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Afforded with an abundance of unspoilt tropical landscapes, Samoa combines off-the-beaten-track adventure with peace and tranquillity. And, with ten unique islands to choose from, there’s a piece of paradise for every traveller to call their own. Whether you want to navigate the lava tubes of extinct volcanic fields or simply spend time relaxing beside the sea, this Polynesian archipelago is sure to impress.

Plan your Samoa holiday with Virgin Australia today and discover the beauty of the South Pacific.

Samoa Attractions

Upolu Island

Home to Samoa’s capital city, Apia, Upolu Island is the gateway to Samoa’s lush tropical landscapes. And while it offers more hustle and bustle than Samoa’s smaller isles, there’s still plenty of beaches, reef beds and rainforests to counter balance its cosmopolitan side. From quaint coastal villages to vibrant, inner-city markets, Upolu Island offers travellers the perfect introduction to Samoan culture.

Old Apia Market

Simply known as the Flea Market to the island’s locals, this charming collection of kiosks and stallholders is the ideal place to shop for souvenirs, from hand-woven baskets and kava bowls to traditional Samoan dresses. Located just a 10-minute walk from Apia’s food market, Maketi Fou, visitors can get their fill of handicrafts and fresh produce all in one trip at this thriving community bazaar.

Piula Cave Pool

Situated on the northern shores of Upolu Island, this natural freshwater pool sits between the historic Methodist Theological College and the sea. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, Piula Cave Pool is connected to a second lagoon, which can be reached by brave swimmers through a submerged, three-metre lava tube.

Savaii Island

The largest and most mountainous island in Samoa’s archipelago, Savaii is home to a diverse collection of landscapes, from soaring mountain ranges and lava fields to secluded white-sand beaches. Equally endowed with modern resorts, restaurants and bars, this popular tourist destination has something to keep every type of traveller entertained.

Aganoa Beach

Coveted by sunbathers, snorkelers and scuba divers alike, this pristine stretch of sand on Savaii Island’s east coast is perhaps best known for its surf, with a powerful reef break located just offshore. Former host to international surfing competition, the Pacific Games, Aganoa Beach routinely sees surfers of all skill levels flock to its shores.

Samoan Culture

A vibrant culture more than 3,000 years in the making, Samoans embrace a lifestyle centred around three key pillars: chiefs, family and church. For visitors, this celebration of traditional values translates into the welcoming hospitality the country has become known for, along with spirited community rituals including ceremonies, song and dance. Out of respect for the Samoan way, also known as Fa’a Samoa, travellers planning to visit local villages should get acquainted with local cultural practices and customs before arrival.

Samoan Food

Founded in an appreciation of local resources, this tropical cuisine is also an integral part of Samoan culture, bringing friends and family together to enjoy the spoils of the landscape. Consisting largely of home-grown island produce and fresh-caught fish, visitors to Samoa can expect to enjoy everything from tuna, snapper and octopus to papaya, coconut and taro. And while every village has their own take on Samoa’s traditional foods, there are a handful of dishes every traveller should sample. Dig in to oka – a coconut-cured raw fish dish similar to ceviche – or try palusami – a delicacy of young taro leaves baked in coconut cream. Not one for local cuisine? Many hotels and resorts also offer a wide selection of international fare, so there’s no need to venture too far beyond your comfort zone.

Samoa Weather

While Samoa enjoys the benefit of warm weather all year round, there are two distinct seasons travellers should be mindful of. The dry season, which runs from May to October, sees clear and sunny conditions, while the wet season, which runs from November to April, brings greater risk of rain, storms and cyclones. Despite the change in precipitation, however, temperatures in Samoa remain steady around 29 degrees Celsius, with light summer clothing appropriate no matter the season.

Arriving in Samoa

When you arrive at Faleolo International Airport, there are a number of transport options available to help you kick start your Samoan adventure. If you’re arriving before 5:00pm, a local bus service provides direct transfers to Apia, while taxis can be hired for easy access to the city centre any time of day. Many local hotels and resorts also offer airport shuttles, which can be organised prior to arrival.

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Flying to Samoa - Quick facts

Plane	Boeing 737-800
Airport	Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Airport transfer time	50mins to Apia
Average direct flight time	5hrs
Timezone	GMT +13
Cabins	Business, Economy

Frequently asked questions – Flights to Samoa

How long is the flight to Samoa?

Virgin Australia operates direct flights from Brisbane and Sydney to Samoa, with the average non-stop flight time typically around 5 hours. Flights from other major Australian cities will require a stopover in either Brisbane or Sydney.

Flights from Sydney to Samoa - 5h 15m
Flights from Brisbane to Samoa - 4h 45m
Flights from Melbourne to Samoa - 6h 50m^
Flights from Adelaide to Samoa - 7h 15m^
Flights from Perth to Samoa - 9h 25m^

^ Excludes stopover time.

*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arive at your destination.

How far is it to Samoa by plane?

On a direct Virgin Australia flight from either Sydney or Brisbane, you will travel roughly 4,000 kilometres to Samoa.

Which airport will I fly into Samoa?

Virgin Australia flies into Faleolo International airport (APW) in Apia, Samoa.