TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS

Mahé:

In the capital Victoria and on the island, you can visit Creole plantation houses, Market Street, La Reserve palm forest, white coral sand beaches, Creole restaurants, craft shops, art galleries, cinnamon plantations, colonial mansions, the Cathedral, National Museum, Botanical and Orchid Gardens; Jardin du Roi; Morne Seychellois National Park; the best beaches are Beau Vallon, Anse Intendance, Anse Royale and Anse Takamaka.

Praslin:

The island of palms and, in particular, home of the Coco-de-Mer palm; find huge granite boulders, coral reefs and over 900 species of fish; visit the nearby island of Curieuse (the only other place in the world where you can find Coco-de-Mer palms); the Vallee de Mai is a World Heritage Site; the best beaches are Cote D’Or and Anse Lazio.

La Digue:

One of the world’s most sought-after outdoor photographic and film locations, the island has striking, giant granite boulders, tall coconut palms and an intimate cluster of beaches; cycle or take a ride on an ox-cart; visit the Plantation House at L’Union Estate; about 30 minutes away by boat, you can visit the islands of Felicite and Coco where there is excellent snorkelling; the best beaches are Anse La Source d’Argent, Grand Anse and Petit Anse; see old plantation houses, a vanilla plantation and a copra factory; breeding ground of the rare Black Paradise Flycatcher.

Aldabra:

A World Heritage Site and the world’s largest atoll with 5 times as many giant land tortoises as the Galapagos; find a profusion of fish, dolphins, whales and rare birds; some 2000 green turtles breed here annually.

Vallee de Mai:

In Praslin, a World Heritage Site; home to huge, granite boulders, the Coco-de-Mer palm and three of the world’s rarest birds, the Seychelles bulbul, fruit pigeon and black parrot.

Mornes Seychelles National Park:

Much of the central highlands of Mahe comprise this park; ideal for walkers and hikers who often enjoy a picnic at the isolated Anse Major; also visit tea plantations.

Anne Marine National Park:

The park comprises 6 islands off the coast of Mahe near Victoria; the islands are Ste. Anne, Cerf, Round, Moyenne, Long and Beacon; Long and Ste. Anne are not open to the public, but the others offer underwater viewing through diving, snorkelling, glass bottom boats and semi-submersibles; great Creole restaurants and island-style barbecue lunches can be enjoyed.

Victoria Botanic Gardens:

Established in 1901, this 15-acre park is home to exotic plants and trees from around the world.

Veuve Reserve:

A small reserve in La Digue that protects the endangered Black Paradise Flycatcher, of which only about 50 breeding pairs remain in the world.

Baie Ternay & Port Launay:

Marine National Parks Some of the best scuba diving in the world less than 25 feet deep, including coral encrusted wrecks, huge carpet anemone and a fantastic variety of fish; great for snorkelling and lying on the beach too.