Anse Soleil - Seychelles, par Franck Vervial by Franck Vervial via Flickr Creative Commons

Seychelles attractions have a bit of everything for any kind of vacation you desire. From the paradisiacal beaches, glorious weather and water activities to the amazing bird watching and walking tours, the capital is home to intriguing colonial sights. The main island of Mahé has the most variety, although paradise seekers may want to head for Praslin, which is home to one of the world’s finest beaches and its iconic coconut. When at any island destination, sights and beaches can be accessed on foot or boats are always on hand.

Mahé Island

Mahé is the main island, home to the capital Victoria, most of the populace and the main airport. Mahé itself has dozens of beaches, including Beau Vallon, one of the nicest in the Seychelles chain situated in the west of Victoria. Much of the island is taken over by lush jungle, including the Morne Seychelles National Park and nearby Baie Ternay Marine National Park. Both have great walking tours and Baie Ternay also has fabulous diving. Off the east coast are St Anne National Marine Park and Ile au Cerf, two stunning islands. Address: Mahé Island, Inner Seychelles Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Victoria

The islands’ capital lies in the north of Mahé Island and is an easy place to get around. While the majority of visitors would choose to stay at one of the beaches/islands, Victoria is well worth a visit if you have spare time as it is home to picturesque colonial buildings and boasts the country’s best shopping and entertainment. Places worth seeing including the Courthouse, Clock Tower, Natural History Museum, and the Victoria Botanical Gardens. The morning market is also fun, while Beau Vallon Beach lies at the western edge if you need a beach break. Address: North Mahé, Inner Seychelles Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Beau Vallon

The long beach of the same name in Beau Vallon Bay is the most popular of Mahé Island’s beaches due to its location within Victoria. However, even without the city, its natural beauty would still bring visitors with it’s nice sands, clear water and good swimming. There are several major hotel complexes here, including the Le Meridien and the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino. Diving and snorkeling tours are popular activities, while the resort also has many restaurants, including the iconic Al Mare. Address: Beau Vallon, Northwest Mahé Island Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Praslin Island

Praslin is the Seychelles’s other large island. It resides off to the northeast and can be accessed by both ferry and plane. A more attractive holiday prospect for the discerning traveler looking to get off the beaten path, Praslin is both quieter and more scenic than Mahé Island, having stunning beaches and an equally unspoiled interior. Lying on the north shore is Anse Lazio, its most famous beach, while inland is the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Vallée de Mai. The latter is home to the coco-de-mer palm, which is celebrated for its huge coconuts. Bird watching is also popular on Praslin Island and there are many quality resorts in the area. Address: Praslin Island, Inner Seychelles Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Anse Lazio

Praslin Island’s most famous beach resides in the north of the island and is one of the Seychelles’ most picturesque. Noted for its distinctive boulders and gentle arcing, it features stunning white sands and fabulous swimming and snorkeling. Unfortunately, Anse Lazio is not protected by coral reefs and there have been shark attacks in recent years, so be vigilant and avoid swimming out too far. Address: Cote D’Or Esplanade, Praslin Island Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Vallee de Mai

A major attraction on Praslin Island is this beautiful nature reserve, otherwise known as Praslin National Park. Residing in the center of the island and designated a World Heritage site, it features lush scenery and wildlife and is famously home to the coco-de-mer. This huge palm produces rather intriguing-looking, double-nutted coconuts. The forest is well preserved and has nice walking trails and views where rare birds can be spotted. The entry fee is quite steep. Address: Central Praslin Island Phone: n/a Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/261

La Digue

This smaller island—not far southeast of Praslin—has even more idyllic beaches and is quieter and more exclusive than its nearby neighbor. There are several resorts, fewer roads, and beaches all-round. The main one, Anse Source D’Argent, is noted for its stark, pink rock formations, drawing people from the other islands. Several nearby islands can be visited on boat excursions, while renting a bicycle and cycling around the island is also a favorite pastime. Address: La Digue Island, Inner Seychelles Phone: n/a Website: n/a

St Anne National Marine Park

This set of six islands off the east coast of Mahé Island is a stunning region of Seychelles and is a good bet for those not prepared to travel to the Outer Islands if you’re looking for some solitude. St Anne is at the center, featuring a tall mountain (for the Seychelles) and no noisy water sports. There are some resorts if you fancy staying over and nearby Ile au Cerf, home to the Cousin Island Special Reserve, is worth a visit for their amazing bird and marine wildlife. Address: Near Mahé Island, Inner Seychelles Phone: n/a Website: n/a

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