The most beautiful natural sites to discover Leeward Islands

Point Tereia hosts the only beach on the main island, and what a beach it is! The landscapes are worthy of the most beautiful postcards. The Mimi snack, good and cheap, is a good source of sustenance. You can then reach the motu Auira, just opposite, in 20 minutes of walking (water up to mid-thigh in principle, maxi up to the waist). At the end of the point of the beach, turn around and look at the peaks of Maupiti: the relief doesn't evoke anything to you? Not even a pregnant woman? Ask if you can't decipher this beautiful gift from Mother Nature!

The mountains of Raiatea are little Steep and allow easy hikes, but there are few trails: also advise us to take a guide, especially since it can give you a lot of information about history, botany, legends…

We recommend Gérard (✆ +689 73 96 48), a greedy guide.

Let's start with the Three Cascades. We're starting from Km 5, east coast, for 4 to 6 hours of relatively easy walks, except a few slippery passages, amidst a rich tropical vegetation (giant ferns, mape, bamboo…). You can bathe at the end: supreme reward after effort! This trip is recommended for a short stay in Raiatea.

The second trip takes you to the Faaroa valley. Counting between 4 and 8 hours of walking according to your rhythm is rather easy. This is in fact a number of different loops, as you wish. There are several archaeological sites that once inhabited and lovers of botany will be happy. Closed for a while, this circuit is again possible.

The last hike wins Mount Temehani Nui. The advantage of passing through a guide is that one can start from one point (e. g. the PK 12 on the west coast) to arrive across the island, at KP 2 on the east coast. This thus prevents us from coming back. This hike is aimed at the good walkers. We cross pine forests (possibility of bivouac along the river). Magnificent show at the summit: You can admire Tahaa, Huahine, Bora Bora and even Maupiti in the distance. The hiking takes about 8 hours, with 820 m of difference. Possibility of swimming. Attention: It's not sure you'll have the chance to discover the famous Endémique tiara, don't count too much on it.