Patio

Patio is the pleasant administrative heart of Taha'a, an island celebrated globally as the "Vanilla Island" within the Society Archipelago. Located on the island's northern coast, it serves as the seat of the Taha'a commune's town hall and government offices. The area surrounding Patio is famous for its lush vanilla plantations, where the prized beans are meticulously hand-pollinated and cured. Culturally, the village is a focal point for the annual stone-fishing festival, a traditional Polynesian practice where villagers beat the water with stones to drive fish into the shallows. Patio retains an authentic, unhurried atmosphere, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into French Polynesian island life away from the major tourist tracks. Its port is a vital link for the island's agricultural exports, including vanilla, copra, and pearls, connecting Taha'a to the global market.

Nearby cities

Faa'a

Faa'a is the most populous commune in French Polynesia, located directly west of the capital Papeete.

Papeete

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and the primary economic hub located on the island of Tahiti.

Puna'auia

Puna'auia is a major residential commune on the west coast of Tahiti, known for its university and beaches.

Pirae

Pirae is an urban commune east of Papeete that hosts major medical and administrative facilities.

Vaitape

Vaitape is the largest town on Bora Bora and serves as the island's main commercial and administrative hub.

Paopao

Paopao is a village located at the base of the majestic Cook's Bay on the island of Moorea.

Haapiti

Haapiti is a village on the southwest coast of Moorea, known for its cultural traditions and excellent surf spots.

Uturoa

Uturoa is the administrative center of Raiatea island and the second most important town in French Polynesia after Papeete.

Afareaitu

Afareaitu is the administrative center of Moorea island, located on the island's picturesque eastern coast.

Teavaro

Teavaro is a village in eastern Moorea, famous for its long white sand Temae beach and views of Tahiti.

Faanui

Faanui is a picturesque village on Bora Bora, located on a deep bay and possessing a rich history.

Papetoai

Papetoai is a historic village on Moorea, located in Opunohu Bay and known for its octagonal church.

Tevaitoa

Tevaitoa is the main village of the Tumaraa commune in southwest Raiatea, known for its tranquility.

Faie

Faie is a small village on Huahine Nui, famous for its sacred blue-eyed eels.

Fare

Fare is the capital of Huahine island, offering a relaxed atmosphere with small shops and a lively harbor.

History & landmarks

Uturoa Town Hall

The administrative building of Uturoa on Raiatea, the second-largest settlement in French Polynesia.

Nature

Taha'a Coral Garden

This coral garden located between two motus offers an extraordinary variety of hard corals.

Mount Tapioi

Mount Tapioi offers the most famous viewpoint on the island of Raiatea.

More places

Papeete Town Hall

Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.

Vaitoare

Vaitoare is the main port in southern Taha'a and the gateway to the island of Raiatea.

Vaiare

Vaiare is the primary port of Moorea and the main gateway for travelers arriving by ferry from Tahiti.

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Tapuamu

Tapuamu is an important port town on Taha'a, serving as a commercial hub and supply station.

Taha'a Vanilla Valley

Taha'a produces about 80% of the territory's total vanilla.

Marae Tainuu

Located on the west coast of Raiatea, this marae is known for its impressive stone wall.

Marae Tainuu (Tevaitoa)

Another significant marae in Tevaitoa on Raiatea, known for its religious importance.

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Marae Vaiahu (Tevaitoa)

This marae in Tevaitoa on Raiatea was a center for rituals of the local nobility.