Paradise beaches covered with huge rocks, azure water, incredible natural richness, giant turtles, wonderful weather practically all year round, aromatic cuisine, interesting history and friendly inhabitants - this is how in a nutshell you can describe the archipelago of 115 islands - Seychelles! Called the Fortunate Islands or the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean - they are a real treasure on the map of Africa. Only 33 of them are inhabited, the rest are coral or volcanic islands. The archipelago is inhabited by endemic species of birds, giant tortoises, species of plants grow here that you will not find anywhere else in the world - e.g. Seychelles iceberg, also known as coco del mer, whose seeds are among the largest in the world (25 kg!).
Holidays in Seychelles is an ideal idea for both newlyweds and families with children, for lovers of active recreation, as well as for beachgoers, for those looking for empty beaches, and those who like the hustle and bustle of local restaurants and bars. The Seychelles Islands also offer a rich accommodation base - small family guesthouses, boutique hotels or luxurious resorts belonging to the most famous chains. Although it is not the cheapest destination - hotel and food prices, compared to Mauritius or Zanzibar, for example - are high, it is worth it... The beaches in the Seychelles are unmatched, the largest island of the Seychelles, Mahe, tempts with excellent hotels, the postcard Anse Lazio on Praslin, considered the best in the entire archipelago, delights with its white sand - in a word, when asked which Seychelles island to choose for your vacation, the answer is one: none will disappoint you!
On the Trail of the Three Treasures of the Seychelles
SEYCHELLES - Mahe, Praslin, La Digue
You will undoubtedly fall in love with these islands at first sight, and you will want to visit them when you learn that in addition to the coastline that is ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of civilization, the islets are full of lush vegetation, traces of the cultural mix of their inhabitants and various gifts of nature.
Where are the Seychelles? This archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean, east of the African continent, and borders Madagascar, the Comoros, and Mayotte across territorial waters. What's worth seeing when traveling to the Seychelles? After our recent trip to the Seychelles, we'd like to share our impressions with you. So, we've prepared a ranking of the most beautiful islands that, in our opinion, are a must-see during your trip. trips to Seychelles!
Visiting Seychelles – the most beautiful islands
A small bay and the paradise of Anse Patates
La Digue - a beautiful view from one of the villas at Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie
The smallest of the inhabited islands in the Seychelles is just a 15-minute boat ride from Praslin and Felicite. The island's atmosphere reminded us a bit of Indonesian Gili Trawangan - there are numerous pubs, bars, shops and hotels near the port, including our favourite, atmospheric Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie. You can move around the island on foot or by bike, which you can rent at every turn, there is little motorised traffic (cars, motorbikes, golf carts). The island is famous for its beautiful Anse Source d'Argent beach, covered with palm trees and huge boulders. This place makes a huge impression, but it is very popular with tourists and locals. We recommend cycling around the island in search of less crowded (or completely empty) but equally charming beaches. We did it! Anse Patates - a small bay with a paradise beach and boulders characteristic only of the Seychelles. And most importantly: we were alone on it! Therefore, when asked where to go to the Seychelles, we can safely recommend this small but charming island.
Desroches
View of Desroches Island from the plane
Desroches - View of the villas from The Lighthouse bar, Four Seasons Hotel
Desroches Island
Private Ocean View Pool in Villa at Four Seasons
The beaches of Desroches
Among the interesting places in the Seychelles, this small island covered with coconut palms, located about 40 minutes by plane from Mahe, is definitely at the top of the list of places to visit. On just 3,4 km² there are two villages, a local pub, a church, an airport, a luxurious Four Seasons hotel and beautiful, wild beaches (as much as 14 km!) washed by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Giant tortoises live in the wild on the island, including 120-year-old George, and manta rays can often be seen near the shore. The northern coast of the island is ideal for kitesurfing (due to the rocks, only for advanced users), while the southern coast is ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and SUP (stand up paddle). The island is easiest to explore by bike, which is included in the price of a stay at the luxurious Four Seasons hotel, opened in 2018 and... the only one on the island. Villas with private pools surrounded by lush gardens have direct access to the beach. You can be sure that nothing, except the sound of the ocean and the singing of birds, will disturb your stay here!
The beautiful, practically empty Cote D'Or beach on Praslin Island
Another beautiful beach on Praslin – Anse Takamaka
Raffles Hotel Praslin Island
View from one of the villas at the Raflles Hotel
Praslin Island
Located 40 minutes by ferry from Mahe, the second largest island in the Seychelles, tempts not only with paradise beaches covered with coconut palms, but also with a dense jungle with the Vallee de Mai reserve at the forefront. One of the interesting facts about the Seychelles is the fact that a unique, endemic species of palm grows in the Vallee de Mai - the Seychelles lodocia, whose fruit resembles buttocks. This is not the only attraction of this place! You can also see endemic species of birds here, such as the black parrot, dense tropical vegetation and picturesque waterfalls. The island is best explored by rented car, the number of small bays covered with white sand will make your head spin! Our favorite places on the island are Grand Anse and Anse Volber, also known as Cote D'Or. For a small island, Praslin has a wide range of accommodation options. At the top of our list is the Raffles hotel located on a hill and consisting of villas with private pools and the Constance Lemuria, which is located on three beautiful beaches. If you prefer cheaper accommodation, you will like family guesthouses, it is a chance to get to know the life of the islanders!
Mahe
Mahe Island - Intendance Beach
Mahe - view of Baie Beau Vallon
Villa with private pool at Hilton Northolme
Mahe - Victoria and the view from the plane to Eden Island
According to documents, the island was first visited by the British in 1609, and then only in 1744 by the French. It was they who gave it the name Mahe. The capital of the island is Victoria, and interestingly, 90% of the entire population lives on Mahe. The largest and most developed island of the Seychelles has its charm, which can certainly be seen from the plane. The densely overgrown hills descending towards the ocean are impressive. Even Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed could not resist its charm, building a huge palace on the top of one of the hills (which, of course, caused protests from the residents). In our opinion, Victoria can be safely skipped during a holiday in the Seychelles, and go straight to explore the island, and there is a lot to see! Granite cliffs, heavenly beaches, rainforest and picturesque landscapes stretching from the hills. You can also go on a trip, the so-called Island Hopping on the nearby islands belonging to the Ste Anne Marine National Park – you will sunbathe on wild beaches and snorkel (although the reef was unfortunately destroyed after the El Nido typhoon that hit the archipelago a few years ago and as a result of warming waters). Maybe you will find a hidden treasure on Moyenne Island? During your holiday on Mahe, it is also worth seeing smaller towns, such as Beau Vallon. This town is located on a long beach and is loved by the island's inhabitants. Nature lovers should go to Morne National Park – there are several well-marked trails here – you will certainly be delighted with the views of the surrounding area and Silhuette – located 20 km from Mahe. The park's biggest attractions include the ruins of an old cinnamon factory and the ruins of a mission. Where to stay on Mahe? One of our favourite hotels is the Constance Ephelia, although quite large, it offers a lot of attractions and is located on two beautiful beaches. Another place worth recommending is Banyan Tree – a five-star hotel located on the practically empty Itendance beach. It differs from other hotels in its colonial architecture. Did you know that the first owner of this place was George Harrison from The Beatles and actor Peter Sellers, known from the movie “The Pink Panther”?
Silhouette Island
Silhouette Island
In just 40 minutes from Mahe you can get to the small island of Silhouette. Thanks to its poor development, the island is one of the most important places with rich biodiversity in this part of the world – for example, an endemic species of balsam tree grows here. It is worth mentioning the history of the island. The British were probably the first to visit the island, in 1609. However, Silhouette was not inhabited until 150 years later. In the XNUMXth century, the island was bought by the Frenchman Auguste Dauban and for the next hundred years the island belonged to his family. A residence was built here (now it houses a museum and a restaurant), and a vanilla and clove plantation was established. According to one legend, the first settlers of the island were not the French, but the Arabs. Initially, it was believed that the graves discovered on Anse Lascars belonged to Arab merchants, but as a result of research, it was found that slaves who had escaped from Mahe in the XNUMXth century and settled on the island were probably buried here. Another legend says that a pirate lived on the island – Jean Hodoul, who buried a huge treasure on the island. Maybe one of you will discover it? We didn't manage. Similar to Desroches, there is one hotel here – Hilton Labriz. The hotel is located on a beautiful, long beach and practically blends into the green surroundings of the island. People who like active leisure have a lot of attractions to choose from. Right by the shore you can explore the reef, the hotel also organizes diving trips, fishing, cruises to the inaccessible from land Anse London beach, as well as trips to La Digue and Praslin. Several hiking trails have also been created on the island, you can go on a trip to the turtle reserve, a local village or an old cemetery.
Seychelles - must-see beaches
Anse Lazio
The most famous beach on Praslin Island is located in its north-western part. White sand, unique azure water, takamaka trees and of course granite boulders, for which the Seychelles are famous - it is no wonder that it ranks high in most world beach rankings. The ocean by the beach is an ideal place for snorkeling. When bathing, we recommend caution, as sometimes there are stronger, deceptive sea currents. In between sunbathing, you can use the nearby restaurants. Although the place is popular, it is not tiresomely crowded, although if you want to feel a more intimate atmosphere, we recommend going to the beach early in the morning or in the evening.
Anse Source D'argent
Beaching in the Seychelles without visiting the most famous beach on La Digue would be incomplete, because in many lists it appears as the most beautiful and most photographed in the world! It was in this magical place that scenes from "Emanuelle", "Robinson Crusoe" and "Castaway" were filmed, as well as Bacardi and Raffaello advertisements. Extraordinary granite boulders intriguingly carved by nature, white sand, gently foaming turquoise water and green tropical vegetation - it's a view like from a postcard! The access to the beach runs through the former coconut plantation L'Union Estate and it is necessary to buy a ticket, valid for the whole day. So you can visit the beaches right after breakfast, and in the evening (keeping the ticket with you) do it again, admiring the fabulous sunset.
Anse Source d'Argent beach on La Digue island, Seychelles
Anse Cocos
A quiet, peaceful beach located a few minutes from Petite Anse and about half an hour from Grand Anse. Once one of the first settlements on La Digue, you can still see abandoned buildings and the remains of a kiln where coconuts were dried for copra production right by the beach. This unique landscape and spots create an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts.
Anse georgette
Located on the island of Praslin, this beach is one of the most beautiful in the Seychelles. Entry is free, but since it is located on the grounds of the Constance Lemuria hotel, you must reserve a place on the visitors' list - send an email to request a permit for entry or call the hotel at least a day in advance and ask for your names to be added. There are no facilities on the beach - just snow-white sand, rounded boulders and turquoise water. You won't meet too many people here, so it's easy to get the impression that this Seychelles paradise was created especially for you!
What is worth knowing before traveling to the Seychelles?
