Which island of Seychelles to choose for the perfect holiday

Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, is an archipelago of 115 islands. Only 33 of them are inhabited. The rest remain an untouched corner of nature, a haven of unique flora and fauna of the region. And the most important, with a developed infrastructure, only three. Each island of the Seychelles is unique: it varies in size, population, level of development, natural beauty. How to choose an island to visit?

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Tips for choosing your own island in the Seychelles

The three most frequently visited islands in the Seychelles are Mahe - the largest and most populous. That's where the capital, Victoria is located. It receives all international aircraft. Follow Mahe, Praslin is the second largest and most populated island. And then La Digue, an eco-island where transport is a rarity, offering peace and quiet in the natural idyllic setting. In addition, there are many private islands with resorts in the Seychelles, such as Frigate, Cousin, Denis Island and many others.

• Read the reviews. Find articles by travel bloggers, travel agencies, watch videos on YouTube, use review sites, online publications. So you will better understand the features of the islands and determine where you will be more comfortable and interesting.
• Determine the purpose of the journey. What do you want to do while in the Seychelles? Rest on the beach, visit a natural park or reserve? Looking for peace, quiet and complete privacy? Or do you want to immerse yourself in the authenticity of this exotic land? To make a decision, take into account different factors.
• Availability of transport, the ability to rent a car, food requests. Do you need gourmet restaurants, or does food not matter much, local eateries and supermarkets will be enough? Based on the answers to these questions, you will understand which island is best for you.
• Define the budget. Seychelles is not a cheap pleasure. But here you can choose both a relatively budget option and a luxury vacation. The cost depends largely on the island. The cheapest place to stay is Mahe. Private islands are the most expensive option. Some can only be reached by helicopter. Traveling between the islands also costs money, especially when it comes to private transfers. This is in addition to housing, air tickets, visas and other expenses.

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Mahe, Praslin or La Digue - which island to choose?

Mahe - Seychelles' largest island. The capital of the country is located here with interesting Creole architecture and a lively market. If you are limited in time, money, or traveling with young children, this may be your best choice. The island has the largest number of housing options, so there are both inexpensive guest houses and upscale hotels. You do not need to spend money on a ferry, and you can even use public transport if you do not plan to rent a car.

The island is interesting for lovers of active recreation. You will find entertainment for all ages: cycling, windsurfing, kayaking through mangroves, climbing and jungle walks, diving, snorkeling, canoeing, water skiing and more.

Mahe is suitable for lovers of hiking. Take the Copolia Trail to climb one of the highest peaks of the Seychelles. From there, there is a magnificent view of the coast of the island and bright sunsets. Morne Seychellois National Park - dozens of hiking trails and lush greenery of the tropics. Climb the top of Morne to view the beauty of Seychelles from a height.

It is easier to explore the island by car. All about cars in the Seychelles you will find here. There is public transport, which does not run as often as in Europe, but is quite suitable for exploring a small island.

Near Mahe is a group of small islands, the Marine Park of St. Anne. The largest are the islands of St. Anne, Moyenne, Cerf and Long, where there are eco-hotels and small villages. From the capital of Seychelles you can make a trip or stay for a couple of days on a secluded island.

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Praslin: The birthplace of the coconut

The second largest island of the Seychelles, located about 40 kilometers from Mahe. You need to visit Praslin to get into the nature reserve of Vallee de Mai. Real tropics, fabulous forests, reminiscent of the film "Avatar", spread over an area of almost 20 hectares. Here grows the main attraction of Seychelles - Coco de Mer palm. Their fruits are the largest in the world, grow to a meter in diameter, and one nut can weigh 25 kilograms! Giant nuts have such a bizarre shape that photos with them - "must have" during a visit to the archipelago!

Magical waterfalls hidden in the dense tropics, picturesque granite rocks, rare flora and fauna - it is such virgin beauty Praslin is known! Visit the only pearl farm in the Indian Ocean, a coconut oil factory and even a golf course. The coast of the island is a strip of incredible beaches, the beauty of which is breathtaking!

Praslin has a fairly developed infrastructure. You can rent a car, bike or bicycle to explore the island. They are often offered to their guests by hotels. A local bus can be used to travel between settlements. There is an amazing place near Praslin called Curiosity Island where you can meet the giant-tortoise.

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La Digue: an almost wild eco-island

An island with incredible beaches, on which there is practically no car, and the main transport is bicycles and carts drawn by oxen. It combines the charm of Seychelles and the authenticity of the archipelago.

Tropical La Digue is located 6 kilometers southeast of Praslin. It can be reached in 15 minutes by boat. The island cannot boast of a developed infrastructure, but the beauty here is incredible! The only "major" village on the island is La Reunion. There are banks, shops, cafes, restaurants, you can rent a bicycle. The rest of the small island is a charming countryside that still retains its Creole authenticity. You will definitely take the aroma of vanilla and other spices from the island, which are successfully grown here.

Next, consider a few private islands, where there are all conditions for an exclusive holiday in the Seychelles.

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Desroche Island

Those who are looking for incredible underwater relief should go to the Outer Islands. Deroche, where the Four Seasons Hotel is. It is one of the largest private islands. It offers many beautiful beaches that can be reached by bicycle or buggy. The hotel also has an excellent water sports center. Large residences with two or three bedrooms, each with its own swimming pool, are ideal for a large company.

You can rent a water scooter, a canoe, or go snorkeling. Or plan an unforgettable island-hopping adventure to the isolated atolls of Poivre, Astov, and Cosmoledo.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

North Island

Created by nature for true Robinson Crusoe islanders who crave privacy, there are only 11 spacious villas, each with a master bedroom, a huge indoor and outdoor bathroom, a shaded living room, and a kitchen stocked with delicacies. Each villa also has a private plunge pool, a huge terrace with sun loungers, a garden with beach access, and a separate room with a drop-down movie screen. This is the perfect place for those seeking luxury and exceptional service.

The North Island is usually accessible by helicopter. Privacy is paramount here, and some guests never even leave their villas because it's not necessary. You can explore the island by bike or buggy. There are three stunning beaches.

North Island

Denis Private Island

Denis has only one lodge with 25 rooms. It's so quiet and uninhabited that it seems the whole island belongs to you. From entertainment - water sports, an exciting trip to the buggy. The island has its own mini-farm where livestock and poultry are raised. Even furniture is made on the spot! The Lodge offers a farm-to-table kitchen. Eco-projects are being implemented on the island, including the protection of birds, green turtles and hawk turtles, Aldabra turtles.

Giant turtles feel like owners of the island. You will have plenty of time to talk to them. And a full-time conservationist can show you babies born through a conservation project.

Denis Private Island

Felicity Island

Island hotel, reminiscent of scenery from the movie about James Bond. Hotel Six Senses Zil Pasyon offers luxurious residences where pools with glass bottom are visible from the living room. Modern style and luxury are reflected in every detail: hammocks hanging over the ocean by the bar, and an ice cream cart that you can take with you.

Visit the beachfront spa. This stunning location offers five cliffside villas surrounded by jungle, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. It also features a stunning saltwater pool, a sundeck, and a yoga and meditation pavilion.

The Seychelles offers a wealth of activities. Choose between authentic charm and a luxurious tropical getaway.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon