Attractions in Samoa

Apia
Upolo’s budding metropolis of Apia, where 35,000 of Samoa’s 177,000 inhabitants live, is the perfect place to acclimatise to island life. You should definitely fit in a visit to the colourful Maketi Fou (food market) on Apia’s Fugalei Street, to stock up on fresh fruit like pawpaws or a bunch of sweet little ladyfinger bananas.

About a 10-minute walk from the food market is the flea market – the perfect souvenir haunt where you’ll find everything from clubs and kava bowls to lava lavas (the Samoan sarong), baskets, jewellery and authentic Samoan music.

Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve
This is an excellent spot for snorkelling, diving and swimming just round the corner from Apia Wharf at the eastern end of the harbour. The highlight is a sudden drop into a deep blue hole, flanked by walls of coral populated by a myriad of tropical fish.

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and Mt Vaea Scenic Walk
The famous author came to live in Upolo five years before his death, and his mansion, Vailima, features many of his belongings, including part of his library and travel mementos.  Stroll through the lovely gardens and rainforest trails surrounding the house or take a walk up the hill to the author’s tomb at the top of Mt Vaea to enjoy splendid views over Apia.

Papaseea Sliding Rocks
The Papaseea Sliding Rocks are a must see attraction and an ideal spot for a swim or picnic. Just 6km out of central Apia, the main attraction is a 5m rock slide down a waterfall into a deep freshwater pool.

Piula Cave Pool
Located just past Saoluafata, the fresh water pool is a great place to cool off in crystal clear water with just a few fish to keep you company. If you are feeling brave you can dive down and swim through a short tunnel to the adjoining pool.

Le Pupu-Pue National Park
Get into the rainforest here in the 29sq km national park. There are some good hiking trails including tracks to the lovely Togitogiga Falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and picnic and the Peapea Cave, an old lava tube.

Lalomanu to Lotofaga
Possibly the most beautiful stretch of beach at the south east end of Upolo. A great place to swim, snorkel or just lie on the white sand soaking up some rays.

Swimming with the turtles
For an animal encounter with a unique twist, head to the wetlands sanctuary at Savaii’s Satoalepai village and take the plunge with half a dozen or more green turtles. They are raised in a part fresh, part salt water pool and once they’re grown up, are released back into the ocean, where they prepare for parenthood.  Make sure to ask if you can feed them!

Saleaaula Lava Fields
Along the north coast of Savaii, are the remnants of the village of Saleaula that was destroyed by lava. This lava flow between 1905 and 1911 emanated from Mount Matavanu. The ruins include a concrete Methodist church and the grave of a Catholic nun, Virgins Grave, that escaped destruction.

Alofaaga Blowholes
These impressive blowholes near Taga village on south-west Savaii are power in its purest form, as they propel a roaring jet of water hundreds of feet up into the air. They are particularly worth watching when locals throw coconuts into the holes and these are blasted into the air as well. The entrance to the blowholes is at the village of Taga.

Falealupo
This is the last place in the world to see the sunset. Situated at the western most end of Savaii you can enjoy a walk through the rainforest, swimming at a stunning white sand beach and then settle in to watch a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.


*The Small Print
We’ve tried to make this destination guide as accurate as possible but please double check the essentials like visas, health and safety, airport information etc with the relevant authorities before you travel.  STA Travel takes no responsibility for loss, injury or inconvenience caused as a result of this guide.  All prices listed are in the currency of the destination, unless otherwise stated.