How to Spend a Weekend in Samoa: A Selection of 3-Day Itineraries
Got 3 days at your disposal, a plane ticket to Samoa and no idea what to do with the two? First, we definitely recommend extending your stay as you’ll miss so much if you only visit Samoa for 3 days! Second, you’ll only have enough time to experience a few highlights on the country’s main island, Upolu… So, forget about a trip to Savai’i. With our compilation of the best Samoa itineraries for a weekend, however, you’ll still be able to figure out exactly where to go, what to do, where to stay and more!
Whether you’re a family or couple; on a budget or seeking luxury, our selection of 3-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 a Weekend
Although Samoa is made up of two main islands, you’ll only be able to visit one when visiting for only 3 days. As the arrival island and the island with the most established tourism scene, all of our weekend itineraries have you exploring the island of Upolu. What’s more, Samoa’s bustling capital Apia is also 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.
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 weekend itineraries. Check out what Apia’s all about in The Complete Travel Guide to Apia.
Samoa Budget and Backpacking Itinerary for a Weekend
Ok, so taking a flight to anywhere for 3 days is never cost-effective, but if you still want to explore Upolu on a limited budget, then our Samoa Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: A Weekend packs as much in as possible for as little as possible.
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: 3-Day Budget and Backpacking Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Upolu West Coast Road Trip
- Day 2 – Upolu South Coast + East Coast Road Trip
- Days 3 – Explore Apia + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: A Weekend.
Samoa Honeymoon and Romance Itinerary for a Weekend
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. With that in mind, our Samoa Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: A Weekend 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: 3-Day Honeymoon and Romance Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Upolu West Coast Road Trip
- Day 2 – Free Day on Upolu or South Coast Road Trip
- Day 3 – Explore Apia + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: A Weekend.
Samoa Family Itinerary for a Weekend
Needless to say, our Samoa Family Itinerary: A Weekend sticks to Samoa’s main island, Upolu, to ensure the experience is a relaxing one. That’s not to say that this itinerary isn’t varied and full of exciting experiences between hopping from waterfall to waterfall and exploring Samoa’s vibrant capital.
With an easy decision made to stay on Upolu, 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: 3-Day Family Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Apia
- Day 2 – Upolu East Coast Day Tour
- Day 3 – Explore Apia + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Family Itinerary: A Weekend.
Samoa Foodie Itinerary for a Weekend
Taste is an important sense not to be forgotten when travelling. In fact, our Samoa Food Itinerary: A Weekend puts it at the forefront as an immersion in the Samoan culture.
Our itinerary incorporates food-related activities, such as sightseeing tours with personal chefs and umu demonstrations while, of course, giving the top dining recommendations for any connoisseur.
Overview: 3-Day Foodie Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Apia
- Day 2 – Cross Island Road Trip (Private Chef Tour)
- Day 3 – Explore Apia + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Food Itinerary: A Weekend.
Samoa Luxury Itinerary for a Weekend
If escaping to Samoa for a special occasion and if, well, money is not an issue, this Samoa Luxury Itinerary: A Weekend offers the ultimate “treat yourself” getaway.
Stay in Upolu‘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: 3-Day Luxury Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Relax on Upolu
- Day 2 – Upolu South Coast Sightseeing
- Day 3 – Apia Day Trip + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Luxury Itinerary: A Weekend.
Samoa Adults-Only Itinerary for A Weekend
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: A Weekend.
Of course, adults-only accommodations are at the forefront of this itinerary where available (as well as boutique accommodation alternatives), while experiences that you couldn’t usually do with kids in tow, from nights out to spa treatments, are also a highlight. As always, we also incorporate plenty of sightseeing, as this is Samoa after all!
Overview: 3-Day Adults-Only Itinerary for Samoa
- Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Apia Road Trip
- Day 2 – Free Day on Upolu
- Day 3 – Upolu West Coast Road Trip + Departure
- See the full itinerary: Samoa Adults-Only Itinerary: A Weekend.
More of the Best Samoa Itineraries
That’s it for the best Samoa itineraries for a 3-day weekend. If you think you’d rather visit for longer (which you totally should!), check out our best Samoa itineraries below.
- The Best Samoa Itineraries for 2 Weeks
- The Best Samoa Itineraries for 10 Days
- The Best Samoa Itineraries for 7 Days
- The Best Samoa Itineraries for 5 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.