10 Best Places to Visit in Seychelles
Seychelles conjures up an image of the perfect tropical island getaway to help rejuvenate from the bustling city. This island nation off East Africa’s shores is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, warm tropical weather, and verdant peaks. In this video, we are going to talk about the top 10 places to visit in Seychelles. This beautiful country is perfect for planning tropical vacations, family outings, honeymoons, or even trips with friends. Stay tuned to learn more about why you should include Seychelles in your travel bucket list.
10. Silhouette Island
Across from the white sands of the famous Beau Vallon on Mahe, you can spot the silhouette of Silhouette Island. This gorgeous Island pokes above the horizon about 20 miles away. Weirdly it's not named after its profile from a distance but rather after a French minister who discovered the Island.
However, what counts on Silhouette Island is the luxurious edges lined with beautiful beaches. The beaches are backed by some of the most opulent resorts in the world, including the Hilton Hotel. Snorkeling and scuba diving are highly popular activities.
Silhouette Island also has one of the richest biodiversity habits in the region, with many threatened and endemic plant and animal species, some unique to the Island. Trek around this 93% reserve, and you can spot the rare sheath-tailed bat, the endangered Busy Lizzie plant, the giant tortoise, and the blue pigeon.
9 Victoria Market
Victoria Market deserves a spot on this list due to the memorable slice of culture and commotion its offers, far removed from the beach stays that you have in mind when thinking of Seychelles. Built back in the 1840s, this is a fun stop where you can get immersed in a unique atmosphere at the true heart of the Island. Victoria Market is somewhat celebratory, with lots of charm and friendly locals and visitors.
For the shopaholics, you can stroll around this busy marketplace and purchase local produce, flavored oils, crafts, and souvenirs. If possible, plan your trip for Saturday mornings when the market is most bustling. The store owners have a wide array of freshly caught seafood on proud display. This is the place if you want a wide variety of fresh fish. The vendors will even fillet the fish for you.
8. Morne Blanc Trail
If you are feeling up for a physical challenge while on a trip to Seychelles, you should try out one of the country’s most iconic hiking trails. Morne Blanc Trail can be described as nothing more than splendid. Note that this trail is not like your average trail. Here you experience an uninterrupted uphill hike along Morne Blanc mountain.
The trail is a grueling 3.2 kilometers, and you at least have to be moderately fit to attempt it. The effort will be worth it, though, as you'll take in lush forests, moss-covered rocks, a tea plantation, and jackfruit trees and spot a variety of endemic plant and animal life. If you make it to the top of the mountain, congratulations, you are rewarded with the most scenic and unforgettable views of the Seychelles archipelago, atolls, and the Indian Ocean.
7. Moyenne Island
Perhaps the most unique island in the Seychelles Archipelago, Moyenne Island, should be part of your itinerary as it makes for a perfect day trip from the main island. Situated towards the northern coast of Mahe Island, this paradise is home to Giant tortoises roaming freely, pirate graves, and old ruins.
Fun fact, Moyenne Island was abandoned and was only inhabited by one person until 2012. The island is currently a nature reserve, and tourists from around the world come here as part of organized trips. Moyenne Island boasts diverse plant species and trees, including palm, mahogany, and mango.
You can see the Giant tortoises up close and even feed them. Off the island is the St Anne Marine Park, where you can take boat tours. You can check out the historic church of saints, from where you can purchase souvenirs and enjoy a meal at the nearby restaurant while you view the ocean.
6. Vicotoria
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without including the capital and largest city of Seychelles. Victoria is situated on the northeastern side of Mahe island and is among the first places visitors tour on the main island. The area has a rich history, once inhabited by the French and colonized by the British. One of the city’s landmarks is the clocktower modeled on Little Ben in London.
Victoria can be the perfect base for day trips to the archipelago’s islands and main attractions. The Victoria Botanical Gardens, established over a century old, is a must-visit. You can also learn about the city’s heritage and biodiversity at the National Museum of History and Natural History Museum. Victoria is also home to the ever-popular Victoria, unique enough to land a spot on our list.
5. Vallee de Mai National Park
Located in the heart of the Island of Praslin, Vallee de Mai National Park is one of Seychelles’ most interesting UNESCO natural reserves. If you are a nature lover, this national park, where endemic Black parrots hide in coco de mer palm blooms, is a must-visit. No wonder the national park was considered the literal Garden of Eden.
The scenic palm forests have been preserved in their original forms since prehistoric times. Vallee de Mai National Park features three main winding and weaving hiking trails. Put on your trekking boots and get up close and personal with rare species like chirping geckos, tiger chameleons, blue pigeons, bulbuls, skinks, Seychelles, kestrels, and swiftlets.
4. La Digue Island
La Digue is a boutique island renowned for its stunning granite boulders that line its pristine beaches. Perhaps the most famous and beloved beach is Anse Source D’Argent. There are plenty of beaches in Seychelles, but this is the one you shouldn’t miss.
It is nearly impossible to describe its beauty in words. You have to see it for yourself; it leaves visitors speechless and is a testament to Seychelle’s beauty. The one-of-a-kind display of massive boulders that line the sandy bay offers the best angles for those into photography.
Since the beach lacks restaurants and other establishments, it is secluded and peaceful. It’s the perfect spot for sunset beach walks. La Digue Island offers tropical island-style accommodation, and you can move around in traditional transport modes such as bicycles and ox-carts.
3.. Grand Anse
Grand Anse is a horseshoe of white sands running nearly all the length of Praslin’s west coast. It is one of the longest beaches in the Seychelles. Grand Anse is nice and close to Praslin Airport and comes peppered with great resorts fringed by the fragrant frangipani and hibiscus plants. You won't be short of things to do here.
You can explore the downtown areas and check out museums and boutiques, and enjoy delicious delicacies at the local restaurants. You can enjoy a show at the theatre or stroll down the main thoroughfare. If you want to wind down and relax, the beach, just a walk away, offers unforgettable beauty, warm sands, and amenities for visitors to enjoy an entire day trip.
Note that the waters are deep and currents strong, so you shouldn’t venture out too far. Nonetheless, with its beautiful scenery, beachside restaurants, and few crowds, Grand Anse will provide one of the most serene and peaceful experiences in Seychelles.
2. Praslin Island
Also known as the Isle de Palme, Praslin is popular for Valle de Mai and its aforementioned coco de mar palms that only grow there. Praslin is also home to two of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. Anse Lazio is the crown jewel of beaches and a true paradise.
With postcard-worthy views, you take an uphill hike to get to the beach, but it's worth it. A stunning combo of golden sands, picturesque boulders, and glittering waters. This otherworldly beauty means that Anse Lazio can get busy.
If you want to swim and sunbathe in peach, head here during the morning hours. The idyllic Anse Georgette is also a highly scenic beach with sculpted boulders, perfect for photography. It is the more isolated and secluded of the two main beaches on Praslin Island. The area feels untouched, although opulent resorts and hotels back it.
1 . Mahe Island
Topping off our list is one of the most popular places in Seychelles, Mahe Island. Boasting high mountain ranges and over 60 beaches, the island of Seychelles has many tourist attractions; you wouldn’t know where to start. For beach lovers, Mahe Island is a paradise. The best beach is the world-famous Beau Vallon Beach. Visitors and locals come to snorkel, swim, dive, surf, sailing, beach bugging, and visit marine parks.
If you are a keen walker, you trek up the jungly Morne Seychellois trail, Mahe’s highest peak, right after a game drive on the surrounding National Park. If you’re a keen diver, you can swim with whale sharks towards the south of the Island. Other attractions you shouldn’t miss out on the Island include the National Botanical Gardens, the artificial Eden Island, Sauizer waterfall, Victoria Market, and Mission Lodge.
And that caps off our list of the top 10 places to visit in Seychelles. Overall, this gorgeous Indian Ocean Archipelago is a country you must visit at least once. If you love a relaxing time at secluded, non-crowded, and scenic beaches with the occasional nature hike and local tours, you’ll have a memorable time. Please leave us a Like below and subscribe to our channel, Fly the Atlas, for more exciting content.