Holiday Guide to Seychelles

Considered one of the most exotic tourist destinations in the world, the Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. It’s home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.

Sailing, diving, fishing and relaxing are the main activities for visitors to the 115 islands of this Indian Ocean archipelago. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the most popular islands. Mahé boasts 65 silver beaches, plus an array of restaurants, cafés, bars and casinos in the tiny capital, Victoria. The Seychelles are home to UNESCO-designated sites, coral atoll Aldabra and Vallée de Mai, called the Garden of Eden. Creole is the main language, but English and French are widely spoken.

The island is no less than a paradise on earth and is blessed with serenity and tranquility. White-sand beaches, lofty granite boulders, palm-fringed forests, and azure waters are the ethos of Seychelles tourism. The archipelago is extraordinarily picturesque with a diverse array of wildlife and an amalgamation of Asian and African cultures.

What To See, Where To Go

Seychelles is an idyllic tourist spot and with excellent tourism infrastructure. Although costly, the country offers quality services and infrastructure for the tourists. Crime rate here is very low it is safe to explore the island on your own. If you are planning for a honeymoon or you are simply a diving enthusiast, this place will surely impress you. Here is a list of places you should consider visiting during your trip to Seychelles:

Mahé Island
Praslin Island
La Digue Island
Cousine Island
Aride Island
Bird Island
Moyenne Island
Silhouette Island
Aldabra Island
Fregate Island
Anse Lazio
Anse Georgette

Anse Source D’Argent
Beau Vallon Beach
Anse Intendance
Vallée de Mai National Park
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Morne Seychellois National Park
Domaine de Val des Prés
Rita’s Art Studio And Gallery
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
The Little Ben Clock Tower
Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception
Mission Lodge Lookout

How many days do you need in Seychelles?

A classic Seychelles holiday lasts between 10 and 14 days. This duration means that you have enough time to visit three different Seychelles islands to get to know their own individual beauty and tempos.

Best Time To Visit Seychelles

The best time to visit the Seychelles is between April and May, or October and November, as these are the calmer periods between the two trade winds which hit the island each year. The northwest trade wind blows from November to March and the southeast wind from May to September. Seychelles is blessed with a year-round warm, tropical climate. Hence, it is always a good time to visit Seychelles. But if one wants to indulge in the numerous water sports and other activities, plan your visit Seychelles accordingly.

Where to Stay in Seychelles

Mahe is the best place to stay in Seychelles. It’s the largest of the islands and is home to the largest congregation of people and tourist hubs. There are plenty of things to see and do on this island and it’s the main island. The other islands are an easy boat ride away.

The Seychelles actually offers accommodation for any budget, from large resorts and hotels to small, authentic guesthouses and self-catering villas, everything is possible. Besides that, yachts and catamarans are also available as overnight accommodation for holidaymakers, allowing for a special experience on the water. The Seychelles do not offer, however, bunk bed dorms or cheaper hostels. No buildings are allowed to rise above palm tree height, so you will also not be able to see many lodgings between the many palm trees and rocks. Here is suggestive list of hotels and resorts that you can consider when finalising your accommodation options:

Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Village du Pecheur
Raffles Seychelles
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
Kempinski Seychelles Resort
Fisherman’s Cove Resort
Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas
Pineapple Beach Villas
Le Château de feuilles
Dhevatara Beach Hotel
Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel La Digue
Denis Private Island Seychelles

How To Get There

The best way to reach the Seychelles is by plane. Most connecting flights originate from Doha, Dubai, or Nairobi and travel between the islands is typically done on small planes or helicopters.

Visa Requirements

Seychelles is a visa-free country, which means that there are no visa requirements for any persons wishing to travel except for passport holder from Kosovo as Seychelles does not recognized the State of Kosovo therefore entry will not be permitted.

Holiday Guide Magazine Seychelles Helicopter

Getting Around

On La Digue, the best way to get around is by bike. On Mahé and Praslin (and to a limited extent on La Digue) you can also get around by taxi. On the other islands, which usually only have one hotel or resort, there are no real roads; people get around on foot or by bike.

If you’re planning to travel between islands, the Seychelles ferry services are both convenient and reliable. You can also opt for a small aircraft that offers inter-island transportation if you have a bigger budget for your trip.

Itinerary: Editor’s Suggestions

Seychlles is an expensive destination for a holiday. Hence we have prepared a short itinerary for you to help you maximise your holiday spend:

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Victoria
Day 1 / Stop 2 – Copolia
Day 1 / Stop 3 – Mission Lodge
Day 1 / Stop 4 – Seychelles Tea Plantation
Day 1 / Stop 5 – Explore the West Beaches

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Day 2 / Stop 2 – Craft Village
Day 2 / Stop 3 – Takamaka Rum Distillery
Day 2 / Stop 4 – Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
Day 2 / Stop 5 – Explore the South Beaches

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