Mahé Island: gateway to the Seychelles
Book flights to Mahé Island and touch down in the largest of the 115 islands that make up the blissful Seychelles.
The capital Victoria offers the perfect introduction, with Creole architecture, fascinating museums and a bustling market selling everything from fresh fish to clothing.
Outside of the city, there are more than 60 beaches and coves to discover, meaning you can find the perfect stretch of glorious white sand and turquoise sea just for you.
Snorkeling among the tropical fish and turtles is an experience that is quintessentially Seychelles and there are opportunities to do so across Mahé Island.
To get a full sense of the beauty of nature in the Seychelles, climb into the mountains and discover hidden waterfalls among the jungle.
Catch glimpses of rare birds, plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Book plane tickets to Mahé Island with Etihad Airways and all of this is ready and waiting for you.
Reasons to visit Mahé Island
Beautiful bays
‘Anse’ is the Creole word for bay and visiting beaches is the number one must-do activity on Mahé Island. The expansive Anse Forbans is naturally segmented into three smaller beaches by rocks, giving a feel of privacy to each. It’s ideal for sea swimming with an offshore lagoon formed by the reef below.
The small cove at Anse Soleil is picture perfect with its backdrop of pine, almond and coconut trees offering you a shady spot to relax. There’s a cafe on the beach with stunning views, but if you arrive before it opens, you’re likely to have Anse Soleil to yourself.
Morne Seychellois National Park
It’s impossible not to notice Morne Seychellois National Park, as its huge peaks divide the east of Mahé Island from the west. Stretching up to heights of 3,000 feet (914 metres), these impressive mountains are covered in thick vegetation and provide important habitat for a large number of species of plants and animals.
Set off along one of the many hiking trails in the National Park to leave the outside world behind. It’s worth considering hiring a guide, as they’ll be able to point out elusive animals and give you more information on the species you spot during your time in the jungle.
Historic Victoria
Victoria is a thriving capital city with plenty of reasons to visit. You’ll find the city is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the rich history of Seychellois Creole culture.
Explore the market, marvel at the Clock Tower, which is a replica of London’s Big Ben, and stop by the Seychelles Natural History Museum. It’s an unmissable opportunity to learn more about what has shaped the islands and the ecological issues they face today.
Flying to Mahé Island: FAQs
When are the public holidays in the Seychelles?
Seychelles celebrates many Christian festivals, including the Easter period. Independence Day falls on 29 June and National Day is a week or so earlier, on the 18 June.
Where should I stay on Mahé Island?
Most travellers to Mahé Island stay in a resort on the island. There are plenty to choose from whatever you’re looking to book a luxury spot for your honeymoon or a family friendly hotel.
Victoria is a good base for those wanting to explore different parts of the island. Beau Vallon is probably the most popular beach, and is great for snorkelling and diving too.
What is the food like on Mahé Island?
Unsurprisingly, fish is the main component of food on Mahé Island and is often accompanied by Creole flavours. Dine on everything from fish curries to lamb stews and breadfruit crisps. The market in Victoria is a good place to be introduced to the food culture of the Seychelles, which is fresh and colourful.