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🇸🇨Seychelles

Granite boulder beaches and a prehistoric palm forest, among the most exclusive islands in the Indian Ocean.

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Capital

Victoria

Best time

April–May, October–November

Language

Seychellois Creole, English, French

Currency

Seychellois rupee

The Seychelles' granite boulder-backed beaches, especially Anse Source d'Argent, are among the most photographed in the world, while Vallée de Mai's ancient palm forest — home to the enormous coco de mer seed — and giant Aldabra tortoises give the archipelago a genuinely prehistoric character beyond its beach resort reputation.

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🏖️ Anse Source d'Argent

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🌴 Vallée de Mai & coco de mer

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🐢 Giant Aldabra tortoises

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🤿 Coral reef snorkeling

Trip essentials

Budget: Mid-range: €200–350/day · Luxury: €500+/day — the Seychelles is positioned firmly as an upscale destination with few true budget options

Visa: A free visitor permit is granted to virtually all nationalities on arrival — confirm current rules before booking.

Suggested days: 7 — 7 days allows a relaxed stay across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, the three main islands most visitors combine.

Getting there: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) near Victoria, Mahé, is the main gateway

Getting around: Inter-island ferries and short flights connect the three main islands; La Digue is largely explored by bicycle

Safety: Very safe; resort islands are relaxed and well set up for visitors

Tipping: 10% is appreciated at restaurants and resorts where not already included

Power plug: Type G, 240V

Tastes of Seychelles

Fish curry

A Creole-spiced fish curry, often made with freshly caught reef fish.

Grilled red snapper

A common and excellent way local fish is prepared.

Ladob

A sweet dessert of banana or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk.

Octopus curry

A Seychellois Creole specialty, reflecting the strong seafood tradition.

Top attractions

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Anse Source d'Argent

A beach on La Digue island framed by massive, smoothly weathered granite boulders, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world.

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Vallée de Mai

A UNESCO-listed primeval palm forest on Praslin island, home to the coco de mer, which produces the largest seed of any plant on Earth.

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Giant Aldabra tortoises

Among the longest-living animals on Earth, with notable populations on Curieuse Island where visitors can see them up close in a semi-wild setting.

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Coral reef snorkeling

Clear water and healthy reef sections around several islands offer excellent snorkeling directly accessible from many beaches.

Suggested itinerary

Days 1–2

Mahé

Victoria's small-scale charm and nearby beaches.

Days 3–4

Praslin

Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio beach.

🚗 Short flight or ferry from Mahé

Days 5–7

La Digue

Anse Source d'Argent and cycling the car-free island.

🚗 Short ferry from Praslin

FAQ

Do I need a visa for the Seychelles?

A free visitor permit is granted to virtually all nationalities on arrival — confirm current rules before booking.

Is the Seychelles only for luxury travelers?

It's positioned firmly as an upscale destination with few true budget options, though guesthouses on the main islands offer a somewhat more moderate alternative to the top resorts.

What's special about the coco de mer?

It produces the largest and heaviest seed of any plant on Earth, found almost exclusively in the Seychelles' Vallée de Mai — a genuine botanical rarity.

Which island has the best beaches?

La Digue's Anse Source d'Argent is the most famous, though Praslin's Anse Lazio is frequently cited as equally spectacular with fewer crowds.

Pairs well with

🇲🇺Mauritius🇲🇬Madagascar