The Seychelles is a true earthly paradise! I think everyone knows that the world’s most beautiful beaches are found here. But there are also other great sights on the islands. Read through the article to see that it’s indeed a wonderful and romantic place!
The Seychelles is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, closest to Somalia off the eastern coast of Africa, and northeast of Madagascar. Among Africa’s independent states, the Republic of Seychelles has the smallest population.
There are no indigenous people; the Seychellois are mainly descendants of French, African, Indian, and Chinese immigrants.
Table of Contents
Main islands of Seychelles
The country comprises over 100 islands, but the main tourist destinations are concentrated on three islands: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.
Mahé
The largest island is adorned with jungle-covered mountains, over 60 beautiful beaches, dreamy bays, secret corners, a dense forested interior, small towns, and a unique Creole culture.
It is the hub of the archipelago and home to the capital, Victoria. Most tourists arrive at the island’s airport (Victoria-Seychelles Airport).
Praslin
The second largest island is a bit further from Mahé. It is perfect for a quieter vacation, and perhaps the most beautiful beaches are found here. It also hosts some of the world’s most stunning beaches.
Its famous plant is the coco de mer, the sea coconut, which grows naturally only here.
La Digue
The most tranquil island, where time seems to have stopped. It is easily explored by bicycle.
Its uniqueness is evident as the main mode of transportation on the island is the ox-cart. The island has rich fauna, with many birds living here.
Best beaches in the Seychelles
Anse Intendance
Located in the southern part of Mahé, many consider it the most beautiful beach on the island. It features white sand and stunning turquoise water.
One drawback is that there is no reef, often resulting in strong waves. It is easily accessible by car, with available parking.
Grand Anse
Situated on the southwest coast of Mahé, it is only accessible after about a 15-minute walk. The beach has fine sand and is excellent for snorkeling as there are no currents.
Anse Royale
The most beautiful beach on Mahé Island, featuring granite rocks, white sand, and palm trees. The water is very pleasant and shallow.
Baie Lazare
An easily accessible beach on Mahé, located right next to the main road.
The water is shallow, making it unsuitable for swimming and snorkeling, but the white sandy beach is excellent for relaxation.
Anse Volbert (Côte D’Or Beach)
One of the most popular beaches on Praslin. Unlike the others, it has several hotels and restaurants.
Anse Lazio
Located in the northeast of Praslin Island, many consider it the most beautiful beach in the world.
It is in a bay, with beautiful granite rocks emerging from the sand on the northern side. The water colors are stunning, and palm trees lean over the water. The sand is white and very pleasant.
It is worth waiting for the sunset as Anse Lazio is perhaps most beautiful at this time.
Anse Georgette
Not far from Anse Lazio, found in a small bay. Many consider it even more beautiful than Anse Lazio. The view of the beach from above is stunning.
Be cautious as the water deepens quickly. The sea is wavier here as there is no reef, which might be the only downside. The sand is very fine and dazzlingly white.
Access is a bit challenging as the route goes through the Lemuria Resort. Prior registration is required, but entry is free. Register at the reception, and from there, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the beach.
Anse Source D’Argent
Located on La Digue Island, it is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Massive granite rocks rise from the white sand, shaped by the forces of nature. The water is shallow due to the reef.
The beach is part of the L’Union Estate Park, and an entrance fee is required, but the view is well worth it!
Grande Anse
One of the most beautiful white sandy beaches on La Digue Island. Be prepared for often strong waves.
Huge granite rocks at both ends of the bay make the beach picturesque.
Petite Anse
A beautiful beach located a 10-minute walk from Grande Anse. To reach it, you must cross large rocks and vegetation via a small trodden path.
The view during the walk is fantastic, with white sand and turquoise water awaiting those who walk here.
Anse Marron
This small beach is located at the southern tip of La Digue. It is challenging to reach, often requiring a route over granite rocks from Grand Anse.
Mahé attractions
Victoria
The capital of Seychelles, with a population of about 25,000, is among the smallest capitals in the world. Due to its short history, there are few attractions.
One of the most famous landmarks is the clock tower, erected in 1903, modeled after London’s Big Ben.
The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar is a beautiful Hindu temple, the only one of its kind in the country.
Be sure to visit the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market! Although it’s not a large market and you may encounter some unusual smells, it’s an authentic place. You can buy fish, fruits, clothes, coconut products, and even handmade crafts.
The Botanical Garden is located 1 km from the clock tower. Its most famous plant is the coco de mer palm. There are also some giant tortoises in the garden.
Beau Vallon
Just a few kilometers west of the capital is one of the popular holiday destinations. The mountains in the background make the scenery even more beautiful.
It has a lovely white sandy beach where water sports and even a diving school are available. It’s an ideal place for families, as the water is shallow and free of rocks.
Domaine de Val des Prés
A village showcasing Creole life and crafts. You can get acquainted with local architectural styles, arts, and craftsmanship.
There are also spectacular shops, and you can buy products from local artisans.
Tea Factory
This manufactory, located in a very picturesque area, demonstrates tea cultivation and processing in Seychelles. It offers one of the island’s most beautiful panoramas.
Kot Ma-Ya Exotic Flower Garden
A paradise for plant lovers. Besides more than two hundred species of tropical plants and orchids, the garden also houses tortoises, frogs, geckos, and rabbits.
Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
The garden features numerous plants and fruits, such as vanilla, cinnamon, and pineapple. You can see the spices in their growing form. There is a beautiful view of Anse Royale from here.
Kreolfleurage Parfums
This small laboratory is located in the northern tip of the island. It is the only perfume manufactory in the Indian Ocean region.
They use local oils and essences to create unique perfumes, which are available for purchase.
Morne Seychellois National Park
The largest national park in Seychelles. The highest point is also here, with Morne Seychellois at 905 meters.
There are several hiking trails.
The Trois Freres Peak Trail is the most popular. It’s only 800 meters long with a 200-meter elevation gain, but along the way, you will encounter exotic spices and stunning panoramas.
The Dans Gallas Nature Trail is longer, at 2 km with a 310-meter elevation gain. This trail offers a beautiful view of Beau Vallon Bay. It’s easily accessible from Victoria.
In the northwestern part of the park, along the coast, is the Anse Major Nature Trail. After about 2.5 km, you reach a beautiful beach, Anse Major. Due to its access route, it’s a quiet beach.
Bazar Labrin
A musical and dance-filled Creole celebration held every Wednesday in Beau Vallon. You can taste many local specialties: Creole coconut cake, carrot cake, octopus curry, and grilled fish.
Praslin Island attractions
Vallée De Mai National Park
This is the only place where the endangered Coco de Mer palm can be found in such abundance (there are over 4,000 specimens). The sea coconut is a symbol of the Seychelles. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an entrance fee is required.
This palm produces the world’s largest seed, with the fruit of the several hundred-year-old trees weighing up to 18 kilograms. Additionally, many animal species can be found here, such as the Seychelles bulbul.
There are three hiking trails in the national park. Along the way, informational signs provide descriptions of important species.
Cousin Island
Located 2 km west of Praslin Island, this small island has been a nature reserve for over 50 years. It can only be visited with local tour operators.
It is home to rare species such as the hawksbill turtle, Seychelles magpie-robin, Seychelles warbler, and more.
Curieuse Island
This island is just 1 km from Praslin.
Its most famous attraction is the tortoise farm. Here, tortoises live freely and are well cared for. They are very gentle and can be fed and petted.
The most beautiful beach is Anse St. Jose, a long, wide shore that is also an excellent snorkeling spot.
Near this beach is the Doctor’s House, which was once a leper colony. A museum about the history of the disease and the doctor who studied leprosy operates in this house.
La Digue attractions
L’Union Estate
An information center and park, formerly a coconut plantation, which can be visited for a fee.
It demonstrates the process of making coconut oil. Additionally, there is a huge 750-million-year-old granite rock shaped by the forces of nature into various forms.
Nid d’Aigle
The highest point on the island, at 333 meters. It offers a very beautiful view of the island.
Weather
The annual average temperature is 27°C, with 80% humidity. Due to tropical rains, the annual precipitation is 2300 mm (in Hungary, it is 500-900 mm).
From April to October, the southeast trade winds provide cooler and drier weather.
The milder northwest monsoon system reaches the Seychelles around Christmas, bringing precipitation and causing downpours. Showers and thunderstorms can occur on any day of the year.
Despite being small islands in the vast Indian Ocean, numerous microclimates have developed. This diversity makes the climate of the Seychelles unique – it may rain on one beach, be sunny on another, and fog may descend on the mountains.