Tafea

Tafea is the southernmost of Vanuatu's six provinces and takes its name from its five main islands: Tanna, Aniwa, Futuna, Erromango and Aneityum. Its capital, Isangel, and the larger town of Lenakel are both on Tanna, the most populated island and the main base for visitors.

Mount Yasur on Tanna is the region's defining attraction, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, where visitors can look down into a continuously active crater. Surrounding the volcano, kastom villages, cargo-cult traditions, black-sand beaches and the Blue Cave give Tafea a strong cultural and natural identity.

Beyond Tanna, Erromango is the largest island in the province and was historically a centre of the sandalwood trade, while Aneityum's Mystery Island is a popular cruise stop. Futuna and Aniwa remain quieter and more remote, preserving village life and local languages across the outer islands.

Tourism here is focused on nature and culture rather than urban attractions, with most visitors arriving at Whitegrass Airport on Tanna after a short flight from Port Vila. The economy also depends on subsistence farming, fishing and small-scale trade.

For both leisure and business travellers, Tafea offers a slower, adventure-focused alternative to Vanuatu's capital, centred on volcano tours, diving, snorkelling and cultural experiences across its islands.