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.

To get an insight into the customs and traditions of the indigenous population, save some time to visit the Samoa Cultural Village where ceremonies, rituals, songs, dances and workshops will be performed. Although participation is free, donations are accepted.

The 11th century church of San Severo (Cappella di San Severo) was built on the site of a pagan temple. Rebuilt in the 18th century, it is noteworthy for the fresco in its 14th century chapel: the upper part is by the great Renaissance painter Raphael, the lower part by Perugino.