How to Spend 10 Days in Samoa: A Selection of 10-Day Itineraries
Got 10 days at your disposal, a plane ticket to Samoa and no idea what to do with the two? First, lucky you! Second, you have just enough time to comfortably enjoy some island-hopping between the archipelago’s two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i. With that in mind, welcome to our compilation of the best Samoa itineraries for 10 days!
Whether you’re a family or couple; on a budget or seeking luxury, our selection of 10-day Samoa itineraries seriously has something for everyone. Get browsing and see where the magic takes you… Usually, it’s to somewhere in paradise.
Destinations Visited on Our Samoa Itineraries for 10 Days
Samoa is made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, as well as several smaller islands and islets. With these 10-day Samoa itineraries, you don’t have to make a decision between the two as each itinerary incorporates both of these pieces of Polynesian paradise. We even have the odd itinerary that has you spending the night on Samoa’s third-most populated island, Manono, should you be feeling adventurous. And finally, of course, Samoa’s bustling capital Apia is a highlight of all our itineraries.
Upolu
Upolu is the most populated island in Samoa, home to the country’s capital and only international airport. Most of its cultural activities, including dining, surround the capital Apia while the rest of the island boasts an array of natural attractions, from the famous To Sua Ocean Trench to countless magnificent waterfalls. Find out more about it in The Complete Travel Guide to Upolu.
Savai’i
Samoa’s largest island, Savai’i is often referred to as “the birthplace of Polynesia”. As you visit, it would seem not much has changed since its birth, with a much more traditional focus and a slower pace of life on the island enhanced by a much lower population. Naturally, there is no lack of natural wonders, with many of its most breathtaking features formed by ancient (and not-so-ancient) volcanic activity. Discover more about it in The Complete Travel Guide to Savai’i.
Manono
Our backpacking 10-day itinerary also visits Manono, a 3 km² (1.2 mi²) island in the strait between Upolu and Savai’i. The island can be walked around in a day and even has humble accommodation to stay the night and experience the hospitality of its small population. Learn more about the island in The Travel Guide to Manono.
Apia
Although located on the island of Upolu, Apia is a destination of its own, awash in an array of accommodation styles and eclectic activities. The city is full of surprises that we’re sure you’ll love discovering, which is why the capital features on all of our 10-day itineraries. Check out what Apia’s all about in The Complete Travel Guide to Apia.
Samoa Budget and Backpacking Itinerary for 10 Days
Explore the islands of Upolu, Savai’i and even Manono on a limited budget with this Samoa Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 10 Days!
Combining Samoa’s amazing free and cheap activities, affordable ways of getting around such as budget car rental and scooter travel, and staying in the country’s budget hotels and beach fales, this itinerary allows you to enjoy an incredible getaway even on limited funds.
Overview: 10-Day Budget and Backpacking Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Ferry to Savai’i
- Day 2 – Savai’i North Coast Road Trip
- Day 3 – Explore Falealupo and Cape Mulinuu
- Day 4 – Savai’i South Coast Road Trip
- Day 5 – Ferry to Upolu + Manono
- Day 6 – Upolu West Coast Road Trip
- Day 7 – Upolu South Coast Road Trip
- Day 8 – Upolu East Coast Road Trip
- Day 9 – Explore Apia
- Day 10 – Departure Day
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 10 Days.
Samoa Honeymoon and Romance Itinerary for 10 Days
With its gorgeous turquoise swimming holes, sandy shores and swaying coconut palms, Samoa is famous and fabulous for a romantic escape! As the most romantic resorts are located on Upolu, there’s no doubt that a honeymoon or couples’ getaway to Samoa has to stick to the main island (but check out the “adults-only itinerary” below if you want a Savai’i alternative). With that in mind, our Samoa Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 10 Days embraces just that.
Plan a getaway with your loved one that has you staying in the most endearing accommodations, experiencing adventure and relaxation, as well as dining at the most romantic restaurants…
Overview: 10-Day Honeymoon and Romance Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa
- Day 2 – Free Day on Upolu‘s West Coast
- Day 3 – Upolu West Coast Road Trip
- Days 4 & 5 – Free Days on Upolu’s South Coast
- Day 6 – Upolu South Coast Road Trip
- Day 7 – Upolu East Coast Road Trip
- Days 8 & 9 – Explore Apia
- Day 10 – Departure Day
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 10 Days.
Samoa Family Itinerary for 10 Days
You have two options for your 10-day family trip to Samoa: either stay on Upolu and spread out the experiences we recommend for the island over 10 days or follow our Samoa Family Itinerary: 10 Days exactly to incorporate both Upolu and Savai’i. The latter is a fantastic option if your family is a little more intrepid.
Regardless of what you choose for your family getaway, our itinerary will guide you through the most family-friendly accommodations, things to do with kids and the best dining options for the whole tribe.
Overview: 10-Day Family Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Apia
- Day 2 – Explore Apia
- Day 3 – Upolu East Coast Road Trip
- Day 4 – Day Trip to Namu’a
- Day 5 – Upolu South Coast Sightseeing
- Day 6 – Ferry to Savai’i
- Day 7 – Savai’i South Coast Road Trip
- Day 8 – Free Day on Savai’i
- Day 9 – Savai’i North Coast Road Trip
- Day 10 – Ferry to Upolu + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Family Itinerary: 10 Days.
Samoa Foodie Itinerary for 10 Days
Taste is an important sense not to be forgotten when travelling. In fact, our Samoa Food Itinerary: 10 Days puts it at the forefront as an immersion in the Samoan culture.
Our itinerary incorporates food-related activities, such as plantation tours and umu demonstrations while, of course, giving the top dining recommendations for any connoisseur.
Overview: 10-Day Foodie Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Ferry to Savai’i
- Day 2 – Village Walk & Koko Samoa Demonstration
- Day 3 – Savai’i North Coast Road Trip
- Day 4 – Koko Plantation Tour + Explore Falealupo
- Day 5 – Savai’i South Coast Road Trip
- Day 6 – Ferry to Upolu + Apia
- Day 7 – Explore Apia
- Day 8 – Northeast Coast Trip (Private Chef Tour)
- Day 9 – Cross Island Road Trip (Private Chef Tour)
- Day 10 – Departure Day
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Food Itinerary: 10 Days.
Samoa Luxury Itinerary for 10 Days
If escaping to Samoa for a special occasion and if, well, money is not an issue, this Samoa Luxury Itinerary: 10 Days offers the ultimate “treat yourself” getaway.
Stay in Upolu and Savai’i’s most upscale resorts and hotels, experience the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation and indulge in the islands’ fine dining scene.
Note that Samoa is a developing country, so “five stars” is not really a thing here. Where you will find luxury, however, is in its authenticity and unspoiled tourism scene.
Overview: 10-Day Luxury Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Apia
- Day 2 – Explore Apia
- Day 3 – Relax in Apia
- Day 4 – Upolu East Coast Road Trip
- Day 5 – Free Day on Upolu
- Day 6 – Upolu West Coast Road Trip + Ferry to Savai’i
- Day 7 – Savai’i South Coast Road Trip
- Day 8 – Free Day on Savai’i
- Day 9 – Savai’i North Coast Road Trip
- Day 10 – Ferry to Upolu + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Luxury Itinerary: 10 Days.
Samoa Adults-Only Itinerary for 10 Days
If you want to have an appropriate tone for your holiday, i.e. one that doesn’t involve overenthusiastic children, then set your sights on our Samoa Adults-Only Itinerary: 10 Days.
Of course, adults-only accommodations are at the forefront of this itinerary where available (and boutique accommodations when not), while experiences that you couldn’t usually do with kids in tow, from scuba diving to spa treatments, are also a highlight. As always, we also incorporate plenty of sightseeing, as this is Samoa after all!
Overview: 10-Day Adults-Only Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Apia
- Day 2 – Explore Apia
- Day 3 – Upolu East Coast Road Trip
- Days 4 & 5 – Free Days on Upolu
- Day 6 – Upolu West Coast Road Trip + Ferry to Savai’i
- Day 7 – Savai’i East Coast Road Trip
- Day 8 – Free Day on Savai’i
- Day 9 – Savai’i North Coast Road Trip
- Day 10 – Ferry to Upolu + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Adults-Only Itinerary: 10 Days.
More of the Best Samoa Itineraries
That’s it for the best Samoa itineraries for 10 days. If you think you’d rather visit for a shorter amount of time (which, why would you?!) or longer (go on then!), check out our best Samoa itineraries below.
- The Best Samoa Itineraries for 2 Weeks
- The Best Samoa Itineraries for 1 Week
- The Best Samoa Itineraries for 5 Days
- The Best Samoa Itineraries for 3 Days
Finally, if you have no idea how long to spend in Samoa, then you best start at square one with The Best Samoa Travel Guide.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.