Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, is a dream destination. The islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters, powdery white sandy beaches, pristine green environment, and diverse but yet unique biodiversity. It is often referred to as paradise on earth where there are just over 100,000 people and there is no mass tourism.
Major attraction in Seychelles:
Mahé Island – The largest island of the archipelago and one of the most popular places to visit in Seychelles, Mahé boasts of verdant forests, the highest mountain ranges of Seychelles, and over 65 beaches with a vast diversity of flora and fauna. The island is also famous for the Beau Vallon beach and the numerous tourist attractions of Victoria city – one of the tiniest capital cities of the world.
Praslin Island – Praslin, or the Isle de Palme, is most popular for the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site and the coco de mer that grows here in abundance. Home to Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette that are coveted as two of the most beautiful beaches of the world, the island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Seychelles.
La Digue Island – The boutique island is known for the granite boulders that adorn the stunning beaches, such as Anse Source D’Argent. The island offers authentic island-style accommodations and traditional modes of transport, such as ox-carts and bicycles.
Cousine Island – The island is known to be the nesting ground for several endangered & exotic species of birds & animals. These include, inter alia, Seychelles brush warbler, hawksbill turtle, Seychelles magpie robin, Seychelles turtledove, and wedge-tailed shearwater. This is an untouched granite island and this place is also especially ecologically private one in this place.
Aride Island – The island is among the best places to visit in Seychelles for nature lovers. The Aride Island Nature Reserve Morne is the home to several endemic flowers and the breeding ground of 18 species of seabirds. In addition to these seabirds and flowers, the island has the highest density of lizards in the world. This island is the habitat of so many seabirds on the Indian Ocean. There are so many breeding birds in here, and so many species of native birds who breed in Aride. The island has been conserved by the island conservation society and among so many islands in Seychelles, this is one of the best ones.
Bird Island, formerly known as the Îles aux Vaches, is home to dugongs (sea cows) and over a million migratory birds that are found here during May – November. Among the most popular places to visit in Seychelles for bird watching, the island boasts of a large number of fairy terns, sooty terns, noddy terns, saunders’s terns, cardinals, ground doves, crested terns, plovers, and Giant land tortoises on this island.
Moyenne Island – The island is most popular for the Giant Tortoises that roam here freely, the old ruins, and the pirate graves. Located towards the north coast of Mahe island, this island was abandoned until a Yorkshire editor purchased it in late 1960s and was the only person to inhabit the island until his death in 2012. As of now, this place remains a nature reserve and is visited by many tourists from all across the world as part of some organized trips.
Silhouette Island – The mountainous island is known for its rich biodiversity, 731 meters high Mount Dauban, and natural beauty. Tourists can see a wide variety of birds, eckos, chameleons, turtles, & skinks; explore the caves, or indulge in swimming and snorkelling. Known to be the third-largest granite island in the whole Seychelles region, this island attracts visitors for some quiet time in nature and offers absolute bliss!
Aldabra Island – The world’s largest raised coral atoll, Aldabra Island is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The island is known to have a volcanic origin. Tourists can spot numerous bird and animal species on the island. These include tiger sharks, manta rays, white-throated Aldabra rail (the only flightless bird in the Indian Ocean), dimorphic egrets, Aldabra sacred ibis, Malagasy Kestrel, and giant land tortoises.
Fregate Island – The thickly forested island is among the most amazing places to visit in Seychelles for watersports, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and yachting. One of the unique traits about this place is that the beach on this island, also known as Anse Victorin has been voted by the Times as the World’s best beach. So, why not give this island a visit too on your next vacation to Seychelles? This island got its name from the abundance of certain birds on this site. These birds are known as frigate birds.
Anse Lazio – Ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world as per multiple international surveys, Anse Lazio is known for its shady Takamaka trees, white sand, and glittering waters. The beach offers ample opportunities for swimming and snorkelling. The picturesque beach makes it one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Seychelles for a honeymoon trip. Enjoy the small lagoon and the turquoise water around the boulders and you will never know when your time has passed smoothly. This is the place that is so perfect for snorkelling.
Anse Georgette – Much like its popular counterpart, Anse Georgette is a beach of breath-taking beauty. But what makes Anse Georgette so special is that it is less busy and more intimate. This makes it one of the best places to visit in Seychelles for couples. This beach can be only accessed through the renowned Constance Lemuria resort, which is a private luxury resort. So, while you’re out and about in this land, make sure you make some space for this beach in your plan too!
Anse Source D’Argent – Among the most beautiful places to see in Seychelles, Anse Source D’Argent is a large and wide beach. The picturesque beach is split into various sections by the large boulders that provide quiet and isolated spots for those looking for some quiet time with their partners. Not only do the enchanting enormous rocks at this beach provide a magnificent view, they also add to the scenic cham of the place!
Beau Vallon Beach – The Beau Vallon Beach is among the most popular tourist attractions in Seychelles. The beach offers watersports – such as jet skiing and water skiing – and picturesque views of Silhouette Island. Also, known to be one of the most commercial beaches in Seychelles, you can find a number of great hotels and amazing restaurants here to dine at for sure!
Anse Intendance – Anse Intendance is a small crescent of sand frayed with palm trees. The beach is not the safest place to try swimming. But the beach is perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and photography. The powdry-white sand of this beach blends perfectly with the crystal clear waters of the ocean, making it a nice spot for reviving and some quiet time for contemplation!
Vallée de Mai National Park – This UNESCO World Heritage Site on Praslin Island is known to preserve a prehistoric forest that has been housing several endemic species of flora and fauna for ages. These include giant coco de mer fruit palm, vanilla orchids, splayed traveller’s palm, Seychelles bulbul, fruit pigeon, and black parrot – the national bird of Seychelles. Tourists can take a hike along the marked trail within the national park.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park – The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a group of 6 closely located islands off the coast of Mahé. The glass-bottom excursion takes travellers through the diverse marine life of the park’s coral reefs. Snorkelling and scuba diving are other highlights that make the national park one of the best places to visit in Seychelles.
Morne Seychellois National Park – The national park covers roughly 20% of the total area of Mahé. The park is named after its highest point – Morne Seychellois – that reaches a height of 905 meters above sea level. Travellers can take hiking tours through the park.
Seychelles Natural History Museum – One of the most important tourist attractions of Seychelles, the National History Museum in Victoria city exhibits flora, fauna, and geological history of the archipelago. The museum also imparts awareness about the major environmental problems so as to preserve the natural heritage.
Rita’s Art Studio And Gallery – The art studio-cum-gallery is one of the popular places to visit in Seychelles for art lovers. The breath-taking landscapes and seascapes of Seychelles have been depicted here through marvellous paintings that are offered here for sale. So, while you’re out and about in this serene land, make sure you check out these for sure!
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market – The busy and colorful market in the Victoria city of Mahé island has been the best among the places to visit in Seychelles for shopping since the time it first opened in 1840. One can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and spices. A plethora of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and local artworks further complement the charm of the bustling marketplace.
The Little Ben Clock Tower – Modelled on the Little Ben Clock Tower of London, this popular tourist attraction of Seychelles has been a prominent attraction of the Mahé island tour. It was erected in 1903 by the Seychelles governor Sir Ernest Sweet-Escott in the honor of Queen Victoria who died in 1901. This is surely something you wouldn’t want to miss out on your next holiday in this scenic land!
Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception – The imposing cathedral with intricate carvings & delicate tapestries was constructed on the site where Father Leon of Avanchers built the first church here in 1851. Devoted to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, the cathedral also holds the tomb of the first Seychellois Bishop – Felix Paul – who passed away on 21st November 2001. The cathedral is another popular inclusion in the Seychelles sightseeing tours.
Mission Lodge Lookout – Among the most popular viewpoints in Seychelles, the Mission Lodge Lookout offers spectacular views of the glittering sea and verdant mountains. Hikes to this viewpoint are very popular. Tourists can spot colourful birds, vegetation, and breath-taking sights on this trail. So, are you ready to give this place a try while you decide on your trip to Seychelles with your folks?