Mauritius is an exciting island to visit, but of course the beaches are the main attraction.
Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, situated 900 km east of Madagascar. It consists of two main and several smaller islands.
Most of Mauritius is a central plateau gradually rising towards the southwest. The highest peak is the 828-meter-high Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire.
White sandy beaches are mostly found in the northern part of the island, which is the main holiday destination. The south is home to natural attractions and several landmarks important to the local culture.
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Attractions in Mauritius
Port Louis
The capital city, founded by the French in 1735, lies on the western coast.
Though the city itself is not packed with attractions, a day trip is worthwhile. Attractions are concentrated in the city center, bustling with vendors.
The Caudan Waterfront in the harbor is Port Louis’ most atmospheric street, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
For the best 360-degree view of the city, visit the Citadel, or Adelaide Fort, built in the mid-19th century to suppress uprisings.
The Central Market is worth a visit for a true authentic market experience offering a variety of cultural goods.
Among the museums, the Blue Penny Museum is particularly interesting, focusing on Mauritius’ cultural heritage with a collection of stamps, coins, and art.
The Natural History Museum showcases the island’s natural treasures, including the skeleton of the extinct dodo bird.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Located 14 km from the capital, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden features over 500 plant species.
Exotic trees, medicinal plants, and various birds and turtles inhabit the garden. Its two most popular plants are the giant water lily (Victoria Amazonica) and the talipot palm.
Grand Baie
The main tourist area in the north, located in a small bay, has everything needed for an exotic holiday. The town is filled with restaurants and hotels.
Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities, and the area is ideal for diving.
Grand Baie boasts two beautiful white sandy beaches: La Cuvette and Grand Baie Beach.
The Undersea Walk is a unique water activity for non-divers to walk on the seabed and observe marine life. (Participants wear a weighted belt, and oxygen is supplied through a tube.)
Maheswarnath Mandir Temple
Located between Port Louis and Grand Baie in Triolet, this is the largest Hindu temple in Mauritius, built in 1888 in honor of Siva.
The temple is adorned with images of various Hindu gods and floral patterns. Since its construction, the temple has always been painted white, while the statues and floral patterns are colored.
The temple is famous for the first pilgrimage to Ganga Talao, the sacred lake.
Domaine les Pailles
This nearly 1500-hectare park, nestled between two mountains near Quatre Bornes and Port Louis, offers several great activities.
Visitors can see a working sugar mill, a rum distillery where fresh rum is available for tasting, and enjoy a safari tour, train rides, and horse-drawn carriage trips.
Cap Malheureux
In the northernmost part of Mauritius, this town’s most popular building is a Catholic church with a red roof.
The Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux is a popular photography spot due to its splendid color combination. There is also a small sandy beach behind the church.
The church was built in memory of the victims of a naval accident that occurred nearby.
Chamarel Waterfall
Located in the southwest of the island, this world-famous waterfall is part of the Riviere du Cap river.
The picturesque, over 80-meter-high waterfall can be viewed from a plateau, and visitors can wade in the shallow waters at its base.
Seven Colored Earth
Close to the Chamarel waterfall, this geological formation was created by volcanic activity. In bright sunlight, the seven different colors (brown, purple, red, burgundy, blue, green, yellow) are most pronounced.
Visitors are not allowed to step on the land, but several viewpoints have been established around it.
There is also a tortoise farm nearby.
All information here!
Tamarin Falls
Also known as the „Seven Waterfalls”, Tamarin is located in Mauritius’ most beautiful canyon. Water cascades in successive terraced sections, forming seven such waterfalls.
Descending to the bottom requires preparation, as it’s a challenging trek due to slippery rocks and water spray!
Rochester Falls
Different from the above two waterfalls, Rochester Falls is a smaller waterfall near Souillac.
The water cascades down about 15 meters between lava columns. It’s possible to jump into and swim in the pleasantly cool water.
Ganga Talao
This Hindu sacred place is located at Grand Bassin Lake. At the entrance stands a 33-meter tall statue of Shiva.
Several temples and statues surround the lake.
L’Aventure du Sucre (Sugar Cane Factory)
Near the capital, this museum was converted from a sugar mill.
It’s an interesting museum that covers the island’s history from colonization to the story of slavery, as well as sugar and rum production.
At the end of the tour, visitors can taste rum and various types of sugar.
Find more information here!
Bois Cheri Tea Factory
Located in a colonial-style building, this factory and museum offer insights into tea cultivation and production.
A must-visit for tea lovers! Tea tasting is also available.
The factory houses the Le Bois Cheri restaurant, known for its beautiful panoramic views and high ratings.
La Rhumerie de Chamarel Rum Distillery
Near the Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel waterfall, it’s worth visiting.
The distillery shows the process of rum production from cane to bottle and offers rum tasting. The entire area is beautifully landscaped with lots of vegetation and flowers.
All information here!
Casela Nature Parks
This animal park, not far from the capital, offers a variety of activities.
It’s a beautiful place with large slides, a summer bobsleigh track, a petting zoo, and a bus safari. Visitors can also pet lions and cheetahs!
Reports suggest it’s definitely worth a visit!
All information here!
La Vanille Nature Park
Located in southern Mauritius, this park is set in a bamboo forest and home to crocodiles and giant tortoises.
Apart from the animals, there’s also an impressive insect collection.
Ideal for those wanting to see exotic animals in a close-to-natural environment!
All information here!
Blue Bay Marine Park
In the southeast near the airport, this bay and holiday spot is perfect for underwater world enthusiasts. Ideal for snorkeling and diving, glass-bottom boat tours are also available to explore marine life.
The area around the bay has developed well, with many hotels welcoming tourists.
Ile aux Cerfs
Off Mauritius’ east coast, „Deer Island” is a popular excursion spot.
Though not large and mostly walkable, it offers stunning white sandy beaches and turquoise waters!
Accessible by boat from Trou d’Eau Douce, organized tours are available.
Ile Plate and Ile de Gabriele
North of Mauritius’ northern coast, these two islands offer pleasant excursions.
Reachable from Grand Baie, even by catamaran, the islands provide similar beach experiences to Ile aux Cerfs.
Ile Aux Benitiers
This small island is located off the southwestern tip of the peninsula of La Morne.
What it is known for is Crystal Coral Rock, which stands in the water not far from the shore. This is a prominent rocky outcrop that makes a good snorkelling spot as there are wonderful coral reefs around it.
Beaches in Mauritius
La Morne
In the southwest, this small peninsula has one of the most beautiful beaches. One of the most iconic photos of Mauritius was taken here.
The beach is backed by La Morne Mountain, resembling a massive rock, making it worth visiting, along with the swaying palm trees.
Flic en Flac Beach
This former fishing village has become a popular holiday destination due to its beautiful beach.
The long beach is lined with casuarina trees, and the water gradually deepens, making it perfect for families.
Grand Baie
Already mentioned in the attractions, this northern hub also offers lovely beaches.
At the entrance to the bay are two beach areas: La Cuvette and Grand Baie Beach.
Mont Choisy Beach
Just 1 km from Grand Baie, this white sandy beach is among the island’s best.
Though sometimes crowded, this nearly 1 km long beach is renowned. A small Hindu temple at one end adds to its charm.
Belle Mare Beach
The most popular beach on Mauritius’ east coast. Its length ensures quiet spots for serene relaxation.
La Cambuse Beach
In the southern part of Blue Bay, this beautiful beach offers tranquility.
A very quiet beach area with no eateries directly on the shore, it’s perfect for those seeking peace.
Weather
Mauritius, near the Tropic of Capricorn, experiences a subtropical climate. Summer lasts from December to June, and winter from July to September.
In summer, average temperatures are around 30 °C, while winter nights are 17 °C and early afternoons around 24 °C. Between seasons – September to November – average temperatures range from 25 °C to 28 °C.
The central plateau’s climate differs: winters range between 12 °C and 22 °C, summers between 18 °C and 30 °C. The air is humid and rainy almost constantly.
On the southeast side of the island, annual rainfall reaches 4000 mm, while on the northwest (rain shadow) side, it’s around 1000 mm.