Seychelles holidays: our guide to the islands
The Seychelles is where pink granite boulders sit in turquoise water, giant tortoises wander through gardens and the main transport on one island is a bicycle.
The Seychelles
The granite boulders make the beaches unique. Photo: Alessandro Russo / Unsplash
The Seychelles: different from the Maldives
The Seychelles lies in the Indian Ocean, north-east of Madagascar, and is made up of 115 islands. The largest are granite islands with green mountains, rainforest and beaches framed by rounded granite boulders. That makes the Seychelles quite different from the flat coral islands of the Maldives: you can hike in the mountains in the morning and swim in the afternoon.
Most visitors stay on one or more of the three main islands, Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, linked by ferry. Many combine two or three islands on one trip. The currency is the Seychellois rupee, and the languages are Creole, English and French.
The Seychelles belongs to Africa. See also the best honeymoon destinations and the Maldives if you are weighing up both.
The coast
Photo: Daniel Dorfer / Unsplash
The islands of the Seychelles
Mahé
The largest island, with the capital Victoria, the airport, the Morne Seychellois mountain and more than seventy beaches. A good base and the island with the most hotels.
Praslin
Vallée de Mai, a palm forest on the UNESCO World Heritage list where the giant coco de mer grows, and the beaches of Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
La Digue
A small island where most people get around by bike, and home to Anse Source d'Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
The smaller islands
Curieuse with its giant tortoises, and private islands such as Félicité and North Island for those who want complete seclusion.
The beaches
Photo: Secret Travel Guide / Unsplash
Things to do in the Seychelles
Cycle around La Digue and swim at Anse Source d'Argent at low tide.
Walk through the palm forest of Vallée de Mai on Praslin.
Snorkel at Anse Lazio or from a boat around the small islands.
Meet the giant tortoises on Curieuse.
Hike to the viewpoints of Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé.
Eat Creole food with fish, curry and fruit at a small local restaurant.
Where to stay in the Seychelles
Combine Mahé or Praslin with a night or two on La Digue. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Mahé
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: villas above Petite Anse
Hillside villas above one of Mahé's loveliest bays, looking straight out to sea.
Book your dream trip: See rooms at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Constance Lemuria: golf and beaches on Praslin
A large resort on Praslin with three beaches, including Anse Georgette, and one of the few golf courses in the islands.
Book your dream trip: See rooms at Constance Lemuria
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Félicité
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Six Senses Zil Pasyon: your own granite island
The only resort on the small island of Félicité, with villas among the granite boulders and a boat across to La Digue.
Book your dream trip: See rooms at Six Senses Zil Pasyon
When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?
April, May, October and November are often considered the best months, between the two monsoons, with calm seas and clear water for snorkelling. December to March is hot and more humid. June to September is drier but windy, and some beaches can get seaweed. It is warm all year. Check the current entry rules before you travel.
Frequently asked questions about the Seychelles
When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?
April, May, October and November often bring calm seas and good weather between the monsoons. It is warm all year.
Which Seychelles island should I choose?
Mahé has the most hotels and beaches, Praslin has Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio, and La Digue is small and charming with Anse Source d'Argent. Many combine two or three islands.
Seychelles or Maldives?
The Seychelles has granite islands with mountains, rainforest and island hopping. The Maldives has flat coral islands where the hotel is the island, and water villas over the lagoon.
How do you travel between the Seychelles islands?
Ferries run between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue several times a day, and there are short flights between Mahé and Praslin.
How long should you spend in the Seychelles?
Ten days to two weeks gives you time for two or three islands. A week is enough for one island and a day trip to La Digue.