Lifou is the largest island in the Loyalty Islands, an archipelago of New Caledonia, as well as the biggest atoll in the globe (1,146 square kilometres/442 square miles). The French claimed New Caledonia in 1854, and Lifou was found in 1857. It was soon frequented by whalers and traders, followed by Protestant and Catholic Missionaries, who arrived with the intention of saving the souls of the regional indigenous population.
Cruise ships are greeted in the town of Easo by an open-air industry promoting arts and crafts, clothes and food. It is the spot to get the ever-common coconut with its leading sliced off and a straw to drink its fresh milk.
Embark on forest walks, explore grottos, snorkel, or see the traditional Melanesian way of life on 1 of the several shore excursions presented. If going it alone, walk up to the Notre Dame de Lourdes church on the headland overlooking the bay. The friendly locals are always prepared to reciprocate a smile for a smile.
–By Giulio Saggin, Cruise Critic contributor
Image Sources:
1. Landscape – lidian Neeleman/Shutterstock
two. Snorkeling near Easo Beach – jacquesetvero/TripAdvisor
3. Cliffs of Jokin – Annabel M/TripAdvisor
4. Santal Bay – Bahnfrend/Wikimedia Commons
five. Vintage photo of native dance – BERNARD13/Wikimedia Commons
No comments:
Post a Comment