Jackie McMillan
Google
(4.5 stars)
This one’s a corker! Champagne Beach is world-renowned for its white, soft sand and calm blue waters. It's often voted one of the best beaches in the world, and you'll see why. The beach gets its name from the volcanic gases that come up through the sand at the shoreline to make it feel and look like champagne under your feet. But we’re here for the ridiculous beauty of the whole package, plus some quality snorkelling to be had around the bommies offshore.
There’s shady spots to sit and take in the view, plus a couple of simple thatched beach hut restaurant/bars serving the island basics. Entry to the whole site is via a 1,000VT payment to the custom owners. So worth every Vatu!
It’s been very quiet every time we’ve visited here over the years, but we’re told you should avoid it whenever there’s a cruise ship docked in Santo, as they swarm off the boat and all over the best spots on the island for the day. Fortunately they don’t visit that often.