Situated in the heart of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, Tahiti is a name that makes the whole world dream. From the hectic city center of Papeete, to the peaceful drive through the peninsula, the island of Tahiti offers a great variety of scenery and an equally large choice of activities. Lofty mountains for hiking, the sea and the lagoon for swimming, beaches of soft white or black sand for basking in the sun. Museums to visit, international and typical Polynesian cuisine in the island’s restaurants and food trucks, sports meetings and festivities throughout the year.
What makes it so special
Why visit Tahiti?
An outstanding tourist destination
With its imposing, majestic mountains, the biggest island in French Polynesia dominates the ocean in almost regal splendor. The mountainous interior hides mysterious valleys, rivers with pure spring water and impressive tumbling waterfalls.
Most of the island’s inhabitants live on the coast, leaving the interior almost intact and authentic, despite the busy capital never being very far away. Papeete, which means ‘water basket’ in Tahitian, is the cornerstone of this island nation.
It is a totally modern city with world-class hotels, gastronomic restaurants, nightclubs, a lively, colorful market, museums and shops, including pearl boutiques, of course.
Tahiti: a name that sounds like paradise
An authentic experience
Polynesians are famous for their sense of hospitality, and in Tahiti the welcome is warm and friendly. The first thing tourists notice is the casual, conviviality of the local population.
In Tahiti, people smile and are happy to pass the time of day with you, always willing to give help or advice. Visitors soon feel at home and relax into the easy rhythm of island life.
Not to be missed
Things to do in Tahiti
There is so much to see and do in Tahiti: museums to visit, mountains to hike, the lagoon and beyond to explore, soft sandy beaches to bask on, fine restaurants and lively bars to discover.
When is the best time to go ?
The best moment to schedule a trip to Tahiti largely depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. If you’re looking to enjoy warm, sunny weather, the peak tourist season from April to October is ideal. December and January offers more of a tropical atmosphere and vibrant events with greener mountains explained by a more humid weather. March is a great time for those who prefer fewer crowds, as the weather remains pleasant, and the island’s beauty can be enjoyed in a more peaceful setting. For those interested in cultural experiences, June to August are the months to visit, with various festivals celebrating Polynesian traditions. However, if you’re drawn to the island’s serene atmosphere, February can be a great choice, though it falls within the humid season, which brings occasional showers but also lush landscapes. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Tahiti’s stunning beaches, rich heritage, and the legacy of famous figures like Paul Gauguin make it a fantastic destination year-round.
Culture and history
Tahiti’s historic heritage: a vibrant culture
Tahiti, the biggest of The Islands of Tahiti, is a land of culture, music and dance. Attend a performance of ‘ori Tahiti, the exotic traditional dance, visit an exhibition of contemporary art, a performance of modern theater, or a concert. Papeete is a center of artistic expression in all its forms.
You’ll also enjoy
The neighboring islands
Tahiti is surrounded by the vast and beautiful Pacific Ocean, but it isn’t completely isolated. Just a few kilometers from Papeete, the capital, is the island of Moorea. Explore its beaches and mountains and appreciate the tranquility. Go a little further and you’ll find bird island, Tetiaroa, the preserved atoll of Marlon Brando.
Tahiti’s Natural Beauty
Tahiti, a true natural paradise, offers incomparable beauty with its lush hills, black and white sand beaches, and unique landscapes. The island is filled with breathtaking sights such as the Faarumi waterfalls, the Papenoo valley, and the Vaipahi water gardens, each offering an immersion into preserved nature with verdant mountains, fast-flowing rivers, and a wide variety of tropical plants.
Tahiti’s Flora and Fauna
Tahiti is home to an exceptional fauna, including rare species like the Tahitian monarch. Its coral reefs are teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. Every year, humpback whales come to its waters to give birth. The island also boasts almost 400 endemic plant species, many of which are endangered, making it a truly remarkable biodiversity hotspot.
You’ll also enjoy
The neighboring islands
Tahiti is surrounded by the vast and beautiful Pacific Ocean, but it isn’t completely isolated. Just a few kilometers from Papeete, the capital, is the island of Moorea. Explore its beaches and mountains and appreciate the tranquility. Go a little further and you’ll find bird island, Tetiaroa, the preserved atoll of Marlon Brando. Further away the Tuamotu islands offer completely different views & experiences with unhabited islands & preserved ecosystems. Totaling 118 islands in the south Pacific, the hardest choice would be choosing the islands you’re not going to visit.
Be inspired
Experiences
Stay on the island of Tahiti and discover the natural beauty of French Polynesia. Take advantage of our vacation packages to explore the untamed interior of the island and to immerse yourself in the Polynesian way of life.
Vacations in Tahiti
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Let yourself be seduced by our holiday offers, where you’ll discover French Polynesia through its people, its wild nature, its priceless art of living and its islands.
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Bora Bora, Fakarava, Huahine, Marquesas Islands, Moorea, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Tahaa, Tahiti
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Four days in Tahiti
Explore the luxuriant interior, majestic mountains, waterfalls and deep mysterious valleys. Discover the island’s rich cultural heritage and eventful history. Enjoy fine food, traditional entertainment, shopping, beautiful beaches and watersports of all kinds. Take time to get to know Tahiti.
Getting to and getting around Tahiti
The principal port of entry into French Polynesia is Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport, with flights arriving from major cities all over the world (Paris, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Tokyo, Auckland, Honolulu). You can rent a car at the airport, or catch a taxi or bus to the center of Papeete or directly to your hotel.
To discover some of the other islands in French Polynesia, there are sailboat cruises or passenger ferries. There is also a domestic airline that flies to 48 different islands, including Bora Bora, Rangiroa and the Marquesas Islands.
There are plenty of ways for you to get around in Tahiti and a wide choice of transport to help you discover what makes The Islands of Tahiti so very special.
History and Society of Tahiti
Tahiti has a deep and fascinating history. Originally inhabited by the Polynesian people, it became part of the French colonial empire in the 19th century. In 1797, the Pomare family, the royal Tahitian dynasty, signed the first treaties with the British and French. The island was formally annexed by France in 1880, becoming part of French Polynesia, with the people of Tahiti remaining at the heart of its administrative, political, and cultural life.
The local population, known as Tahitians, have preserved their rich Polynesian heritage despite the island’s modern influences. French is the official language of the country, though Tahitian language is still spoken widely.
Over the years, Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, has evolved into a bustling modern city, while still retaining a connection to its Polynesian roots. The island’s society is built on respect for the elders, family, and community, with traditional values influencing everyday life.
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