If you are among those, who dream of leaving the weekday blues behind and heading off on a desert island, then Praslin will be the break you need. This amazing island of the Seychelles’ archipelago is one of those places where relaxing under a swaying palm tree, cocktail in hand and swimming in warm azure waters is a daily routine.
Constantly acclaimed for its white sandy beaches and lush tropical forests, Praslin has become one of the most desired holiday destination. Leaving the Seychelles without visiting Praslin, is like missing half of Seychelles’ wonders.
Learn more about Praslin Island
Being one of the three main island of the archipelago, Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles after Mahé. Praslin is granitic in origin and mountainous; it has an area of 38.52 km² with a highest elevation of 367m. Praslin lies 45km to the northwest of Mahé and is home to nearly 7,600 people or seven percent of the Seychelles population.
History
Like most of the Seychelles, Praslin Island was unoccupied until the 16th century. In 1744, it was named as the Isle de Palmes by the French explorer Lazare Picault and in 1768, it was renamed as Praslin in honor of French diplomat César Gabriel de Choiseul.
How to get there
You will have to take a ferry from Mahé to Praslin.
Getting around
Buses on Praslin go everywhere and is practically one of the best way of getting around the island. They are relatively cheap. You have the possibility of renting your own car as well, but, if you don’t want to drive, you can arrange taxis to visit sights, however, the cost of a taxi might be similar to the daily hire of a car.
Beaches
A visit to Praslin beaches is sure to fill your travel kitty to the brim with fond memories. Praslin beaches are world famous, and rightly so. Blue turquoise water, fine-grained sand and nodding Takamaka trees all add up to what some may claim to be a tropical cliche but to others they are the real paradise on earth.
Anse Lazio
Most famous beach of Praslin, Anse Lazio is regurlarly voted among the best beaches in the world. Located at the northwestern end of Praslin, this beach has known a great publicity during these last years. All thanks to its postcard scenery, perfect white sand, crystal-clear water and imposing palm trees.
Acting as the co-star of Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Lazio will leave you spellbound. Ranked as the sixth best beach in the world by TripAdvisor, it is easy to understand why people flock around this astonishing beach.
Anse Lazio is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, to enjoy the beach at its finest, it is best to come early in the morning as this popular beach tends to get crowded rapidly.
Anse Volbert- Côte D’or
It is a long stretch of pristine white sand and is the touristic hotspot of Praslin as well. Anse Volbert is the place where most hotels and apartments are situated. A stunning beach, which is very popular among beach lovers. A perfect spot to enjoy a long walk across the blue turquoise water of Anse Volbert. It offers many options to go for a swim and a wide variety of activities.
Anse Boudin
Located on the northeast coast of Praslin, Anse Boudin is a calm deserted beach. A serene location and a great place to sit on the sand and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. It is just a few minutes away by car from the iconic Anse Lazio. While rushing to Anse Lazio, people hardly notice this beautiful beach, probably one of the reason for its serene atmosphere.
The beach possesses an admirable mix of facilities and amazing scenery, making it a good all-rounder. A good spot for swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
Anse Georgette
The unsung hero of Praslin Island, Anse Georgette is outstandingly beautiful. This untouched beach offers a wonderful shade of blue, its incredible mixture of pristine white sand, bright turquoise ocean surface and tropical palm trees, makes it a must-see location.
Hidden away in the grounds of Constance Lemuria Resort, Anse Georgette is ideal for those people who seek privacy. In particular, newly married couples out on a honeymoon find Anse Georgette to be the best place to lay back and spend some quality time with their beloved.
Surely, the impressive beauty that surrounds Anse Georgette will not leave you indifferent.
Attractions
Vallée de Mai
Largely untouched since prehistoric times, Vallée de Mai is a true vestige of natural palm forest. Almost conserved in its original state, the national park is highly recommended. Vallée de Mai was designated as a World UNESCO Heritage site in 1983.
The park is home to the world’s largest population of endemic coco-de-mer and to five endemic palms. The famous coco de mer might be one of the central attraction here, with its kind of bizarre form; the coco de mer bears the largest seed in the plant kingdom. This exotic plant once lead to the belief the Seychelles were the true island of Eden. Vallée de Mai is a real natural sanctuary covering an area of 19.5 ha.
To add up to its beauty and richness, the park contains a unique wildlife; these include the rare Seychelles black parrot, mammals, crustaceans, snails and reptiles.
Activities
Golf
There is some good news for golf lovers holidaying in Praslin Island. The Constance Lemuria resort has the great pleasure to invite you to its unique 18 hole Par 70 championship course built in the year 2000. The 6,105 yards course offers a great challenge to all levels of players, amateurs and professional alike. Laid out in a positively amazing setting, the Championship Golf Course offers visiting golfers moments of golfing perfection. Golf equipment is available for hire and there is no green fee for guests of the resort. Because of difficult terrain, the use of club cars is mandatory, also available for hire.
Other activities of Praslin includes boat excursion, snorkeling, diving and hiking.