Seychelles

Destination information

There are 115 islands in total, ranging from Mahé, the largest, to tiny islets. Surrounded by coral reefs, Mahé has been called the 'Isle of Abundance' with its powdery white sands (there are over 70 beaches here), lush vegetation and plantations of coconut palms and cinnamon, rising to forested peaks topped by the Morne Seychelles National Park, with amazing views over neighbouring islands.

The capital, Victoria, has an excellent National Museum, and around the island you can visit old colonial mansions, walk in dense, verdant jungle and stroll in the botanical gardens, where you can meet the famous giant tortoises.

The second largest island is Praslin, boasting more great beaches and the breathtaking Vallée de Mai, home to the rare double-nutted coco-de-mer palm. Regular excursions are available to smaller islands such as Cousin, Aride, Curieuse and La Digue.