One of French Polynesia's "big three" tourism islands, Moorea sits right next door to Tahiti, 12 mi/20 km northwest of Papeete and just a five-minute flight from the international airport or a 30-minute ferry ride from Papeete's harbor.
Despite their proximity, Moorea is quite different from the capital. There's no urban buildup (in fact, the populated areas are villages more than towns), and the large island absorbs its many visitors with few signs of stress.
With a turquoise lagoon, several bays and steep mountains, Moorea ranks with Bora Bora in the looks department. All in all, it's a terrific place to spend three nights, though many devote a week or more to the island.
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