Villa Vailima mansion was built in 1890 by the famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and was his home for the last five years of his life. Even though he only lived in Samoa for a few years, he did write quite a number of novels during that time. The Samoan people loved him and he was given the name Tusitala, which means 'storyteller.' A half-hour tour explores Villa Vailima and, inside the museum. You'll discover a myriad of artefacts, while outside carefully manicured lawns give an air of elegance. Stevenson and his wife Fanny Osborne are buried next door in the Mt Valea Scenic Reserve.

Rumoured to be the world’s largest brick church, St. Mary’s can hold up to 25,000 people. For a breathtaking view of the city, climb the 405 steps to the top of the 78-metre tower. Inside the church, you’ll find a 14-metre astronomical clock. Pop by at noon to see Adam and Eve tolling a bell atop the clock.

Holmöarna consists of a group of larger and smaller islands. The nature here is unique, with large areas of land and water protected as nature reserves. The birdlife is particularly abundant, especially around Stora Fjäderägg, which is also home to a bird station. The archipelago is also renowned for boat building.

Surrounded by the World Heritage wilderness, this area features a number of excellent bush walks and lookouts. It offers spectacular views over the Jamison Valley and the magnificent waterfall for which it's named. The town also has a good collection of Victorian and other historic buildings.