Seychelles Travel Guide

For many, the very mention of the name ‘Seychelles’ conjures up an image of an idyllic and exotic destination, blessed with sun-kissed beaches and endless turquoise lagoons, basking in splendid isolation and seclusion. With over 115 coral and granite islands spread over 1.3 million square kilometres of the Indian Ocean the reality more than lives up to the expectation - the Seychelles are undeniably beautiful, almost beyond belief. General Gordon of Khartoum famously noted, during a visit to the island of Mahé, that the scenery would provide an appropriate setting for the biblical Garden of Eden.

Located around 1,200 miles from the east coast of Africa, 4 degrees south of the equator, to the north-east of Madagascar, the Seychelles were uninhabited until the 18th century. The French were the first to settle the islands and in spite of intermittent British involvement over the ensuing years, French language, influence and culture were maintained and continue to dominate to this day.

Seychelles is an unashamedly expensive destination, more so for those wishing to experience the islands to the extent that they unquestionably deserve. If you can afford it, however, you wont be disappointed. The islands are a paradise for island hoppers and nature lovers alike and visitors should ideally seek to combine a visit to the main destinations of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue with stays in the outlying smaller islands and reserves. Seychelles accommodation, which at one time failed to live up to the splendour of the surroundings, is now at a level comparable to any in the world with a number of properties setting a standard to which others would do well to aspire.

• Mahé
• Praslin

• Victoria