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Seychelles is an island nation in the western Indian Ocean, made up of more than a hundred islands spread across a wide area northeast of Madagascar. The inner islands are granite, an unusual geology for an oceanic group, and their weathered boulders, steep forested hills and white-sand coves give the country its distinctive look. The Creole culture reflects African, French, British and Indian influences, and Seselwa Creole is widely spoken.
Most trips start on Mahé, the largest island, home to the small capital, Victoria. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market there is a lively mix of fish, fruit and spices. Morne Seychellois National Park covers the island's mountainous interior with hiking trails and cloud forest, and Beau Vallon is a long, popular beach on the northwest coast. On Praslin, the Vallee de Mai protects a palm forest where the coco de mer grows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Praslin's Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are among the most admired beaches, and boats run to Curieuse Island, known for giant tortoises, and to the bird sanctuary of Cousin Island.
La Digue is smaller and slower, best explored by bicycle from the harbor at La Passe. Anse Source d'Argent, reached through L'Union Estate, is famous for its sculpted boulders. Island-hopping by ferry suits travelers who like variety.
WiserMap travel guideSeychelles Island Hopping Mahe Praslin and La Digue BeachesExplore Seychelles island by island, from Victoria and Morne Seychellois on Mahe to Vallee de Mai on Praslin and Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue.Read the guide
One of the smallest capital cities in the world, on the east coast of Mahe. Highlights include the silver Clock Tower, a colorful Hindu temple, the Catholic cathedral and the National Botanical Gardens with giant tortoises and coco de mer palms. The center is compact and easy to explore on foot in half a day.
The main village and ferry jetty on La Digue, a laid-back island where most people get around by bicycle. Rent a bike near the jetty, then ride the quiet coastal roads past Creole houses, small shops and cafes. The island is small, so you can reach most beaches within half an hour of pedaling.
Victoria's main market, a covered hall filled with stalls selling freshly caught fish, tropical fruit, vegetables, spices and local chili sauces, with souvenir and craft shops upstairs. It is busiest and most colorful on Saturday mornings. Come early to see the fish catch and buy spices to take home.
The largest national park in the Seychelles, covering the mountainous center of Mahe and including Morne Seychellois, the country's highest peak. Trails such as Copolia lead through misty forest to granite viewpoints over Victoria and the islands, and the Mission Ruins have a fine lookout. Hike early before clouds roll in.
A UNESCO World Heritage palm forest on Praslin, home to the famous coco de mer, which produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Shaded trails of different lengths wind beneath tall palms, and you may hear or see the rare Seychelles black parrot. Allow two hours and walk slowly to listen for birds.
Beau Vallon is a long, sandy beach on Mahe's northwest coast with gentle water, hotels, water sports and dive centers. On Wednesday evenings a street food market brings music and Creole food to the beach road. Other Mahe beaches such as Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka in the south are wilder and quieter.
A beautiful beach on the northwest tip of Praslin, with soft white sand, clear turquoise water and smooth granite boulders at each end. The water is usually calm for swimming, and snorkeling is good around the rocks. There are a couple of beach restaurants, but bring water and shade, and do not leave valuables in cars.
On La Digue, Anse Source d'Argent is famous for its sculpted pink granite boulders and shallow turquoise water. It is reached through L'Union Estate, an old plantation with a copra mill, a colonial house and a giant tortoise pen, which charges an entry fee. Check the tides, as the water can be very shallow at low tide.
Three wild beaches on the southeast coast of La Digue, linked by a rocky footpath from Grand Anse. Grand Anse has big waves, Petite Anse is a quiet cove, and Anse Cocos has natural pools among the rocks. Currents can be dangerous, especially from about May to September, so swim with care and only in calm water.
A small island just off Praslin in a marine national park, known for its red earth and its free-roaming giant Aldabra tortoises near the ranger station. A boardwalk crosses a mangrove forest to the old doctor's house, now a small museum. Most visitors come on boat tours from Praslin that include snorkeling.
A protected group of small islands just off Victoria, created in 1973 as one of the first marine parks in the region. Coral reefs, seagrass beds and sea turtles can be seen while snorkeling or from a glass-bottom boat. Half-day and full-day boat trips from Mahe include stops on the islands and time to swim.
Anse Georgette is a secluded beach on Praslin's northwest coast, reached through a resort, so check access rules beforehand. Cousin Island, a short boat ride away, is a nature reserve with huge numbers of nesting seabirds, rare land birds and nesting hawksbill turtles. Cousin is visited on guided tours on set mornings.
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