White Sands

White Sands is on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. It is part of Vanuatu's Tafea District.

Understand

The White Sands region is one of the most populated regions on the east coast of Tanna. It actually includes several small villages, like Namakara and Sulphur Bay.

These villages are very close to an active volcano, Mount Yasur.

Get in

A road goes from Lenakel across the island. If you follow this road, you should eventually come to the village of White Sands.

Get around

The roads connecting the villages at White Sands are primitive dirt roads. Getting around the region is probably much easier by foot than by car.

See and do

• 1 Mount Yasur (Two miles south of White Sands). Although the volcano is little over 1,000 feet in height, this does not make it a minor regional attraction. It is an active volcano which erupts every few minutes and is sometimes closed to the public. Some locals believe that the volcano is sacred. (updated Jan 2018)
• 2 Sulphur Bay. The one-mile strip of beach is located near a creek and faces onto Sulphur Bay. (updated Jan 2018)

Buy

All of the stores in Tanna are along the island's west coast between Lenakel and White Grass.

Eat and drink

• 1 Volcano Haven, ☏ +678 777 5889. (updated Jan 2018)

Sleep

• 1 Friendly Bungalows (Lowelcas Cove), ☏ +678 26856. Beach huts north of White Sands. More than $160. (updated Jan 2018)
• 2 Yasur Homestay, ☏ +678 731 2154. (updated Jan 2018)

Go next

• Not far from White Sands in the village of Port Resolution. Also known as Ireupuow, the village is near a restaurant which is made entirely of beach huts, and it actually located on the beach.
• There is a village called White Grass, which has Tanna's only airport.
• Lenakel is a beach town located on the other side of Tanna. It has some restaurants and guest houses where people can stay.