The Seychelles Islands are one of Africa's most breathtaking tropical destinations. With pristine white-sand beaches and granite rock outcrops decorating their coastline, the islands have something for every traveler.
Take a ferry to sleepy La Digue, visit the lively market in Mahe or charter a private yacht for an exclusive beach experience. Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway or the ultimate scuba adventure, here is our guide to The Best Places to Visit in Seychelles.
Anse Intendance
If you want to spend time at a beach that is as beautiful as it is secluded, then Anse Intendance is the place to go. This southwestern-facing length of coastline is home to only one resort - The Banyan Tree - and features intriguing granite boulders that add to the natural charm of this spot.
The water here is a rich turquoise that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean, and the surrounding tropical flora is as striking as it is beautiful. This is a truly special beach that you should not miss on your trip to Seychelles.
The best time to visit Anse Intendance is during spring. The rains tend to stop in April, but the weather is still warm and sunny. During this time, you can also enjoy public festivals and events like Festival Kreole or the Praslin Culinary & Arts Festival.
La Digue
La Digue is one of the best places to visit in Seychelles, a laid-back, sleepy island where time slows down almost to a halt. Creole houses nestle under papaya trees, their window boxes and plant pots overflowing with flowers.
The island’s beaches are the main draw, notably Anse Source d’Argent, a gorgeous beach dotted with huge granite rocks that’s one of the world’s most coveted spots. To get there you’ll cycle along a fun-fuelled jungle trail that takes you through the Veuve Nature Reserve before arriving on the beach to enjoy its calm, coral-filled waters.
There are also plenty of other activities to keep you busy, from kayaking off the coast of one of the country’s most beautiful beaches to embarking on impressive hikes. The island is so small that it’s easy to explore at a leisurely pace and getting around on bicycles is encouraged (although cars are not banned).
Vallee De Mai
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world while still enjoying a luxury beach holiday, Vallee De Mai is the perfect place to go. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Seychelles is a true “Garden of Eden” that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Located within Praslin National Park, this beautiful nature reserve is home to a remarkable family of palms and flora. It is also a haven for rare birds, including endemic blue pigeons and bulbuls.
The best way to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site is on a guided tour. This allows you to see the most of this stunning and unique location and learn more about the plant species found here.
Victoria Market
One of the best places to visit in Seychelles is Victoria Market. It is a great place to shop for local produce and souvenirs.
In the centre of town, this popular market is a hub of activity where fruit and vegetables vendors rub shoulders with fishmongers and spice vendors. Here you can get fresh local fruits, herbs, spices and more – a true taste of the Seychelles.
The market is also home to a variety of clothing, souvenirs, and craft shops. You can choose from a range of colorful pareos, shirts, and straw hats.
Another great thing about this market is that it brings together local vendors and shoppers on Monday through Saturday, a busy day. It is a great place to meet and chat with the local people. They’ll show you all the wonderful things they have to offer. Among these is fresh fish, which you can have filleted by the fishmongers themselves. And they’ll tell you all about the different varieties available in the area, such as parrotfish, tuna, kingfish, grouper and more.