The North of Mahé
Discover Beau Vallon Bay
The northern region of Mahé, shaped like a thumbs-up on the map, is home to the island's tourist hotspot, Beau Vallon Bay. Stretching over several kilometers, this pristine beach is a paradise for visitors. Here, you'll find a plethora of hotels, holiday accommodations, shops, and restaurants. The area is also famous for its array of water sports centers and top-rated diving schools.
A short 15-minute drive from Victoria along Revolution Avenue takes you through the scenic St. Louis Pass. The journey reveals a fascinating blend of modern apartments and vibrantly painted wooden houses, complete with quaint terraces and traditional décor. Once past St. Louis Pass, the bustling city noise gives way to serene tranquility—a perfect moment to breathe in the beauty and peacefulness of the surroundings.
The Northern Tip of Mahé
Exploring the northern tip of Mahé starts at Beau Vallon and circles around the island, showcasing its diverse landscapes and breathtaking coastal views. This scenic drive is dotted with hidden bays and lush greenery, culminating at the island's northernmost point before looping back southeast.
Glacis
In Glacis, a village en route, European settlers once dreamed of tropical paradises, establishing beautiful homes in the 1950s. Today, the area features luxurious villas and resorts offering memorable stays. It's also where British author Ian Fleming found inspiration for his James Bond novels during the 1960s.
La Bastille
Visit La Bastille, an old colonial building and now the Seychelles Ministry of Culture and Information. Open to the public, it serves as a captivating historical site (Mon - Fri: 8.00 - 16.00).
Kreolfleurage – The Art of Fragrance from the Seychelles
If you drive around North Point and follow the road southeast, you’ll naturally arrive at the North East Point, where Kreolfleurage is located – a special place for anyone who loves scents. It’s worth a visit: the small manufactory offers a glimpse into the workshop and fragrance garden, where you can learn how fine perfumes and essential oils are created from leaves, flowers, and wood.
Since 1989, high-quality fragrances have been crafted here on Mahé with great dedication and creole inspiration. The combination of traditional craftsmanship, natural ingredients, and creative flair makes each perfume a small work of art.
The handcrafted perfumes are based on local plants such as patchouli, ylang-ylang, or lemongrass. Around one ton of leaves is needed to extract one liter of pure patchouli oil – a testament to the exceptional quality. The scents combine essences of takamaka, bamboo, cinnamon, or lemongrass and carry creole names like "Bwanwar" or "Moutia". Perfumes are available from 625 SCR.
Eden Island
Traveling south from Victoria, Eden Island appears as a marvel of modern engineering. This 56-hectare marine complex, accessible only by bridge, houses exclusive residences, upscale eateries, boutiques, and private beaches, all surrounding a 16-hectare waterway system.
Nearby, the Roche Caiman urban wetland reserve serves as a vital ecological site, supporting diverse wildlife and offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation (Mon - Fri, 9.00 - 15.00).
Don't miss the La Misere Viewpoint for panoramic views over Eden Island and beyond. The viewpoint is an ideal spot to take in the surrounding islands and distant coastlines, enhanced by an informative display board.
A visit to La Misere Viewpoint is highly recommended for a breath-taking aerial perspective of the islands, an unforgettable addition to your travel itinerary.
The Sans Souci Road
Highly recommended from Victoria: a drive along the Sans Souci Road to the west coast. This spectacular panoramic route not only crosses the island but also passes by various sights, making the journey packed with highlights. The road can be quite steep and winding in places, so it’s important to realistically assess your own comfort level before setting off.
The climb is rewarded after just a short time: with every curve, breathtaking views of the ocean open up, growing more radiant and vivid with every meter of altitude gained. On the way to the summit, it’s well worth taking short breaks to fully absorb the picturesque scenery. Stepping out of the car, you can not only admire the stunning views but, if you listen carefully, also catch the sounds of the local wildlife.
Mission Lodge
Mission Lodge, formerly known as Venn’s Town, is located in the Morne Seychellois National Park on the island of Mahé. The site was founded in 1876 by the Church Missionary Society to provide an education for freed slave children. The mission operated until 1889 and left behind impressive ruins that can still be visited today.
The path to Mission Lodge passes through the lush rainforest of the national park and ends at a pavilion with a spectacular view of Mahé’s west coast. This viewpoint was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972 and offers one of the most beautiful vistas on the island.
Mission Lodge is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission costs SCR 100 for non-residents aged 12 and above; entrance is free for locals and children under 12.
Visiting Mission Lodge is a journey into the history of the Seychelles while also offering an unforgettable view of the island’s natural beauty.
Tea Factory
Discover the local tea culture at the Tea Factory. Explore the lush tea gardens and enjoy a selection of local brews at the Tea Tavern café. This immersive experience offers a deep dive into the rich agricultural heritage of Mahé (Mon - Sat: 9.00 - 16.00).
Vallée des Fruits – Tropical Fruit Garden on Mahé
The Vallée des Fruits, located in the heart of Mahé, is a true hidden gem for nature and food lovers. This lovingly designed nature park invites visitors to stroll through the lush vegetation of the Seychelles – past exotic fruit trees, fragrant blossoms, and chirping birds.
Along narrow paths, visitors discover an impressive variety of tropical and native fruits: vibrant orange mangoes, sweet papayas, nutritious breadfruit, refreshing starfruit, aromatic guavas, hairy-skinned rambutan, different varieties of bananas, local apples, and more. Many of these fruits grow only in tropical climates and are rarely available fresh in Europe – a true treat for the senses.
During the guided tour, local guides share fascinating insights into the plant world, their role in Creole cuisine, and their use in traditional medicine. With a bit of luck, you may also spot bird species like the Seychelles Bulbul or the striking Madagascar fody.
The tour concludes with a particularly tasty moment: a freshly pressed juice made from the park’s fruits – fruity, naturally sweet, and wonderfully refreshing.
But the Vallée des Fruits offers even more: surrounded by tropical tranquility, visitors can also enjoy regular yoga sessions and cooking classes with local ingredients – perfect for those seeking a unique experience!
Port Glaud
Following the scenic route from the Tea Factory, Port Glaud offers stunning views of turquoise waters and distant islands. For thrill-seekers, zip lining at the nearby Ephelia Resort provides an exhilarating descent over a lush jungle valley.
Continue to Baie Ternay for some of the best snorkeling on the island, before following a footpath back to Beau Vallon.
Grand Anse
Head south to Grand Anse for a stunning display of natural beauty, where granite cliffs and a turquoise sea create a breathtaking landscape. Nearby, the Vacoa Nature Trail offers a delightful short hike through unique ecosystems.
Barbarons
As you explore further south, Barbarons awaits with its rich natural and cultural offerings. The Seychelles National Biodiversity Centre, a recent addition, showcases the island's commitment to preserving its unique environment and endemic species.
Anse Boileau
Anse Boileau's coastal road reveals more secluded bays and breathtaking views. At Anse Louis, the tranquil beach and luxury accommodations at Maia Luxury Resort make for an unforgettable escape.
Thérèse Island & L'Islette
Explore Thérèse Island and l'Islette, accessible only by private boat, for exclusive views and the mystery of naturally-formed rock stairs at Stair Point, which stir imaginations with tales of hidden treasures.
Ile aux Vaches
While Ile aux Vaches may not attract many visitors, the surrounding waters offer fascinating marine experiences, highlighting the challenges and importance of environmental conservation in the Seychelles.
Bel Ombre
Bel Ombre offers a quieter side of Mahé with picturesque beaches, granite outcrops, and luxurious accommodations, such as the Fisherman's Cove Hotel. Don't miss the chance to dine at 'La Scala,' reputed to be one of the best Italian restaurants in the Seychelles.
