All about holidays in Victoria - the capital of the Seychelles

Victoria is the only city and port in the Seychelles. It is located on the largest island of Mahe, in the northeast side. Victoria is the smallest African capital. The city received its current name in 1841 in honor of the British Queen. This is the economic, cultural and tourist center of the Seychelles, where all travel in the archipelago begins. Near the capital is the Seychelles International Airport, the largest on the islands. Tourism and fishing form the economic basis of the capital and the surrounding area.

General characteristics:

• Date of foundation: 1876
• Area: 20.1 km²
• Population: 24 000 (about a third of the population of the island of Mahe)
• Other names: Port Victoria
• Religion: Christianity, Catholicism
• Languages: English, French, Seychelles Creole

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History and population of the capital Seychelles

The history of the appearance of the city is directly related to the proclamation of the archipelago as the property of the French crown. The colonization of the Seychelles began in 1772, and in 1778 Port Royal was founded on the site of modern Victoria. In 1841, after the transfer of the archipelago under the control of Great Britain, the capital of the Seychelles received a new name in honor of Queen Victoria. The ethnic diversity of the capital is very remarkable. During the colonial period, African slaves, and later Chinese and Indian wage laborers, were brought to the cinnamon, vanilla and copra plantations. Therefore, the modern inhabitants of the Seychelles are from Africa, France, India and China.

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Geography and climate of Victoria

The city is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, in the northeastern part of Mahe . The island and the entire archipelago are characterized by a maritime subequatorial climate. That is, there are only two seasons here - hot (from December to April) and cool (from May to November). The velvet season, when there are no winds, is considered the off-season - March-April and October-November.

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Transport and Victoria Airport

Mahe and the capital can offer taxi services to tourists, which is not available on other islands. Buses run to Mahe and Praslin. The waiting time does not exceed 15 minutes. Well developed water communication. On the ferry, you can quite comfortably move between the islands, which will cost several times cheaper than domestic flights.

The capital is located just 9 kilometers from the main Seychelles airport. You can get to the city from the airport on a separate shuttle.

La International Airport Rue is the only airport in the Seychelles that accepts international flights. It has a 3 km runway and modern infrastructure. There are three popular beaches near the airport - Beau Vallon, Fairyland and Anse royale.

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What to see in the capital of the Seychelles

There are many interesting places in the city and its surroundings that are worth seeing during an excursion or an independent trip. Many routes start from the main Victoria Square and Independence Avenue Ave, in the old part of the city. Here you can see a mini-copy of the Big Ben tower and visit the small Museum of the history of the city. The colonial period left its mark on the culture and architecture of the city. On Revolution Ave houses several historical sites, including an old church. On the central streets of Francis Rachel and 5th June Ave also has a lot to see while walking.

What else to visit in Victoria:

• Vinyagar Hindu Temple
• Authentic tea factory and plantations (surroundings)
• Old Selwyn Clark Market
• Victoria Botanic Garden
• Sainte-Anne National Marine Park (5 kilometers from the capital)
• Morne National Park (Seychelles National park)

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What to do in Victoria

Walks along picturesque beaches and places of interest are the basis of entertainment in the capital of the Seychelles. The excellent infrastructure of the city offers entertainment venues, cafes and restaurants. For lovers of active holidays, there are many options here:

• Diving, snorkeling and sea cruises.
• Sightseeing tours of Mahe.
• Natural objects and picturesque mountain routes.
• Surfing, water activities - kitesurfing, windsurfing, water skiing.
• Helicopter tours, hang-glider flights.
• Exciting fishing in the Indian Ocean.
• Azure waters and beautiful coastlines.

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Shopping in the capital of the Seychelles

It is worth noting that there are no large shopping centers in the city, but there are plenty of small shops with colorful windows. Market is considered to be the main trading point of Victoria. Street, full of shops with a wide variety of products. The most popular item is handmade souvenirs. A large selection of clothes, beach accessories and jewelry of local color - with corals and pearls. By Francis Rachel Street is also home to handicraft shops and clothing boutiques. Be sure to take the time to shop at the authentic Selwyn Clark Market.

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Where to eat - Victoria's best restaurants

Creole cuisine consists of a variety of mix of African, French, Indian and English culinary traditions. There are enough cafes and restaurants in the capital where you can taste the most popular Creole dishes. Take a look at Del Place - a cozy restaurant-bar on the ocean, an authentic Indian restaurant The Maharajas, Wildflower Cafe with an abundance of international, Creole and Cajun dishes, and Anchor Cafe with a great selection of seafood.

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The best hotels in Victoria

The city of Seychelles has a good tourist infrastructure, including hotels for every budget. Mahe Island, as the center of the archipelago, is considered a more budgetary Seychelles destination, considering not only the cost of housing, but also internal transfers between the islands. In particular, the capital is often a transit point on the route of tourists to others, remote from the international airport of the island and with hotels. In Victoria, it is easier to find a good transit hotel, but there are several places for a great holiday.

The most popular hotels in Victoria:

• Villa Panoramic Sea View 3*
• The Ridge Residence 4*
• Horizon View 3*
• The quadrant Luxury Apartments 4*
• Le Bonheur Villa 4*
• Island Cove 3*

Whichever hotel you choose, Victoria will welcome you with joy and give you an unforgettable vacation.

The Ridge Residence