What to see in Seychelles

A wild, dramatic beach on Mahe's south coast with powerful surf, backed by lush jungle and framed by granite boulders. One of the least developed beaches on Mahe, it attracts surfers during the northwest monsoon (November to March). The beach has no facilities, giving it a raw, unspoilt character. Strong currents make swimming risky but the scenery is exceptional.

A secluded white-sand beach on Praslin's northwest tip, only accessible through the Constance Lemuria resort or by boat. Visitors not staying at the resort can request access. The beach has granite boulders, calm water and excellent snorkelling. Often cited alongside Anse Lazio as one of Praslin's two finest beaches, it is far quieter due to its restricted access.

The largest protected area in the Seychelles, covering 20% of Mahe and rising to 905 m at Morne Seychellois, the highest peak. Dense cloud forest shelters endemic birds, orchids and rare pitcher plants. Several hiking trails cross the park, from the Copolia Trail (views over Victoria) to the more demanding Morne Seychellois summit trail. Cool temperatures make hiking pleasant year-round.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's second largest coral atoll, located 1,100 km from Mahe in the outer islands of the Seychelles. Home to over 150,000 Aldabra giant tortoises — the world's largest population — plus rare flightless birds and pristine coral reefs. Access is extremely restricted and requires special permits; a small number of scientific tours operate annually.

A granite island near Praslin, accessible only by boat, that serves as an Aldabra giant tortoise breeding centre. Around 300 tortoises wander freely on the island. The island also has a UNESCO-protected coco de mer grove and the ruins of a former leper colony. Mangroves line the bay, sheltering hawksbill turtles and rays. A popular half-day excursion from Praslin.

The heart of Victoria, capital of the Seychelles and one of the world's smallest capitals. The ornate Clock Tower is a replica of London's Little Ben. The adjacent Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is the island's main food market, full of fresh fish, tropical fruit, local spices and creole street food. The colourful Hindu temple nearby adds to the multicultural character of the town.

A tiny granite island off Praslin managed by Nature Seychelles as a special reserve. One of the most important seabird breeding sites in the Indian Ocean, with tens of thousands of nesting terns, boobies and petrels. Hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches. Day visits by boat from Praslin are permitted in the morning only, with a local guide escorting small groups.

Consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, Anse Lazio on Praslin's north coast curves between two granite headlands with powder-white sand and turquoise water. The beach has no development beyond a couple of restaurants. Snorkelling over the granite rocks at either end reveals parrotfish, turtles and rays. Accessible by bus or taxi from Praslin ferry terminal.

A UNESCO World Heritage palm forest on Praslin, home to the endemic coco de mer palm that produces the world's largest seed. The ancient grove of six endemic palms has a primeval atmosphere. The rare black parrot of the Seychelles is found almost exclusively here. Walking trails wind through the dense forest. One of the most biodiverse palm forests remaining on Earth.

One of the most photographed beaches on Earth, Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue is famed for its extraordinary pink-granite boulders, shallow turquoise lagoon and towering palms. The beach is within the L'Union Estate; a small entrance fee applies. Accessible on foot, by bicycle or ox cart from La Digue jetty. Best visited early morning before crowds arrive.

Seychellois Creole cuisine blends French, African, Indian and Chinese influences into a unique island gastronomy. Signature dishes include grilled red snapper with coconut sauce, octopus curry, bat curry (a local delicacy) and ladob dessert made from banana and coconut. The annual Creole Festival in October celebrates this heritage with music, dance and food across the islands. Victoria's market is the best place to taste authentic local food daily.

The third largest inhabited island of the Seychelles, La Digue is famous for its relaxed pace — bicycles and ox carts are the main transport. The island is small enough to explore in a day. Beyond Anse Source d'Argent, highlights include the Veuve Reserve for the rare black paradise flycatcher, Grand Anse and Petite Anse beaches, and local creole restaurants.

The scenic coastal drive from Victoria northward along Mahe's west coast passes turquoise bays, granite-flanked coves, fishing villages and jungle-covered hillsides. Highlights include Beau Vallon beach, the historic Sans Souci viewpoint and the quiet beaches of Glacis and Anse Etoile. The route is excellent by rental car and can be combined with a stop at any of the secluded north coast beaches.

The most popular and accessible beach on Mahe, a 3 km crescent of golden sand on the north coast with calm, swimmable water. A lively strip of restaurants, beach bars, watersports operators and mid-range hotels lines the road. Snorkelling is good near the rocks at each end. Sunset here is spectacular. The most social and sociable beach on the island.

The Seychelles outer islands offer some of the Indian Ocean's finest diving, with visibility of 20-30 m, untouched coral gardens and large pelagic species. Desroches Island has pristine channel dives with hammerhead sharks and eagle rays. Alphonse Atoll is world-renowned for flats fishing and drift diving over coral pinnacles. Liveaboard trips depart from Mahe for multi-day outer island expeditions.

A protected marine park just 15 minutes by boat from Victoria, encompassing six islands including Sainte Anne, Cerf, Round and Moyenne. Glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling and semi-submarine excursions explore the coral reefs and sea turtle feeding grounds. Moyenne Island is the only privately owned national park in the world, with giant tortoises roaming freely.

Main international gateway on Mahe, the largest island of the Seychelles. Direct flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and regional African hubs. The compact terminal handles arrivals efficiently. Most resorts offer private transfers; taxis and buses connect to Victoria and the beaches.

The main inter-island ferry hub in Victoria, capital of the Seychelles, operating regular Cat Cocos services between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. The journey to Praslin takes 1 hour, to La Digue 1.5 hours. The terminal is in central Victoria, within walking distance of Sir Selwyn Clarke Market and the Clock Tower.

Mahe's south coast hosts several of the Seychelles' most acclaimed luxury spa resorts, including Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Felicite Island and MAIA Luxury Resort at Anse Louis. These properties blend overwater or hillside villas with Creole architecture, infinity pools and holistic spa treatments using local coconut oil and island botanicals. The region offers the most secluded and romantic stays on Mahe.

One of the world's most exclusive private island resorts, North Island offers just 11 villas on a pristine granite island. The resort is a conservation showpiece — hawksbill and green turtles nest on the beach, while endemic birds have been reintroduced. Guests enjoy personal butlers, private beaches and diving on untouched reefs. The ultimate Seychelles hideaway for those with the budget.