Mahé is home to the country’s capital, Victoria, and the stunning Morne Seychellois National Park, with its lush tropical vegetation and sensational views. All flights from the UK arrive into Mahé’s international airport and, with so much to see and do here, we would highly recommend that first time visitors spend at least a few days exploring Mahé before moving on to any of the other islands.
One of the highlights of Mahé is undoubtedly its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. Beau Vallon Bay is home to one of the island’s most popular beaches as well as a number of luxury hotels and restaurants, but there are stunning beaches to be found all along the coastline. Visitors can experience the Seychelles’ spectacular and diverse marine life, either snorkelling or diving, with PADI dive centres on the island offering courses for all levels. For those who enjoy water sports, many resorts offer activities such as sea kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, and windsurfing is also popular in the summer months when the trade winds creating ideal conditions for this.
Heading inland from the coast, visitors can explore stunning scenery, with mountain walks and jungle hikes taking in rare flora and fauna, waterfalls and spectacular views. The Morne Seychelles National Park encompasses around 20% of the island and includes the country’s highest peak, Morne Seychellois, as well as some of the best walking trails. The capital, Victoria, is also well worth a visit. Highlights include the botanical garden at the heart of the city and the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, where visitors can browse the stalls and soak up some of the local culture.