Nestled in the Indian Ocean lies a paradise waiting to be discovered - the Seychelles archipelago. Why should you consider visiting? Simply put, Seychelles offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquillity that's hard to find elsewhere.

Imagine pristine beaches with soft, white sand and clear turquoise waters, surrounded by lush greenery. Picture yourself snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs, encountering an array of marine life, or hiking through dense forests alive with exotic birds and plants. Seychelles offers all this and more!

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Seychelles has something to offer. So, join me as I delve into the wonders of this tropical haven, where every moment promises to be unforgettable.

MAHE

Upon arriving in the Seychelles, your adventure begins on the island of Mahe, the largest and most developed of the archipelago. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions, Mahe offers a plethora of activities to kickstart your tropical escape.

With four days in Mahe, you'll have ample time to soak up the island's vibrant culture, explore its natural wonders, and embark on unforgettable adventures. Whether you're relaxing on the beach, hiking through lush rainforests, or immersing yourself in local traditions, Mahe promises to be the perfect start to your Seychelles getaway.

Beau Vallon:

Based on my own experience in Mahe, I would highly recommend using Beau Vallon as your base. Besides its gorgeous beach, Beau Vallon also serves as the island's most vibrant hub after sundown. Here you can choose from a variety of beachfront resorts, guesthouses, and boutique hotels, each offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Anse Major:

Anse Major is a secluded beach known for its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere, accessible either by boat or via a scenic hike through Morne Seychellois National Park; I highly recommend opting for the trek option.

While it may take a bit more effort than arriving by boat, the journey through the National Park offers an unforgettable experience. You will trail through lush tropical vegetation and dramatic granite cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean along the way. After about an hour's hike, you will descend to the tranquil cove of Anse Major where you’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful swim in the calm, clear waters, away from the usual tourist crowds.

Petite Anse:

Petite Anse is undeniably a stunning beach, well worth visiting. Personally, it was one of my favourite beaches in Seychelles! Pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning panoramic views, what else could you ask for?

This breathtaking beach is home to the Four Seasons Hotel, but don't let that deter you - in Seychelles, no beach is allowed to be private. To access Petite Anse, you'll need to walk through the hotel grounds for approximately 10-15 minutes from the parking area. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and panoramic views that make it an ideal spot for relaxation and immersing yourself in the natural splendour of Seychelles.

It's important to note that while the Four Seasons Hotel has a bar on the beach, it is not accessible to the public so please make sure to bring your own refreshments during your visit.

Anse Takamaka:

Just a short 20-minute drive from Petite Anse, Anse Takamaka beckons with its natural beauty and laid-back ambiance. This pristine beach offers soft sands, clear waters, and stunning sunset views.

Adjacent to the beach, you'll find a small sanctuary where you can spot giant tortoises, adding to the unique charm of the area.

Victoria Town:

While Victoria Town may not boast grand attractions, it offers a glimpse into Seychellois life and culture. Some must-see attractions include the iconic Clock Tower, the bustling market of Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke, the lush Victoria Botanical Gardens and the gorgeous Hindu Temple of Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar.

Eating Out In Mahe:

No visit to Mahe is complete without indulging in the island's culinary offerings. Sample authentic Creole cuisine at Leo’s Food Bus, a charming canteen located right on the beach. For a more upscale dining experience, head to The Boat House, renowned for its delectable buffet spread featuring fresh seafood and international fare.

Beach Shak Bar:

As the sun sets, head to Beach Shak, possibly the island's best bar.
This casual beach bar offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a variety of cocktails and beverages while soaking in the ocean views and listening to the sounds of live music.

PRASLIN

As the second-largest island in the Seychelles, Praslin offers stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches (consistently ranked among the world's best), and unique attractions such as the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve, home to the iconic Coco de Mer palm.

Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Praslin promises an unforgettable experience in the Seychelles. So what’s there to do in Praslin?

Cote D’Or:

This bustling coastal area offers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. Here you can enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, soak up the sun, and indulge in delicious Creole cuisine at beachfront restaurants.

Cote D'Or also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve, where you can discover the iconic Coco de Mer palm.

Anse Lazio:

Anse Lazio is one of the 3 major beaches on the island, offering unparalleled beauty and pristine surroundings. Renowned as one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, Anse Lazio boasts powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning granite rock formations.

Once there, make sure to visit Honesty Bar. This unique setup allows visitors to help themselves to a variety of beverages and snacks, and then leave payment in a designated box. It's a relaxed and communal way to enjoy refreshments while soaking up the stunning surroundings of Anse Lazio.

The beach's remote location ensures a sense of exclusivity and seclusion, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking paradise in the Seychelles.

Anse Georgette:

Tucked away on the northwestern coast of Praslin Island, Anse Georgette offers a tranquil retreat with powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and lush tropical surroundings. Its remote location ensures a peaceful ambiance and breathtaking views, making it an ideal spot for swimming in serenity.

To reach Anse Georgette, you will have to park right outside the Constance Lemuria Resort and then embark on a scenic walk through the resort's lush grounds. The walk takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your pace. While reaching Anse Georgette requires a bit of extra effort, I promise, the journey is well worth the effort. This is one of Praslin's most beautiful and secluded beaches.

Valle de Mai Nature Reserve:

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its primeval forest and iconic Coco de Mer palms.
Here you can explore scenic trails, spot rare wildlife like the Seychelles black parrot, and learn about the unique flora and fauna. This is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

How To Get There:

To reach Praslin Island, you have two main transportation options available:

The quickest and most convenient method is by air, with regular domestic flights departing from Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island. Air Seychelles operates short flights to Praslin Island Airport, typically lasting around 15-20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic ferry ride from Mahé to Praslin. Ferries depart from the Inter Island Quay in Victoria, Mahé, and arrive at the Baie Ste Anne terminal in Praslin. The ferry journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering you the chance to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters along the way. Remember to book ferry tickets between Mahe and Praslin in advance, as they can fill up quickly due to limited scheduled times

Where To Stay:

For the best experience on Praslin island, I highly recommend staying in Cote D'Or rather than the west side. Cote D'Or offers easy access to beautiful beaches along with a variety of accommodation options and dining choices.

The west side, while more secluded, lacks the seaside appeal found in Cote D'Or.

Dining in Praslin:

There are several excellent options to satisfy your culinary cravings in Praslin:

Cafe des Arts: This charming restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and Creole cuisine. Set in a picturesque location overlooking the ocean, Cafe des Arts provides a perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner or a leisurely lunch.

Les Lauriers: Known for its warm hospitality and delicious Creole dishes, Les Lauriers is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Indulge in a variety of seafood specialties and traditional Seychellois fare while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of this cozy restaurant.

Ma’s Take Away: For budget-friendly and mouth watering meals, Ma’s TakeAway is a top choice. Despite its humble setting, Ma’s TakeAway serves up some of the tastiest and most affordable food on the island. Don't miss the opportunity to try their flavorful curries, grilled fish, and other local delicacies.

Whether you're craving gourmet cuisine or seeking an authentic Seychellois dining experience, these restaurants offer something for every taste and budget.

LA DIGUE

Visiting La Digue is an essential part of any Seychelles itinerary for numerous compelling reasons. The island boasts unparalleled natural beauty, with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery that epitomise tropical paradise.

Once on La Digue, renting a bike is a popular way to explore the island's scenic beauty. Cycling your way to Anse Source D’Argent, one of the most picturesque beaches in the Seychelles, is a must-do activity.

Along the way, you'll also encounter a **giant tortoise sanctuary**, adding to the unique charm of La Digue. With its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation, La Digue promises an unforgettable island getaway in the Seychelles.

Boats to La Digue also offer an opportunity to stop at several beautiful islands and rocks along the way, such as Felicite and Coco, perfect for swimming and snorkelling in pristine waters.

CURIEUSE

Exploring Curieuse Island is an absolute must for travellers craving exclusive wildlife experiences and unspoiled natural splendour. Accessible only by boat tour from Cote D'Or in Praslin, this remote paradise promises an adventure filled with unforgettable encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

Tortoise Sanctuary:

As soon as you arrive on Curieuse Island, you'll be greeted by the captivating sight of the tortoise sanctuary and you'll have the opportunity to observe the giant Aldabra tortoises in their natural habitat.

These majestic creatures roam freely within the sanctuary, providing visitors with an up-close and unforgettable wildlife encounter.

St Jose:

After exploring the sanctuary, the adventure continues with a scenic hike through Curieuse's lush mangrove forests, leading to the breathtaking St. Jose Beach. This secluded gem boasts powdery white sands, azure waters, and a tranquil ambiance, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and exploration.

Here, a delicious lunch is provided, allowing travelers to indulge in mouthwatering Creole cuisine while soaking up the idyllic surroundings.

St Pierre:

As the journey back begins, the boat makes a stop at St. Pierre, a tiny island paradise renowned for its vibrant underwater marine life and stunning coral reefs.

Here you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and swim in crystal-clear waters, encountering a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and other marine creatures amidst the pristine coral gardens.

A Paradise Unveiled: Your Ultimate Guide to Seychelles Travel