When it comes to island idylls, it doesn’t get much better than the Seychelles. Despite being one of the world’s smallest countries, this 155-strong scattering in the Indian Ocean has enough spellbinding scenery to wow even the most seasoned globetrotters. With a wealth of wildlife and a bounty of beautiful beaches at every turn, it can be hard to know which Seychelles island to visit. Whether you’re after an exclusive escape or island-hopping adventure, we’ve got the lowdown on the best islands in the Seychelles…
1. La Digue
2. Mahé
3. Praslin
4. Bird Island
5. Curieuse
6. Silhouette
La Digue
Home to a wild, rugged coastline peppered with large granite boulders and bowing coconut palms, La Digue is undoubtedly one of the best islands in the Seychelles. The third most populated and fourth largest island, what La Digue lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for with diverse landscapes. With hard-to-reach but oh-so-lovely beaches like Anse Marron (only accessible via a guided jungle hike) and the oft-described most beautiful beach in the world, Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue has natural beauty in abundance. Beyond lapping turquoise waves and gorgeous granite boulders, the island is brimming with biodiversity and tropical hiking trails. Hop on two wheels (La Digue’s preferred mode of transport) and discover the isle’s most scenic spots in style.
Mahé
Perhaps the most famous island in the Seychelles archipelago, Mahé is a must-visit. Offering travellers the perfect blend of beach and culture, this idyllic isle also boasts the world’s smallest capital city, Victoria. The colourful Creole capital is home to a host of delights, from the fascinating National Museum of History to the bustling Sir Selwyn Clarke Market. Make an early morning visit to the latter for freshly caught seafood, along with fruit, vegetables, souvenirs and spices. Of course, Mahé’s beaches are magnificent too. From blissful Beau Vallon to romantic Sunset Beach and secluded Grand Anse, crystal-clear waters and finely sifted sands await. Adventurers can take advantage of Mahé’s spectacular nature by snorkelling, diving or hiking in magical Morne Seychellois National Park and St. Anne National Marine Park.
Praslin
Next up on our list of the best islands in the Seychelles is the nation’s second-largest island, Praslin. The place to go for a laidback atmosphere, Praslin, like its neighbours, isn’t short of stunning beaches. Head to the likes of Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin and Anse Volbert for a classic combo of tranquil waters, swaying palms and powdery sands; sip on beachside cocktails in between spectacular swims and snorkelling trips. For intimacy and seclusion, the untouched beauty of Anse Gouvernement and Anse La Blague are your best bets. Don’t miss the world’s smallest UNESCO World Heritage site, Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, which is home to the Seychelles’ endemic Coco de Mer palm trees. Also known as the sea coconut, the Coco de Mer palm produces the world’s largest seeds and only grows on Praslin and Curieuse islands. Keep an eye out for giant tortoises, too…
Bird Island
The most northerly isle in the Seychelles archipelago, Bird Island, offers exactly what it says on the tin: a bevy of birdlife. With a lush green interior encircled by palm-framed white sand beaches, this private island is situated 65 miles north of Mahé. An ornithologist’s dream destination, Bird Island is home to a variety of endemic tropical birds; over 350,000 sooty tern pairs arrive every March, attracted to the coral island’s thriving marine life and superior nesting conditions. Although not a luxurious island retreat, there’s no better place to appreciate the wild wonders of the natural world than on Bird Island.
Curieuse
Known as one of the best places to see giant tortoises in the Seychelles (head to the tortoise sanctuary to meet these wise wanderers), Curieuse is an unspoilt island of flourishing mangrove forests, endemic Coco de Mer palms and sculpted granite formations. While you can't stay on the island, which, along with its surrounding waters, is protected as part of the Curieuse Marine National Park, it makes a fantastic day trip from nearby Praslin. In this wildlife haven with no cars in sight, weave through the island’s lush vegetation on a boardwalk trail connecting the postcard-perfect beaches of Anse Saint-José and Laraie Baie. We also recommend taking a short boat trip to St. Pierre islet, where the cerulean waters teem with colourful fish.
Silhouette
Last up on our list of the best islands in the Seychelles is a privately owned paradise, Silhouette. Perfect for travellers wanting an exclusive Seychelles experience, Silhouette is far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. With lush rainforest-carpeted mountain slopes and pristine beaches galore, Silhouette is the ultimate tropical island escape. The cherry on top of the cake is the coral reef encircling the isle, which offers incredible snorkelling and diving opportunities. Look out for endemic flora and fauna as you walk and bike your way around, and make sure to hike up Mont Dauban (one of Silhouette’s five peaks over 1,600ft) for spectacular views across the Indian Ocean.
Written by Hannah Whitehall | All images are by Vanessa Martin
