About
The Marquesas Islands are a remote volcanic archipelago in the South Pacific, part of French Polynesia in Oceania. Few places in the region feel as far from everyday life, and the islands reward visitors who are willing to travel a long way to reach them.
The landscape
The islands were formed by volcanic activity, and their terrain shows it. Steep green ridges, deep valleys and sharp peaks rise close to the coast, so the scenery changes quickly from one bay to the next. Much of the appeal lies simply in looking at the land and sea, whether you are walking, driving or taking a boat along the shoreline.
Culture and tattoo art
The Marquesas are known for their ancient Polynesian culture and for their distinctive traditional tattoo art. Designs from this tradition are still widely recognised across the Pacific, and visitors interested in Polynesian art and history will find the islands a natural place to learn more about it.
What a visit suits
- Travellers who enjoy dramatic, unspoiled landscapes
- Those interested in Polynesian culture, history and art
- Visitors who prefer quiet, remote places over busy resorts
Because the archipelago is so remote, a trip there takes planning, and it is worth checking travel options and local conditions before you go. For many, though, the distance is part of what makes the Marquesas memorable.
