Discover the Unforgettable Gems of Seychelles: Must-Visit Places on Your Tropical Getaway

Seychelles is paradise found, a collection of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, a place with an overpowering aroma of the perfect mix of crystal beaches, blue water, and flora. It is not a place, but a place to experience, in which every sunrise is poetry, and every sunset is magic on the horizon. Contrary to most of the tropical resorts that have become quite crowded, Seychelles has managed to preserve its beauty due to the untouched scenery, eco-friendly tourism and a culture that is very close to her Creole roots.

With its coral-lined lagoons, and granite rocks as well as its fertile marine life and its hospitable people, Seychelles is the place that makes the traveler take things slow and enjoy the life of the islands. Do you want to get a rush, have some time to relax in the deep blue, and need a time together with your loved one in the calmness of nature? Seychelles is the place that will provide you with an experience that will last longer than your stay.

Here is just a list of places that you must not miss visiting in Seychelles that will leave your tropical vacation truly memorable – with every island its own tale, beat and spirit.

1. Mahé Island

Your trip starts on the largest and the most varied of the Seychelles archipelago which is the Mahe Island. Mahe, the capital city of which is Victoria, is a perfect harmonious unity of the beauty of nature and the rich heartbeat of Creole life. Dramatic granite mountains and jungle pour over the edges of the island leading to the white-sand beaches that are caressed by clear turquoise waves.

The best way to kick-start your day is to visit the bustling Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, which boasts of an array of color (both spices and tropical fruits) as well as the hand crafted goods and colorful textiles. You should not skip to visit the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens where there are centuries old palms and giant Aldabra tortoises that form an idyllic environment.

Mahe spoiled you with options as far as beaches are concerned. The most popular and famous beach is Beau Vallon Beach, which has a lot of calm waters to swim, snorkel, and even walk at sunset. To be a little bit more isolated, there is the Anse Intendance, its wild, untamed loveliness, a photographer and wedding favorite. There are also a lot of hiking paths, with a Morne Blanc Trail being one of them, which provides stunning panoramic ocean views upon reaching the peak.

2. Praslin Island

A brief ferry or air ship trip in the Mahe will land you on the second-largest Island in Seychelles, the Praslin, commonly referred to as the Garden of Eden. The beauty of the island is in its green forests, palm-lined beaches, and peaceful atmosphere that is an entire universe of the modern world.

Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage and the best attraction in the island. Passing across its ancient palm forest is like entering into a prehistoric state, where the sun penetrates through the huge leaves and the air that passes across the earth smells of the tropics. It houses the mythical Coco de Mer palm which has its distinctive seed shaped like a ball- the biggest in the world and the rare black parrot.

When it is time to relax, go to Anse Lazio which is always rated among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its crescent shaped bay and the sand, which is very fine, and waters which are crystal clear, make it perfect in swimming and in snorkeling. Anse Georgette is another secret spot that is easy to access and provides privacy and picturesque scenery, ideal in escaping with a loved one.

3. La Digue Island

La Digue Island is where you want to be in case you want to experience Seychelles in the most original and the most peaceful way. La Digue is considered the most relaxed of the islands, as there are no cars, but bicycles, ox-carts, and the waves take their place instead of the noise of the city.

One of the most photographed beaches in the world is the Anse Source d’Argent which is the most renowned tourist attraction in the island. It has its sculpted granite boulders, pink sand, and glowing turquoise water, which make it look as a dream come true. The early morning or the sunset is the most appropriate time to visit when the gentle light turns the landscape into a pure magic.

In addition to its beaches, La Digue is a naturalist resort. Explore the Veuve Nature Reserve, which is the habitat to the rare Black Paradise Flycatcher or make a scenic hike up to the peak of the island the Belle Vue, which gives breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. All the corners of La Digue are very simple and charming, something that is worth visiting when a person wants to reconnect with nature and one another.

4. Silhouette Island

Remote and out of the mainstream tourist destination, Silhouette Island is an adventure, privacy and raw nature lover’s paradise. It is the third-largest island in Seychelles and is mainly of the thick rainforests, falling streams, and clouded mountains that seem to have not been affected by time.

Protection is done in the form of the Silhouette National Park that covers more than 90 percent of the land area of the island. The Mont d’Auban trail is a challenge that trekking enthusiasts may take up and reach the topmost point of the island with a panoramic 360 oceans and the surrounding islands. The mountainous terrain is taxing yet rewarding with exotic plants and sightings of rare species.

The waters around are also fascinating. Snorkel or dive through colorful coral reefs with live marine life – turtles, reef sharks or just millions of colorful fish swim through crystal-clear waters. Silhouette is also luxurious in nature, even though it is wild, the eco-friendly resorts are seamlessly integrated into the environment of the island and provide the dilemma of luxury and tranquility.

5. Aride Island

Aride Island is a secret paradise of Seychelles to nature and wildlife lovers. It is called the Crown Jewel of Nature Reserves and also it has a group of over one million seabirds and it is regarded as one of the most crucial bird reserves in the Indian Ocean.

Sooty terns, frigatebirds, and white-tailed tropicbirds are seen flourishing here and provide a spectacular sight to the visitors of birds. The rough cliffs and the vegetation of the island makes the island an ecological marvel which seems to be totally disconnected with the world.

Tourists have an opportunity to visit the island on guided eco-tours to understand the conservation activities and see the diverse biodiversity of the island. Aride is also good birdwatching and it also boasts of some of the best beaches in Seychelles, the untouched coasts of soft sand where you can relax to the sound of the crashing waves. To the people who want to be in peace, Aride is the best example of natural calmness.

Seychelles: Every Island has a Story to tell

Seychelles is not a tropical island only but a living masterpiece where all the elements (land, sea and sky) join each other in complete harmony. Every island has its personality. Mahe is a lively place, Praslin a secretive one, La Digue a relaxing one, the wilderness of Silhouette and the simplicity of Aride are all mixed up in an unforgettable adventure.

You can be snorkeling in coral gardens, hiking through ancient forests, or having fresh coconut water at the beach and Seychelles welcomes you with warmth and wonder. It is a place where no time seems to ever end – and when heaven is not a destination, but a sensation that lingers even after you leave the shores.