Nadi - Overview

Nadi is the gateway to Fiji and sits on the western side of Viti Levu. It has a population of more than 10,000 and because of its proximity to the international airport, it essentially caters to tourists.

Once a small community of farmers and shopkeepers, Nadi has mushroomed into a mini megalopolis of approximately 20,000 inhabitants - Fiji's third-largest city. The area surrounding Nadi - a patchwork of sugar cane fields - has the highest concentration of hotels and resorts in the entire country. This is where most visitors spend a lot of their time because of its proximity to the airport (nine km from the town) and the fine weather.

Nadi town is perhaps the best place in Fiji to pick up souvenirs and there are good places to eat. Facilities include accommodation of all kinds, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and inter-island cruises.

Though the town may not appeal to everyone, the surrounding countryside is rolling and verdant, the beaches are relatively unpopulated, and the mountainous region (known as the Nausori Highlands) to the east is nothing short of spectacular. Seeing the Nausori Highlands is well worth it but roads can be rough and/or muddy and car rental agencies wouldn't be happy if they knew you had plans to explore remote areas.

Having a large Indian population, Nadi is a religious center for Muslims and Hindus. The major place of worship for Hindus is the multi- chromatic new Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple temple on the east side of town. The Hindu shrine is reportedly the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Nadi is the main international gateway into Fiji. It offers a variety of local resorts, small and large, as well as a large variety of stopover options for those travelling to the outer islands. The main beach is Nadi Bay beach. Fairly tidal and so at low tide the beach is very wide. Probably the best beach in the Nadi area is the one on Denarau Island.