Seychelles holidays give you the chance to experience something different every day, with blissful islands waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re honeymooning on the beach or enjoying a family escape, Seychelles holidays offer everything from coral reefs and nature reserves to bustling markets and tempting Creole cuisine.
Hike through rainforests and up mountains, enjoying spectacular vistas while seeing first-hand how the country is working to preserve the natural landscape for future generations.
But if it’s a slice of paradise you’re in search of, then look no further. The Seychelles are home to gorgeous stretches of white sand that fringe the impossibly blue Indian Ocean, providing the perfect setting for simply getting away from it all.
Start exploring our Seychelles holiday packages and begin the trip of your dreams.
Sun-kissed white sands may be the first thing that come to mind when thinking about a holiday in the Seychelles, but there’s a host of other attractions to explore too.
The highlight of any Seychelles family holiday is likely to be a day trip to Curieuse Island, where a successful breeding programme has led to a healthy population of giant tortoises.
Youngsters will be fascinated to see these impressive creatures, who roam free on this island paradise.
After their population dwindled over a number of years, there are now more than 500 of them living on the island.
While you’re here, take the time to follow the walking trail to the other side of Curieuse Island to enjoy the stunning beach and take a dip in the water.
Take a boat to Ste Anne Marine National Park and discover untouched areas of the Seychelles.
The national park, just off the coast of Victoria, is made up of six enchanting islands. Snorkel among the tropical fish and see beautiful coral in this protected part of the Seychelles – reached by boat alone.
During low tide, you can walk from island to island. Moyenne Island is home to a number of giant tortoises, while hawksbill turtles pick Saint Anne Island as their annual nesting place.
Keep an eye out too for bottlenose dolphins and manta rays – it’s a nature lover’s dream day out.
Enjoy an active holiday in the Seychelles by heading to La Digue Island – a ferry service runs several times a day from both Mahé Island and Praslin Island.
Snorkel round the granite outcrops of the island’s coastline, then trek between the beaches of Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos to see more of the island.
When you arrive at Anse Cocos, you’ll be rewarded with a number of natural pools that are safe to swim in all year round, thanks to the impressive boulders that shield them from the ocean.
If you’re on a Seychelles honeymoon, take a stroll through the charming village of Baie Lazare on Mahé Island.
This picturesque location gets its romantic name from the 18th-century explorer Lazare Picault.
Don’t miss out on visiting the local church, which is dedicated to St Francis of Assisi.
As well as having a notable neo-gothic façade, you can climb its tower to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and pick which of the white sand beaches to explore next.
The Seychelles’ capital of Victoria gives you the chance to discover the rich and enticing flavours of Creole cuisine.
Start with a visit to Victoria Market where you can see the vast array of fresh ingredients that create authentic Seychellois dishes, including fish, spices and locally grown fruit.
Be sure to sample these delights cooked up by those who know the flavours best – Victoria’s chefs.
The local fish – whether it’s grilled over coconut husks, cooked in a rich tomato sauce or curried to perfection – is a must-try.
Most Seychelles holidays start on Mahé Island where Beau Vallon is the most popular beach.
It’s the perfect place to be based if you’re looking to enjoy time on the beach, or in the bright blue waters.
Stay at the Savoy Resort & Spa to enjoy a luxury private balcony or terrace overlooking world-class views of the Indian Ocean.
If you’re keen on an active Seychelles holiday, consider staying at Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare on Mahé Island.
Make this your base, and head out on the Mount Kempinski Hiking Trail or to the dive centre right next door.
You can also book yoga or Pilates classes that take place on the summit of Mount Kempinski – a truly breathtaking experience. Bike hire is free of charge – perfect for more exploring.
Praslin is the second largest of the Seychelles’ islands. Its tropical forest-covered hillsides offer a range of accommodation, with wonderful views across the island and towards the coast.
It’s an ideal location if you’re holidaying in the Seychelles with children, as there are several stunning resorts to choose from.
Creole, French and English are the three official languages of the Seychelles, with Creole being the most widely spoken across the islands.
Taxis are probably the best way to get around. Bus services are available on Mahé and Praslin islands and you can also hire bikes. Reliable ferry services and water taxis operate between the islands.
The local currency in the Seychelles is the Seychellois rupee. You’ll find ATMs on the larger islands and credit cards are widely accepted.
One of the biggest dates in the calendar is the Creole Festival. For a week in October, Creole traditions, food and language are celebrated – it’s a truly joyful, colourful event.
Praslin and Curieuse islands are the only places in the world where you’ll see coco de mer palm trees growing naturally. These plants have the largest seeds found in nature, with their distinctive double coconut shape.
The best spot for seeing them is at Vallée de Mai on Praslin, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, it’s hard to believe how rare the coco de mer is, as they cover an area of almost 50 acres.
The botanical gardens on Mahé are also worth a visit. You’ll find exotic plants growing around unique sculptures in this sprawling park on the outskirts of the capital Victoria.
You’re likely to see some of the islands’ conservation efforts in action during your holiday to the Seychelles.
High-profile projects, changes to the law and robust policies are now in place to preserve the Seychelles as an area of natural beauty.
Today, the country can boast one of the highest percentages of conservation area of any country in the world.
Some species that were facing extinction are now thriving and you can enjoy seeing them in their natural habitats.
The Seychelles were uninhabited until the late 18th century, when the first French settlers arrived on the islands, bringing with them their plantation culture.
They surrendered to the British in 1794 and more than 150 years of British rule followed, until the Seychelles finally gained independence in 1976.
Since 1971, when the Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) opened, the archipelago has enjoyed a thriving tourism economy.
You can still see remnants of the Seychelles’ colonial past throughout the islands, especially in some of the architecture in Victoria.
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