Seychelles Mahe Island

Seychelles Mahe Island - the enchanting gateway to paradise and the most important of the many Seychelles islands. You'll find some truly beautiful beaches too - we've picked out all the best ones for you...

Where to Stay

Beach at the Four SeasonsBeach at the Four Seasons

There's something for everyone on Mahe;  from five star hotels, like the romantic Four Seasons Resort on Mahe's best beach, to really affordable self-catering options. 

The self-catering option we prefer is the Sunbird Bungalow - the owner Maria and her sister are such kind and wonderful people. If Maria hasn't space then her sister, Sherille, has her own guest house - click for details - which is just as good.

The Best Beaches

Mahe has plenty of great beaches and, although beaches on islands like Praslin and La Digue are more beautiful, there are a few on Mahe that aren't far behind. Five stand out...  we've got all five for you.  

Strangely enough the more touristy and famous Beau Vallon beach isn't anything special.  

Be warned, most of the hotels on Mahe are near Beau Vallon so choose a hotel that's somewhere else. You are coming a long way to discover paradise, therefore stay near a beach that looks like a beach in paradise should.

Which one of the beaches below is truly a paradise beach? Definitely Petit Anse... by a long, long way.

1) Petit Anse

Petit AnsePetit Anse

Petit Anse, also known as Anse la Liberte, is breathtaking. To me it is the one beach that is up to the standards of the best beaches on Praslin and La Digue. It's inside the grounds of the amazing Four Seasons Resort Hotel. You can still visit, even if you aren't a hotel guest, but it is quite an effort to get there. Read more about the beach and how to get there.

2) Fairyland Beach

Anse RoyaleAnse Royale

If you love snorkeling then this is one of the best spots on Mahe. Being on the east-coast of the island the beach is not affected by the seaweed and the murky seas that affect many west-coast beaches from May to October. If you're lucky you might even spot a fairy - discover how to see more fairies and find the best snorkeling spots here.

3) Baie Lazare

Baie LazareBaie Lazare

I love this beach and I love the little forest lane that leads here. You've got fascinating art galleries, a pirate ship and a "rock" cafe - that looks like something from the Flintstones - all that before you even get to the beach! Click to enjoy the journey and destination.

4) Anse la Mouche & Anse Louis

Anse Louis
Anse la Mouche

Not one but two beaches. Our team of beach experts - basically me and my mom and dad - couldn't agree on number four so I've included both of them. Each beach is very different - one is perfect for young children while the other is better for those who love waves. Here's more about them.


Other Things to Do on Mahe

Victoria - Capital of the Seychelles

Victoria - Capital of the SeychellesVictoria's Old Town

I've never been wild about big cities but Victoria I can manage. It's the world's smallest capital and anywhere else it would be a small town. With only 25,000 inhabitants and everything within walking distance you can easily explore all there is to see in a morning.

Whenever I visit I prefer to spend the whole day, enjoying the atmosphere of a town that is as cosmopolitan as many big cities. Here you'll see people with origins from nearly every continent, all mixing in a happy melting-pot. It puts many more famous "melting-pot" countries to shame. Click to spend the day with us in Victoria.


Eden Island

Eden IslandEden Island

Very upmarket and expensive, this island is the playground of the rich and famous. It is very different from anywhere else on Mahe, nonetheless, here are a few very good reasons to visit.


Getting About

Ferry in the SeychellesInter-Island Ferry in Victoria, Seychelles

On Mahe a car will give you more independence but be careful where you park it - falling coconuts are a real and present danger. If you don't want to risk dents on your rental then go by bus. The buses go pretty much everywhere and cost only 5 rupees. I actually prefer going by bus as you get to meet the people of the Seychelles and their kindness and helpfulness will astound you.

Should you want to head over to Praslin or La Digue then the ferries leave from the jetty on the outskirts of Victoria. To Praslin it takes an hour and to La Digue 75 minutes.  Cat Cocos is the company that runs the ferries.


Where to Eat

Restaurant in the SeychellesMaria's Rock Cafeteria

If you're self-catering and on a budget you'll find supermarkets in Victoria and a good but expensive one on Eden Island. Smaller ones are scattered around Mahe.

If you don't feel like cooking for yourself, but want to avoid eating at expensive restaurants every day, then try the local takeaways. You won't find any MacDonald's or KFC type takeaways though - all of the takeaways here serve local Creole dishes. Some of the fish curries are simply fabulous and they only cost around 60 Rupees.

In terms of sit-down restaurants, try Maria's Rock Cafeteria near Baie Lazare or Marie Antoinette in Victoria.


Seychelles Weather & When to Visit

Although there is never a bad time to visit the Seychelles there are a few things you'll need to consider when deciding on when to visit. You can read what they are here.


Our Tip:  Get yourself a copy of the Bradt Travel Guide to the Seychelles before leaving home.

Map of Seychelles Mahe Island

Explore the Seychelles

La Digue

La Digue

Other Islands

Praslin

Praslin

Mahe

Mahé 

For your daily dose of ExquisiteCoasts: 

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