The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean. Here there are numerous beaches, lush vegetation, coral reefs, nature reserves and rare animals, such as the Aldabra giant tortoise.
Thestarting point for visiting all the other islands is Mahé, which is home to the capital Victoria, some beaches, such as Beau Vallon andAnse Takamaka, as well as the mountain rainforest of the Morne Seychellois National Park.
The Seychelles Islands represent the ideal destination for those who dream of a quiet and romantic holiday, without renouncing that desire for adventure that leads to the discovery of unspoilt nature.
Travel information: useful info
Inhabitants: 94,677
Capital: Victoria
Languages: Official language Creole. Spoken languages: English and French
Local currency: Seychelles Rupee (SCR) - (€1.00=15.66 SCR / 1 SCR = €0.064)
Climate: the climate is tropical, warm all year round. Temperatures average 32 degrees during the day and below 20 °C at night
Time zone: GMT+4 (2 hours ahead of Italy)
Vaccinations: no vaccinations required. The only mandatory vaccinations are for travellers coming from countries where yellow fever is endemic (Kenya, Ethiopia). Antimalarial prophylaxis recommended
Entry requirements: passport, return ticket. Visa required, issued on arrival in the country
Distance from Italy: 7,208 km from Milan (8-9 hours flight time)
Security info: visit the Seychelles section on the Farnesina website
Where to find us
The Republic of Seychelles is an island state located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and about 1,500 km east of the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania, straddling the Equator.
It is politically divided into 25 districts located on the main islands, except for one that groups the outer islands.
Of the 25 districts, 22 are located on the main island Mahé, two on Praslin and one includes La Digue.
How to get there
From Milan Malpensa: you have a stopover of about three hours in Paris and from there you take the direct flight to Mahé. Total duration 14 - 15 hours with Air France. Or, with Emirates you have a stopover in Dubai and the total journey time is 14 hours.
Compare flights from Milan - from €481.36From Rome Fiumicino: there is a stopover at Addis Ababa Bole International and from here the direct flight takes about 5 hours to Mahé. Total flight time 13 hours with Ethiopian Airlains. From Rome Fiumicino you can also have a stopover in Dubai with Emirates.
Compare flights from Rome - from €481.36From themain European capitals: from Paris, the direct flight to the island of Mahé is operated by Air France and takes around 10 hours. From London, there is a stopover in Dubai and from there the flight to Mahé takes approximately 4 hours. The total duration is 13 hours with Emirates. From Berlin, you have a stopover in Paris and from there it takes 10 hours to get to Mahé. Flight operated by Air France.
Airlines flying to Seychelles (besides Air Seychelles) are: Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Condor.
Compare flights to Victoria (Seychelles) - from €483.50
When to go? Info on weather and best time
The climate of the Seychelles Islands is tropical, hot all year round, with a muggy, rainy season from December to March and a cooler, dry season from June to September.
The dry season, and in particular the months between June and August, are the best time for a holiday. The months of October and November (first half) are also very good, with high temperatures and some risk of rain, which, however, lowers prices.
As for the period to avoid, between mid-November and mid-May (and especially from late December to mid-April), the Seychelles can be affected by tropical cyclones that form south of the Equator. For more information read the article when to go to the Seychelles Islands.
Most beautiful Seychelles Islands
As mentioned, there are over 115 islands in the Seychelles, but from a tourist point of view, there are two main island groups.
The Inner Islands are the most touristy and full of resorts and accommodation facilities. These include Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette and the Inner Coral Islands (Denis Island, Bird Island).
The Outer Islands, on the other hand, are a group of five coral islands up to hundreds of kilometres away from the Inner Atolls. They are only accessible by private boat, and include the Southern Coral Group (Île Plate and Coëtivy), the Amirante Islands, the Alphonse Group (Alphonse and Saint François), the Aldabra Group (Aldabra, Assumpion, Cosmoledo), the Farquhar Group (Farquhar, Providence and St. Pierre).
Below we look in detail at the 10 most beautiful Seychelles islands.
1 - Mahé
This is the island that is home to the capital, Victoria, the largest of the archipelago and where the international airport is located. The area is characterised by white sandy beaches, such as those of the touristy Beau Vallon, and granite reliefs such as the Morne Seychellois (where there is a park of the same name), covered in rainforest. Among the most beautiful beaches are Anse La Mouche, Anse aux Pins, Anse Bazarca and Anse Intendance. There is (and we recommend) also a specific one-day tour of the five most beautiful beaches, with the possibility of swimming, sunbathing or snorkelling.
The island boasts an excellent public bus service, but sometimes you get lost in the maze of narrow streets. The best way to visit is with a customised private tour of the island with a driver, with pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
In addition, there are many restaurants, shops, hotels, discotheques and the evenings come alive showing the more mundane side of local life.
To travel to the other islands one uses ferries or planes, obviously the former much cheaper.
As far as the climate is concerned, the island of Mahé is very rainy but generally spared from cyclones. In July and August, especially the north-west-facing beaches are perfect as they are more sheltered from the strong south-easterly trade winds.
SEE ALSO: Mahé, Seychelles: where is it, when to go and what to see
2 - Praslin
Some forty kilometres from Mahé is Praslin, the island for explorers where nature reigns supreme. Praslin's sea is crystal clear and scenic with beaches such as Anse Lazio, while nature reigns supreme thanks to the Vallèe de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in rare plants and wildlife. The best way to visit both is a full-day tour to the Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio beach, where you can also admire the rare coconut palm and the black parrot.
Praslin has a small airport dedicated to travel to and from Mahé, beyond that it is necessary to travel by ferry to reach the other islands.
Among the most beautiful beaches are Anse La farine, west Grand'Anse and the Lémuria beaches, Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, already mentioned, both bordered by large granite boulders.
To get to Praslin, simply take an Air Seychelles flight from Mahé and then make a 15-minute crossing, or board a fast catamaran (45 minutes).
Theclimate in Praslin is always warm; in July and August the island is exposed to strong winds that make the sea rough (Anse Lazio often remains sheltered). In addition, there are several accommodation options and many restaurants, where you can enjoy Creole specialities, but there is a lack of large tourist centres and activities, apart from boat trips and snorkelling. Finally, there is a good public transport network or, alternatively, you can hire a car to get around quickly.
SEE ALSO: Praslin, Seychelles: where is it, when to go and what to see
3 - La Digue
La Digue island is 6 km from Praslin and 43 km from Mahé, and can be reached by helicopter, boat or a speedboat tour from Praslin (which in addition to La Digue also includes the Cocos and Felicitè islands) or a boat trip from Mahé. It is a true paradise for those who want to escape from the real world! In just a few kilometres you can breathe in a relaxed atmosphere between natural pools framing the beaches, guesthouses hidden among the trees and beautiful nature.
Among the most beautiful beaches are Anse Source D'Argent, with its wind-smoothed granite boulders and coconut palms all around, Grande Anse, Anse Severe. To the south of the island, there is the secluded beach Anse Bonnet Carré, with its calm, shallow waters, and then there is Anse Cocos, a beautiful sheltered bay on the east coast.
La Digue is home to a variety of wild animals, which can be spotted in the Veuve Reserve.
Travel is by ox-drawn carts or by bicycle, a perfect way to explore the entire area. Finally, the climate is good all year round, with December and January being the rainiest months.
SEE ALSO: La Digue, Seychelles: where it is, when to go and what to see
4 - Felicité
Photo by Jmhullot. Felicité is a real jewel located a short distance from La Digue, which can be reached in 20 minutes by ferry or by speedboat tour from Praslin (which in addition to Felicité also includes the Cocos Islands and La Digue). This island, which is 3 km long and 1.3 km wide, is mostly flat and is one of the favourite islands for excursions in the middle of nature, thanks to its location, which makes it easy to reach in just a few minutes by ferry. It is a true paradise where coconut palms reign supreme, making it a favourite place for celebrities to spend days of absolute relaxation.
5 - Cerf Island
Photo by Christoph Scholz. Situated in the centre of the natural reef of Saint Anne Marie Park, this small island is famous for its unspoilt nature and an almost intact coral reef surrounding the island. Particularly popular with snorkelers and marine animal enthusiasts, Cerf Island does not offer many amenities other than its nature. The island can be reached from Mahé by daily excursions (with a water taxi service) and offers no accommodation.
6 - Bird Island
Photo by Original: Phil Guest. Bird Island is the northernmost island of all the Seychelles. A natural habitat for millions of seabirds, some of them very rare, it measures about 1.5 km long and 750 m wide. Only discovered in 1756, it was acquired in 1960 with the aim of making it the favourite habitat of the seabirds that are still found there today.
The island is only a day-trip destination from the other main islands, and offers no accommodation. There are 30-minute flights from Mahé, but they only leave once a day.
7 - Aride
Photo by Colin J Taylor. Aride is the northernmost of the granite islands and is really small: 1.7 km long by 500 m wide, but it is a true wonder. The coral reef here is the best preserved of all the Seychelles and you will also find more seabirds here than on any other island. More than 30 species are said to live regularly on the island. The island is only a day-trip destination from the other main islands, and offers no accommodation.
8 - Cousin Island
Cousin Island is located 2.5 km from Praslin. The highest number of native plants and animals is recorded on this island. This 29-hectare island is now protected by the Nature Seychelles environmental organisation, which keeps an eye on the island's nature reserve. More than 300,000 birds, giant tortoises and much more can be counted on its surface. The island is only a day-trip destination from the other main islands, and offers no accommodation.
9 - St. Pierre
St. Pierre is one of the smallest islands in the entire Seychelles archipelago. Located off the bay of Cote d'Or, it has an area of 5,000 square metres. Particularly popular with snorkelling enthusiasts, it is also one of the islands on which you will find sea turtles.
The island is only a day-trip destination from the other main islands, and offers no accommodation. We recommend seeing it on anexcursion from Praslin that includes both St. Pierre and Curieuse Island.
10 - Silhouette
Photo by Fabio Achilli. Silhouette is the third largest island in the archipelago. Located 20 km from Malè, it can be reached by 15-minute flights. It is famous for its rainforests on the summit of the 740 m high Dauban Mountain. Here you will also find various carnivorous plants, bats called flying foxes and a wilderness that you will hardly find elsewhere.
What to see: beaches and places of interest
Aldabra Atoll Turtles
Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
Anse a la Mouche beach
Anse a la Mouche, Seychelles
Anse Intendence, Seychelles
Anse Intendence, Seychelles
Anse Lazio, Praslin, Seychelles
Anse Lazio, Praslin, Seychelles
Anse Lazio, Praslin, Seychelles
Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
Anse St Josè, Curieuse Island, Seychelles
Anse St Josè, Curieuse Island, Seychelles
Village of La Passe, La Digue, Seychelles
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin, Seychelles
Coco de Mer in the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin, Seychelles
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin, Seychelles
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Aldabra Atoll: the second largest coral atoll in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grand Terre, Malabar, Picard and Polymnie, are four large islands that are part of the huge coral reef enclosing the lagoon. Here there are giant turtles, rare coconut crabs, huge varieties of birds and much more.
Anse a la Mouche: a beach on the south-west coast of the island of Mahé. A long tongue of white sand with thick vegetation... the scenery is really wonderful!
Baia Lazare: is on the south-west coast of Mahé and is ideal for swimming and seeing fish. It is an important site, as its name comes from Lazare Picaults, the French navigator who claimed the island for France.
MarineNational Park: an ancient protected marine reserve rich in flora and fauna, coral reefs and several islands. Also famous for having ideal areas for diving and snorkelling. We recommend afull-day excursion with Reef Safari and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean.
Anse Intendance: is located south of Mahé and is the most famous beach on the island. There is no reef here and therefore surfing is possible.
Anse Lazio: this is Praslin's most famous beach with its granite rocks, beautiful shoreline, lush palm trees... picture postcard! Here you will find something for everyone: swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and landscapes to immortalise. This is the main stop on a full-day tour to the Vallée de Mai and the beach of Anse Lazio
Anse Source d'Argent: located on La Digue, this is the iconic beach of the Sychelles and one of the most photographed in the world. Its granite rocks are iconic, as is the coral reef and white sand. You pay the entrance fee!
Anse St Jose: easily reached by boaters from Praslin, it is among the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles. It is located on Curieuse Island and has a very wild appearance. A 25-30 minute walk takes you to the turtle reserve, where giant turtles are kept and roam freely.
Village ofLa Passe: this is a quiet fishing village with about 2,000 inhabitants and is located on La Digue. The peculiarity is that everyone gets around by bike, there are no cars. From here, boats can be hired to explore the coast and neighbouring islands.
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve: a protected nature reserve located on the island of Praslin. It is one of only two places in the world where the rare palm tree that produces coco de mer, the world's largest seed, grows in the wild. There are more than 50 species of indigenous plants and trees and five hiking trails through the tropical forest. Visit on a full-day tour that also includes Anse Lazio.
What to do in Seychelles: excursions and tours
What to do in the evening: recommended venues
La Faya in Beau Vallon, Mahé: An indoor club located just a few steps away from Beau Vallon beach. Open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. International music and DJs. You will find locals and tourists alike.
Gecko Bar in Beau Vallon, Mahè: Located on the liveliest beach on the island of Mahè. The bar is part of the luxurious Hotel Savoy Resort but is also open to guests not staying at the hotel. Perfect for sipping a cocktail at sunset
Boat House in Beau Vallon, Mahé: Marine-themed restaurant with a 'boat' shape. The bar area is open for excellent cocktails until 10pm and beyond. Great for a drink before going dancing or just to finish off a dinner.
Katiolo, Mahé: A must for nightlife in the Seychelles. The only open-air disco on Mahè and also the most famous. It is located a few kilometres from the airport and is the most popular club.
Tapas Lounge Bar, Praslin: lovely little place on the beach of Anse Volbert in Praslin. On the ground floor there is a restaurant, while going up to the second floor there is the Tapas Lounge Bar. Every week there are theme nights and dancing until late.
Oxygen, Praslin: The only real disco on the island of Praslin, in Baie St.Anne, a short distance from the harbour. Open on weekends, the place to be for late-night fun in Praslin.
Villa Autentique, La Digue: A restaurant with an open-air veranda near the harbour in La Digue. Very popular with tourists, at the weekend there is a DJ set to start warming up before the evening begins.
Fish Trap, La Digue: located at the harbour. It has a veranda on the beach and an indoor room where a singer performs almost every night. You can go there for a romantic dinner overlooking the sea but also to have a cocktail at the bar.
Tarosa, La Digue: a dance club open only on Saturdays and located in the harbour area. It is an open-air club, almost directly on the beach. The atmosphere is very easy and relaxed.
Pirates Arms, Victoria: is located in Victoria and offers a cheerful and lively atmosphere. Great for a cheap drink and some live music. Its Fridays are the liveliest in town. Open every day.
How much does a holiday in the Seychelles cost? Prices, offers and tips
Generally, the costs for a holiday to the Seychelles are around €2,000-2,500 per person for a week, including air travel and accommodation, while excursions are priced separately. The most expensive months are December, January, July and August.
Hotel or resort costs vary depending on the quality and services provided; clearly a guesthouse costs less.
Asa rule, a flight to Seychelles cannot be found for less than €700-800, but if you have the opportunity to travel at any time of the year, you can pick up good offers.
When it comes to travelling between islands, you have two options: internal flights and ferries. From Mahé to Praslin, for example, the ferry costs about €50.00 each way, and by plane about €140.00. From here, you have to add another €25.00 ferry from Praslin to La Digue.
Renting a car is the best way to get around the island (prices range from €35.00 per day), as public transport (although very cheap) seems sometimes not to be very reliable. If you don't have to travel great distances, it is fun and convenient to rent a bike, especially on La Digue, for about €7.00-8.00 per day.
For eating, it starts at €7.00-8.00 for a take-away, and goes up to €20.00-25.00 per person for a full dinner.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €60.00 per room - see offers
Low cost flights: from €481.36 - look at the offers
