Population
99,929
capital
Victoria
Language
Seychelles Creole, English, French
currency
Seychellois Rupee
Flight time
12 hours and 40 minutes from the UK
time difference
UTC/GMT +4 hours
best time to go
Apr-May / Oct-Nov
Introducing Seychelles
Seychelles, is without a doubt, the number one destination for lovers and luxury seekers alike. A popular place for couples, honeymooners and families, a holiday to Seychelles is nothing short of extravagant. So if you’ve got a taste for the finer things and you’d love nothing more than the feeling of talcum soft sand between your toes, come and discover the tropical paradise that is Seychelles. This beautiful archipelago comprises of 115 islands, scattered across the Indian Ocean and is most coveted by travellers for its beautiful beaches, its unique coral reefs and top dive spots, its endless nature reserves, and its rare wildlife such as the giant Aldabra tortoise (found only at the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles). Better still, Seychelles is one of the most successful conservation zones in the world and makes a wonderful holiday destination for nature lovers, eco warriors and conservationists who take an interest in responsible travel.
If you want the perfect mix of beach relaxation, eco-tourism and laid-back island living, come to Seychelles off the coast of East Africa and experience this dreamlike setting for yourself. Choose from the most luxurious holiday resorts where your every whim will be catered for, where white sandy beaches surround you wherever you turn, where secluded coves and snorkelling spots can be found just a stone’s throw away and where stylish restaurants complete your travel experience with the beautiful fusion aromas of seychellois cooking.
Family
Seychelles is a top choice for an exotic family holiday, with a fantastic selection of safe, accessible and luxury resorts dotted around the islands. Travel and access is also convenient, with the main transport hub being Mahé Island, home to the international Aéroport de la pointe Larue. The capital city is also located there for an easy day trip and all the other atolls can be accessed daily via ferries. Some great adventures for kids and the whole family include Aride Island Nature Reserve, Cousin Island Special Reserve, Curieuse Marine National Park, Domaine de Val des Près Craft Village, Granite Boulder in La Digue and the Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden.
Cuisine
Because of the archipelago’s unique location in the Indian Ocean, the cuisine of Seychelles takes on several influences and flavours. Fish is prominent on all menus and the ingredients and spices are inspired by African, British, French, Indian and Chinese cooking. Local foods you have to try include red snapper (a local favourite), flying fox fish and various curries. Locally brewed beers are a must (try Seybrew beer) as well as the local palm wine called “Kalou” and Bacca Rum. Traditional non-alcoholic beverages include the popular citronella tea, which is tasty and refreshing in hot weather.
History and Culture
The Seychelles was uninhabited throughout most of recorded history and historians believe that these islands remained untouched for so long because they were not along common trade routes. By 1517, Portuguese explorers mapped the atolls and by 1770, the first French settlement was established on Mahé Island. The Seychelles came under British rule in the early 1900s before finding independence in the 1940s. Today, there’s an interesting mix of cultural influences and the rich diversity is reflected in the local cuisine.
Recommended Seychelles Specialists
Top Locations in Seychelles
Morne Seychellois National Park
This covers more than 20% of the land area in Mahé and is the largest national park in the country. For an awe-inspiring hike, take the Morne Blanc trail and wander through the misty forests and an old tea plantation, all the way to the top of the mountain range where you will be met with the most mind-blowing panoramic views. This trail takes you through the typical habitat of endemic birds such as the Seychelles bulbul, the Seychelles swiftlet and the Seychelles sunbird – great for anyone who enjoys bird spotting.
Beau Vallon Beach
If you’re looking for the perfect white sand beach, Beau Vallon Beach near Victoria is a must. Not only does this popular stretch of beach offer the most spectacular views but it’s also one of the island’s best diving and snorkelling spots. It’s known for its extremely clear waters and beautiful coral reefs and you won’t have to head out too far to see them!
Anse Takamaka Beach
This is another popular beach in the Seychelles. Located again on Mahé Island, Anse Takamaka Beach is another great snorkelling spot with unspoilt scenery and crystal clear water. The shallow waters will also allow for easy swimming and is very safe for families travelling with children. This is also a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the island and other popular stretches of beach, as you’ll have nothing else around you other than a few eco-friendly chalets and miles of tropical vegetation.
Curieuse Island
Come and explore Curieuse Island and Marine National Park to see the rare wildlife, such as the Aldabra tortoise, the Hawksbill turtle, the Green Sea turtle and the Seychelles Black parrot. The island is lined with unique takamaka trees as well as other much more indigenous flora and fauna, and there are plenty of walking trails to be explored during a day trip here. With white sand beaches and no hotels or restaurants in sight, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in a hidden paradise – just be sure to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water in your bag if you plan on spending the day here.
Cousin Island Special Reserve
The iconic island is a picture of conservation and is a part of the important eco-tourism initiatives for the Seychelles islands. For Cousin Island, there’s very much a heart-warming success story which began with a coconut enterprise which then turned into a reserve originally created to save one single species, the Seychelles Warbler – a bird that was on the dangerous brink of extinction. Today, it’s a rich, diverse and exciting bird sanctuary and the most notable birds to spot here include the aforementioned Warbler and the Seychelles Magpie Robin. A visit to the island can be arranged with most hotels and cruise operators.