French Polynesia is an idyllic dream of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, romantic lagoons, and breathtaking sunsets.
It consists of 118 stunning islands and sun-kissed atolls scattered across five archipelagos in the Pacific Ocean.
Included in the Society Islands are: Tahiti, Tetiaroa, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, Tupai, and Maupiti. The Tuamotu Islands include Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi, Fakarava, and other small atolls. Then there are the more remote and wild islands: the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas, and the Austral Islands.
Tahiti is undoubtedly the main hub for travel between the islands—a perfect base for island hopping. But it’s also a vibrant mix of nature and culture, ideal for spending a few days soaking in the atmosphere and the warm hospitality—whether in luxury hotels or charming guesthouses and family-run pensions. And don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some local shopping.
Among the Society Islands, the most iconic in the collective imagination is, without a doubt, the paradisiacal lagoon of Bora Bora, dotted with romantic overwater bungalows. There’s also the sweet vanilla-scented breeze of Taha’a, and the queen of nature: the lush, green Moorea, full of waterfalls, fields, cliffs, and sharp peaks that slide down to white sands and into the warm embrace of the turquoise sea.
In the Tuamotu Islands, Rangiroa stands out as a true gem—it is the second-largest atoll in the world, a place where sky and land blend into an unexpected canvas of vivid colors and endless variety. This fascinating group of islands is surrounded by two distinct oceanic zones:
- Moana-Tea (the "peaceful ocean"), which forms the stunning blue lagoon, and
- Moana-uri (the "wild ocean"), where whales, manta rays, dolphins, and sharks can often be seen.
The official languages are French and Tahitian. However, on the islands most frequented by tourists, English and Japanese are also widely spoken.
Currency:
The local currency is the CFP franc (XPF). The exchange rate with the euro is fixed at 100 CFP = 0.838 EUR (or 1 EUR = 119.33 CFP).
Time Zone:
When daylight saving time is in effect in Italy, the time difference is:
-10 hours in the Society Islands
-9 hours in the Gambier Islands
-9.5 hours in the Marquesas Islands
When daylight saving time is not in effect in Italy, the difference becomes -11 hours.
Climate: In French Polynesia, it’s summer all year round! There are two main seasons:
The dry season runs from March to November, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C.
The rainy season is from December to February, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. Expect short tropical showers—warm and intense but rarely lasting more than 30 minutes.
Religion: The dominant religion is Christianity, with both Protestant and Catholic followers. There are also small communities of Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists, Buddhists, Confucians, and other minor faiths.
Entry Requirements: To enter the country, a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date to Italy is required. A visa is not necessary, but since most travelers transit through the United States, U.S. transit rules and requirements (such as ESTA) must be followed.
Curiosity
Tikehau: This island is a diadem of pink sand motus, forming a natural lagoon that opens to a pass called Tuheiava, well known among diving enthusiasts. The area is home to a remarkable array of marine life: manta rays, barracudas, tuna, gray sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Our advices
To Read: The novels of Célestine Hitiura Vaite, such as Breadfruit and Frangipani, are set in Polynesia and beautifully capture the spirit of a modern Tahitian family. At the heart of the stories is Materena, a strong and complex woman navigating a world between tradition and modernity, and her daughter Leilani, as their relationship unfolds in a deeply human, humorous, and emotional journey.
To Listen To: Dance and music are a core part of Polynesian life. Traditional music is often accompanied by ceremonial dances, performed to honor deities and welcome visitors. Typical instruments include the pahu (drum), toere (log drum), and vivo (nose flute). The guitar and ukulele were later introduced by settlers.
To Watch: A notable film is “Hurricane”—the original version directed by John Ford in 1937, and the 1979 remake starring Mia Farrow, filmed in Bora Bora and produced by Dino De Laurentiis. The story follows Marama and Terangi, two islanders whose lives are disrupted when Terangi is imprisoned for defending his honor in Tahiti. As a devastating hurricane approaches, he escapes and returns to help his people. The film is even referenced by Primo Levi in The Truce.
To Eat: The local cuisine is based on bananas, fafa (a local spinach), mango, chicken, and of course, fresh fish. Must-try dishes include:
Tahitian raw fish (usually tuna marinated with vegetables and spices
Po’: a dessert made from fruit and creamy coconut milk
