Surrounded by lush sugar plantations, Lautoka is a bustling city on the Fijian island of Viti Levu. There are leafy streets to stroll down, bustling markets and some fantastic cafes.

Things to do

From exotic tropical fruits to freshly cut flowers, it's easy to get lost in the Lautoka Market. While the undercover area is dedicated to produce, the surrounding streets are packed full of stalls selling spices, handicrafts and handmade pottery.

Lautoka is nicknamed the "Sugar City", home to a rich sugar industry legacy at the Lautoka Sugar Mill, which has been operating since 1903. Check out the historic building and peer through the fence to see conveyor belts loaded with sugar, woodchips and molasses.

For a glimpse at Viti Levu's lush interior, why not take a day trip to Koroyanitu National Heritage Park? It's laced with scenic hiking trails, including the adventurous Batilamu Track. It snakes up to the summit of Mount Batilamu and will take you past cascading waterfalls and dense dakua forests.

Lined with royal palm trees, Vitogo Parade is Lautoka's main thoroughfare. There's also a great scene along Naviti Street, where you'll find a slew of boutiques selling everything from silk suits to colourful saris. Both house a great selection of trendy cafes and restaurants. Don't miss Blue Ginger, a cafe serving up healthy breakfasts, sandwiches and delicious home-baked treats.

Getting around

Lautoka is easy to navigate on foot, especially if you stick to Vitogo Parade and Naviti Street. Local buses run throughout the city, as well as to nearby beaches like Saweni. Nadi International is the closest airport, with the taxi ride taking around 30 minutes.