Take the winding road up to the Summit to visit these botanic gardens offering wonderful views over Mele Bay. There's a plant distillery producing essential oils such as sandalwood, which you can buy in the nearby shop. The attached cafe has more of those views from the patio.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Port Vila attractions

1. Tanna Coffee Factory

2.9 MILES

Watch the roaster at work and learn the story of Tanna coffee over a strong brew (350VT) at this welcoming coffee-roasting factory and cafe.

2. Hideaway Island

3.47 MILES

Just 100m or so offshore from Mele Beach, Hideaway Island isn't all that hidden but it's one of Vila's favourite spots for snorkelling, diving or just…

3. Mele Cascades

3.62 MILES

This popular and photogenic swimming spot is 10km from Port Vila. A series of clear aquamarine pools terrace up the hillside, culminating in an impressive…

4. Chief Roi Mata Burial Site

5.79 MILES

Chief Roi Mata's domain and burial site became Vanuatu's first World Heritage site in 2008. Roi Mata was a powerful 17th-century chief who, as legend has…

5. Feles Cave

6.49 MILES

Lelepa island has spectacular Feles Cave, cave drawings and fishing adventures.

6. Iririki Island

7.1 MILES

Iririki is the green, bungalow-laden island right across from Port Vila’s waterfront; it was closed following Cyclone Pam in 2015 but is expected to…

8. Vila Outdoor Market

7.19 MILES

Vila’s colourful waterfront covered market (also known as the Mama's Market) is open round the clock from Monday morning to noon on Saturday with women…