Mahé, the main island
Every international flight lands on Mahé. Victoria is one of the smallest capitals in the world, with a lively market, a little clock tower, Hindu and Catholic landmarks and a botanical garden full of giant tortoises. Over the hill, Beau Vallon is the island's best known beach, a long curve of sand with water sports, a Wednesday night market and easy snorkelling. Rising above both, Morne Seychellois is the national park that covers the island's mountain spine, with misty forest trails, tea plantations and views of the outer islands.
Praslin
Praslin is the second largest island, quieter than Mahé and home to the Vallée de Mai, the UNESCO-listed palm forest where the coco de mer grows wild. Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are among the most beautiful beaches in the country, and boat trips leave daily for Curieuse and its tortoises.
La Digue
La Digue is small, slow and car-light. People get around by bicycle and ox cart, and the island's coves, above all Anse Source d'Argent, are framed by huge pink granite boulders. Day trips to Félicité, Coco Island and Grande Soeur leave from the jetty at La Passe.
How to combine them
A week works with three or four nights on Mahé and three on Praslin, with La Digue as a day trip. With ten days or more, give each island its own stay. The fast ferry links all three in under two hours. Use the free trip planner to shape a route that fits, and the places to visit list for beaches, trails and food.