Top Ten: Fiji market destinations
Curio & Handicraft Market, Suva
Located in the central business district of Fiji, the Curio & Handicraft Market is a serious tourist attraction, and for good reason. With a collection of authentic Fijian carvings, jewellery, cloth and cultural curios, there are so many special pieces to be discovered. Just because you love it, though, doesn’t mean you can bring it home—familiarise yourself with Australia’s strict customs requirements before committing to a major purchase.
Suva Flea Market, Suva
If you’re after something a little less touristy, check out Suva’s Flea Market. With locally made traditional clothes, shoes and books, this market has less of the bustle of the Curio and Handicraft Market without losing any of the authentic cultural experience that holiday makers are after.
The ROC Market , Suva
Held in Dolphin Plaza on the third Sunday of every month, The ROC Market offers a diverse range of local food, art, crafts and cultural items. The market also often hosts local musicians and dancers, offering entertainment to really immerse you in the local culture for a memorable holiday experience.
Nadi Produce Markets, Nadi
Open every day from 7am until 5pm, the Nadi Produce Markets offer a rich array of fruit, vegetables and flowers, all grown within the surrounding community. It’s fresh, tasty, and, unfortunately, mostly perishable. So while you won’t be bringing anything home to Australia, you’ll still be getting a taste (literally) of local life and cuisine in Nadi.
Lautoka Market, Lautoka
Hosting one of Fiji’s largest markets, Lautoka, Fiji’s sugar city, is known for its delicious fresh produce, local fruit and vegetables, and local seafood. Set away from the more tourist-centric cities of Suva and Nadi, Lautoka offers a quieter, more relaxed take on Fijian life, with the market a sensory way to experience the town.
Lautoka Open Air Flea Market, Lautoka
Lautoka is also home to a local flea market, held every Saturday selling all manner of second hand goods, food, jewellery, plants, books and authentic Fijian handicrafts. If the latter is on your shopping list, look for the Fijian Made stamp to support Fiji’s local trade and economy.
Savusavu Farmers’ Markets, Savusavu
Located in the Fijian Province of Cakaudrove, Savusavu is regularly touted as one of Fiji’s best-kept secrets, making it a great getaway to seek out. While visiting, don’t miss the town’s farmer’s markets, which are known for their delicious, locally farmed coconuts, lobster, tuna, walu and freshwater prawns.
Island Fashion Handicraft, Savusavu
After a morning at the farmers’ markets in Savusavu, try heading over to the Island Fashion Handicrafts. This market boasts a brilliant range of locally treated wooden carvings, bowls, utensils and more, beautiful souvenirs to gift or hang on to as a holiday keepsake.
Lawai Pottery Village, Sigatoka
This is more than just a market, it’s an experience. Paying guests are treated to traditional kava ceremonies, bula songs, dances, and pottery making demonstrations. Following that, there’s an opportunity to purchase beautiful, handmade pottery, and other traditional gifts and artefacts. Make sure any pottery you purchase is glazed, otherwise you might have trouble bringing it home due to Australia’s stringent customs laws.
Handicrafts Market, Levuka
Levuka is Fiji’s first world heritage site, representing the first seat of colonial power in the islands, making it a special place to visit. The Handicraft Markets held there offer a range of authentic art and carvings, and as you browse, you’re treated to prime views of tropical paradise, colonial relics, and the ancient, eroded volcano that forms the bulk of the island.
Shop Smart
Many Fijian markets are cash only operations, so order foreign currency online or at participating post offices. And double check Australia’s border protection rules before you buy to ensure your special finds can be yours for keeps.
