due to its luxuriant vegetation.
- Ua Huka (north) : it is also called “the island of horses” due to the presence of about three thousand wild specimens, which can be seen along the only road. Rugged views, which alternate between steep slopes and arid plateaus. The Ethnographic Museum allows you to get in touch with the most cultural and naturalistic aspects of the archipelago.
Things to see and what to do: beaches and places of interest
- Hakaui Valley and Vaipo Waterfall : in Nuku Hiva do not miss an excursion in the lush Hakaui Valley, through orchards of papaya, mangoes and other exotic fruits, to be bought in the small farming villages along the way, up to the Vaipo waterfall , with its spectacular jump of 350 meters. The entrance to the waterfall is guarded by a set of stone tiki (guardian statues).
- The bays of Anaho and Hatiheu : other natural beauties in Nuku Hiva, sheltered by the cliffs, allow you to fully enjoy the tranquility typical of these places.
- La Maison du Jour : located in Hiva Oa, and Paul Gauguin’s atelier house, where the painter lived his last days and which collects memorabilia, drawings and pieces of the artist’s life.
- The bays of Hanarekua and Taaoa : in the surroundings of Hiva Oa there are splendid bays, the white sand one of Hanarekua and the black sand one of Taaoa, which offer unique colors and shades.
- The archaeological site of Lipona in Puamau (Hiva Oa) : monumental Tiki, large stone statues of ancient local gods, the largest in Polynesia.
- The island of Ua Pou : with spectacular peaks, basalt peaks that stand out in an incredible skyline. Hakahau Bay is the starting point for exploring the small artisan center and museum.
- The Taipivai Valley : in Nuku Hiva, you can follow in the footsteps of the writer Hermann Melville, who drew inspiration for numerous adventure novels from here.
- The island of Tahuata : deserted and unspoiled just 4km from Hiva Oa, ideal for those who want to enjoy an oasis of peace surrounded by unspoiled nature
- Fatu Hiva : the southernmost can only be reached by sea. Upon his arrival, the Bay of the Virgins is the icon of these paradises.
How much does a holiday in the Marquesas Islands cost
Prices, offers and advice
The place lends itself to being almost exclusive, given the difficulty to reach these islands. In the high season (from June to October) the flight from Europe is around € 1,500.00-1,800.00 depending on the stopovers. Tour operators offer flight + hotel packages (return flight from Papetee), internal transfers, meals, excursions for around € 2,000.00 for 5 days.
To move between the islands, by air with Air Tahiti, there are multi-flight packages that also include 20kg baggage. the Marquesas Pass and Marquesas Extension for the more remote islands have prices starting from € 600.00.
There are few tourist facilities, some luxury resorts(from € 300.00 per day) and more modest “pensions” (from € 80.00- € 120.00). A day tour inside the islands in 4×4 costs around € 150.00 per person, by boat in the lagoons with lunch around € 70.00 per person, the same as a dive.
- Where to sleep: Hotels, resorts and pensions from € 80.00 per room – see the offers
- Low cost flights: Flights to Papeete starting from € 1.124,00 – check the offers
- Flight + hotel: 15 days / 14 nights from € 3,448.00 per person – see the offers
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