12 Most Beautiful Places You Must Visit In Seychelles

You may think of the Seychelles as a tropical, luxury honeymoon destination – and it is – but it’s also so much more than that! Read on to discover the top 10 things to see and do in the Seychelles.

With over 850 species of fish and over a hundred kinds shells, the island proves as a home to a number of giant tortoises as well. Though humans discovered this island in the early 1600’s, they have been careful and preserved the natural beauty ever since. The island is diverse and fantastic and has people of Indian, African, Portuguese and Arab descent and also has its own pirates and castaways. Most of the people on the islands speak English, but Creole and other south Indian languages can be heard occasionally. Possibly one of the easiest places to relax, Seychelles also offers deep-sea diving and hiking.

* Victoria

The smallest capital in the world, Victoria mixes up the buzz of a capital city and the laid-back nature of a place to kick-back and relax in. The city is so small, that people say that walking around the entire city 3 times takes only an hour.

* Aldabra

A 1000 kms south of Victoria lies the world’s second largest coral atoll in the Indian Ocean. Way back in 1982, the whole atoll was designated by UNESCO for its rich biodiversity. And not for naught. The aquamarine and the sandy white beaches and lagoons are a home to a number of aquatic life: sharks, coconut crabs and manta ray’s, just to name a few. And the world’s second largest colony of giant tortoises (over 100,000) can be found on the island.

* Vallée de Mai National Park

A quick retreat for nature lovers and photographers, this pre-historic forest is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail through the forest lasts from 45 minutes (the easy route) or 2 hours.

* Cousine Island

Established in 1968, the island is situated 2 km from Praslin Island, is a respite for birdwatchers and photographers. Look for some of the resident species of animals including the the Seychelles brush warbler, the wedge-tailed shearwater, Seychelles magpie robin and the Seychelles turtledove. During nesting season, the reserve also serves as breeding grounds for the lesser noddies, fairy terns, and tropic birds.

* Curieuse Island

The russet coloured ground led this island to be called as the Île Rouge. Once a leper colony, this island is accessible only by boat from Praslin Island. The island is now home for breeding giant tortoises. It is common to see them walking freely on the sand dunes. The island is also covered with takamaka and casuarina trees and is the only place other than the Vallée de Mai National Park where giant coco de mer fruit palm grown naturally.

* Baie Lazare

The enchanting little village on the southern tip of Mahe is known for it’s historic shore where, way back in the 1740s, French mariner Lazare Picault first laid claim to the Seychelles for France. And thus the name Baie Lazare. (Baie in Afrikaans means “beaucoup” in French which means “a lot” in English. I am not sure how that got added there.)

* Aride Island

This little speck of island just north of the Praslin island has caught the attention of naturalists and conservationists. Due to less human habitation and intervention over the centuries, the island remains less developed than the other islands of the archipelago.

* Ste Anne National Marine Park

Though it looks like Te Fiti from Moana, and prides itself on luxurious hotels, the real sights are under the water. Once you’re under the water, look for the supposed buried treasure and your guide will point out the different kinds of fish and other aquatic animals.

* Beau Vallon

This is it. This is the one. The postcard image all postcard images are designed after. The red roofs of the various villas stand out in stark contrast to the pale white and the deep blue sea. This place is also easily accessible from the capital city, Victoria.

* La Digue

The island which provides a glimpse into the more traditional island lifestyle is the 4th largest in the archipelago. One can find the planet’s most striking beaches here, with granite outcrops lining the shores.

* Mahe Island

Mahe Island boasts to itself as the largest island of the archipelago with lush green forests and mountains. The capital city of Victoria is located on this island.

* Seychelles Natural History Museum

The Seychelles Natural History Museum in Victoria is one of the most famous and important tourist attractions on the entire island. It exhibits not only information and history about the island, but also environmental awareness and ways to preserve the nature and heritage.