The 115 coral and granite islands that make up the archipelago, which is the apex of a massive undersea plateau, are home to various attractions, including stunning beaches with boulders littering them, unspoiled jungles, healthy coral reefs, and UNESCO-listed nature reserves.
East of Kenya, close to the equator, are the Seychelles. Several of the islands and atolls are located inside marine sanctuaries, and almost half of their total land area is protected.
Popular activities in the Seychelles include mountain hikes, lounging on gorgeous beaches, rock climbing, taking pictures of the rare flora and animals, and indulging in delectable Créole cuisine.
The crystal-clear, azure water is perfect for aquatic activities. World-class sailing, surfing, diving, and snorkelling are all available, and the Seychelles are home to some of the best fishing areas on the planet.
The Seychelles' larger granitic inner islands, particularly Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, are where tourism is most developed. Here, you may stay at a number of five-star luxury resorts that will make you feel like royalty.
Mahé is home to the charming Morne Seychellois National Park, the international airport, the cruise ship port, and the island's modest capital, Victoria. The UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai is located on Praslin Island, while tiny La Digue is home to some of the Seychelles' most magnificent beaches.
Little coralline islands, atolls, and low-lying sand cays make up the majority of the outlying islands. Anglers will discover upscale fishing lodges on Alphonse Island and Farquhar Atoll, where the fishing is excellent.
Whatever you decide to do on these beautiful islands, check out our list of the Seychelles' top attractions to learn more about the best spots to go.
1. Anse Lazio and Praslin
One of the most stunning beaches in the Seychelles is Anse Lazio (Chevalier Bay), which is located on the north side of Praslin Island. To get to the beach, you must climb a hill, but it's worth it, we promise.
This lengthy stretch of silky golden sand blends with crystal-clear seas in lovely colours of blue, surrounded by rounded granite boulders. The beach is surrounded by tamamaka trees and coconut palms, which offer areas of shade for relaxation. Bathers can refuel at eateries on either end of the beach.
Since most of the tour buses have left, the early morning or late afternoon are the finest times to visit Anse Lazio.
2. Mahé's Anse Intendance
This short, isolated stretch of sand on Mahé's south coast is one of the island's nicest beaches and a popular surfing location because of its regular huge swells and furious waves. There are plenty of other activities to keep you blissfully engaged at this lovely beach even though there isn't a reef to snorkel around.
This beach isn't the best for families despite being stunning and exciting. Swimming can be a little challenging due to the lack of a protective reef when trade winds come from the southeast, especially from June through September.
Yet, this lovely, palm-framed coastline will be appealing to sunbathers, beachcombers, and photographers at any time of year. Insider's tip: Keep an eye out for step-turtles nesting along these pristine shorelines.
3. Mahé's Baie Lazare
The charming community of Baie Lazare on the island of Mahé bears the name of Lazare Picault, a French explorer who arrived there while being sent by the French government to investigate the islands in the 18th century.
The neo-Gothic Baie Lazare Church, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, offers a panoramic perspective of the area and is one of the primary tourist attractions in the area.
With their spectacular turquoise ocean and brilliant white sand, the gorgeous beaches of Anse Soleil and Petite Anse are among the best beaches in the Seychelles. In fact, Petite Anse is considered to be the nicest beach in the Seychelles because of its sheltered harbour and silvery sand.
Families seeking a tranquil, secure location to swim and snorkel will find this beach to be ideal.
4. Isle of La Digue
La Digue, the fourth-largest island in the archipelago, is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Bicycles and oxcarts are common ways of transportation, making it a perfect destination for anybody interested in experiencing island life as it once was.
Beach lovers will enjoy Anse Source D'Argent here, one of the world's most magnificent lengths of sand and sea, surrounded by stunning white-sand beaches and granite rock outcrops. The neighbouring L'Union Estate, where admission also includes a tour of this former copra factory and vanilla plantation, does charge for access to the beach.
The Veuve Natural Reserve, which houses the threatened black paradise flycatcher, commonly known as "the widow" because to its flowing black tail feathers, is another popular tourist destination.
The island is a popular destination for diving and rock climbing, and hikers will love the La Pass to Grand Anse Path, which winds past French colonial homes through marshlands and woodlands to the stunning Grand Anse beach.
5. Day Excursion to Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island, formerly known as Île Rouge because of its earth's rusty hue, currently houses a breeding facility for giant tortoises, which are free to roam about the sandy coves.
The majority of the island is covered in takamaka and casuarina trees, which provide shade for the white-sand beaches. However, Curieuse is unique among islands in terms of botany because it is the only location outside of Praslin where the coco de mer palm grows wild.
The island formerly housed a leper colony, and you may now visit the doctor's house, a conserved national landmark, as well as the leprosarium's ruins on the south shore.
From Praslin Island, boat cruises can take you to Curieuse Island.
6. Morne Seychellois National Park,
At Morne Seychellois National Park, nature enthusiasts and hikers will be in their element. With more than 20% of Mahé's land covered, this is the Seychelles' biggest national park.
The mountain range inside its verdant borders is called Morne Seychellois after its highest point, which rises to a height of 905 metres and provides a view of Victoria's capital.
The Seychelles scops-owl, bulbul, and sunbird are just a few of the famous bird species found there. The luxuriant vegetation also includes pandanus, pitcher plants, ferns, and various indigenous palm species.
Here, you'll discover some of the island's top walks. From the settlement of Danzil, hiking trails ascend into the park, passing through tea plantations and providing breathtaking views of Mahé's southwest coast from the mountain slopes. One of the most well-known hikes is the easy Morne Blanc walk, which boasts breathtaking vistas from its summit.
Hikers can get to the Baie Ternay and Port Launay Marine Parks by heading west through the park. The remote beach at Anse Major and the hamlet of Bel Ombre are located to the northwest.
7. National Marine Park of Ste Anne
Ste Anne National Marine Park, comprising six islands, was established as the first national park in the Indian Ocean in 1973. It is located 15 to 20 minutes by boat off the coast of Mahé, close to Victoria.
You can explore the majority of the islands in the reserve on day trips from Mahé and learn about the great range of marine life in the park's coral reefs through snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat excursions. On a couple of the islands, you can also spend the night.
Hawksbill turtles use Sainte Anne Island as a significant breeding location. The island hosted the first French settlement in the Seychelles in 1770 despite having mangroves and crocodiles.
You can take a nature walk on Round Island, a former leper colony, and spend the night at the JA Enchanting Island Resort.
Visiting seychelles? Check out the 16 #Top-Rated #Tourist #Attractions in the #Seychelles.
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The island of Cachée is a declared nature reserve and a significant noddy breeding ground. On Cerf Island, you may take a dip in the stunning reefs, go snorkelling or diving, or simply relax on the deserted beaches. You can also make L'Habitation Cerf Island or the Cerf Island Resort your home base here.
The privately owned island of Moyenne is home to enormous tortoises, a modest thatched chapel, pirate tombs, and nature trails.
8. Beach in Beau Vallon
Both visitors and residents are drawn to the seductive curve of dazzling sand that is Beau Vallon on Mahé's northwest coast. Mountainous Silhouette Island can be seen shimmering on the horizon when looking out to sea.
This is an excellent option if you're searching for pulsating beach action. Weekend beach barbecues draw locals to the hotels and eateries that line the shore. Jet Skis, water skiing, banana boats, paddleboarding, and other water sports are also available here.
Families with young children should consider visiting this beach because it has lifeguards on duty and the water is typically calm, especially during the southeast trade winds.
9. Anse Volbert
Anse Volbert, often referred to as Côte d'Or, is one of Praslin's busiest beaches and is located on the island's northeastern shore. The sun-bleached sands are lapped by warm, shallow water, while coral reefs call just offshore. Little ones can swim in the calm waters without any danger.
Also, several day cruises and other island excursions leave from this beach.
One of the island's main tourist destinations is Anse Volbert, where you can discover a wide variety of lodging options, including the Hotel Club Cote D'Or, which features thatched bungalows tucked away in the midst of lush vegetation.
10. National Park of Vallée de Mai, Praslin
Want to take a vacation from the surf, sand, and sun? Go to Vallée de Mai National Park's cool, shaded areas. For those who enjoy the outdoors, this is one of the best spots to visit in the Seychelles.
This verdant park on the island of Praslin, which is home to thousands of rare and endemic giant coco de mer fruit palms, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects a prehistoric forest with at least 4,000 of these trees.
Visit the visitor centre to learn more about the ecology of the park before beginning your hike and to witness some of the world's largest coco de mer seeds. Chinese fans, palmiste, latanier, spread traveler's palms, vanilla orchids, and other plants grow well in the park.
The clearly signposted nature pathways make it simple to navigate this reserve. Three separate paths, each requiring one to three hours of hiking, are available. Huge rocks are scattered throughout the forest floor, and towering trees create an overhanging canopy that keeps the routes sheltered for the most of their length.
Many reptile species as well as uncommon birds, including the Seychelles bulbul, fruit pigeons, and the black parrot, the national bird of the Seychelles, can be found in the valley.
It is strongly advised that you hire a guide to help you learn more about the local flora and fauna. Remember that there is a cost to enter the park as well.
11. Day trip to Cousin Island
This stunning island's preservation is due to a little bird called the uncommon Seychelles warbler.
This endangered species as well as numerous other endemic bird species are protected by Cousin Island Special Reserve, which was created in 1968. Also, for the highly endangered hawksbill turtle, it is the most significant nesting location in the entire western Indian Ocean.
Moreover, Cousin Island is the first carbon-neutral wildlife reserve in history.
Two kilometres separate the island from Praslin Island, and day trips can be arranged through regional tour companies. One of the reserve's wardens will meet you at the island and give you a 75-minute tour while explaining the ecology of the place.
Seychelles turtledoves, Seychelles brush warblers, Seychelles magpie robins, and wedge-tailed shearwaters are a few of the local species to keep an eye out for. Moreover, the reserve includes tropicbird, fairy tern, and lesser noddy nesting areas.
12. Day Excursion to Aride Island Natural Reserve
Aride Island Natural Reserve, the most northern of the Granitic Seychelles, is home to 18 species of seabirds that breed there, including frigate birds, red-tailed tropicbirds, and the largest colonies of lesser noddy and roseate terns in the entire world.
Nature lovers will discover numerous distinctive types of flowers as well as the highest density of lizards on the planet. This island only has the Wright's gardenia, sometimes known as bois citron.
The majority of hotels on Praslin Island can arrange day tours to Aride; however, from May through September, the island is frequently closed to visitors owing to choppy surf. Moreover, visits by helicopter can be planned.
13. Silhouette Island,
Mountainous Silhouette Island, located in a marine park 30 kilometres off Mahé's west coast, is recognised for its extensive biodiversity. In addition to Mahé, it is the only other island in the Seychelles where the 731-meter Mont Dauban peak is shrouded in mist.
Silhouette Island, the third-largest of the granitic islands, has a steep terrain that has contributed to the preservation of its natural beauty. More than 2,000 species, including birds, geckos, chameleons, turtles, and skinks, are protected by the park.
There are many things to do in this area. Along with seeing a variety of flora and wildlife, such as carnivorous pitcher plants, coco de mer palms, millipedes, slugs, and snails, you may explore caverns, relax on beaches with fantastic swimming and snorkelling options, and enjoy the sunshine.
The lone hotel on the island, the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, runs a 45-minute ferry service from the Bel Ombre dock on Mahe to the island. Even better, reserve a room and stay here. This all-villa resort is opulent, the food is outstanding, and the service is excellent!
Alternatively, you can take a breathtaking 15-minute helicopter journey or a private boat transfer to get there.
14. Victoria, Mahé
The tiny capital of the Seychelles, on the island of Mahé, is the only seaport in the nation and was given the name Port Victoria in honour of the British queen after her coronation.
The main attractions can easily be seen in one day here. Seychelles National Botanical Gardens is one of the top tourist destinations. The gardens, which were established about a century ago, include an orchid garden, giant tortoises, flying foxes, and 15 acres of native and exotic species.
Throughout the city, contemporary structures made of concrete and glass have recently sprung up, and the few colonial structures still standing are clustered around Independence Plaza. The clock tower is the most noticeable historical building. It was built in 1903 and was based on Little Ben, a scaled-down counterpart of London's Big Ben.
The first church of the Seychelles, which was devastated by an unusual cyclone in 1862, was built on the location of St. Paul's Church, which stands overlooking the square.
Customers flock to Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, where locals provide fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables, as well as gifts like ship models and pearl jewellery, in addition to several craft stores.
Visit the Natural History Museum, which also features a few historical relics, for an overview of the Seychelles' flora and animals.
Bird Island 15
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Bird Island is home to a migratory sooty tern population that grows to 1,500,000 birds during the May to October breeding season. The island was formerly known as Îles aux Vaches due to the dugongs (sea cows) in the region. For unobstructed views of the nests, birders and photographers can ascend elevated observation platforms.
Cardinals, ground doves, mynas, crested terns, plovers, fairy and noddy terns, and other species can also be found on the island. There are also giant land tortoises living there, and big game fishing is very popular at the Seychelles Bank nearby.
The sole place to stay on the island is Bird Island, Seychelles, a basic eco-lodge that guests can self-cater in. From Mahé, you can fly for 30 minutes to get to the island.
16. Aldabra Atoll
Aldabra is the biggest elevated coral atoll in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Four canals in the central lagoon fill and empty twice daily, exposing the champignons, or pinnacles in the shape of mushrooms.
The atoll is home to thousands of birds, including the white-throated rail, and the shallows are frequently frequented by tiger sharks and manta rays (the only flightless bird in the Indian Ocean). Lesser and bigger frigate birds, red-footed boobies, dimorphic egrets (found exclusively in this area and in Madagascar), the sacred ibis of Aldabra, greater flamingos, and the Malagasy kestrel are also visible.
Aldabra is home to 200,000 giant tortoises, five times as numerous as the Galapagos, in addition to a diverse bird population.
It is difficult to visit this isolated island because you can only get there by renting a private boat, and you must first get permission from the Seychelles Islands Foundation.
17. Grand Anse, a
It's simple to understand why Grand Anse has been hailed as one of the finest beaches in the Seychelles and one of the nicest beaches on La Digue island. It's stunning! Also, this sandy area is less congested than some of the island's other, busier beaches.
Grand Anse, which is aptly titled, is the longest beach on La Digue and is fascinating for its vast expanse of powder-soft white sand. Tall palm trees line the shore, providing shade that almost reaches the sand. If you're thirsty, stop by the beach hut, which offers shade and cool juices.
Grand Anse's choppy, crashing surf is perfect for surfers, but it's not the finest beach for families with little children. Granite rocks are scattered throughout the sand, providing a stunning backdrop for selfies fit for Instagram.
18. Copolia Trail
On the island of Mahé, close to Victoria, there is a 1.4 km long nature walk called the Copolia Trail. This trail has a gentle incline and is rated as being of moderate difficulty, but don't worry, it's not too strenuous.
At 488 metres above sea level, the top offers the greatest views. Your reward for a trail well-walked is panoramic views of Victoria and the glistening azure ocean. Speaking of hiking, plan on taking around an hour to get there and back, and possibly more if you decide to relax at the summit.
Wooden boardwalks are used to guide visitors through the thick jungle, and moss-covered rocks provide a magical quality. Make sure to keep your phone charged and put on a decent pair of comfortable sneakers. You'll need it to take a tonne of pictures.
An insider's tip: The summit's carnivorous pitcher plants are a bonus.