by Nicole Noel*

French Polynesia has 118 islands. It seems like a lot, and it seems that – if you see one tropical island, you have seen them all. However, that is not the case with the gorgeous French Polynesia. Some of these islands stand out with their beauty, cultural or natural wonders. For sure, all of them have pristine waters and white sand beaches. All of them are perfect spots for water sports, diving and snorkelling. Still, each of them has something that makes it special.

Read on to find out more about Tahiti, Huahine, Tupai, Bora Bora, Tetiaroa, Moorea and Tikehau.

Just looking at the pictures makes me want to go there!

The Most Beautiful Islands of French Polynesia

French Polynesia

 Tahiti

French Polynesia

Being the most famous island of French Polynesia is just one of the special things about Tahiti. Another is the amazing Paul Gauguin Museum. Its interesting architecture resembles Japanese houses.

While you can find documents and works of Paul Gauguin there,  there is also enough room for the works of the local artists. One of the great things about it is that you can exit the museum and enter the gorgeous Botanical Garden.

Huahine

French Polynesia

This particular island is considered to be the cradle of the Polynesian culture and religion. It is where the ancient Polynesian royalty lived. Today, you can see the remains of the stone temples – marae. The biggest one is near the Maeve Village.

Moreover, something really remarkable waits near the Lake Fauna Nui. Fish traps made of stone are there and the legend says only descendants of the royal family are allowed to remove them. Visit Huahine and be in the presence of this amazing legend.

Tupai

It is no wonder that tons of people come to visit Tupai in order to propose to their significant other there, as this cute island is in the shape of a heart. So, all you need to do is to hire a boat, prepare a nice bottle of champagne and pop the question and then the champagne.

Bora Bora

French Polynesia

Bora Bora is actually pronounced Pora Pora, since the local language does not recognize the sound “b”. This island is famous for its luxurious overwater bungalows and the remarkable resorts and nature.

Also, a part of this island is Motu Tapu that is considered to be the most photographed isle in the South Pacific. Bora Bora is one of the most popular places offered in Tahiti holiday packages and among the most romantic places in the world.

Tetiaroa

Hardly anybody calls this island Tetiaroa. It is known world-wide as the Brando Island. Before Marlon Brando discovered it, it was a place where royalty came to rest and relax.

After he discovered it, it became one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. The island holds LEED Platinum Certification which means that it is up the highest ecology standards. This is just what Brando wanted for this amazing island.

Moorea

French Polynesia

Overwater bungalows can be found everywhere today, but it is a less known fact that they were invented right here on Moorea. This amazing island is also called the Magical Island. It is a real treat for any hiker to reach the Belvedere Lookout on this island and observe the entire island and Tahiti, as well.

Moorea stands out as one of the islands that offers the most activities – both water sports and inland activities. Also, you can learn about dolphins at the local dolphin center and enjoy whale watching, as well.

Tikehau

While the white sands and the turquoise waters are everywhere in French Polynesia, the island of Tikehau has something quite different. Namely, you can find beaches with pink sand there. It is remarkable and looks absolutely stunning. It is a real treat to get to see a sunset on the pink sand. Just imagine the colors.

French Polynesia

If you are done with enjoying the natural and the cultural heritages of French Polynesia, make sure that you visit Rangiroa, as well. It has the only winery that grows on the coral atoll. That is definitely a place where you need to take a break.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about the beautiful islands of French Polynesia, and have a look here for more of our travel guides.


This guest post is by Nicole Noel.  Nicole was born into a multicultural family and loves learning new things, traveling and exploring new cultures. She majored in French language and literature and she is a French teacher, avid traveler and yoga aficionado.  She is also a contributor to several lifestyle blogs and editor at Highstylife.com. She is passionate about sharing her experiences and research and her motto is to learn new things, share with others, have fun and stay healthy.  In her spare time, she loves to design furniture, clothes and jewellery and she also loves preparing and eating delicious food with her friends.