Seychelles · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Seychelles
These are the beaches, trails, markets, food stops and stays that make a Seychelles trip, spread across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Places marked unconfirmed may have changed or closed, so check before you go.
Places to Visit in Victoria
Shopping and Markets
- Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (Market Street)
The heart of the capital, with fresh fish, fruit, spices and souvenirs, busiest on Saturday mornings. - Kenwyn House (Francis Rachel Street)
A restored colonial mansion with a shop of local art, jewellery and crafts. - Market Street shops (Town centre)
Small shops for spices, vanilla, tea and printed sarongs to take home.
Arts and Culture
- Victoria Clock Tower (Town centre)
The little silver clock tower of 1903 is the meeting point of the world's smallest capitals. - Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Quincy Street)
The country's only Hindu temple, with a richly carved and painted tower. - National Museum of History (Independence Avenue)
A clear, well-told story of the islands from first settlement to independence. - Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Olivier Maradan Street)
The main Catholic cathedral, with a clock that strikes twice and the old Domus beside it. - St Paul's Cathedral (Albert Street)
The Anglican cathedral in the centre, a calm stop between market and museum.
Nature and Outdoors
- National Botanical Garden (Mont Fleuri)
Palms, coco de mer, orchids, fruit bats and a pen of Aldabra giant tortoises. - Sainte Anne Marine National Park (Off Victoria)
Six islands just offshore with snorkelling, glass-bottom boats and sea turtles. - Moyenne Island (Sainte Anne Marine National Park)
A tiny island nature reserve with tortoises, trails and old graves to explore.
Things to Do
- Eden Island (Eden Island)
A marina island with cafés, a supermarket, boat trips and an easy evening stroll.
Restaurants
- Marie Antoinette Restaurant (St Louis)
A classic creole house serving a set menu of fish curry, parrotfish fritters and chutneys. - Victoria creole takeaways (Market Street)
Generous boxes of curry, rice, lentils and grilled fish at local prices around the market.
Events
- Festival Kreol (Victoria and across Mahé)
The late October festival of creole music, food, dance and language. - National Day celebrations (Unity Stadium)
Parades, music and fireworks around 18 June, the national day.
Stays
- Eden Bleu Hotel (Eden Island)
A smart marina hotel close to the airport road and Victoria.
Places to Visit in Beau Vallon
Nature and Outdoors
- Beau Vallon Beach (Beau Vallon)
Three kilometres of soft sand, lifeguards and calm water for much of the year. - Anse Major Trail (Danzil)
A coastal hike over granite slabs to a wild, quiet cove. - Anse Major (North west Mahé)
A small cove at the end of the trail, perfect for a peaceful swim in calm seas. - Baie Ternay Marine National Park (North west Mahé)
A sheltered marine park with some of Mahé's best snorkelling by boat.
Events
- Bazar Labrin (Beau Vallon)
The Wednesday night beach market of grilled fish, curries, juices and music.
Things to Do
- Underwater Centre Seychelles (Coral Strand, Beau Vallon)
A long-established dive centre running courses and reef dives off the bay. - Glass-bottom boat trips (Beau Vallon)
An easy way for children and non-swimmers to see the reef.
Restaurants
- The Boat House (Beau Vallon)
A creole seafood buffet in the evenings that has fed visitors for decades. - Baobab Pizzeria (Beau Vallon)
A simple beachside spot for pizza, grilled fish and sunset with sand under your feet.
Bars and Nightlife
- Sunset bar at Le Méridien Fisherman's Cove (Bel Ombre)
A rocky headland bar with one of the best sunset views on Mahé. - Beach bars of Beau Vallon (Beau Vallon)
Casual bars on the sand for an evening drink as fishing boats come in.
Stays
- Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa (Beau Vallon)
A large beachfront hotel in the middle of the bay. - Coral Strand Hotel (Beau Vallon)
A long-running beach hotel right on the sand. - H Resort Beau Vallon Beach (Beau Vallon)
A smart beachfront resort at the quieter end of the bay. - Hilton Seychelles Northolme (Glacis)
An adults-focused hilltop hotel with villas above the sea near Beau Vallon. - Le Méridien Fisherman's Cove (Bel Ombre)
A beachfront hotel at the west end of Beau Vallon bay.
Shopping and Markets
- Beau Vallon supermarkets (Beau Vallon)
Small shops for self-catering, the easiest way to save money in Seychelles.
Places to Visit in Morne Seychellois
Nature and Outdoors
- Copolia Trail (Sans Souci Road)
An hour's climb to a granite summit with views over Victoria and the marine park. - Morne Blanc Trail (Sans Souci Road)
A short, steep forest climb to a cliff edge above the west coast. - Trois Frères Trail (Sans Souci)
A forest trail to a summit above Victoria with few other walkers. - Morne Seychellois Peak (Central Mahé)
The country's highest point, a demanding hike best done with a guide. - Port Launay Marine National Park (Port Launay)
A sheltered west coast bay with calm water and good snorkelling. - Port Launay Beach (Port Launay)
A long, quiet beach at the foot of the mountains on the west coast. - Sauzier Waterfall (Port Glaud)
A short walk to a forest waterfall and pool, best after rain.
Arts and Culture
- Mission Ruins (Venn's Town)
The remains of a school for freed slaves' children, with a sweeping west coast view.
Cafés
- Seychelles Tea Tavern (Sans Souci Road)
Taste local tea beside the plantation on the mountain road.
Stays
- Constance Ephelia (Port Launay)
A large resort between two beaches next to the marine park.
Things to Do
- Registered hiking guides (Sans Souci)
Hire a local guide for longer trails, birds and the rare plants.
Places to Visit in South Mahé
Nature and Outdoors
- Anse Intendance (South Mahé)
A wild, dramatic beach of big waves, best for walking and sunsets. - Anse Takamaka (South Mahé)
A beautiful south coast bay with palms and granite rocks. - Anse Royale (South east Mahé)
A long, sheltered beach with good snorkelling around Ile Souris. - Anse Soleil (South west Mahé)
A small, secluded cove with calm water and soft sand. - Le Jardin du Roi (Anse Royale)
An old spice garden in the hills with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and a museum. - Police Bay (South Mahé)
The wild southern tip of Mahé, beautiful for walks but not for swimming. - Petite Anse (Baie Lazare)
A dazzling small bay at the foot of a resort, with public access by footpath. - Anse à la Mouche (West Mahé)
A calm, shallow bay, ideal for children and paddleboards. - Grand Anse Mahé (West Mahé)
A long, empty beach for walking, though the sea is rough in some seasons.
Restaurants
- Anse Soleil Café (Anse Soleil)
A simple beach restaurant for grilled fish and octopus curry by the sea. - Chez Batista (Anse Takamaka)
Creole seafood with your toes in the sand on the south coast. - Kaz Kreol (Anse Royale)
A relaxed beach restaurant for creole dishes and pizza.
Things to Do
- Takamaka Rum Distillery (La Plaine St André)
Tours and tastings at a restored plantation house and distillery.
Shopping and Markets
- Seychelles Craft Village (Au Cap)
Creole cottages selling crafts and a restored plantation house.
Arts and Culture
- Michael Adams Studio (Anse aux Poules Bleues)
The studio of one of the country's best known painters of island life.
Stays
- Four Seasons Resort Seychelles (Petite Anse)
Hillside villas above one of Mahé's loveliest bays. - Banyan Tree Seychelles (Anse Intendance)
Pool villas above the wild beach of Anse Intendance. - Mango House Seychelles (Anse aux Poules Bleues)
A boutique hotel on the old holiday house of an Italian designer. - South Mahé self-catering (Anse Royale)
Family-run apartments and chalets, the budget way to stay on the south coast.
Places to Visit in Praslin
Nature and Outdoors
- Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve (Central Praslin)
The UNESCO-listed palm forest where the coco de mer grows wild. - Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve (Anse Marie Louise)
A quieter coco de mer forest with guided walks to a viewpoint. - Anse Lazio (North west Praslin)
Powdery sand, granite boulders and clear water at one of the world's best known beaches. - Anse Georgette (North west Praslin)
A wild, beautiful beach with limited access through a resort. - Côte d'Or (Anse Volbert)
A long, calm, shallow beach that is easy for families. - Curieuse Island (Off Praslin)
Free-roaming giant tortoises, a mangrove boardwalk and old ruins. - St Pierre Islet (Off Côte d'Or)
A tiny granite islet with a few palms and good snorkelling. - Cousin Island Special Reserve (Off Praslin)
A bird island with huge seabird colonies and nesting turtles in season. - Aride Island (North of Praslin)
A seabird reserve with dramatic cliffs and rare landings. - Anse Possession (North Praslin)
A quiet beach with calm water and boats for Curieuse. - Grand Anse Praslin (West Praslin)
A long beach near the airport with village life and sunsets.
Restaurants
- Bonbon Plume (Anse Lazio)
A beach restaurant on Anse Lazio for grilled fish and creole plates. - Le Chevalier (Anse Lazio)
A restaurant above Anse Lazio for long creole lunches. - Praslin creole takeaways (Grand Anse)
Lunch boxes of curry, rice and grilled fish from roadside counters. - Les Lauriers restaurant (Côte d'Or)
A creole buffet dinner at a small family-run eco hotel.
Cafés
- Café des Arts (Côte d'Or)
A beachside café and gallery showing local artists.
Things to Do
- Cat Cocos ferry (Baie Ste Anne)
The fast ferry link to Mahé, with La Digue boats from the same jetty.
Stays
- Raffles Seychelles (Anse Takamaka)
Pool villas on a hillside above Praslin's north coast. - Constance Lémuria (Anse Kerlan)
A resort with Praslin's only golf course and access to Anse Georgette. - Paradise Sun Hotel (Côte d'Or)
A relaxed hotel on the calm Côte d'Or beach. - Les Lauriers Eco Hotel (Côte d'Or)
A small, family-run hotel of chalets a short walk from the beach. - Le Domaine de La Réserve (Anse Petite Cour)
A boutique hotel with a jetty over the sea. - Praslin guesthouses (Grand Anse)
Simple family guesthouses, often with creole dinners for guests.
Places to Visit in La Digue
Nature and Outdoors
- Anse Source d'Argent (L'Union Estate)
The famous cove of pink granite boulders and glassy shallow water. - Grand Anse La Digue (South east La Digue)
A wide, wild beach of big waves, beautiful but dangerous for swimming. - Petite Anse La Digue (South east La Digue)
A short walk from Grand Anse to a quieter cove. - Anse Cocos (South east La Digue)
A remote, stunning beach reached on foot, with a calmer pool at one end. - Veuve Nature Reserve (La Réunion)
A small forest reserve protecting the rare paradise flycatcher. - Nid d'Aigle (Central La Digue)
A steep climb to the island's highest point and a view of Praslin. - Anse Sévère (North west La Digue)
A small beach with easy snorkelling in calm seas. - Anse Patates (North La Digue)
A tiny cove for sunsets and snorkelling among the rocks. - Coco Island (Off La Digue)
A marine park islet with some of the clearest water in the inner islands. - Félicité Island (Off La Digue)
A forested island for snorkelling day trips by boat. - Grande Soeur (Off La Digue)
Twin granite islets with beautiful beaches on boat trips.
Arts and Culture
- L'Union Estate (La Réunion)
An old plantation with a copra mill, tortoises and the colonial house.
Restaurants
- Fish Trap (La Passe)
A seafront restaurant for grilled fish and sunset by the jetty. - Chez Jules (Anse Banane)
A simple seaside spot on the north east coast for creole seafood. - Loutier Coco (Grand Anse)
A beach restaurant serving a creole buffet lunch near Grand Anse. - La Passe takeaways (La Passe)
Cheap boxes of creole curry and fresh juice near the jetty.
Things to Do
- Bicycle hire (La Passe)
The way everyone gets around the island, with stands near the jetty.
Events
- Feast of the Assumption (La Digue)
The island's biggest celebration in mid August, with mass, music and festivities.
Stays
- Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie (Anse Sévère)
A boutique hotel of villas on the hillside above the west coast. - La Digue Island Lodge (Anse Réunion)
A long-established beach lodge a short ride from Anse Source d'Argent. - La Digue guesthouses (La Passe)
Family-run guesthouses with bicycles and creole dinners.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Natural History Museum (Independence Avenue, Victoria)
Displays on the coco de mer, giant tortoises and the islands' unique wildlife. - Kaz Zanana Gallery (Revolution Avenue, Victoria)
A creole house showing the colourful work of Seychellois artist George Camille. - Pirates Arms (Independence Avenue, Victoria)
A long-running café bar in town for a cold drink and people watching. - Bel Air guesthouses (Bel Air, Victoria)
Hillside guesthouses above town, cooler at night and handy for early ferries. - Eden Plaza (Eden Island, Victoria)
Easy coffee, cakes and ice cream by the marina boats. - Big Blue Divers (Beau Vallon, Beau Vallon)
A beach dive centre for granite reefs and the Ennerdale wreck. - La Perle Noire (Beau Vallon, Beau Vallon)
Italian and seafood dishes in a relaxed setting near the beach. - Whale shark season (North west Mahé, Beau Vallon)
In some years whale sharks pass the north west coast in the cooler months. - Bel Ombre treasure site (Bel Ombre, Beau Vallon)
The spot where treasure hunters dug for decades looking for a pirate's hoard. - Vacoa Nature Trail (Mare Anglaise, Morne Seychellois)
A gentle forest walk to a lookout, good for families. - Anse Islette (Port Glaud, Morne Seychellois)
A tiny islet and lagoon where you can wade across at low tide. - Sans Souci guesthouses (Sans Souci, Morne Seychellois)
Quiet mountain guesthouses close to the trailheads. - Anse Royale roadside stalls (Anse Royale, South Mahé)
Fruit, fish and homemade snacks sold from small stalls on the coast road. - Anse Marie Louise (South Praslin, Praslin)
A small, little-visited beach on the south coast. - Sunset at Grand Anse Praslin (Grand Anse, Praslin)
Watch the sun go down over the water with a drink from a beach bar. - Praslin Black Pearl (Anse Bateau, Praslin)
A pearl farm and shop showing how Seychelles black pearls are grown. - Zimbabwe viewpoint hike (Praslin, Praslin)
A walk to a high viewpoint over the north coast and islands. - La Passe craft stalls (La Passe, La Digue)
Small stalls for sarongs, shell jewellery and coconut crafts.