Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest of the islands in French Polynesia, part of the Society Islands archipelago. Mountainous, of volcanic origin, and covered with dense tropical vegetation, it lies in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Tahiti, along with the other islands of French Polynesia, constitutes an overseas territory of France, so travel from Poland does not require a visa, only a valid passport. Tahiti is actually two islands: Tahiti Nui, home to the main cities and major tourist attractions, and the sparsely populated Tahiti Iti. Most residents live on the larger of the two islands, where the capital, Papeete, is located, whose name means "water basket." This was once a place where Tahitians gathered to fill gourds with fresh water. Today, it boasts world-class resorts, exceptional restaurants, vibrant markets, museums, shops, and exclusive boutiques.

Tahiti – a paradise for beach and water adventure lovers

The island of Tahiti offers many attractions, especially for lovers of water sports and relaxation on the beach. Tahiti is an ideal place for people who expect not only relaxation under palm trees, but also an interesting adventure. A holiday on a paradise island does not have to be idle! Tourist resorts all over the island offer convenient conditions for lovers of water attractions. The most popular sports that can be practiced on the island include diving, surfing and water skiing. There are also many tennis courts and golf courses on the island. Tahiti also attracts hiking and climbing enthusiasts. For those looking for a moment of relaxation, there are various types of beaches available, often with black, volcanic sand, but there is also no shortage of heavenly, white beaches.

Tahiti culture and traditions – discover the heritage of the Polynesian islands

French Polynesia, apart from its tourist attractions, is also characterised by its rich culture and local traditions, which have been cultivated for centuries. Each of the islands has its own, distinct culture, which is a mixture of French, Polynesian and Asian influences. A very important and significant element of Polynesian culture is tattoos. The symbols depicted on the body have a specific meaning and tell the story of a given person. It is believed that tattoos give the wearer strength, power and wisdom. In Polynesian tradition, tattoos are a sign of beauty. In the past, tattoos were an important part of rituals related to entering adulthood. Dance and music are also very important elements of Polynesian life. In the past, dance referred to all aspects of life. People danced in honour of the gods, to welcome guests and even to defeat the enemy. The tradition of dance is still cultivated, and Polynesians have fun to the accompaniment of various instruments, including flutes and drums. The people of Tahiti are also known for their craftsmanship. They create wooden figures and sculptures, and attach great importance to flowers, which they use to decorate people, houses and streets. The most popular flower is the gardenia, also called the Tahitian flower, which has become the official symbol of the island. Tourists who come to the island are customarily greeted with a necklace of these beautiful flowers.

Activities in Tahiti – diving, surfing and discovering the mysterious nature

French Polynesia is characterized by a very rich underwater fauna and flora. There are cetaceans, dolphins, sharks and various species of fish, thanks to which one of the most popular attractions on the islands is diving. There are many interesting diving spots in Tahiti, for example the so-called aquarium, located inside the lagoon, with two wrecks of sailing ships and an airplane and a coral reef, as well as an underwater cave located east of Papeete. On the other hand, people who do not feel comfortable underwater can take part in a cruise to meet ocean creatures, during which they will admire, for example, whales.

Fans of other water sports will also be pleased, as French Polynesia offers a wide range of them. You can take part in more sedate activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, while for those looking for more excitement, surfing is ideal. The best time to surf in Tahiti is from May to August, during the dry season. The south and southwest coast, where there are no reefs, has huge waves similar to those in Hawaii. Another popular time to surf is from October to March, when the waves come from the north and are better for less experienced surfers, as they are not as strong. While the best place to surf for professionals is definitely Teahupoo, good surfing can be found all over the island of Tahiti.

A guide to the most beautiful beaches in Tahiti – blissful laziness and unforgettable views

As the largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti boasts miles of beautiful coastline. The beaches are diverse, so there’s something for everyone: from hidden black sand coves to vast stretches of beautiful white sand, Tahiti has it all! While many beaches attract surfers, there are also many others where you can relax, unwind and enjoy the beauty of the South Pacific. Tahiti is famous for its volcanic black sand beaches, and one of the most popular is Lafayette. Located just 20 minutes from Papeete, it rarely attracts crowds, making it a great place to swim and relax, and is also close to the Pearl Beach Resort, which has a world-class spa. For surfers, Papenoo is the perfect beach. It’s a quiet and rarely visited beach that impresses with its natural beauty. Another famous black sand beach is Point Venus on the northern tip of the island. This area of ​​Tahiti is known as the historic landing site of explorers Captain Cook and Captain William Bligh. In 1796, an astronomical phenomenon called the Transit of Venus was observed here, where the planet Venus passed in front of the sun.

White sand beaches are rare in Tahiti. For those looking for beautiful, light sand, Toaroto Beach is one of the best stretches of white sand on the island, and its protected waters are perfect for diving and swimming. It is worth going snorkeling here, as there are many species of fish among the reefs. Another of the white beaches is Teahupoo, the surfing centre of Tahiti, where surfers from all over the world gather to ride the legendary waves. However, it is not a good place for beginners - the waves are usually 2-3 metres, but sometimes even reach 7 metres.

True Tahitian hospitality – luxury hotels and local culinary experiences

An important part of the Polynesian heritage is the cuisine, which is a result of the fusion of influences from various cultures, especially the French. Local specialties are based on ingredients found in the region, such as seafood, fish, rice, and various tropical fruits. Similar to France, sweet breakfasts are served on the islands of French Polynesia. Locals eat baguettes and croissants, served with jam, chocolate or toffee sauce. Among the typical dishes of this country, poisson cru stands out, which is raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and coconut milk. Another local dish is pua toro, a dish prepared with canned beef. The beef is fried in a pan with chopped red onion, cabbage, canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, garlic, oil, salt and pepper. The favorite dish of Tahitians is ahima'a. The basic product is pork and poultry, which is lightly greased with oil, as well as bananas, fish and vegetables. The ingredients are wrapped in leaves and then placed in an oven called ahima'a. This is a hole in the ground filled with volcanic stones that heat and cook the food. This method of preparation makes the dish truly unique and delicious. A typical dessert in Tahiti is the so-called poi, a Tahitian pudding made from banana purée mixed with brown sugar and carrots. The pudding should be baked until it is hard and bubbling. The cooled dessert should be cut into cubes and served with coconut cream. The most popular drink in Tahiti is a cocktail of brown and white rum with grenadine, lime and orange and almond liqueur, called maitai.

Your stay on this paradise island can be enhanced not only by excellent cuisine, but also by an exceptional hotel. One of our suggestions is an elegant and modernly furnished hotel Le Meridien Tahiti. The hotel is situated amidst tropical gardens, on a beautiful white sandy beach. The hotel offers spacious rooms with garden, ocean or lagoon views and bungalows located directly on the waters of the lagoon. Another proposal is the luxurious and elegant hotel InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. The hotel is set in 12 hectares of tropical gardens. There are two infinity pools with a sandy bottom and a jacuzzi, and the list of facilities and additional activities is truly impressive.