Tahiti is a mountainous island, one of whose peaks Orohena reaches 2240 meters. On the northwest coast is the capital of Papete, as well as a port protected from ocean waves by reefs.
The city stretches along the coast and along the slopes of the mountains, where luxurious mansions are located among tropical gardens under palm trees. Tahiti consists of two islands connected by a small isthmus. The Big Island of Tahiti Nui (Nui in Tahitian means big) has an almost round shape, mountains alternate with valleys, and tropical forest foliage hides mysterious grottoes, temples, giant waterfalls….
At Tahiti Nui, the high Papenoo Valley crosses the Maroto Gorge and leads to Vaihiria Crater Lake. Driving around the island you admire the magnificent landscapes of the coast with its long beaches covered with sand of volcanic origin. Palm trees, hibiscus, and breadfruit grow along the winding road. Your walk through Tahiti is accompanied by the singing of birds of paradise.
On Tahiti Iti, the steep slopes of the mountains descend directly into the sea, and not everywhere can be driven by car.
In Tahiti, you will find many attractions:
- Black Pearl Museum, where you will be told about its history, production technique, its mythological, philosophical and religious significance. You will learn about quality criteria that will allow you to judge for yourself the value of a pearl. Here you can also buy unique jewelry from the private collection of Robert Wang, the king of black pearls.
- The Museum of Tahitiand its Islands tells about the history of Polynesia, about world-famous sailors who conquered the Pacific Ocean on fragile boats.
- The Paul Gauguin Museumdisplays the life of this great artist in paintings, letters, memoirs.
- The Papete marketis of great interest to photography enthusiasts. The stalls are replete with bright bouquets of orchids and other tropical plants. Artisans offer pareos, taifai, mother-of-pearl trinkets and other original products. Here you can see fruits and vegetables, the existence of which you did not even suspect.
- Papete City Hallis a copy of the palace of the great Queen Pomare IV, who ruled Tahiti at the end of the 19th century.
- Religion occupies an important placein the life of Polynesian society. Of particular interest are the Poafai Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Chinese Mamao Temple…
Get to know Tahiti by helicopter or by car. From a height, basalt mountain peaks, canyons and powerful waterfalls appear.
Going around the island of Tahiti by car (115 km) you will rise 600 meters above sea level, from where an incomparable panorama of Papet and Moorea opens. Further, if desired, go to the commune where the last king of Tahiti, Pomare VI, is buried, this historical place will be of interest to lovers of colonial history. Afterwards, stop at Matavai Harbor, where Cook, Bougainville, Wallis and the famous Captain Blythe on the Bounty sailboat moored in their ships in the 18th century. At Cape Venus, where the first missionaries arrived, you will be told about the history of the island. On your way, don’t forget to stop at a small cafe, where you will see 1.5-meter eels splashing between boulders, and, of course, waterfalls in the rainforest. Here you will be offered coconut water, where the glass will be coconut.
On the coast of Tahiti, there are many sports clubs that offer fishing on the high seas (the international competition of Tahiti attracts famous athletes from all over the world), scuba diving and, of course, surfing. Surfers here will meet Teahupoo waves, recognized as one of the most difficult in the world.
Papeete is the capital of Tahiti
Papeete is on the northwest coast.
This is the only city reminiscent of civilization in a tropical paradise.
Shops, government offices, banks and offices. Restaurants with French, Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese and American cuisine.
Attractions of Papeete :
One of the main attractions of the city is the Marche du Papeete market. It occupies an entire block and is adjacent to the coast. Here you can buy not only the freshest fruits, vegetables, fish, but also handicrafts, clothes and souvenirs.
The Paul Gauguin Museum is a collection of personal items and reproductions of the most famous paintings. The Botanical Garden is a natural reserve with the rarest specimens of the Polynesian flora. Museum of Tahiti. Exposition of folk art items, ritual clothing, household items.
A few kilometers from Papeete there is another attraction – Bain Loti (Pool or Bath Loti). A romantic story is connected with this place about how young Loti met the beautiful Rarada and they loved each other in the clear waters of the pool under the deafening sounds of a mountain river. In the Loti Pool, you can have great fun with numerous water attractions.
Nightlife in Papeete :
At night, Papeete pulsates with the rhythms of tamure, jazz and disco. A huge number of nightlife: clubs, karaoke bars, casinos. A wonderful performance – traditional Tahitian dances. An endless variety of restaurants, bars and cafes with excellent cuisine.
The small and busy town of Papeete is bathed in an atmosphere of tropical sounds, French flavors and Tahitian exoticism.
