Visiting the Solomon Islands
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To begin your discovery of the Solomon Islands, head for Guadalcanal. This is an essential stopover, as it connects you to Honiara, the country's capital, in less than 15 minutes. Stop off at Central Market for a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, with its bars and casinos. Discover the famous Mataniko Falls, a two-hour walk away. Tenaru Falls and Borare Falls are also tourist attractions. In Guadalcanal, lush tropical forests, World War II shipwrecks, the American Memorial and the War Museum will take you back in time. For a trip back in time between sea and nature, head for Marovo Lagoon from Seghe airport. Considered the longest saltwater lagoon in the world, it is enclosed to the north by coral reefs and a hundred or so islets running 130 km in length.
The interior of the lagoon is a rich nature reserve, offering a wide range of activities: you can go kayaking, visit its bays and islets, swim with dolphins and turtles, dive to discover its fauna and the colors of its coral reefs. A 60-minute flight from Honiara, explore Gizo, capital of the Western Province and famous for its surfing and diving spots. Landing on the island will take you back 40 years. Gizo's picturesque structure, boutiques and strolling lanes make it a particularly charming place to visit. If you want to discover different ethnic groups, head for the remote village of Saeraghi. For hiking enthusiasts, a hike to Kolombangara Island or Simbo Volcano is possible. Excursions are regularly organized to Skull Island in the Vonavona lagoon to discover tombs from the headhunting period. A 15-minute boat ride away, explore Kennedy Island, and for seabed enthusiasts, slip into its warm waters for diving, snorkeling, surfing or fishing. In terms of gastronomy, the cuisine is mainly based on chicken, fish, pork, coconut and sweet potato or taro roots.
A good time to travel
The Solomon Islands are located in Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea. Their equatorial climate means that temperatures are stable throughout the year. Ranging between 30 and 31°C from November to April, and dropping by one or two degrees from May to October, the sunshine is ideal for travel every month of the year. You can swim here from January to December without fear of catching cold. However, the best time to discover the Solomon Islands is from June to October, to avoid light showers. To enjoy the sunshine and a quiet late evening, sit down at one of the best restaurants in the Solomon Islands: the King Solomon Hotel.