8 Best Beaches on Mitiaro

This long white-sand beach just south of Mangarei village is a great place to stretch your legs, take a picnic and explore the reef at low tide. There is a coral cove just in front of the track that brings you onto Akapa Beach, if you want to try your chances at snorkelling, or admire the view of the fish through the crystal-clear water.

Location: West coast of Mitiaro, approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) south of Mangarei village centre. The track down to the beach is wide and easy to spot.

Just south of Akapa Beach, Te Ara, also known as "Tia'ara," is a tiny sandy cove that offers the perfect picture opportunity!

Location: West coast of Mitiaro, just south of the cemetery, a few hundred metres south of Akapa Beach.

While not strictly a beach, sandy shores can be found on either side of the concrete walls of Mitiaro's harbour at low tide. Heading north from Omutu Landing, this is a spectacular place to enjoy a reef walk.

Alternatively, meet the local fishermen on the wharf and/or watch the sunset.

Location: West coast of Mitiaro, behind the Administration Centre in Mangarei village.

Practically, Mangarei's beachfront, Kovea is a long stretch of white sand north of Omutu Landing. Again, the reef walking here is spectacular, as is the sunset!

Check out more places to watch the sunset in the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in the Cook Islands.

Location: West coast of Mitiaro, stretching north on the coast of Mangarei village.

We couple these two northern beaches together because they're so close you might as well visit them both (you accidentally might, anyway).

Located just behind the coral runway, Okarava Beach has trail access toward the eastern end of the runway, while you can access Okore Beach on a trail just a few metres past the eastern end of the runway.

Location: North coast of Mitiaro at the eastern end of the airstrip.

The first of many idyllic tiny beaches on the east coast starts (or ends) in the south at Te Unu Beach.

Location: East coast of Mitiaro, near the turnoff for the cross-island road.

At high tide, Nanamaru Beach offers one of the best swimming beaches on Mitiaro.

Location: East coast of Mitiaro, just south of the southernmost dirt road turnoff to Rotonui lake.

Although these beaches are approximately 1.5 km (0.9 mi) apart, we have coupled them together here because the reef walk between the two reveals many more stunning beaches and coves. To the south is the tiny Parava Beach, and to the north is the larger Omapere Beach. Either walk between the two at low tide or drive on the coast road!

Location: East coast of Mitiaro. Parava Beach is opposite the main turnoff toward Rotonui. Omapere is approximately 1.5 km (0.9 mi) further north, identified as one of the larger beaches of the area.