The 5-Day Samoa Itinerary You’ve Been Waiting For

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Quick Tips to Remember

• The best time to visit Samoa is often May through October as this is the dry season. If you want to make the most of the beaches and waterfalls, go on the fringe of these so that the waterfalls are still flowing.
• Renting your own car or transportation is often recommended to make it easier to get around.
• The Samoan Tala (WST) is the primary currency. Remember to have some cash on hand for your excursions into villages and smaller markets. Our team at Travel Money can help you secure the right amount before you depart.
• Dress modestly when you’re in villages - cover your shoulders and knees.
• Always ask before taking photos of locals or in sacred areas, and be advised that Sundays are sacred. Most shops are closed and swimming may be discouraged in some villages.
• Lastly, drink bottled water where you can. Due to the infrastructure, the tap water may not always be safe for consumption.

It’s your first day and so as well as adjusting to the climate, you’ll be doing some sightseeing and exploring local markets. After landing at Faleolo Airport, you’ll check into Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort in Apia and get settled in.

Morning

Your first stop will be to the bustling Fugalei Market, where you’ll sample palusami and fresh niu. Palusami is a delicious corned beef with onion, garlic and coconut cream, wrapped in big taro leaves and traditionally cooked in a lovo. Niu on the other hand, is just a fresh, young coconut that is perfect for drinking. Providing you both refreshment and sustenance, it’s a quintessential island experience!

Afternoon

As the sun reaches midday, and after grabbing lunch at the Fugalei Market, you’ll head along to the stately and colonial-style manor that houses the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, followed by a trek up to his grave on Mt Vaea. If you’re after something a little less expeditious, then a wander through the Falemata’aga Museum of Samoa is a good bet, to take in local heritage and culture and learn more about Samoa!

Alternatively, if you didn’t fancy lunch at the market and are all in for a full cultural immersion then head along to the Samoa Cultural Village! You’ll be treated to an umu feast of fish and other seafood such as octopus, along with pork, chicken, lamb, taro, bananas and other vegetables - along with captivating performances by locals. A must-do for anyone wanting to experience Samoan culture!

Evening

Return back to the resort for evening and book in at Feast Restaurant. You’ll be treated to a buffet or a la carte (your choice) for dinner in an open-air setting that celebrates the best local and international cuisine. We recommend enquiring with staff at the resort to learn about Fiafia nights or other cultural performances that may happen nearby.

Today is all about iconic venues and gorgeous waterfalls. After you wake, at your leisure, and have breakfast you’ll be heading out to explore!

Morning

After breakfast you’ll want to enquire at the resort about organising a picnic that you can bring with you, as you’ll be heading out and about! Heading south for about an hour, you’ll be visiting Fuipisia and Sopoaga Waterfalls which are glorious 50m cascading falls that end in rainforest pools. There is a tricky path that navigates up to them, so you’ll want to be extra careful with your footing. You’ll also find this is a great spot for bird watching, if that’s of interest to you!

Afternoon

Head back towards Apia and park up near the To-Sua Ocean Trench for that picnic lunch you’ve packed and gaze upon the iconic azure sinkhole that attracts people from across the globe! This iconic and highly instagrammable location is accessible via a long ladder that descends down into the sinkhole. It’s a great way to cool off, and it’s guaranteed to make for some cool pictures!

Evening

Returning back to Apia, and after you’ve showered and freshened up at the resort, you’ll want to book in for dinner at Paddles Restaurant. Offering a taste of local Samoan cuisine with a blend of western classics, you’ll eat exceedingly well, mere metres back from the water!

Halfway through your trip, and it’s time to hop islands for some exploration! Today is about discovering natural wonders, experiencing Samoan spiritual expression, and rounding out with delicious local cuisine.

Morning

Have an early breakfast and then jump on the early ferry to Savai’i! This roughly 60-minute long ferry ride departs from Mulifanua wharf. Once there, you’ll want to head along to the Afu Aau Falls - also known as the Olemoe falls. This magnificent waterfall is a spectacle that plunges from the rainforest deep into a freshwater swimming pool! The pool is extremely deep, however is very shallow towards the outer rim.

Tip: You can arrange a shuttle to pick you up from the resort and take you to the wharf, and vice-versa.

Afternoon

Journey along to the Alofaaga Blowholes - also known as the Taga Blowholes - a natural feature on the south west coast. These impressive blowholes propel roaring jets of water hundreds of feet up into the air. They’re particularly worth watching when the locals decide to throw coconuts into the holes - as you’ll see them rocket up into the air!

While there, check out the Pa Sopo’ia Cave as well. It is a sacred spot believed by locals to be the ancient pathway where the ancestors’ spirits travel to reach the Devil’s Haden at Cape Mulinu’u - a final meeting place before they pass over into the Spirit World. Ask the locals to show you the way!

Evening

Get back to your ferry at the allocated time, and you’ll be setting off back for Apia. Once back, head along to Bella’s Kitchen or Bistro Tatau Restaurant. Both set on Beach Road (so you already know it’s going to be a vibe), you’ll dine excellently on delicious local fare! Bistro Tatau Restaurant also offers options for a private dining room, as well as excellent vegan options. 

Today is all about cultural immersion and beach exploration. Head along to the eastern end of Upolu to experience a day of relaxation!

Morning

From your resort, you’ll want to make your way east to the beautiful Uafato Village in Fagaloa Bay. It’s about 1h10m to drive there, but goes along much of the coast offering gorgeous ocean views! The people of Uafato are well known for their exquisite wood carvings and woven crafts, and you’ll get to observe them creating these marvels. Plus, it’s a key biodiversity area containing endangered bird species such as the Manumea and Mao.

Afternoon

Wander down towards Ma’ota or Lalomanu Beaches where you’ll be able to stop and have some lunch whilst you relax on gorgeous white sands, and float in crystal clear waters. You’ll feel truly rejuvenated after letting the salt waters soak into your skin and bathing in the sunlight! If you’re game, you can also get snorkelling equipment and dive beneath the waves to observe the marine world that waits below!

Evening

Your final evening in Samoa should be a special one, and so tonight you’ll want to book the Siva Afi Entertainment Dinner Show. Along with a spread of delicious food, you’ll be treated to a Fire Knife Dancer show. If you’re feeling brave, then earlier in the day you can attend a workshop to learn how to Fire Knife dance and you can be part of the show later that evening! This could be a really unique way to surprise the family, or friends, as you get up to dance and perform for them.

Added extra: If you’re eager to stay out this way for the evening, then consider booking a Lalomanu fale for your final night. This overnight beachfront experience will see you falling asleep to the sound of the rolling tide and waking up to the morning light glinting off the ocean!

Your last day in Samoa is your final chance to explore the area, browse local stores and sample different cuisine. Depending on what time your flight departs, you’ll need to adapt the below a little bit to make it work!

Morning

If you stay at Lalomanu beach overnight, then you’ll wake up and be straight into the surf for a sunrise wake up swim. Otherwise, if you stayed at the resort, then take one final trek down to the To Sua Trench for a final dip. Head back into Apia and pop into one of the local cafes for a late morning breakfast or brunch.

Afternoon

Explore local boutiques and choose some souvenirs to take back home with you from your trip. If time allows then visit Fugalei Market or Savalalo Flea Market - they are great bets for finding something unique to purchase.

For something more special, a visit to any Boutique Fashion store such as Eveni, Tanoa, Janets or Pacific Jewel where you might discover something extra appealing! Plus, take the chance to visit one of the beachside cafes for some casual lunchtime fare.

Evening

If time permits, then take some leisure time before your flight. Head to Apia markets and browse for some souvenirs to take back home with you. Savour one last sip of coconut on the beach

Ready to book? Get in touch with a Flight Centre Travel Expert today to explore incredible holiday options, and make your Samoa travel dreams a reality!