Why We Love the Seychelles Islands

The Seychelles is an archipelago of about 115 islands, with lush tropical vegetation, beautiful beaches, and a wide variety of marine life. These are the only mid-oceanic group of granite islands in the world. The remainder are low-lying coralline islands known as outer islands that are made of coral. 

In the Seychelles, the climate is tropical, all year round, and does not reach extremes of heat or cold. The best time to visit is during the drier months – April through October. The rains run from November through to March, with the wettest months being January and February. The winter months run from May through the end of October, offering dry weather.

Suggested Itinerary: Seductive Seychelles

TOP 3 EXPERIENCES IN MAHÉ

Visit the Capital of Victoria

Victoria is one of the world's smallest capital cities, but it boasts plenty of charm, with boutique shops and picturesque streets. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens in Victoria to see the coco de mer palms, orchids, and giant tortoises. There is a bustling market, a wonderful history museum, and a handful of attractive old British buildings edging up alongside modern structures and shops.

Mahé is the largest and most developed of the islands. Its terrain is defined by white-sand beaches and granite peaks including the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park. The island is also home to Victoria, Seychelles' capital, known for its Creole architecture. The interior of the island offers excellent walks where there are forests, coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla plantations as well as magnificent views of the smaller islands and coastline.

SELWYN-CLARKE MARKET: A FOODIES PARADISE

No trip to Victoria would be complete without a stroll through the Selwyn-Clarke Market. It is a national landmark and a bustling, colorful place where one can find fresh fruit and vegetables, stalls selling souvenirs such as local spices and herbs, as well as the usual assortment of pareos (sarongs) and shirts. Early morning is the best time to visit, when fishmongers display an amazing variety of fresh seafood. It is also a good place to grab last-minute gifts before heading home.

VISIT THE AMAZING BEAU VALLON BEACH

Beau Vallon Beach is located on the northeastern coast of Mahé. This picturesque bay is one of the most beautiful golden sand beaches in the country with clear blue waters prized for swimming and snorkeling. One of the longest beaches in the Seychelles, Beau Vallon is popular amongst tourists and locals alike, thanks to its mix of beautiful scenery, extensive activity options and widespread appeal. The sheer choice of different activities at Beau Vallon is unique in the Seychelles. The beautiful sand and shallow, clear water are well-suited to relaxing beach days under the sun. In the evening there are golden sunset views over the water, after which one should visit a local restaurant right next to the beach.

Explore Private Islands beyond Mahé

Fregate Island

Beyond Mahé are numerous private islands. Fregate Island is the easternmost of the granitic Inner Islands of the Seychelles, and perhaps the most famous island in the Seychelles. It is 0.80 square miles and is primarily known for the secluded private luxury resort which funds an environmental program to restore habitat and protect rare species. The Anse Victorin beach on the island, was voted "The World's Best Beach". The beaches are a nesting habitat for two species of sea turtle: the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle and the endangered Green Turtle. Over 2,200 Aldabra giant tortoises roam free over the island. On the island you can fill every moment with island activities; round the island races on hobie cats, diving, fishing and exploring 7 miles of forest trails teaming with indigenous wildlife.