Seychelles - all about the islands

Seychelles - paradise islands. One name plunges into the world of luxury, snow-white beaches, turquoise waves and luxurious hotels.

A scattering of more than a hundred islands is located slightly below the equator, to the east of the African continent.

• Seychelles is a fairly young resort, where they actively took up the development of tourism about 25 years ago.
• The main and largest island of the Seychelles is Mahe, covering an area of 142 sq. km. It occupied almost 25% of the total area of the Seychelles.
• The capital of the republic is Victoria, where the international airport is located.
• Most of the population lives in Mahe, especially in the state capital of Victoria.
• Seychelles time zone is GMT+4. With European countries, the difference is 1-2 hours.

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The climate of the Seychelles

The Seychelles are tropics where it never gets cold. This is a land with an ideal climate, where +24°C…+32°C always reigns. The main problem is high humidity. In the Seychelles there is no change of seasons, but 4 seasons dominate, which change depending on the monsoons.

The most favorable for rest is April, it is calm and quiet. From May to October, the weather is good for the Seychelles, and there is no precipitation. November is also warm, although light winds begin to blow.

From December to March, the weather for travel is unfavorable. The chance of precipitation is high, especially during the first two months of winter.

Nevertheless, the climate of the Seychelles is suitable for year-round recreation. One part of the island can remain a great sunny place to relax while bad weather hits the other part. Due to the unpredictability of the Indian Ocean, it is difficult to make predictions.

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History of the Seychelles

The islands remained untouched and uninhabited for a long time. But in the 19th century, French colonists landed on them. They were deported from France and arrived along with black slaves. Later, immigrants from China, India, and Malaysia became interested in the islands.

Families were often mixed and, because of which, children appeared who combined the features of several races.

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What language is spoken in the Seychelles?

The Seychelles developed their own language, Seselwa, which is spoken by most of the inhabitants. Several languages are officially recognized at the state level: Creole, English and French.

Catholicism confesses over three quarters of the population. However, other denominations are also common, such as Hindus, Muslims.

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Seychelles nature

The Seychelles boast lush tropical vegetation, beautiful beaches and a wide variety of marine life. Seychelles with their natural landscapes, which are difficult to find in other parts of the world, attract tourists from all over the world.

The Seychelles have a unique flora and fauna. More than 200 species of plants grow on the islands, 80 can be found only here. Look at the screw pines and jellyfish trees! Coco de mer can only be found on two islands. Its fruits are considered one of the largest in the world. In Asian culture, they are credited with mystical and healing properties.

Rich underwater diversity: more than 900 species of fish! Tours are arranged to see the green and giant tortoises that inhabit the islands. And in the Seychelles, species imported from Madagascar have taken root.

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Seychelles islands

Seychelles is one of the smallest countries in the world. They consist of two main groups of islands:

• The Mahe group has 40 central mountainous islands. The islands of the Mahe group are rocky, with a small strip of coast, lush tropical vegetation. In many ways, it resembles tall hanging gardens. The islands offer magical panoramas overlooking the snow-white beaches and transparent lagoons. Other major islands include Praslin, Silhouette, La Dig.
• The second group is 70 outer flat coral islands. As a rule, they are waterless and uninhabited.

High mountains are not found here in the Seychelles. The highest point of the Seychelles - Morne Seychellois, reaches only 905 meters.

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Land of the Giant Turtles

In the Seychelles, they try to preserve the biodiversity of the islands by creating nature reserves and marine parks that can take up an entire island!

• Aldabra and Valle de Mai National Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the Aldabra Islands, which are a large atoll, there is a reserve with thousands of giant tortoises! They were saved from extinction. This is one of the most interesting places when visiting the Seychelles.
• Vallee de Mai National Park is the only place where 6 species of palm trees are located at the same time, growing only in the Seychelles.
• Cousin Island is a bird kingdom, home to tiny hummingbirds and other unique birds. Not far from Cousin Island is a nature reserve that has become home to sea turtles and a variety of birds. Bird Island is a breeding ground for millions of terns, turtledoves, petrels, frigatebirds and other seabirds who flock here every year.

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Currency Seychelles

One dollar equals approximately 13 Seychellois rupees. Both banknotes in denominations from 10 to 500 rupees and coins (cents) are in use.

Not all islands have ATMs, but they are easy to find on large ones. They meet at the airport, on the islands of Mahe and Praslin. ATMs are often found in luxury hotels that occupy the entire island. There is no problem in restaurants and tourist shops with payment by Mastercard, Visa, or American express.

Exchangers work in banks. Please note that they do not work until late: at 15:30 they are all closed. Also, money can be easily exchanged at hotels or the airport.

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Holidays in the Seychelles

In the Seychelles - a mixed culture, which is reflected, including in the holidays. Painfully bizarrely mixed European, Asian, African blood, creating a Creole culture.

• Easter is celebrated according to the church calendar
• January 1 and 2 - New Year's Eve
• May 1 - Labor Day
• June 5 - Liberation Day
• June 18 - National Reconciliation Day (National Day)
• June 29 - Independence Day
• August 15 - Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• November 1 - Feast of All Saints
• December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• December 25-26 - Christmas

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How to get to the Seychelles

Far from all countries of the world fly to the Seychelles. One of the most convenient options is a transfer through Dubai. A connection in Dubai is 2-5 hours, a flight from Dubai to the Seychelles by Emirates takes about 4-5 hours, the flight operates 4 times a week. You can also fly to the Seychelles through Europe, for example, through Paris - with Air France, flying on Fridays and Sundays. Qatar Airways fly through Doha.

Pointe Larue International Airport, located 9 kilometers from the capital Victoria.

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How to travel within the Seychelles

In the Seychelles, regular flights are developed, as well as helicopters between the islands. They are offered on private islands, as well as those remote from the capital. Flights operated by local Air companies Seychelles and Seychelles Helicopter. There are also many ferries and schooners that will take tourists to the desired island. Buses run on the main island of Mahe, taxis are available at any time of the day. You can go hiking and cycling. Victoria is a seaport, but it has not gained popularity among cruise liners due to the remoteness of the Seychelles.

Rest at the end of the world, in the company of turtles, in the middle of tropical green islands washed by the ocean, this is a real miracle! Treat yourself to a fairy tale - book a hotel in the Seychelles!

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