A little more
Nauru.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Nauru: what to know before you go

Nauru is a single, raised coral island in the central Pacific, just south of the equator, and one of the smallest countries in the world. Its interior was stripped by more than a century of phosphate mining, while a narrow green coastal belt holds most homes and life. Very few tourists visit, facilities are minimal, and that is part of its unusual appeal for travellers who collect remote places.

Where to go

• The island ring road. A single road of about 19 kilometres circles the whole island along the coast, passing villages, churches and beaches.
• Topside. The island's raised interior plateau, where phosphate mining has left a strange landscape of jagged grey coral pinnacles.
• Buada Lagoon. A small inland freshwater lagoon surrounded by palm trees and houses, one of the greenest and most peaceful spots on the island.
• Command Ridge. The highest point of Nauru, only about 70 metres above sea level, with rusting Japanese guns and bunkers from the Second World War occupation and views across the island.

Best time to visit

Nauru is hot and humid year-round, with little change in temperature. The drier months are generally from about March to October, while November to February tends to bring more rain, though weather can vary considerably from year to year.

Staying online in Nauru

Nauru has a mobile network covering most of the inhabited coastal strip, with 4G available, but speeds and capacity are limited compared with larger countries because the island's internet depends on long-distance links. Topside, inland, may have weaker coverage. Wi-Fi is available at the main hotels but can be slow. Download what you need, such as maps and entertainment, before you go. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, and expect basic rather than fast service.