Most tourists who visit the Seychelles are taken over from the airport and guided to their luxury hotel where they will leave only to return to take their return flight. This is unfortunate for them because they will miss so much things the island has to offer but it’s great for others who will have the islands for themselves!
Here is a mini guide to help you enjoy your stay in the Seychelles. The guide briefly highlights the places not to be missed!
The Seychelles Island
Mahe
This is the largest island of the country where you will find the capital Victoria (with a population of almost 30 000 inhabitants). The island peaks reach 1000m. It is the ideal place for hiking in the Morne Seychellois. You will also come across splendid beaches the west coast of the island (Anse Soleil and Anse Intendance are the best) but also Beau vallon where the water is particularly calm and where whale sharks can be seen at certain times.
Praslin
The second largest island of the Seychelles is also one of the most popular. The dive sites of the island are among the best. The favourite beaches of the island are Grand Anse and Anse Lazio! They are breathtaking but be careful, even if the place seems idyllic, it is not totally because two men have suffered a shark attack in 2011. Praslin is also home to the Vallée de Mai which is a natural park where we find the famous Coco Buttock- Coco Fesse, emblem of the country!
La Digue
La Digue is smallest of the three main islands but it remains the most charming one. There you will be visiting the island exclusively on foot or by bike or if you wish by Ox Carts! Everything is quiet and peaceful. The island boast the two most beautiful beaches of Seychelles (or the world): Grand’Anse and especially Anse Source d’Argent! It is a paradise where the surroundings are indescribable, you have to go there to witness it by yourself…
The Seychelles in a Nutshell!
Seychelles is an expensive destination: it is true! However, it is possible to visit the Seychelles for cheaper by staying in a guesthouse, eating local take-aways and traveling by bus. Else if you are at ease with your budget then hire a car and visit the hidden gems of the island.
The weather for the months of December to January are considered to be the rainy months. On the other hand, July-August are usually dry but windy. So it is more advisable to get there during these periods.
If you want to enjoy the Seychelles to the maximum, know that it is very easy to move from island to island by boat (beware of seasickness in July-August) or plane (not necessarily more expensive). On each island, the bus network is very inexpensive.
Staying in the Seychelles
In the Seychelles you will mainly eat fish course. Eating here is relatively expensive compared to other countries but you can limit the damage by preparing the food all by yourself or taking take-aways.
Finally, if you are a “digital nomad”, you would enjoy those few days without connecting to the internet. The Seychelles is a destination to visit even if one is not a big fan of beaches since the country has much more to offer! It is ideal for family holidays. When it comes to accommodation in the Seychelles, no need to worry, you will find accommodation for all budgets and taste.
Visit Praslin!
Discover one of the most charming places of the country: Praslin! Here are 3 visits not to miss on this pearl of the Indian Ocean!
Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles and probably one of the most beautiful and one of the most endearing. Indeed, it is more developed than La Digue and more relaxing than Mahe where agitation is relatively high around the Seychelles’ Capital: Praslin is the ideal compromise.
Choosing what to visit on the island can sometimes be, and to help you, here is our Top 3 tours in Praslin.
1) Visit Grande Anse!
There are only two villages in Praslin and one of them is Grand Anse. It is definitely the most tranquil spot in Praslin and the place to be if you haven’t relaxed yet! Indeed, you will come across few little shops, hotels and restaurants there. The beach of over 2km is gorgeous: white sand, turquoise sea! A pleasure to walk.
For those who are passionate or simply want to learn scuba diving, there are some very good spots just around the island of Saint Pierre! The latter is one of the symbols of the Seychelles as it really is an idyllic place! Basically, you can relax in this small village where walking, swimming and diving will occupy your day!
2) The Vallée de Mai!
Vallée de Mai is a beautiful forest on the list of UNESCO World Heritage. This is the only place in the world where you will come across the famous Coco de Mer which is a coconut with erotic forms: coco-butt / Coco Fess! It is the symbol of the Seychelles!
Vallée de Mai is visited very easily by following the marked trails. Distances and height differences are small. It can easily be visited by the whole family – young and old. Beautiful palm, birds, small rivers, large roots and more will marvel you. So we believe in full jungle!
3) Anse Lazio
Anse Lazio is in the north of Praslin and is easily accessible by bus. This is the perfect beach as you can imagine: sand-like powder, palm shadowing on the sand, calm waters protected by the bay, rocks at each end which look like a postcard scenery, an ideal place for snorkeling! This heaven like scenery is similar to Anse Source d’Argent, and you can’t miss any of those!
I hope you are now convinced that a dream vacation, feet on the edge of the water, can fit anyone’s budget!
Enjoy your holidays in the Seychelles!
