Trip to Christmas Island, an oasis in the middle of the Indian Ocean. What to see on the island of Australia, the capital, its most beautiful beaches and nature.
If you happen to spend a holiday in Indonesia, don't just stop in the most popular places, such as Bali or other large islands, but sample the climate and tranquility of the smaller places. Several nautical miles south of Java, there is theChristmas Island, in English Christmas Island, a name that derives from the period of its first sighting, way back in 1643.
Despite its proximity to the Sunda Islands and the Indonesian archipelago, Christmas Island is part of Australia. Reach this small island in the Indian Ocean by plane, full of wonderful beaches and rich, uncontaminated nature.
The main city of Christmas Island is Flying Fish Cove, a small town north of the island overlooking the beach; it is populated by a third of the island's population. In fact, there are not many inhabited centers given the dense presence of the forest of Christmas Island National Park. Near its large port, the heart of the city, there is also one of the central beaches, a long strip of sand between two piers.
Flying Fish Cove is not a city full of points of historical interest: bear in mind, in fact, that Christmas Island was uninhabited until the 19th century. But you can walk along its streets and, above all, along the seafront, where you will find numerous welcoming bars positioned in such a way as to give you breathtaking views of the sea and the uncontaminated nature of the island.
As far as hotel hospitality is concerned, the Flying Fish Cove resorts, including VQ3 Lodge and The Sunset, are located right next to the sea. Here you will have the opportunity to have breakfasts and meals while enjoying the panoramic view of the horizon and, in case you are not happy with the beaches (impossible!), you can splash in their swimming pools. Here are some indications on what to do and what to see on Christmas Island, from the beaches located on the east coast of the island to the curious fauna of the area.
Ethel beach
If you are adventurous and prefer unusual beaches, dotted with rocks and reefs, then reach Ethel beach. It is a small beach on Christmas Island whose shore has numerous scattered rocks. To get started to swim you will therefore have to freely climb onto them, or pass through them, paying attention to the small fish that live nearby. The beach is not very long, also due to the presence of thick vegetation near the shore.
Lily beach
If you like small and not very crowded beaches, then choose Lily beach. It is located near the Ethel lido, in the northernmost area of ââChristmas Island and is a very beautiful beach, with a crystal clear sea and protected by high and rocky cliffs, with a rippled shape, similar to sea waves when they crash on the beach. At the beginning the sea takes on a turquoise green colour; going further out you enter the deep blue of the ocean.
Greta beach
Sometimes, walking on Christmas Island, you will come out of the thick vegetation that covers it and find yourself on cliffs, even very high ones, where you can admire the coast of the island in every direction. In the Greta beach area you will have just such an experience. In fact, this beach is located below a promontory quite high, the top of which is connected to the beach by means of a staircase.
Once here you will have some sand available to lie down and enjoy the climate and water of Christmas Island, and you will get to know the well-known inhabitants of the island, the red crabs: fiery red crabs that populate the Christmas Island.
Dolly beach
Perhaps one of the most characteristic beaches on Christmas Island is Dolly beach. It brings together all the elements of the island: dense vegetation that almost reaches the shore and envelops the strip of sand; rocks that are encountered immediately, as soon as the sea begins, and which continue for several meters; natural pools among the rocks; fine, white sand. And infinite possibilities of snorkeling to admire the marine flora and the colors of the corals.
The animals that inhabit Christmas Island
Spending your holidays on Christmas Island also means dealing with its territory, whose surface is covered almost exclusively by forests, to immerse yourself in which you can organize trekking and excursions. Furthermore, the Australian island is known for the numerous crabs that populate it.
There are different colours: the most famous is the red crab, but there are also blue crabs, due to their unusual bluish color and, furthermore, their coconut crabs, enormous crabs that can reach one meter in size. In addition to these curious animals, you will be able to observe various species of birds present on Christmas Island: you will spot birds of all colors and shapes, such as the lesser frigatebird or the elegant dusky gannet.
