Seychelles | Mahé, Praslin and La Digue Guide

As 115 ilhas Seicheles têm 81 500 habitantes, na sua maioria concentrados na ilha de Mahé, onde se situa a capital Victoria. O arquipélago era desabitado até ao século XVI, sendo actualmente a população descendente dos colonizadores franceses e de imigrantes indianos, africanos e chineses. Esta é uma ilha paradisíaca adorada pelos famosos e por quem a visita! Neste guia irás conhecer melhor Mahé, Praslin e La Digue.

Seychelles | @wheretopeanut Close your eyes and picture your perfect beach escape. What do you see? We’re guessing something that looks a lot like the Seychelles. This African paradise is still woefully underappreciated in the Western Hemisphere. It’s paradise in every sense of the word. With 115 mostly-uninhabited islands scattered in the Indian Ocean, you can relax on a world-class beach, swim with the fishes, hike a tropical mountain or do literally nothing. We’re looking at the three most popular and populated islands in this edition — Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Fun Fact: These islands have, in the past, been the choice for celebrity honeymoons, from David and Victoria Beckham to Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton.

Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, Seychelles S 4.67° / E 55.49°

@travshion April — October Set just below the equator, the Seychelles’ weather is dominated by seasonal trade winds that blow in shifts in temperatures — warmer weather runs October to March while drier and stronger winds pick up May to September. Check out your preferred seasonal activities ahead of time to ensure you visit in the right season. For example, turtle hatching is from January-March while surfing is best May-September.

La Digue Island, Seychelles | @larli0978 Heaven On Earth The Seychelles islands have quite the impressive lineup of beaches on their roster. Sunny and sandy, warm and tropical, these beaches are by far the main attraction for visitors. Options are limitless for would-be sunbathers. The nation’s star is La Digue’s Anse Source d'Argent, frequent winner of “best beach in the world” titles and one of the most photographed areas in the Seychelles. But that doesn’t mean it’s packed — the delightful thing about Seychelles beaches is they manage to stay relatively secluded. On Mahé, Anse Intendance and Beau Vallon tend to be the most popular, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wander and try to find your own secluded stretch of sand. Finally, Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio round out Praslin’s top picks, each with its own character and features. Don’t feel limited by where you’re staying, though — beach hopping is definitely encouraged! Anse' Source d' Argent | @adrianbaias & @florina__toma It's About the Journey With 115 islands in the archipelago, the question has to be asked — how will you get around? Seaplanes and ferries are the most common option, but once you’ve arrived feel free to branch out. La Digue’s primarily transportation method is bike and with weather this gorgeous how could you say no to extra time outside? Of course renting a clear-bottomed kayak or a private boat will get you out on the water for fun in the sun. And on the larger islands like Mahe, renting a car and driving the famous Sans Soucis and La Louise roads up to the island’s best viewpoints can’t be missed. #seychelles | @luca_scarabottolo Mother Nature Outdid Herself While you might be tempted to spend the entire trip at the beach, you’ll want to venture inward and discover the other natural treasures of the Seychelles. On Praslin, explore Vallee de Mai National Park, home to the enormous coco de mer palm tree whose fronds stretch up to 15 feet across. On Mahe, explore over 9 miles of hiking trails through Morne Seychellois National Park for views of dazzling coastline and thick tropical forests. Finally, if you want to get a little more wild, meet the Aldabra Giant Tortoise of the Seychelles. Only a few thousand of these vulnerable creatures are left on a few of the country’s islands and atolls. Praslin | @maximevelly Dive A Little Deeper You can’t talk about the stunning Seychelles beaches without mentioning their equally spectacular underwater neighbors. Diving, snorkeling, surfing and swimming are all key attractions on the islands. Diving is especially attractive, and you can encounter brightly-colored sea life, coral reefs and shipwrecks throughout the archipelago. From Fisherman’s Cove reef to Shark Bank there are plenty of dive spots where you can get up close and personal with hawksbill sea turtles, lionfish, octopus and at least four shipwrecks. @mr_prea LESTER'S DISCOVERY @mr_prea "Seychelles may not look like much on the world map but don't be fooled. Bursting with so much beauty and culture, you are bound to fall in love with at least one of its islands, each offering its own unique charm. With most of Seychelles untouched, she holds so many secrets, just waiting to be uncovered. A simple trek up a mountain or a dive in our clear waters and you'll understand what I mean. From our stunning sunrises to our spectacular sunsets, Seychelles will leave you feeling rejuvenated and at peace. Every day is a new adventure. We are a proud nation with a colorful and definitely interesting background and I am sure I speak for all of us Seychellois when I say, Seychelles never ceases to amaze us."

Seychelles | @ben_matanivanua Creole Creations Seychelles cuisine is marked by strong Creole influence, and some of the best and most hearty meals you’ll find will be the Creole BBQ served by roadside (or even beachside) vendors. If you prefer cooking at home, stop through the local market in Victoria for fresh fish, fruit and breadfruit chips. Restaurants are typically limited to resorts and guesthouses, but there are a few free-standing spots worth trying. Marie Antoinette is a local staple while La Scala is an upscale top-tier spot with delicious fare. Wherever you go, be sure to order Seybrews, Seychelles’ local lager.

Banyan Tree Seychelles | @luvyans Find Your Paradise Picking a place to stay in the Seychelles probably seems like an impossible task. That’s because it is. So many luxurious resorts dot these islands that sticking to just one is like trying to pick just one beach. Of course, The Four Seasons and Banyan Tree stand out as top luxury experiences, with private pools and stunning views. But for budget-conscious travelers there are plenty of guest houses that have great accommodations for a fraction of the price. Try Colibri Guest House on Praslin or Georgina’s Cottage Beach Guesthouseon Mahe. They’re both beachside and have private rooms waiting for you.

#seychellesisland | @mr_prea Let's Drive "Renting a car is the best way to get around Mahé. The driving is easy, but plan extra time to get where you're headed since traffic can get backed up on the island's two-lane roads. Just think of it as more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery!" – @aesballard Dreaming Of Beaches "Don't miss visiting Anse Source D'Argent, a famous beach on the island of La Digue. You might be inclined to skip this beach since it's one of the only beaches in the Seychelles you have to pay to visit. But I promise that visiting is worth it!" – @dangerousbiz SUBMIT TO UPCOMING DESTINATIONS!