Facts and figures about Tahiti:

• Number of inhabitants : 200 000
• Surface area : 1 042 km2
• Number of foodtrucks per km2: 32
• Number of flower lei sold each Friday night: 417

3 reasons why you should come to Tahiti:

• SAO biscuits turn out to be way cheaper than in any other island
• To act as a food critic in every gourmet restaurant
• Make the most of Papeete’s nightlife and dance long enough to come early to the market

It is undeniably the most famous and the most crowded island of them all, and yet, some are kind of reluctant to spend a few days in Tahiti, preferring its second cousins from remote archipelagos. But, come on, who said Tahiti was overrated?

Well, one must admit that, with a bit more than 200,000 inhabitants, it turns out to be the least quiet of its siblings. The truth is, one must wait a bit longer at the food truck. To peacefully take a sunbath, you’d better wake up early or walk a bit further on the warm sandy beach to find the right place to spread your pe’ue.

One can also blame it for its traffic jam issue, namely during rush hour… But, isn’t it the right time to listen to a new podcast or get in the mood on Hiti FM and work on your dance moves?

You get it, despite these tiny irritating points, Tahiti happens to be very charming and has several advantages. And, if so many of us have settled here, don’t you think the living conditions must be on fleek? It would be a shame not to schedule a stopover by the capital city of French Polynesia.

You know what they say: “when it comes to love, you don’t count the cost,” which is why we chose to enumerate a few reasons why you should book your ticket to Tahiti right away and spend a few days with us. There’s something like the perfect bite; we intended to create the perfect day…

The Papeete Market:

Rise and shine, early bird, wake up with the rooster’s crow—it’s about time to visit the Papeete market. Well, first of all, let’s try to push your way through the crowd, in between the stalls, because it seems like we are not alone… But, you know, there is no better way to find fresh parrotfish. A quick stop by the ma’a Tahiti stand and, a few punnets of po’e, taro, and poulet fafa later, here comes the Asian corner. We hate this part as well, but you’ll have to make a choice between nems, dumplings, and samosas. And, if we have any advice, do not forget to pick a peanut fong pan for the road… If everything goes well, your keen sense of smell should lead you to the tiny shop next to the Liberty cinema. They make the best pua’a rôtie in the whole town. And remember, if the line goes down the street, it’s probably a good sign…

If you wander nearby long enough, or if you were not brave enough to wake up before dawn, now you might see the mamas starting to bustle about the market, probably busy weaving pae’ore baskets or braiding shell necklaces. That’s the beauty of it: each and every stall is adorned with gorgeous colors, musicians start singing local songs as they play the ukulele, pearls are mixed with stones and mother-of-pearl, and the scent of monoi progressively fills the air… If vacation were a fragrance, it would be it.

Jump in your rental car, we take you for a ride around the island!

Whether you come from Los Angeles or Atlanta, it’s as easy as pie—just drive along the ring road. On one side, you shall see the mountain, and on the other side, it has to be the lagoon… And if you want to find your way about, just follow the mileposts by the side of the road and start counting the speed bumps and coconut trees…

The Mara’a Caves:

Ain’t that a parking lot over there? Right between the towns of Paea and Papara, a dozen cars are always to be found parked on the seaside, much to our surprise… Well done, Sherlock, if one takes a look at the other side of the road, they may find the Mara’a caves, which is the closest to a local version of a rest area. It’s kind of an essential prerequisite when you go around the island, a most refreshing break when you are halfway there. One comes here to loosen up their calf muscles, shade oneself from the sun as they speak about botany, and fill their flasks at the fountain by the entry. As for you, if you feel like walking a bit, there is also a (steep) beaten track at the rear (we are told that, once you reach the top, the landscape and swing would make the most perfect Instagram feed).

The Vaima Freshwater Spring:

On a warm day, it is highly recommended to stop by Teva i Uta. Once again, if you have no instinct and no GPS, the 4WDs parked on the side of the road are a great indicator that you have reached your destination. That, and the noise of children shouting as they jump into the river… If you are not sensitive to cold, just do like everyone else and take some time to bathe, even if you keep your clothes on—that’s the local style…

Besides, it is unlikely, but if you are already hungry, you should go across the road, just a few meters away, find a table at O Tumu Mape and order a mango tuna carpaccio and a bottle of clitonnade. Thank us later…

The Vaipahi Water Gardens

If you are into fauna and flora, the Vaipahi water gardens might catch your attention. Time to brag a bit and impress your friends and relatives by explaining the virtues of the rea moeruru and warning them about the myconia and how it endangers local species. Otherwise, walking after eating is always a good idea, especially when one is surrounded by flowers. Plus, that’s probably the closest you could get.

Point Venus Beach

The very first explorers arrived right here, in the heart of Matavai Bay. It is inconceivable to come to Tahiti and not stop by Point Venus. First, because you can hardly miss it with its big white lighthouse, contrasting with its black sand beach. Then, because from a cultural and historical perspective, it is the equivalent of an open-air museum. Besides, the view over the sunset and the island of Moorea is quite pleasant, to say the least. Eventually, but that is our ultimate resource if you are not yet convinced, every weekend, you are pretty sure to find ice creams, tacos, and even takoyaki sometimes!

The Papeno’o Valley

If you haven’t booked a 4WD tour, including a guide specialized in endemic species, a homemade picnic by the river will do! Thus, it requires: a pick-up, fine bread, and a classic roast chicken bought on your way… As for the rest of the day, it’s your turn to improvise. Most islands envy Tahiti for the diversity of its landscapes, these greens shading off into each other, these gorgeous waterfalls. Try to make the most of it!

The Trou du Souffleur (Anahoho Blowhole)

It is indisputably the most touristic spot on the island, but it is certainly quite impressive… Heavy swell knocking on the cliffs, rushing into the Anahoho cave, and resulting in a surprising geyser. That will give you a few long-lasting memories.