The idea of “paradise” barely begins to describe the overwhelming beauty of the Seychelles. Colors feel electrified, the water glows in surreal turquoise, the sand shines like ivory, and the tropical greens and molten-gold sunsets create scenes that move you into quiet awe. It’s a destination where nature expresses itself with rare magnificence, leaving travelers suspended between wonder and serenity on these remote islands.
From golf, diving, yoga, and meditation retreats to high-end spas, hiking, cycling, local markets, fine dining, sailing, and water sports, the Seychelles offer experiences for every age and every pace. Its mix of untouched private beaches and vibrant urban life in Victoria allows travelers to drift between two worlds—one of anonymity and calm, and another of lively cultural immersion.
A haven for honeymooners, families, and groups of friends alike, the Seychelles blend beauty, comfort, and safety in equal measure.
Celebrated as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” the archipelago consists of 115 islands, only 33 of which are inhabited. Many of the uninhabited islands can still be visited, revealing deserted beaches that feel completely untouched. Nearly 80% of the population lives in Victoria on Mahé, their heritage shaped by French, African, Indian, and Chinese ancestry. Traditional Seychellois music reflects this multicultural history, blending African, Polynesian, Indian, and European rhythms into a single living folklore.
The beaches—some of the most beautiful on the planet—are a primary draw. Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Marron (La Digue), Anse Takamaka (Mahé), and Anse Lazio (Praslin) appear regularly on lists of the world’s most photographed and beloved shores. Unsurprisingly, these islands have long been a Hollywood favorite for quiet, unbothered escapes.
Nature lovers find endless possibilities: giant tortoises reminiscent of those in the Galápagos, the majestic whale shark, and some of the smallest frogs on Earth, barely a centimeter long.
A visit to the Victoria Market is essential for its vibrant colors, handcrafted goods, spices, and fresh catch. The Clock Tower, one of the most photographed historic landmarks, is also a must. At the Victoria Botanical Garden, you’ll encounter birds, reptiles, and the iconic giant tortoises, along with the legendary coco de mer palms—famous for their sensuous shape and fruit weighing up to 17 lbs.
The Morne Seychellois National Park, covering 20% of Mahé, offers mangrove forests, hiking trails, and sightings of species such as the blue pigeon, bulbul, swiflet, and various reptiles. On Praslin, the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters coco de mer forests and the rare black parrot.
Snorkeling and diving are essential experiences. The islands are surrounded by extensive coral reefs, whose delicate sands give the beaches their luminous white color and support an incredibly diverse marine world. Excursions for certified divers (PADI) and certification courses are widely available..
Seychelles’ French and British colonial past remains visible in the stately mansions once owned by European landowners, still standing as part of Victoria’s historic fabric.
The island’s major cultural event is its international carnival, a three-day celebration where representatives from iconic festivals—Rio, New Orleans, and others—bring global flair to the streets of Victoria..
SEYCHELLES GUIDE
Where to Eat
Zez
Address: Petit Anse, Baie Lazare
Phone: + 1 248 439 3000
Curieuse Restaurant
Address: AnseTakamaka, Baie Sainte Anne
Phone: +1 248 429 6000
Marie Antoinette
Address: Serret Rd
Phone: +248 426 6222
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Seychelles
Address: Petit Anse, Baie Lazare
Phone: +1 248 439 3000
Raffles Praslin
Address: AnseTakamaka, Baie Sainte Anne
Phone: +1 248 429 6000
Freegate Island Private, Oetker Collection
Address: Freegate Island Private, Victoria
Phone: +1 248 467 0100
North Island – My Private Villas
Address: 28 Weir Road, Londres
Phone: +44 208672 7040
Cruises
Several luxury cruise lines include Mahé as a stop on itineraries through the Indian Ocean—an elegant alternative for exploring multiple islands.
When to Travel
A tropical climate year-round, with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.
Rainy season runs November through May.
