A Taste of Paradise: Two Weeks of Island Hopping in the Seychelles

Our journey began on Mahé, the largest and liveliest island, where our four-day stay gave us our first immersive taste of Creole culture. Unlike the smaller islands, Mahé is the administrative and cultural centre. A hire car was essential to explore the island in all its diversity and reach its sometimes steep, narrow roads and hidden coves. Driving on the left took some getting used to at first, particularly on the day we arrived before sunrise. Mahé’s beaches are as varied as they are numerous. In the north, the long and lively Beau Vallon is probably the best known, and is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and sociable evenings around the small food stalls. Yet the island’s true beauty can often be found in the more secluded bays of the south, such as the unspoilt Anse Intendance with its powerful waves, or the picturesque Anse Royale, where the offshore reef creates calmer water for swimming and which still attracts very few tourists. Anse Royale, Mahé It was all the better that our accommodation, Blue Lagoon, was located close to the beach and even served breakfast in our room. We were amazed to find that there were four different breakfast options to choose from. A good start to the day on the balcony with a sea view was guaranteed. There was also plenty of marine life to spot in the mornings; on our very first beach day, we were lucky enough to see a stingray. View from the balcony Mahé was the perfect place to begin, allowing us to adjust to the Creole pace of life and discover the island’s unique blend of mountains and sea. A visit to the charming capital, Victoria, which proudly calls itself the ‘smallest capital in the world’, was a must. The atmosphere is lively yet manageable. Another essential stop is the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market, a feast for the senses, where the scents of fish, exotic spices and tropical fruit fill the air. The famous Clock Tower, a miniature version of London’s Big Ben, is the city’s landmark. A short visit before flying onwards to Praslin is definitely worthwhile.

After four eventful days on Mahé, we continued by domestic flight to Praslin, the second-largest island. Our five-night stay, particularly at Vinc.Villa, the most beautiful and modern accommodation of our trip, promised an ideal retreat. We especially enjoyed being able to cook for ourselves and try the various exotic fruits and vegetables from the local market. Praslin immediately feels quieter and more unspoilt than Mahé. Here, the focus is clearly on natural wonders and award-winning beaches. The undisputed heart of the island is the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient palm reserve is the only place in the world where the famous Coco de Mer – the world’s largest nut, with its unique feminine shape – grows in its natural habitat. Walking through the jungle-like forest, surrounded by enormous fan palms, feels like travelling back to prehistoric times. Searching for the rare Seychelles black parrot, the country’s national bird, made the walk even more exciting. Just before leaving the park, our search finally proved successful. Praslin is best known, however, for its beaches, which are often described as the most beautiful in the world. Top of the list is Anse Lazio in the north. This picture-postcard setting, framed by smooth granite boulders, dazzling white sand and a sea glowing in every shade of blue, lives up to every comparison. The clear water is ideal for long snorkelling sessions. Vallée de Mai Another dream beach is the secluded Anse Georgette, which can only be reached via a short walk across the golf course at the Lémuria Resort. The effort is rewarded with an immaculate bay that feels almost private. Interestingly, this is also a nursery area for sharks. Our five days on Praslin were a wonderful combination of exotic natural experiences, truly outstanding beaches and fantastic takeaway food.

The final leg of our journey took us on a short ferry ride from Praslin to La Digue. As soon as we arrived at the harbour in La Passe, we could feel the pace of life slowing down. Cars are a rarity on this island of just 10 square kilometres, and bicycles are the main means of transport. Adjusting to the island’s leisurely pace and cycling constantly in the tropical heat felt unusual at first, but it soon became the very essence of island life. Five days on La Digue gave us enough time to explore at our leisure this island, often described as the pearl of the Seychelles. Its most famous attraction is probably Anse Source d'Argent , the most photographed beach in the world, located within L'Union Estate (admission fee required). The gigantic granite boulders, sculpted into surreal shapes and set against pale sand and shallow turquoise water, create a truly breathtaking backdrop. Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue This place is at its most magical particularly early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light becomes softer. At times, with all the different fish around us, it felt as though we were swimming in an aquarium. Fish at Anse Source d'Argent We were also fascinated by how the beaches on La Digue change with the ebb and flow of the tide, so that the very same beach can feel like two completely different places within a single day. Yet La Digue has even more to offer. By bicycle, we explored the wilder beaches of the east coast, including Grand Anse, Petite Anse & Anse Cocos. While Grand Anse often has strong currents because there are no offshore reefs, the walk from there over rough terrain to the secluded Anse Cocos, with its natural pool, is a real adventure and a rewarding destination for anyone seeking peace and quiet. We stayed at La Kaz Safran, which was very close to the ferry terminal. It was quite a spectacle to sit on the balcony with an iced coffee and watch the cheerful bustle of arriving day visitors. Evenings on La Digue were shaped by the relaxed atmosphere of the small Creole guesthouses and the opportunity to enjoy the island’s culinary variety in its small restaurants. Conclusion to a dream holiday Our 14-day journey across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue was an impressive lesson in tropical island bliss. Each island revealed its own distinctive charm: Mahé with its cultural vibrancy and majestic mountains; Praslin as a tranquil garden with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches for swimming; and La Digue as a relaxed cycling island with unrivalled natural landmarks. The Seychelles are far more than a luxurious beach destination; they are a living natural museum that rewards every visitor with a wealth of unforgettable moments. We would happily return and would not want to leave any of the three islands out.