Scattered in the Pacific Ocean, in an area the size of Europe, the islands of eastern Polynesia is an overseas territory of France. The population is about 274,000 people, almost half are residents of Papeete, the only one urban center and also the capital city built on its largest island – Tahiti.

Islands are divided into five administrative units: Windward Islands – forming the archipelago of the Society, Tuamotu and Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands and Tubuai. Discovered almost nine centuries ago by Ferdinand Magellan, islands are still inhabited by indigenous people. The descendants of settlers who came from Europe and other French colonies represent a relatively small percent of the population, but their religion has become firmly established in French Polynesia for good.

Although Christianity in the islands dominant religion, due to the still strong cult of ancestors with there is still a belief that every human being has two souls – one is a reward or punishment in eternal life, while the latter leaves the body during sleep, and after death remains on the ground and returns to the place old life. The population of the islands can communicate in French. This is one of the official languages, the second is the Tahitian spoken by almost half the population.

The largest and one of the most famous islands of French Polynesia is Tahiti. It belongs to the Windward Islands and is the gateway to French Polynesia. In the vicinity of the capital is the island’s international airport with connections to the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. The other islands can be reached by numerous ferries and luxury liners, as well as by air – helicopters, Air Tahiti airlines or charter airlines.

Surrounded by a coral reef Tahiti is actually two islands: Tahiti Nui (Great Tahiti) and much less of Tahiti-Iti (Little Tahiti), joined is small isthmus. Covered with dense forest, hiding numerous waterfalls, Tahiti-Nui rises to the volcanic peak of Mt. Orohena (2,241 m). The edges of the island are covered not only by white beaches, turquoise waters flushed in the west, but also with extraordinary black beaches of the north-eastern end, where the volcanic sand is valued in skin care. Black is also characteristic for the local jewelery made with the famous black pearls.

Not less well-known is Bora Bora, the largest of the Windward Islands group. Fascination with her natural beauty make her the embodiment of the vision of a paradise island. Above Bora Bora dominate two peaks crowning extinct volcano – Pahia (661 m.) and Otemanu (727 m.).

Residents of Tahiti are very friendly and open-minded people whose way of life expresses the motto “Aita pea pea”, meaning carefree and cheerful attitude towards fate. Their prepared their dishes are full of seafood and fruit of the islands, although the influence of French and Chinese cuisine is present. Especially valued are the Tahitian fresh fish marinated in lemon juice with coconut milk. Tahitians welcome by the hands and exchanging kisses on the cheek, an omission when greeting someone is considered extremely rude. While visiting someone’s home, it is customary to remove ones remove shoes.

Climate

On the tropical islands of French Polynesia there are two seasons, but at all times the average air temperature is maintained at about 27° C, slightly increasing during the summer, and the water temperature is about 1° lower. Since FPO lies in two climate zones, islands in the tropical zone are characterized by slightly milder climate than the equatorial zone of the island. During the summer, which lasts from November to April, especially in the period from December to February, there may be cyclones. The humidity is very high due to the heavy rainfall associated with cyclones. The weather in the winter months, ie from May to October, does not pose the risk of violent storms, it is more stable (definitely less frequent rainfall, lower humidity and slightly cooler temperature).

Main Attractions

The islands of French Polynesia are a true paradise. They can be reached by boat or airplane, but especially tempting to travelers is Moorea. Due to its dazzling beauty and extremely well-connected with the capital, newlyweds enjoy spending their honeymoon on it. The island also inspired Charles Darwin, who observed it from afar, formulating the foundations of the theory of the formation of atolls.

Currency – CFP Franc (CFP, XPF) and Euro (EUR)