Praslin Island in the Seychelles: all about the rest

Praslin is a large island of the Seychelles archipelago, the second largest after Mahe. Along with Mahe and La Digue, it is considered a tourist mecca Seychelles, where you can go in search of the unique flora and fauna of distant tropics, fantastic coastlines and secluded hotels. Praslin is loved by divers for the beauty and abundance of living creatures on the local coral reefs. Every tourist in the Seychelles aims to visit the Praslin National Park and its picturesque palm forest Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Administratively, the island is divided into the districts of Grand Anse and Baie Sainte Anne - two central tourist points. Praslin has its own airport, so it is convenient to get here by air from the capital Victoria.

General Information:

• Area: 38 km²
• Length: 11 km
• Width: 4 km
• Population: about 6.5 thousand
• Location: 40 kilometers northeast of Mahe
• Other names: Praslen, Ile de Palme, Island of Palms

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Nature and geography of Praslin

The most beautiful photos of tropical nature on travel brochures - this is how you can define the landscapes of an amazing island. Bright, rich greenery, rocky coasts with white sands and turquoise bays. It is difficult to imagine a more untouched tropical corner than Praslin, the hallmark of the Seychelles archipelago.

The island is dominated by mountainous terrain of granite origin. Praslin is divided from east to west by a range of hills. Wood, vanilla, copra and vegetables are grown on fertile soils. Praslin is called the Island of Palms for a reason. Endemic species of Coco de Mer palm trees grow here, which are not found anywhere else on the planet. The rainforest on Praslin has preserved its native ecosystem, which is several million years old.

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Transport on Praslin

The transport system of the island is developed at a sufficient level. From east to west, two main roads run in parallel along Praslin. You can travel around the island by local bus, which runs daily from 5:00 to 21:00. For a convenient study of natural beauties, tourists often choose to rent bikes or bicycles. The latter, in most cases, offer hotels to their guests. On Praslin you can also rent a car.

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How to get to Praslin

There are two ways to get to the island:

• By plane. Domestic flight from Mahe to Praslin is only 15 minutes on the way.
• On the ferry. Between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue fast ferries run. The boat trip to Praslin from Mahe takes about 50 minutes.

You can get to the island as part of a one-day tour from Mahe or La Digue. This is the best way to visit the best places in Praslin if you are short on time.

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Attractions Praslin

Nature is a source of inspiration for which travelers flock to Praslin. Virgin coastlines, a rich ecosystem and colorful reefs are the central attractions of the pristine island. Check out the must-see places in Praslin.

Vallee de Mai nature reserve

A huge tropical reserve within the Praslin National Park is recognized as a UNESCO natural site in the Seychelles. Endemic palm species grow in it, and the hallmark of the forest is the coco de mer palm, which reaches a height of 40 meters. Its fruits grow up to 1 meter in diameter, and the weight of one nut can reach 20-25 kilograms. The giant coconut is a symbol of the Seychelles and plays an important role in the economy, because the main share of the income from the sale of unique nuts goes to the treasury.

You can walk in the shade of centuries-old trees every day, seven days a week. In the Valle de Mai, there are three routes of varying difficulty, which take from 1 to 3 hours. If about you have enough strength to get around the most secluded corners, there is every chance to see a black parrot that lives only in the Seychelles.

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Reserve Fund Ferdinand

The second, younger Praslin Reserve, where you can also see the huge fruits of endemic palms and enjoy the amazing flora. The Ferdinand Foundation is located in the south of the island, and you can get here only during the tour. The walking routes are more difficult than in Vallee de Mai , since the park is located on a hillside. The reward for your efforts is incredible views from the highest point of the reserve.

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Curiosity Island

A beautiful small island, 1.5 kilometers from the northern part of Praslin, belongs to the marine park. The history of Curiosity can be considered unusual for a beautiful tropical corner, because once the French brought leprosy patients here. The coasts of the island are decorated with ancient rocks, and on the white sand you can meet giant tortoises. Day trips from Praslin to Curiosity include transfer, lunch, swimming and snorkeling in the marine park.

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The best beaches of Praslin

Seychelles beaches are a separate art form in nature. Praslin has several stunning coastlines that attract tourists from all over the world. Access to all beaches on the island is free. Popular beaches feature authentic bamboo hut shops selling exotic cocktails and local fruits.

• Anse Lazio. Located in the northwestern part of Praslin. Several times anse Lazio has been recognized as the most picturesque in the world. Its feature is bright blue water. A day tour to Vallee de Mai usually includes a visit to Anse Lazio. Be sure to bring your snorkeling gear with you. You can admire the underwater inhabitants here right on the shore.
• Anse Saint Jose. Geographically, the beach belongs to the island of Curiosity, and is included in the excursion program. Definitely worth seeing Saint Jose. One of the most beautiful wild beaches of the Seychelles. Ideal shallow water for spectacular snorkeling . Encounters with Aldabra turtles and reef sharks are guaranteed.
• Anse Georgette. Another paradise coast on the northwest side of the island. Flawless white beach with blue waters surrounded by jungle. Along the coast to the beach is a convenient walk for guests of the resort Constance Lemuria Resort, in other cases, you need to wade through dense thickets.
• Côte d'Or. Picturesque coastline of Praslin's main tourist area Anse Volbert. Long beach for long walks in the shade of overhanging palm trees. A great location for the best photos on the white sands.
• Anse Kerlan. One of the closest beaches to Praslin airport. Convenient location is an advantage. Nearby there are hotels and establishments, and the natural beauty of Kerlan is in no way inferior to other coasts of the island.

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Diving in Praslin: why you should try

The dive sites around Praslin consist of granite boulders, coral gardens on sloping reefs and vertical walls. Most of the best places are easily accessible in 5 minutes by boat, some are further away, up to 45 minutes on the way. There are strong currents on the remote islands, but there are much more opportunities to admire the pelagic inhabitants.

On the sunny reefs around Praslin you will find myriads of colorful reef fish. The best periods for snorkeling in Praslin are from March to May and from September to November. There may be light rain, but visibility during these months is usually up to 30 meters. The water temperature is ideal - in the range of 26-28°C.

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Where to eat on Praslin

The island has a sufficient number of cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. The choice is very good. In any part of Praslin you will find an institution with a hearty menu, an excellent selection of drinks and desserts. They are concentrated mainly along the coast. Among the most popular places:

• Losean. Prestigious restaurant overlooking the lagoon. The best Creole, Cajun and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Curieuse. The best Asian restaurant in Praslin is located along the coast of Anse Takamaka, inside the Raffles Hotel.
• Les Rochers. Atmospheric restaurant for romantic evenings overlooking the sunset by the water. Les Rochers specializes in gourmet seafood dishes.
• Les Lauriers. Gourmet grilled seafood and Creole snacks restaurant located in the resort area of Anse Volbert.
• Diva. A cozy and beautiful place with Mediterranean and European cuisine, on the coast of Anse Kerlan. Romantic al fresco atmosphere and excellent value for money.
• Legend. Authentic resort restaurant Lemuria Resort. Diverse European cuisine with chic buffets.

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Where to stay in Praslin

Praslin has a rich selection of hotels and guest houses with all the comforts. Here is one of the most prestigious hotels in the Seychelles - Lemuria Resort 5*, with its own 18-hole golf course . It is worth booking accommodation on Praslin in the high season, namely from May to October, in advance. Check out other popular options below.

• Raffles Seychelles. Prestigious hotel with private villas with an exclusive set of options.
• Apartment complex HideAway 4*, a few meters from the beach of Anse Possession.
• Apartment Saria Self-Catering, in the district of Anse Possession.
• Villa Admiral 4*, located near the Valle de Mai nature reserve.
• ANV Holiday Apartments, near the nature reserve Ferdinand Foundation.
• Exotic Guest House - cozy guesthouse near Anse beach Volbert Côte d'Or.
• Treasure Villa. Cozy hotel 3 kilometers from the center.
• La Saline. Secluded villa on the water, on the territory of a picturesque beach.
• Chalet Coin D'or. Comfortable corner on the rocky coast, in the Anse area Possession.
• L'Hirondelle Self Catering Guest House. Spacious guesthouse on the coast, 6 kilometers from Praslin airport.

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