Nadi: the third-largest city in Fĳji and home of the country’s only international airport, Nadi is an easy trip from Suva even though it is on the exact opposite side of Viti Levu. The Sri Siva Subramaniya temple is a colourful Hindu construction, the largest such structure of its kind in the southern hemisphere and the city’s main landmark.

Head to the Capricorn Hotel most evenings for a sumptuous introduction to traditional Fĳjian music featuring ukuleles and guitars. The town features a good assortment of restaurants including Thai and Mexican.

The Levuka Community Centre holds exhibits from the Fĳji Museum, making it a worthwhile stop; while the Sacred Heart Church is an attractive colonial-era building with great sea views.

Lautoka: Fĳji’s second city also lies on the main island 100kms northwest of Suva and remains the centre of the country’s sugar-processing industry, which dates back to the colonial era. It is also a major port and home to a Hare Krishna Temple. Lautoka is encircled by picturesque plains that make ideal hiking country.

Ba: is one of the larger inland towns on Vitu Levu on the banks of the Ba river which produces excellent clams, a local delicacy. The town is best known for its sugar industry and its mosque, which both attract healthy numbers of tourists from Suva and Nadi. Ba is predominantly Indian so expect to be able to track down cheap, hearty curries.