The 6 Best Places To Live In Vanuatu For Expats
Posted by Maris on 6th Mar 2024
According to our rankings, Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, Luganville, Tanna Island, Ambrym Island, and Pentecost Island are the top six destinations in Vanuatu for foreign visitors. There is something for everyone in these locations, regardless of whether you want the quiet of a seaside town or the bustle of a city.
For those seeking adventure, Vanuatu offers a distinctively stimulating environment with its breathtaking beaches, verdant rainforests, and dynamic culture. It makes sense that expats looking for a new place to call home have come to love this breathtaking archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.
Vanuatu has an inexpensive cost of living and a stable political environment. It's hardly surprising that a large number of foreigners now call it home given the friendly residents and relaxed way of life. Vanuatu may therefore be the ideal destination for you if you're looking for fresh experiences or a change of pace.
Port Vila
Vanuatu's Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is a great place for foreigners to live because of its breathtaking natural setting, vibrant cultural environment, and wide range of tourist attractions. With a population of about 50,000, Port Vila is the capital and largest town in the nation.
Port Vila is surrounded by immaculate coral reefs, lush tropical woods, and breathtaking beaches. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as swimming, diving, and fishing. It's also worthwhile to explore the surrounding volcanic lakes and waterfalls, like Lake Letas, Nanda Blue Hole, and Mele Cascades.
Port Vila presents a distinctive fusion of Pacific and European influences, with a blend of Ni-Vanuatu, French, English, Chinese, and Vietnamese cultures. Through local music, art, food, and festivals like the yearly Vanuatu Fest Nao cultural event, expatriates can enjoy this diversity.
Espiritu Santo
Because of its natural beauty, rich history and culture, outdoor activities, environmental preservation, and modern conveniences, foreigners adore Espiritu Santo, or just Santo. The largest island and second-largest town in Vanuatu are located in the northern region of the archipelago.
Santo is blessed with beautiful scenery, immaculate beaches, and crystal-clear waters by nature. Divers and snorkelers consider the island to be one of the best places to go because of the surrounding coral reefs.
The island was an important American military installation during World War II, and there are still traces of this history visible there. Santo also organizes a number of annual cultural festivals that feature traditional attire, music, and dance from the many indigenous groups.
Expats can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in Santo, including biking, hiking, and kayaking. A well-liked site where guests can investigate an underground river system is the Millennium Cave.
In conclusion, Santo is a contemporary town that offers foreigners all the conveniences they require, such as stores, dining alternatives, healthcare centers, and lodging choices, making it the perfect area to establish a permanent residence.
Luganville
Situated on the island of Espiritu Santo, Luganville is the third-largest town in Vanuatu and a popular destination for foreign visitors because of its laid-back atmosphere, amiable residents, and stunning natural surroundings.
Throughout the year, Luganville organizes a number of cultural events, including the July Vanuatu Independence Day celebrations and the Vanuatu Agricultural Show, which features regional produce and handicrafts.
Surrounded by lush rainforest, the town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the world, including the SS President Coolidge, one of the largest intact wreck dives in the world.
Additionally, Luganville has a number of hiking paths and waterfalls that are well worth exploring. Overall, Luganville is a warm and inviting town that is accommodating to foreigners. English is widely spoken, and there is a vibrant expat community that plans social events and get-togethers.
Tanna Island
Tanna Island offers foreigners a peaceful and pleasant way of life, while not being as developed as its nearby islands. Tanna Island is a secret treasure that is well worth discovering because of its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine environment, rich traditional culture, and friendly residents.
Tanna Island, a little but magnificent island with amazing natural wonders, lies tucked away in the southern part of the Vanuatu archipelago and is a haven for nature lovers.
The islanders' daily rituals and remarkable ceremonies, such as the well-known John Frum ceremony, demonstrate their continued adherence to their traditional culture. Tanna Island is a wonderful option for foreigners looking for a tranquil living in the middle of nature.
It is very easy for foreigners to integrate into the community and feel at home because of how friendly and welcoming the residents are. For those looking to escape the bustle of the big city, Tanna Island is the perfect place to go because of its serene atmosphere and lots of chances to get back in touch with nature.
Ambrym Island
Ambrym Island is a great spot for expats seeking a serene and dreamlike way of life. Vanuatu's Ambrym Island is a volcanic island that provides travelers with a distinctive off-the-beaten-path experience. The island is well-known for its untainted beaches, rocky landscape, and welcoming residents.
Ambrym Island is a nature lover's heaven with its untamed interior that features amazing waterfalls, deep jungles, and lava tunnels. The island is a great place for swimming, diving, and snorkeling because it has a lot of hiking routes and a diverse array of marine life.
Furthermore, Ambrym Island maintains a vibrant traditional culture that is observed to this day. On important occasions, the renowned Rom Dance is performed, giving the inhabitants a chance to display their distinctive traditions and customs.
Because of its isolation, Ambrym Island is a great place for foreigners seeking a genuine, uncluttered existence away from the distractions of contemporary city life. The isolation of the island has contributed to the preservation of its customs and way of life.
Lastly, the people that live on Ambrym Island are renowned for being hospitable, friendly, and welcoming. Foreigners will rapidly become a part of the community and have plenty of chances to pick up knowledge from the locals.
Pentecost Island
Pentecost Island, located in central Vanuatu, is well-known among foreign visitors not just for its breathtaking scenery, captivating coral reefs, and breathtaking waterfalls, but also for its distinct and intriguing culture, which is honored with the Naghol, or land diving ceremony.
One of the most distinctive cultural events in the world, the Naghol or land diving ceremony, is the reason behind Pentecost Island's popularity. The celebration, which takes place during the village's yam harvest season, which typically starts in April, involves locals jumping off towering towers while wearing only vine ropes tied around their ankles.
Foreigners relocating to Pentecost Island will rapidly become a part of the community because the islanders are renowned for being kind and friendly. They will have lots of chances to become familiar with the customs and culture of the area.
It would be nearly hard to be bored on Pentecost Island if you are an outdoor type of person. In addition to hiking, diving, fishing, and snorkeling, the island is home to a wide variety of marine species.
Pentecost Island is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers from around the globe because of its amazing coral gardens. Numerous hiking paths on the island also lead to breathtaking vistas and captivating waterfalls.
Pentecost Island offers a tranquil and relaxed lifestyle that sets it apart from other Vanuatu islands. It's the perfect place for foreigners who want a laid-back lifestyle. There are just a few tiny stores and neighborhood markets instead of fast food chains or retail centers.