The Beaches and Islands of Seychelles – Holiday Dreams Come True

I am fortunate enough to obtain an opportunity to visit this territory of 115 islands spread on the Indian Ocean. No doubt, what allures tourists here are the beaches with wonderful heaps of white sand wet by azure warm waters in the backdrop of enchanting hills and big rocks. I was actually wondering which of these 115 islands to visit. However, I always wanted visit the three key islands of Praslin, La Digue, and Mahe.

The other attraction that pulls visitors is the deserved status as a model of ecotourism. Due to this, Seychelles is the best location to watch birds and huge tortoises in their inborn surroundings along with the vast underwater world best explored by diving. Distracting you from these offerings, the forest trails and ideal dining can make you feel completely different.

Seychelles Tourist Attractions

Mahe

This is a typical tranquil island holding superb coves hugged by colorful waters and a series of granite peaks in the northeast – the highest point of Morne Seychellois. Densely populated and the home to the country capital Victoria, we took a bus ride that took us to the natural sights of this island in just 20 minutes. You can even opt for a car ride with a little more expense.

The main attraction here is the Morne Seychellois National Park occupying 20% of the island offers a wide variety of habitats and the highest peak. The only way to explore this park is through guided treks. Do not miss to take a scenic drive on the road above the mountains starting at Victoria to Port Glaud, which passes through the park.

Beau Vallon

The Beau Vallon is the famous beach on the northwest coast of the Mahe Island located at 3 km from Victoria. A vast, superb white arch of sands lined by palms and takamaka trees, the beach’s water is safe for swimming that is worth watching from June to November.

Offering some great scenery up the coast to Glacis and North Point; drive on the thin paths along the coastline to be stunned over isolated bays at the base of the cliffs. At the North Point, turn to Victoria via Anse Etoile.

Victoria

This is the prime economic, political, and commercial core. Attractions here include a market, ideal dining, manicured botanical gardens, and the magnificent ancient colonial buildings along the shopping plazas. I would say that this place is good for last moment shopping.

Praslin

Modern lodgings, twisted forests, hills bending to crystal-clear seas, and swaying palm trees along the sand dunes can tempt any visitor. Located 45 km northeast of Mahe, this is the second largest island in the country in between Mahe and La Digue. A granite island holding an edge of mountains in east west, attractions here are Anse Volbert (called Cote d’Or) and Grande Anse.

In Praslin, do not miss the fun of strolls along the coast, boat trips to close islands known for their birdlife, scuba diving, and snorkeling. From here, we then headed to La Digue by a boat that covered some 5 km.

La Digue

Bottle-green waters, charming bays, wonderful beaches, and lush hills covered with knotty forest and trees – all this make up this island the most relaxing and quiet island. La Digue is the facilitator to reach many of its surrounding islands including Felicite, Grande Sœur and the legendary Ile Cocos. Having only one settlement named La Passe and one road where only ox carts run, time goes very slowly but its chilled atmosphere and environs is peace giving and burden relieving. Finally, the scene of Victoria as an imposing backdrop provides an illusion of toppling into the sea.

For accommodation, there are many family guesthouses and self-catering apartments for cheap stays.

East Coast

Heading towards the south, we explored the Fairyland beach famous for its great snorkeling and shining waters. Other options for beaches would be to further in south towards Anse Royale, Anse Bougainville, and Anse Forbans.

Then, we reached Le Jardin du Roi situated at 2 km in the hills over Anse Royale. With a minimum admission fee of Rs. 25, we entered this spice garden and explored it through a self-guided walk around the orchards and forest. You can have a fruit and other tropical savors here. Do not miss the planter’s house that offers a one-room museum. If you want to take some breathtaking views of the coast down, enjoy doing so with a sip of coffee at a cool cafe restaurant.

Best Time to Visit

The peak season is from December to January and July to August along with the Easter time. Do book your stays as it is hard to get one during this time. From May to September, the windy atmosphere will incline you to head towards the protected beaches.

Accommodation

The rapid changes in the outlook of the country also serve the people whose budget is not that high to visit the country by opening more choices. Only 16 of the nation’s 115 islands are presenting accommodation facilities.

Multiple options of affordable and modern hotels, self-caterings, and charming Creole guesthouses are increasingly getting popular after 5-star hotels and exotic island resorts.