Sightseeing in Aitutaki Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

Aitutaki Island is one of the most comfortable and interesting among the Cook Islands from a tourist point of view; it’s is second only to the island of Rarotonga. This picturesque volcanic island has long been chosen by fans of diving, as there are lovely reefs in the immediate vicinity. The island is rich in natural attractions; the main among them is its lagoon. It’s noteworthy that the lagoon is shallow; its maximum depth doesn’t exceed 3 meters, so that’s an ideal place for snorkeling. Divers would have an opportunity to explore the beauty of the barrier reef that surrounds a lagoon.

Despite the fact that the island attracts attention of tourists, it has retained its pristine natural beauty. Its spacious beaches with white sand surrounded by rich exotic vegetation make it perfect for walking and admiring nature. Those who can’t imagine their rest without tours would like Aitutaki too. There are several unusual buildings with centuries of history; much of them are concentrated at the south-eastern coast.

Many hundreds of years ago, basalt has been the main building material; amazing building in traditional style constructed of it have perfectly preserved to this day. They are of great value, and each of the buildings has its own unique history. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The largest settlement on the island is the town of Arutanga, the amazingly beautiful architectural complex; it’sstrongly recommended to explore it on foot. Here you can see incredibly amazing houses decorated with elaborately carved woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows. Buildings are constructed in the same style, but each of them has its special charm. The main religious sight is an old church built in 1828. It’s believed that this church is the oldest religious building on the Cook Islands.

Fans of natural attractions would enjoy a vast selection of interesting places to explore. It’s certainly worth to visit Motu Maina. This amazing miniature archipelago of coral islands is home to rare species of birds. Bird watching is one of the favorite pastimes of tourists. Aitutaki Island is famous for its enchanting events, so many travelers are trying to visit it during festivals. The most striking is Island Nights dedicated to the music and dance traditions of the islanders. Guests of Aitutaki would enjoy beach vacations, get acquainted with natural features of the archipelago and cultural traditions of its indigenous inhabitants.

This picturesque island is an ultimately calm and peaceful place. Aitutaki is an ideal choice for a trouble-free beach vacation. The island is rich in beautiful paths for walking and gorgeous areas for relaxation in an idyllic atmosphere. In recent years, sports infrastructure has appeared on the island’s resorts. Nowadays, there are excellent diving centers, surfing schools, and sports gear rental offices. The coast is rich in beautiful small lagoons that are ideal for beginner divers and fans of snorkeling as water is crystal clear there.

Fans of beach recreation should keep in mind that there are not that many comfortable sandy beaches on the island. Coral chips cover a significant part of the coast, and some areas even have coral rocks. It is not comfortable to relax and sunbathe on such beaches without beach gear. The main island is surrounded by numerous tiny uninhabited islands, and vacationers can visit them during boat excursions. During these exciting tours, tourists can see rare animals and various marine creatures.

Aitutaki is particularly popular with romantic couples and newlyweds, who often choose the island to spend holidays together. Local hotels offer numerous services and relaxation programs for couples, including wedding ceremonies right on the coast. Each hotel has luxurious rooms for couples. Lovebirds will be also pleased to find quality spa salons and restaurants. Every year, the range of services and entertainments only grows. Nowadays, it is safe to call Aitutaki a universal resort.