What are the most popular tourist places in Seychelles
Most travelers to the Seychelles choose three main islands — Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.
There are no huge crowds like at some popular resorts, but instead there is white sand, granite boulders, crystal-clear water, and lush forests. The beaches that consistently top the list include Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette on Praslin, Beau Vallon on Mahé, as well as the Vallée de Mai nature reserve and the Sainte Anne Marine Park.
Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of these places with various details: how to get there, what to expect, how much the entrance fee costs, and why people return to them again and again.
La Digue island and its attractions
Let's start with La Digue — the smallest and most tranquil island, which you can cycle around in just a couple of hours. Many visitors come here on a day trip from Praslin or Mahé by ferry (20–30 minutes from Praslin), but it's better to stay overnight: the beaches empty out, and you can enjoy a sunset or sunrise without the crowds.
There are almost no cars here; people ride bicycles along narrow paths among the palm trees. The main attraction is Anse Source d'Argent beach. It is located in the southwest and lies within the grounds of the former L'Union Estate plantation.
To enter, you need to pay a fee — 150 Seychellois rupees per adult (approximately 11–12 USD). For this, you receive a wristband and can explore the entire area for the whole day.
The beach stretches for nearly two kilometers: soft white sand, shallow crystal-clear water near the shore, and massive granite boulders that sit right in the water, creating those famous picture‑perfect scenes.
The water here is warm, and the entry is gentle, making it an excellent choice for visiting with children, swimming, and snorkeling.
A small tip: It's best to come in the morning or after lunch, when the sun is less intense and there are fewer people.
Near the beach, you'll find shade under the palm trees, a café, and even a small area with giant tortoises — you can feed them leaves. The plantation grounds also feature preserved old buildings, a copra mill, and gardens, making for a rich and varied walk.
From Anse Source d'Argent, it's easy to reach other beaches on foot or by bicycle. For example, Grand Anse Beach — a wide stretch of golden sand on the eastern side, where the waves are stronger and the scenery is wilder.
Nearby are Petite Anse and Anse Cocos — they are connected by forest paths. Here, the water is clearer, and you can swim in natural pools between the rocks.
There is also Anse Marron — a more secluded and harder‑to‑reach beach, but exceptionally beautiful.
Praslin island and its attractions
Next, you should visit Praslin — the second largest island, often described as one of the most picturesque. Here too, there are many quiet coves and lush greenery.
One of the most visited beaches is Anse Lazio, which regularly appears in global rankings thanks to its turquoise water, gentle entry, shade from palm trees, and granite boulders. The sand here is soft and white, and underwater it's interesting to watch the fish. Nearby, there are cafes and restaurants serving fresh fish.
You can get there from the main port of Baie‑Sainte‑Anne by car or taxi in about 15–20 minutes.
There is another beach of similar beauty — Anse Georgette. You can reach it on foot from Anse Lazio (about 20–30 minutes along a trail) or by boat. Here, the water is even more vibrant, the sand is cleaner, and there are usually fewer people, especially if you come early in the morning.
But Praslin is not only about beaches. To make your Seychelles vacation as interesting as possible, be sure to visit the Vallée de Mai nature reserve. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 — a tract of ancient palm forest covering about 19.5 hectares.
Here, the plants have remained almost unchanged since prehistoric times. The main star is the coco de mer palm, which produces the largest seeds in the world — their weight can reach up to 25–30 kg. The seeds have an unusual shape, and in the past they were called "love nuts."
The forest is home to rare black parrots — endemic to Praslin — as well as chameleons, lizards, and other unique species. The trails are well marked with signposts and maps.
The reserve is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM. The entrance fee is 450 Seychellois rupees per adult (children under 12 are free). The money goes toward nature conservation. A visit takes 1–2 hours, and it is one of the calmest and greenest spots on the island. At the entrance, you receive a free brochure with a map and a list of plants and birds.
From Praslin, it is convenient to take a day trip to neighboring islets. For example, to Curieuse — there you will find hundreds of giant Aldabra tortoises, mangrove forests, an old plantation house, and its own beaches.
You can also head to St. Pierre Island — an uninhabited island located north of Praslin, east of Curieuse, on the edge of the Curieuse Marine National Park.
The waters around St. Pierre Island are consistently popular with swimmers, snorkelers, and yachtsmen, for whom this island is an ideal spot to admire a breathtaking Seychelles sunset.
Mahé island and its attractions
Now let's move on to Mahé — the largest island, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria.
The busiest beach on the island is Beau Vallon Beach. It is long, with white sand, natural shade from trees, and a promenade along the shore. There are many hotels, cafés, and water activities — kayaking, windsurfing.
The sunsets are vibrant, and the water is usually calm for swimming. The beach is popular with families and those who want to combine relaxation with convenient amenities.
In the southern part of Mahé, you'll find wilder beaches such as Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka. Here you'll find long stretches of sand, green hills, and occasionally strong winds and waves.
The sea at these beaches can be rough, especially during the rainy season, but the scenery is unforgettable. Swimming should be done with caution and only when the waves are calm — many beaches have warnings about currents. These spots are ideal for those seeking seclusion.
The capital, Victoria, and Its attractions
The city is small and cozy. There are only a few sights, so you can explore them in just a few hours.
You can start your acquaintance with the city at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn‑Clarke Market (also known as the Victoria Market). Here you will find fresh fish, fruit, spices, and souvenirs. Nearby are the Clock Tower, a Hindu temple, and the botanical garden.
If you love nature, head to Morne Seychellois National Park — the largest national park in the Seychelles. It was established in 1979 to protect a unique ecosystem that includes mangrove forests, tropical jungle, and mountain forests.
The park has over 15 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty. Within its territory (about 3,045 hectares, which is more than 20% of Mahé Island), over 200 plant species grow, many of which are endemic to the Seychelles. You can also see the ruins of old distilleries, cinnamon factories, and other historical buildings linked to the Seychelles' colonial past.
Another popular attraction is the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. It was the first marine park in the Indian Ocean, created in 1973. It covers six small islands just a short distance from Victoria — only 10–15 minutes by boat.
Here you will find rich coral reefs, countless fish, turtles, rays, and occasionally dolphins. You can take a glass‑bottom boat tour, go snorkeling, or simply enjoy a boat ride. Many tours include stops at Moyenne Island or Cerf Island, where you can have lunch and take a walk. The park is ideal for those who want to experience the underwater world without a long trip.
Many tourists plan their itinerary like this: a few days on Mahé to get settled, explore the city and the park, then move to Praslin for 3–4 days for the beaches and forest, and finally head to La Digue for complete relaxation.
Ferries run daily: from Mahé to Praslin takes about an hour, and from Praslin to La Digue takes 20–30 minutes. There are also domestic flights on small planes. You can also book exclusive cruises around the Seychelles.
The best time to visit is the dry season from May to October: less rain, calmer seas, and weaker waves on the eastern beaches. The wet season (November to April) is also possible, but there are brief downpours, and some southern beaches may be dangerous for swimming due to currents.
