Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine beaches, lush vegetation, and vibrant Creole culture. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a romantic getaway, Seychelles offers something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit:

1. Mahé Island

The largest and most populated island, Mahé is the entry point to Seychelles and home to the capital city, Victoria.

• Why visit:

  • Beaches: Offers a variety of stunning beaches like Beau Vallon, Anse Intendance, and Anse Takamaka.

  • Culture: Explore the vibrant capital city of Victoria, with its colorful markets, Creole architecture, and historical sites like the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market and the Victoria Clocktower.

  • Nature: Hike through the lush rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species.

• Nearest Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Constance Ephelia

  • Mid-Range: Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, Coral Strand Smartchoice Hotel

  • Budget: Coco d'Or Hotel, Villa Kayola

• Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to October for pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall.

• Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), check in to your hotel, and relax on Beau Vallon beach.

  • Day 2: Explore Victoria, visit the market, the Botanical Gardens, and enjoy Creole cuisine.

  • Day 3: Hike in Morne Seychellois National Park and enjoy panoramic views.

  • Day 4: Relax on Anse Intendance, known for its turquoise waters and dramatic scenery.

  • Day 5: Take a day trip to Moyenne Island to see giant tortoises.

2. Praslin Island

The second-largest island, Praslin, is known for its Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Why visit:

  • Vallée de Mai: Home to the legendary Coco de Mer palm, found nowhere else on earth.

  • Beaches: Anse Lazio is often listed among the world's most beautiful beaches. Anse Georgette is another stunning option.

  • Relaxed Vibe: Offers a more laid-back atmosphere than Mahé.

• Nearest Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Raffles Seychelles, Constance Lémuria

  • Mid-Range: Paradise Sun Hotel, Acajou Beach Resort

  • Budget: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites, Islander Guesthouse

• Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to October.

• Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Take a ferry from Mahé to Praslin, check in to your hotel, and relax on Anse Volbert.

  • Day 2: Explore the Vallée de Mai and marvel at the Coco de Mer palms.

  • Day 3: Spend the day at Anse Lazio, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenery.

  • Day 4: Visit Anse Georgette (access may require prior reservation through hotels)

  • Day 5: Take a boat trip to Curieuse Island to see giant tortoises in the wild.

3. La Digue Island

The fourth-largest inhabited island, La Digue, is a step back in time, with a relaxed pace of life and traditional transportation.

• Why visit:

  • Anse Source d'Argent: Arguably the most photographed beach in the world, with its granite boulders, white sand, and turquoise waters.

  • Authentic Charm: Experience the slow pace of life, with oxcarts still used for transportation.

  • Natural Beauty: Explore lush greenery and stunning coastal scenery.

• Nearest Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort and Spa

  • Mid-Range: Le Nautique Luxury Beachfront Hotel, La Digue Island Lodge

  • Budget: Pension Michel, Chez Marston

• Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to October.

• Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Take a ferry from Praslin to La Digue, rent a bicycle, and check in to your hotel.

  • Day 2: Spend the day at Anse Source d'Argent, exploring the beach and taking photos.

  • Day 3: Visit L'Union Estate to see a traditional copra factory and giant tortoises.

  • Day 4: Hike to Nid d'Aigle, the highest point on La Digue, for panoramic views.

  • Day 5: Relax on Anse Cocos, a beautiful secluded beach on the other side of the island.

4. Curieuse Island

A small granitic island near Praslin.

• Why visit:

  • Giant Tortoises: Home to a large population of Aldabra giant tortoises, which roam freely.

  • Historical Significance: Visit the ruins of a former leper colony.

  • Mangrove Forests: Explore the island's rich mangrove forests.

• Nearest Accommodation: No direct accommodation on the island. Stay on Praslin (see options above) and take a day trip.

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round.

• Itinerary:

  • Day trip from Praslin: Take a boat to Curieuse Island, spend time with the giant tortoises, explore the historical sites, and walk through the mangrove forests.

5. Sainte Anne Marine National Park

A group of small islands off the coast of Mahé.

• Why visit:

  • Snorkeling and Diving: Excellent for underwater exploration with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

  • Island Hopping: Offers the chance to visit several small, beautiful islands.

• Nearest Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Sainte Anne Resort (located on Ile Sainte Anne)

  • Visitors typically stay on Mahé (see options above) and take a day trip.

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round for diving and snorkeling, but April-May and September-October offer the best weather.

• Itinerary

  • Day trip from Mahe: Take a boat tour of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, snorkel or dive in the coral reefs, and visit several islands.

6. Bird Island

A coral island, located about 100km from Mahe.

• Why visit:

  • Birdwatching: A haven for bird enthusiasts, home to sooty terns, fairy terns, and other species.

  • Eco-Tourism: Experience a truly natural and unspoiled environment.

• Nearest Accommodation:

  • Bird Island Seychelles is the only accommodation available on the island.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September for sooty tern breeding season.

• Itinerary

  • Stay at Bird Island for a few nights to experience the unique birdlife and natural beauty.

7. Silhouette Island

• Why visit:

  • Secluded Beaches: Offers secluded, pristine beaches and lush scenery.

  • Hiking: Hike through diverse forests.

  • Marine life: Explore the rich marine life.

• Nearest Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa

• Best time to visit: April to May and September to October

• Itinerary

  • Stay at the Hilton and explore the island's beaches, go hiking, and enjoy the resort's amenities.

8. Aldabra Atoll (Remote Island)

Why Visit?
One of the world’s largest coral atolls and a UNESCO site, Aldabra is home to giant tortoises, manta rays, and rare birds. It’s a paradise for eco-tourists and divers.

Nearest Accommodation:

• Limited lodging; most visitors stay on liveaboard boats or nearby Assumption Island.

Best Time to Visit:

• April-November (Calm seas, best for diving)

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day trip or liveaboard diving expedition

• Snorkeling with manta rays

• Wildlife spotting (tortoises, seabirds)

Additional Tips for your Seychelles Trip:

• Getting Around: Ferries and domestic flights connect the main islands. On La Digue, bicycles and oxcarts are common modes of transport.

• Currency: The Seychellois Rupee (SCR).

• Language: Seychellois Creole, English, and French.

• Food: Enjoy delicious Creole cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and spices.

• Activities: Besides relaxing on beaches, enjoy snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing, hiking, and exploring the unique flora and fauna.

Seychelles is a dream destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.