When it comes to spending holidays in Mauritius, visitors can easily get confused with so many things to see. In fact the tropical island of Mauritius has everything to offer etched in mind holidays, a multi-destination island! The beaches of the island draw luxurious hotels and high class villas proposing top-notch services. Mauritius is world known for its legendary hospitality and it is clear that many tourists spend most of their time in hotels or chilling out on the hotel front beaches. But, the island isn’t just about beaches and deluxe resorts; there is an assortment of places to visit. In fact, it was quite a task to shrink down our list of the 10 places not to miss in Mauritius.
1. Port Louis
Located in the northeast of the island, Port-Louis is the capital city and main administrative centre of Mauritius. It is by far the most visited town of the island, probably because it is in Port Louis that you will observe the abundance of the Mauritian culture. The town is a living museum of Mauritius and its cultural diversity, like the crowded Port Louis market which provides a wide choice of local cuisine, street foods and scents. As your taxi driver would, we suggest that you taste the “Dholl Puri” and why not an “Alouda” also! The chances are that you will most likely go back to Port Louis and its market again; because it’s there that you will find unique Mauritian souvenirs!
2. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Just 20 minutes away from the capital, the botanical garden also known as the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is an Eden 37ha regrouping many plants and spices (including endemic ones) beautifully set in romantic pathways. The main attraction of the botanical garden is undoubtedly the famous Water Lilly of Mauritius. You will redefine fauna and flora with this garden’s lakes, birds, giant tortoises and its wide variety of trees and foliage. If you like plants, flowers and dreamy walks, this garden will definitely make your holiday!
3. Grand Bay
The small touristic village of Grand Bay is undoubtedly the main attraction of the north of Mauritius. Its public beach is considered by locals and tourists to be amongst the very best in Mauritius. Indeed, the beach of Grand Bay sets apart with its line of palm trees, fine milky white sand and a warm turquoise lagoon. With its constantly rising number of visitors, Grand Bay saw a lot of changes these last years. It is the first place in Mauritius that experienced a tourism boom and as a result, the small village now has several hotels and shopping centers. Grand Bay is permanently active with the numerous beach restaurants, bars and clubs and it is definitely the place to be to enjoy nightlife in Mauritius.
4. Cap Malheureux
Cap Malheureux stands for ‘Cape of Misfortune’ and was named after the many shipwrecks which occurred there. The village is rather quiet but very famous for its pretty beach, its romantic red roof church and the magical view over Gunner’s point locally known as Coin de Mire.
5. Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is a small paradise island of 87 hectares of luxuriant vegetation and exotic nature. The island is surrounded by sheltered emerald waters and pure white pristine beaches. The island is accessible by taxi boats or speedboat operators who operate on the Trou-d’Eau Douce public beach. Ile aux Cerf Island has a world-class hotel, a lush green golf course, and several restaurants. Whether you are visiting the island on family holidays or honeymoon, you will never get bored, there are many activities to enjoy like snorkelling, glass bottom, water skiing and many more water sports.
6. Chamarel
Chamarel a small village located in the south has one of the most breathtaking views of the island. The Chamarel Falls is a range of quite a few waterfalls close to each other and the highest of them falls down to 100 meters. The viewpoint is reachable by taking the stairs and it is the perfect spot to selfie with Mother Nature! The village of Chamarel is also famous for its seven colored earth. This phenomenon is explained by the cooling at different temperatures of volcanic rocks, resulting in dunes of seven distinct colors. There is also an adventure park with intermediate challenges in the middle of natural sceneries, ideal for youngsters and group holidays!
7. Rochester Falls
Located in the south of the island, Rochester Falls is quite a unique place to visit in Mauritius. The waterfall is famous for its rare lava cliffs refined by years and years of erosion. When visiting the south of Mauritius, Rochester Falls is really worth a photo-stop. Each day, locals and tourists come see this amazing scenery and some even have a refreshing swim. The water is clear and calm, but swimming is not advised for beginners.
8. Black River National Park
Also known as the Black River Gorge, this park spreads over 6574 ha of lush forest and wildlife. The park draws the most adventurous in search of wilderness in Mauritius. Hiking the park will get you carried away by a set of panoramic views as well as stunning landscapes, peaks and waterfalls. The National Park is the habitat of rare endemic bird species like the Green Echo Parakeet, the Mauritius Kestrel and the famous Pink Pigeon of Mauritius. Nature lovers will definitely love the Black River National Park and its long hiking trails.
9. Le Morne
Though being a sad place by in a historical point of view, Le Morne is one of the most beautiful villages of Mauritius. The village is home to the “Morne Brabant” a single peak mountain encapsulating so much of Mauritius’ history in it. The place has been classified since 2008 as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it can be visited by trekking, the final view overlooking the Indian Ocean is quite astonishing. The locality also possesses the best beach of the south of Mauritius, Le Morne public beach. The beach is characterized by pure crystal water, comfortable white sand, rows of Casuarina trees and the “Morne Brabant” as background.
10. Flic en Flac
Located just 20 minutes away from Port Louis and other cities in Mauritius, Flic en Flac is the best place to stay on the island. Flic en Flac is a village of several kilometers facing a continuously stretching white sand beach. With a water temperature of 27 degrees, a lapis Lazuli lagoon and a rich coral reef, Flic en Flac stands as one of the best beaches of Mauritius (if not already the best). Each year the village welcomes hundreds of thousand visitors and amongst them, many diving amateurs as Flic en Flac has the best spots for diving in Mauritius. Flic en Flac portrays the best sunsets in Mauritius and several big name hotels like the Pearle Beach Resorts and Villa Caroline lie along the coast of this beach.