Samoa · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Samoa
These are the places worth your time in Samoa, from Apia's markets, museum and fiafia nights to the beach fales of Lalomanu, the lava fields and blowholes of Savai'i and car-free Manono. Classics sit beside quiet village corners many travellers miss, so every kind of visitor finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Apia
Arts and Culture
- Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (Vailima)
The restored hillside mansion where the author of Treasure Island spent his last years, set in tropical gardens. - Samoa Cultural Village (Beach Road, Apia)
Watch tattooing, tapa making, weaving and an umu earth oven, then share the food, all explained by Samoan hosts. - Museum of Samoa (Malifa, Apia)
A small, clear museum of Samoan and Pacific history, tools, tattooing and the independence story. - Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Beach Road, Apia)
Apia's landmark white cathedral on the waterfront, rebuilt after earthquake damage and full on Sunday mornings. - Baha'i House of Worship (Tiapapata)
A striking domed temple in quiet hillside gardens, open to visitors of every faith for reflection. - Samoan tattooing at the Cultural Village (Beach Road, Apia)
See a traditional tufuga at work on a pe'a or malu, if a session is running on your visit.
Nature and Outdoors
- Mount Vaea Trail (Vailima)
A steep forest climb from the Stevenson museum to the author's tomb, with views over Apia and the sea. - Palolo Deep Marine Reserve (Matautu, Apia)
Snorkel straight off the beach to a deep blue hole in the reef full of coral and fish. - Papase'ea Sliding Rocks (Se'ese'e, inland from Apia)
Slide down smooth natural rock chutes into freshwater pools, a favourite with local families. - Piula Cave Pool (Lufilufi, north coast)
Swim in a clear freshwater pool that runs into a cave beneath a Methodist college on the sea. - Papapapaitai Falls Lookout (Cross Island Road)
A roadside viewpoint over a tall waterfall plunging into a forested gorge on the way to the south coast. - Falefa Falls (Falefa, north east Upolu)
A wide waterfall beside the coast road, an easy stop on the way east.
Shopping and Markets
- Fugalei Market (Fugalei, Apia)
The main produce market, piled with taro, breadfruit, bananas and cheap snacks, and busiest on Saturday mornings. - Apia Flea Market (Savalalo, Apia)
Lavalava, carvings, siapo cloth and souvenirs beside the main bus station, with food stalls out the back. - Apia Fish Market (Matautu, Apia)
Arrive early to see the day's catch landed and to try fresh oka, raw fish in coconut cream.
Things to Do
- Mulinu'u Peninsula (Mulinu'u, Apia)
A quiet walk past Parliament, royal tombs, the independence memorial and mangroves at the tip of the harbour. - Apia seawall walk (Beach Road, Apia)
Stroll the harbour front at dawn or sunset among joggers, fishermen and church choirs practising. - Bus ride from the Apia bus station (Savalalo, Apia)
Ride a brightly painted wooden bus with loud music, a cheap and joyful way to reach villages. - Le Mafa Pass viewpoint (Le Mafa Pass)
A mountain pass with sweeping views of the east of Upolu, on the road to the south coast.
Events
- Teuila Festival (Apia waterfront)
Samoa's biggest festival each September, with fire knife dancing, long boat races, choirs and food stalls. - Independence Day celebrations (Mulinu'u and Apia)
Parades, marching bands and village groups mark independence in early June. - White Sunday (Churches across Samoa)
Children lead church services in white clothes on the second Sunday of October, followed by family feasts. - Palolo Rising (Reefs around Upolu and Savai'i)
Villagers gather before dawn once or twice a year to scoop up palolo reef worms, a prized delicacy.
Restaurants
- Paddles Restaurant (Beach Road, Apia)
A family run Italian and Samoan restaurant on the waterfront, known for pasta and warm service. - Giordano's Pizzeria (Apia)
A long running pizza garden that has fed visitors and locals for decades. - Flea market food stalls (Savalalo, Apia)
Cheap plates of chop suey, sapasui, oka and pani popo cooked for shoppers and bus passengers.
Cafés
- Koko Samoa at the market (Fugalei Market, Apia)
Try koko Samoa, a rich drink of local roasted cocoa, with fresh pani popo buns.
Bars and Nightlife
- Fiafia night at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's (Beach Road, Apia)
A buffet dinner and show of Samoan song, siva dancing and fire knives in a famous old hotel.
Stays
- Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel and Bungalows (Beach Road, Apia)
The modern rebuild of Apia's most famous waterfront hotel, with a pool and fiafia nights. - Taumeasina Island Resort (Taumeasina, Apia)
A resort on its own small island a few minutes from town, with a lagoon pool and water villas. - Tanoa Tusitala Hotel (Mulinu'u, Apia)
A large hotel with fale style buildings, a pool and gardens near the harbour. - Pasefika Inn (Matautu, Apia)
A friendly budget hotel within walking distance of the waterfront and Palolo Deep. - Amanaki Hotel (Beach Road, Apia)
A mid-range waterfront hotel with a restaurant and easy walking to the centre.
Places to Visit in Lalomanu
Nature and Outdoors
- To Sua Ocean Trench (Lotofaga)
Climb down a tall wooden ladder to swim in a deep turquoise pool linked to the sea, set in lush gardens. - Lalomanu Beach (Lalomanu)
White sand, a bright lagoon and a row of open beach fales at the eastern tip of Upolu. - Sopo'aga Falls (Lotofaga)
A deep, misty waterfall with a garden lookout and displays on old Samoan village tools. - Fuipisia Falls (Mafa Pass road)
A short walk through a plantation to the edge of a tall, narrow waterfall. - Togitogiga Waterfall (O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park)
Tiered falls with swimming pools at the edge of Samoa's oldest national park. - O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park (South coast Upolu)
Forest trails and rugged lava coastline in a park that runs from the mountains to the sea. - Lalomanu lagoon snorkelling (Lalomanu)
Coral, reef fish and sometimes turtles in calm water right in front of the fales.
Stays
- Taufua Beach Fales (Lalomanu)
The classic family run beach fale stay, with meals included and the lagoon steps away. - Litia Sini's Beach Resort (Lalomanu)
Beach fales and simple bungalows on Lalomanu Beach, rebuilt after the 2009 tsunami. - Namua Island Beach Fales (Namu'a Island, off Mutiatele)
A tiny island reached by small boat, with simple fales, turtles and a hill walk at sunrise. - Saletoga Sands Resort (Lotofaga)
A relaxed resort with a pool near To Sua Ocean Trench and the south coast beaches. - Faofao Beach Fales (Saleapaga)
Simple open fales on a long beach just west of Lalomanu, run by a local family.
Restaurants
- Sunday to'ona'i at a beach fale (Lalomanu)
Many fale stays serve a Sunday lunch from the umu: palusami, taro, pork and fish.
Shopping and Markets
- Roadside fruit stalls (South coast road)
Village stalls sell coconuts, bananas and pawpaw, often on an honesty basis.
Things to Do
- Lotofaga to Lalomanu coast walk (South coast Upolu)
Walk stretches of the coast road past churches, fale and lagoons for a slow look at village life.
Places to Visit in Lefaga
Nature and Outdoors
- Return to Paradise Beach (Lefaga)
The dramatic beach of black rocks and white sand where the 1953 Gary Cooper film was shot. - Matareva Beach (Lefaga)
A calm, sheltered lagoon with picnic fales, good for swimming and snorkelling.
Stays
- Return to Paradise Resort (Lefaga)
A large resort with pools beside the famous beach, easy with children. - Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa (Siumu)
A long established boutique resort on the south coast with a spa and over-water dining.
Things to Do
- Surfing the south coast reef passes (Salamumu and Siumu)
Powerful reef breaks for experienced surfers in the cooler months, best with a local guide. - Mulifanua Wharf (Mulifanua)
The ferry wharf for Savai'i, a busy, cheerful place to watch island life.
Places to Visit in Manase
Stays
- Tanu Beach Fales (Manase)
Long running family beach fales with communal meals on one of Savai'i's best lagoons. - Jane's Beach Fales (Manase)
Friendly family fales on the white sand beach, with simple Samoan meals. - Stevensons at Manase (Manase)
A resort on the beach at Manase with villas, a pool and a restaurant. - Le Lagoto Resort and Spa (Fagamalo)
Seafront bungalows on the north coast with a lagoon for snorkelling at the door. - Savaii Lagoon Resort (Fagamalo)
Simple, friendly bungalows on a calm lagoon on the north coast.
Nature and Outdoors
- Saleaula Lava Fields (Saleaula)
Walk across black lava from the 1905 to 1911 eruptions to a church it surrounded and the Virgin's Grave. - Alofaaga Blowholes (Taga, south Savai'i)
Seawater shoots high into the air through lava tubes, and locals throw in coconuts to fly. - Afu Aau Waterfall (Vailoa, Palauli)
A jungle waterfall with a deep, cool swimming pool, one of Savai'i's favourite swims. - Satoalepai turtle pool (Satoalepai)
Swim with green turtles in a village pool, paying a small fee to the family who cares for them. - Dwarf's Cave (Paia)
Wade and scramble through a long lava tube with a village guide and a torch. - Mu Pagoa Falls (Puleia)
A rare waterfall that plunges straight off the lava coast into the ocean. - Falealupo Rainforest Preserve (Falealupo)
A village owned rainforest at the western tip of Samoa, famous for conservation. - Manase lagoon snorkelling (Manase)
Easy snorkelling over sand and coral in a calm lagoon at high tide.
Arts and Culture
- Cape Mulinu'u (Falealupo)
The westernmost point of Samoa, where legend says spirits leave for the underworld. - Safotu churches (Safotu)
Three large churches stand side by side in one village, a vivid sign of faith on Savai'i.
Shopping and Markets
- Salelologa Market (Salelologa)
Savai'i's main market by the ferry wharf, for fruit, snacks and lavalava.
Things to Do
- Savai'i bus ride (Salelologa)
Ride the colourful buses around the island road from the market terminal. - Mulifanua to Salelologa ferry (Apolima Strait)
The crossing between the two islands, with views of Manono and Apolima on the way.
Restaurants
- Fale meals at Manase (Manase)
Most fales include dinner and breakfast, so you eat simple Samoan home cooking with other guests.
Events
- Sunday service on Savai'i (Villages across Savai'i)
Hear rich harmonies in a village church, welcome to respectful visitors.
Places to Visit in Manono
Things to Do
- Manono Island walk (Manono)
A gentle walk around the car-free island on a coastal path through four villages. - Boat from Manono-uta (Manono-uta, Upolu)
Small open boats leave from the shore near the Upolu ferry wharf for the short ride over.
Arts and Culture
- Grave of 99 Stones (Lepuia'i, Manono)
A chief's grave marked with one stone for each of his wives, as island legend tells. - Manono village life (Manono)
Watch weaving, fishing and church choirs in villages where life moves at walking pace.
Nature and Outdoors
- Manono lagoon snorkelling (Manono)
Clear shallow water around the island with small reef fish.
Restaurants
- Fale meals on Manono (Manono)
Fresh fish, taro and palusami cooked by your host family.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Lake Lanoto'o (Central Upolu highlands, Apia)
A guided muddy hike through cloud forest to a crater lake said to hold wild goldfish. - Manu Samoa rugby at Apia Park (Apia Park, Apia)
Watch the national rugby team or a local match with a loud, joyful home crowd. - Bistro Tatau (Apia, Apia)
Modern Pacific dishes made with local fish and produce in a stylish dining room. - Sails Restaurant (Beach Road, Apia, Apia)
Seafood with harbour views from an upstairs veranda in a historic waterfront building. - Scalinis Restaurant (Apia, Apia)
Italian dishes and cocktails in a relaxed spot popular with visitors. - Nourish Café (Apia, Apia)
Fresh, healthy breakfasts and smoothies made with local fruit and Samoan coffee. - Milani Caffe (Apia, Apia)
Good espresso and cakes in a busy café, a handy stop between errands. - Y Not Bar (Beach Road, Apia, Apia)
A seafront bar for a cold Vailima beer and sunset over the harbour. - RSA Club (Beach Road, Apia, Apia)
A no-frills local club with cheap drinks, pool tables and live music at weekends. - Plantation House (Alafua, Apia, Apia)
A peaceful guesthouse in tropical gardens above town, good for a quiet first night. - Tiapapata Art Centre (Tiapapata, Apia)
A working art and craft studio in the hills where Samoan artists show painting, carving and printmaking. - Plantation House Shop (Apia, Apia)
Locally made siapo, carvings and clothing chosen with care, an easy place for gifts. - Uafato Conservation Area (Uafato, north east Upolu, Apia)
A remote village and coastal rainforest known for ifilele trees used in kava bowls and carving. - Insel Fehmarn Hotel (Moto'otua, Apia, Apia)
A long running hillside hotel with a pool and views over the town. - Aga Reef Resort (Ulutogia, Aleipata, Lalomanu)
Stylish villas on a quiet stretch of the east coast near Lalomanu. - Seabreeze Resort (Aufaga, Lalomanu)
An adults focused boutique resort on a small, sheltered cove. - Tsunami memorial at Lalomanu (Lalomanu, Lalomanu)
A quiet memorial to the lives lost on this coast in the 2009 tsunami. - Vavau Beach (Vavau, south coast, Lalomanu)
A beautiful village beach with gentle snorkelling, where you pay a small custom fee to the family. - Taufua fiafia night (Lalomanu, Lalomanu)
A beachside evening of Samoan dancing and fire knives put on for guests. - Aleipata islands boat trip (Aleipata, Lalomanu)
Ask your fale about a boat out to the offshore islets for snorkelling and empty beaches. - Le Vasa Resort (Cape Fatuosofia, Lefaga)
A seafront resort facing Manono near the ferry wharf, handy for Savai'i trips. - Virgin Cove (Mulivai, Safata, Lefaga)
A secluded cove of rock pools and white sand on the south west coast. - Salamumu Beach Fales (Salamumu, Lefaga)
Simple family beach fales on a quiet bay, popular with surfers and slow travellers. - Maninoa Surf Camp (Maninoa, Siumu, Lefaga)
A surf camp of beach fales with boat trips to reef breaks. - Paradise Beach picnic fales (Lefaga, Lefaga)
Hire a village picnic fale for the day and bring your own lunch. - Lefaga village church (Lefaga, Lefaga)
A bright village church where visitors are welcome at Sunday service, dressed modestly. - Siumu roadside stalls (Siumu, Lefaga)
Pick up bananas, coconut and cooked snacks from family stalls on the coast road. - Sinalei's Gourmet restaurant (Siumu, Lefaga)
Seafood over the water by lamplight at Sinalei Reef Resort. - Lusia's Lagoon Chalets (Lano, east Savai'i, Manase)
Wooden chalets over a lagoon where turtles feed, run by a welcoming family. - Pulemelei Mound (Palauli, Manase)
The largest ancient stone mound in Polynesia, hidden in forest; access depends on local permission. - Mount Matavanu crater walk (Above Safotu, Manase)
A guided walk to the rim of the volcano that made the Saleaula lava flows. - Peapea Cave (Letui, Manase)
A lava tube cave by the road where swiftlets nest in the darkness. - Falealupo Canopy Walkway (Falealupo, Manase)
A walkway and banyan tree platform above the forest; check its condition before you go. - Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Reserve (Tafua, south east Savai'i, Manase)
A crater and rainforest where flying foxes roost, best visited with a village guide. - Pa Tasi star mound (Manono hilltop, Manono)
An ancient star shaped stone mound on the island's hilltop, reached with a local guide. - Sunset View Fales (Manono, Manono)
Simple beach fales with home cooked meals and sunsets over Apolima. - Vaotuua Beach Fales (Manono, Manono)
Family run fales on a quiet stretch of sand with no cars and few visitors. - Apolima Island (Apolima Strait, Manono)
A tiny volcanic island inside a crater, reached only by small boat and with the village's permission.