The Seychelles islands are often referred to in two separate groups. Most travellers limit their exploration to the 43 INNER ISLANDS, basing themselves on one of the group's three main isles. Mahé is the largest, home to the Seychellois capital, Victoria, as well as the famed Anse Intendance beach. Praslin, the second largest of the primary islands, also boasts several acclaimed shorelines, not to mention Vallée de Mai. And then there's La Digue, a quiet island where bicycles reign supreme and the sands of Anse Source d'Argent beach remain unspoiled. Charter a private yacht further out to sea and you'll likely stumble across one of the 72 OUTER ISLANDS, low-lying, sandy cays ruled by wildlife. It doesn't get more remote than that.

The Seychelles are all about the beaches – and they’re the islands’ best bargain. Most beaches are free access, so even those with five-star resorts on are open to the public. You can usually access the beach from the road so you don’t have to walk through hotel grounds. There are some off-road parking areas or otherwise you can park on the side of the road, and buses stop at all main beaches. Strong currents mean some beaches aren’t safe for swimming, or are only safe at certain times of the year, so check signs before taking a dip. (Check the map below for recommended beaches and descriptions).

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEYCHELLES

• Befriend a giant tortoise on Curieuse Island.
• Splash around in the jewelled waters of Anse Lazio.
• Snorkel with colourful fish and coral off Île Cocos.
• Unwind on blissful Petite Anse.
• Dive White Bank, a site known for its incredibly dense fish life.
• Find the smallest frog on earth while exploring Morne Seychellois National Park.
• Take an unforgettable coastal hike to Anse Marron.
• Live out your stranded-on-a-desert-island fantasy on the secluded Bird Island.

MAHÉ

By far the largest and most developed of the Seychelles islands, Mahé (named by the French in honour of the 18th-century governor of Mauritius, Mahé de Labourdonnais) is home to the country’s capital, Victoria, and to about 90% of the Seychelles’ population. It's no wonder that it has excellent vacation and adventure opportunities, from kite-surfing, exploring the mountainous jungle of the interior to diving pristine sites and snorkelling with whale sharks. Or just do nothing at all and flake out on porcelain-sand beaches. Wherever you’re based, paradise lies close at hand – a bus or car ride of no more than 20 minutes will bring you to fabulous natural attractions.

Victoria is the capital of Seychelles and also dubbed as the smallest capital city in the world. The tiny city is located in the northeast of Mahé and wonderfully portrays the pros of a small quiet town. The houses in Victoria are made almost entirely of wood and stone, which shows the culture and heritage of the city. Aside from this, the town is flanked with palms trees that give the ultimate laid-back atmosphere.

Divided into two main centres, there’s much to see in Victoria. One of the two centres is the Clock Tower which in itself is a depiction of Seychelles History. Around the clock tower, several administrative buildings and other famous landmarks are located. The second main centre is the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market which is a must visit due to the colourful local wares sold here, as well as the joyous atmosphere, that makes it a magical place to walk through. The Seychelles International Airport is also located in Victoria which makes it all the more important. Other notable places include the new pier, various museums such as the History Museum, Botanical gardens, the Kenwyn House, Bicentennial Monument, the Bel Air Cemetery and the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu Temple.

Beau Vallon is the main destination on the northwest coast because of its beach and tourist infrastructure, but there’s also some great scenery north, up the coast to Glacis and North Point . With your own wheels, it’s a scenic drive on a narrow road that hugs the coastline, with intermittent, lovely views over secluded coves at the foot of the cliffs. From Northeast Point, you can head down to Victoria via Anse Étoile .

West of Beau Vallon, the coastal road goes past Bel Ombre , which has a few good accommodation options and a little fishing harbour, and ends at Danzil , where La Scala restaurant lies. From there, you can walk to Anse Major.

The west coast of Mahé is exquisite on the eyes. There are one or two sights to aim for, but it’s the beaches and coastal scenery that are the star attractions. Wilder than the east, this is the part of Mahé where green hills tumble past coconut-strewn jungles before sliding gently into translucent waters. There’s only a handful of settlements, including the fishing villages of Anse Boileau , Grande Anse and Port Glaud. If it really is isolation you’re after, continue north on the narrow coastal road to Baie Ternay , which is as far as you can go at present. The west coast is easily accessed from the east coast via several scenic roads that cut through the mountainous interior.

In comparison to the north, the South of Mahé is mostly uninhabited and underdeveloped. While this makes some places inaccessible or difficult to reach, it also gives the south its own silent, island charm that is lacking in the north.

Download map waypoints for the Seychelles here: KML / GPX