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The climate of the group varies from tropical in the north to sub-tropical in the south. The average midday temperature in Port Vila is 29 degrees C. in summer and 25 degrees C. in winter. Rainfall is about 235 centimetres (90 inches) annually. Both the climate and arable soils are very conducive to the development of land and livestock husbandry.
Like all islands in the Pacific Rim of Fire, the archipelago lies between two side of a fault in the earth's crust which rub against each other and cause volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that can, on some occassions, be particulary impressive. The Vanuatu archipelago has countless craters of extinct and active volcanoes. Along the central line running through the archipelago are the youngest and most active of the volcanoes. Guau and Vanua Lava in the north are scarcely asleep. Aoba consists of a powerful cone jutting upwards in a single thrust to a height of 1,400 metres (4,500 feet).
The Ambrym and Lopevi volcanoes are permanently active and are highly dangerous. Lopevi was extinct for many years but became active about 50 years ago. Further to the south on the island of Tanna is Yasur, cited as the most accessible active volcano in the world. It is easily visited by road and is a major tourist attraction, especially at night.
The most importatnt islands are:
Santo Antao
It's the most north island of the archipel. The main cities there are Porto Novo and Povo Sao. The views from the mountains are immensely beautiful. If you're in Porto Novo and it's clear weather, you can even see San Vicente. There's a boatline between that island and Porto Novo.
You can also visit breweries, where they brew the national drink Grogue.
When you drive in the mountains it can occur that there's a cloud in between, and it's very special to drive through it.
Torres Islands
When the South-East Trade Winds are blowing in the far north of the archipelago the surf is up in the Torres Islands, and even if it's not, the brilliant white beaches are still worth a laze. Only four of the six main islands are populated, and the Polynesian influence is at its strongest here. They get so few visitors this way that the shops are not geared up to tourists, so you'd be wise to bring some of your own supplies. Coconut crabs, elsewhere a delicacy, constitute an important part of the local diet and you can pick them up cheaply. On Toga Island, children as young as seven smoke tobacco, using coconut crab claws as pipes. Hand stencils are visible on the walls at Yeyenwu Caves on Hiu Island, the northernmost island in the group, and they will keep stalactite and stalacmite buffs entertained for hours. You can see Vanikolo in the Solomons from Mt Wonvaraon on Hiu. Flights leave from Luganville for Linua, and from there you can get around in outrigger canoes or speedboats.
Gaua Island
Dominated by Mt Garet, which puffs steam, ash, sulphur and smoke into the air, Gaua Island is renowned for its natural beauty. Lake Letas lies on an ash plain at the top of the mountain, and the lake's extraordinary ability to carry the reflection of passing ships hundreds of metres below has earned it the more prosaic name of Lake Reflection. At 7km (4.3mi) long, it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the South Pacific, although volcanic sulphur has stained the waters orange-brown. Thousands of birds come here to feed, and incubator birds lay their eggs close by, abandoning them to incubate in the warm mud. De Quiros estimated that 200,000 people lived on Gaua, most likely a gross exaggeration to impress the Spanish king, but dozens of stone ruins and dry stone walls reclaimed by forest attest to a time when Gaua supported a larger population than the 1300 it does today. Trekking on Gaua is strenuous, but the lake and Siri Falls are worth it. The falls drop away into dense forest shrouded in mist. The Banks Group, of which Gaua is the second largest, is serviced by air from Luganville, and speedboats ply between the islands. Small trading ships also service it from Luganville.
Maewo Island
A needle-thin chunk of land on the maps, Maewo's central mountainous ridge draws more than 4000mm (that's 4m, or 13ft) of rain annually. Not surprisingly, the rivers run fast and the jungle grows thick. A magnificent waterfall surrounded by deep waterholes lies near the airstrip. Two coral monoliths at the village of Kerembai represent people turned to stone in the island's mythic past. Sorcery, secret societies and a rich mythology flourish on the island despite, or perhaps because of, its tragic history. About 90% of Maewo's population was wiped out by disease and blackbirding during the 19th century. Avoid Maewo during the mid-year yam harvest, when the mid-year hurters, masked men wearing sacks and banana leaves chase and beat people with thorny sticks. Hot springs at Lolarouk and Gaiofo, and cascades at Naone make Maewo worth more than a flying visit, and you can dive on a wrecked blackbirding vessel at Talise. Reach Maewo by air from Luganville or on the Aloara, that sails from Vila and Luganville.
Aneityum Island
The southernmost of Vanuatu's islands, Aneityum arguably has the most pleasant climate. Tropical fruits and vegetables grow luxuriantly and a walking track that loops around the island makes trekking an attractive prospect. It is harder work in the interior, but worth it for the magnificent mountain scenery punctuated by massive kauri pines and ancient waterfalls. Three mountains dominate the interior, two of them extinct volcanoes, Mt Inrerow Atahein and Mt Tahentchai. Accessible reefs, such as Port Patrick and Inmal Reef, are ideal for diving and hot springs at Umetch, Itchepthav Bay and Anwunupol offer a rewarding soak at the end of a long day. The locals at Anawamet have created an offshore marine sanctuary to protect the numerous turtles that feed there, whereas they are hunted for food elsewhere on the island. Vanair links Aneityum to Vila.
The population of Erromango, once estimated at 10,000, is now around 1500. Some locals say the depopulation - caused by introduced disease and blackbirding - was in retribution for missionaries killed last century. The Martyrs' Church at Dillon's Bay has small tablets in memory of the preachers welcomed with open mouths by locals yet to kick their boutique meat habit. Sandalwood first brought Erromango to the attention of Europeans, and the forests on this mountainous island are still a fine reason to visit. Many people come to trek independently along myriad paths that cross the island, but you need to hire a guide for some of the more rugged walks. Huge kauri reserves, sheltered estuaries with white sandy beaches, caves full of bleached and mineralised skulls, and tropical rainforests with diverse flora are highlights. Erromango is just over 100km (60mi) south of Efate, and Vanair has return flights from Vila.
Pentecost Island
Pentecost is home to the spectacularly frightening naghol, as land diving is known there, and under the maxim that you should fall before you can walk many boys are primed for land diving from an early age. Despite a flimsy overlay of Christianity many islanders live traditional lifestyles and adhere strictly to indigenous beliefs. If you aren't interested in watching the land dive you can do your own underwater diving at Laone or visit hot springs at Hotwata. Melsisi is a fine place to see kava and cocoa plantations, and from south-west Pentecost you get splendid views of Ambrym and its actively puffing volcanoes. Pentecost is 190km (118mi) due north of Vila, and there are return flights from both Vila and Luganville.
Ambrym
The island of mysteries, Ambrym presents an awesome lava landscape. The centre of the island is occupied by an enormous ash plain about 12km across representing the crater of the ancient volcano. Ambrym is the home of Mt Marum and Mt Benbow volcanoes and holds the greatest reputation for major sorcery in Vanuatu.
Ambrym is famous for its drums with vertical slits and for its treefern carvings, sand drawings and Rom Dance, an outstanding expression of the prevailing influence of spirits.
Malekula
Malekula is the second largest island in the archipelago with an area of more than 2000sq kms. It is only a 20 minute Vanair flight from Santo. The interior is lush and mountainous. Malekula is famous for its remarkable tribes, the Big Nambas and Small Nambas and the complex culture they retain.
Malekula art and ritual objects are among the finest in Vanuatu, from distinctive local custom dances, sand drawings, tall head dresses of the dancers from South West Bay to the highly decorated clay heads and puppet figures which represent mythological beings.
Efate and Port Vila
Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu and lies on the south-west coast of the island of Efate.
Free of skyscraper office blocks, the sleepy capital is set within a magnificent natural harbour. It is a charming potpourri of cultures, blending elements of Melanesian, English, French and Chinese tastes. Along the main street there are duty-free shops, restaurants and handicraft galleries. Port Vila Market comes alive on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.00am to 1.30pm. Wander through rows of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, shells, artifacts, coconut crabs and souvenir stalls. Savour the aroma of brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries tinged with the scent of blooming frangipani. Within walking distance of the centre of town, a range of resorts offers a dozen different ways to cool off. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive; try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or fishing. And when you've worked up an appetite, choose from more than 20 different restaurants.
Probably the most fascinating landmark of Vanuatu's capital is the Cultural Centre, which contains one of the most extensive artifact collections in the South Pacific.
But these are only a few of the sights and interests in Port Vila - after all, half the fun of a holiday is discovering these things for yourself.
All around Efate there are things to do or see. There are beach and island resorts to visit within an hour's drive - bathe in a hot mineral spring or shower beneath a cascading waterfall, puddle or fish in a large fresh water lake, play a few rounds of golf or go horseback riding along a deserted beach. There are daily bus tours of the island and scenic plane flights or you can charter a sailboat and see it at your own pace from the water.
The island of Tanna is famous for its volcano, its wild horses, and visits to its custom villages and the cargo cults that have grown there. Day trips are available from Port Vila, but is is wisest to stay at least overnight as there are plenty of attractions of great interest in Tanna. A night trip up mighty Yasur Volcano is an experience one does not forget easily. Yasur is an active volcano, and is reputed to be the most accessible active volcano anywhere on earth. It is best to go before dark so you can experience the transformation that takes place as darkness settles. Transport takes you to within 15 minutes walk of the crater rim and once there, the three vents of Yasur can be seen glowing. Several times during each hour, it is not unusual to experience spectacular eruptions that shoot glowing ash and stones into the air, the earth trembles below as nature puts on its display. Especially in the dry season, when the tall grass has withered, it is interesting to visit the White Grass Plains, the home of the wild horses of Tanna. Other activities on Tanna include excellent snorkelling. There is an abundance of nature bushwalks with spectacular country scenes. Only one hour's flight away from Port Vila with Vanair.
With special arrangements made at the small hotels in Tanna, visitors can be taken to a "Custom" village to touch and be touched by the age-old village culture. Here the people still dress and live in traditional ways and it is very interesting to meet and chat with the Chief and be entertained by the antics of the children.