Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles archipelago and can be reached from Mahé by a domestic flight taking around 15 minutes. As such, it works well as a twin centre with Mahé, or as a destination in its own right for longer stays.
Despite being the second largest island in the Seychelles, the population of Praslin is no larger than that of a small town by European standards. Its coastline is dotted with small fishing villages and is home to the breathtakingly beautiful beaches that draw so many visitors to the Seychelles. On the northwest coast is the picture perfect Anse Lazio beach, where soft white sand is met by swaying palm trees and dotted with granite boulders. One of the longest stretches of beach on the island is Cote D'Or on the northeast coast, but small secluded coves can be found dotted all along the coastline.
The spectacular scenery continues inland, where verdant hillsides and tropical jungles are home to a host of rare birds and plants. The majority of the island belongs to the Praslin National Park, much of which is only accessible on foot. Praslin is therefore a paradise for nature lovers and keen hikers. Within the national park is Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the unique and endemic Coco de Mer palm tree can be found. This unusual tree grows in only two places in the world and is famous because of the unique shape and size of its fruit. Vallee de Mai is also a haven for bird watchers and a good place to spot the endangered black parrot, of which there are less than 1000 remaining in the wild.
Praslin offers a selection of accommodation options to suit all tastes, from boutique hotels to luxurious 5 star resorts. The island is popular with couples and honeymooners as many of the hotels lend themselves well to a romantic break. There are several options that work well for families as well, with some of the larger resorts in particular offering a wide range of facilities and activities. Whilst staying on Praslin, you might like to snorkel the crystal clear waters, join a guided walk through the jungle or simply relax and indulge in a spa treatment at your hotel.