The Seychelles
The Seychelles
A land before time
The Seychelles
The Seychelles are a geological masterpiece. Comprising remnants of the supercontinent Gondwana, and not formed by volcanic activity, they are the world’s only mid-ocean granitic islands.
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands, each with its own distinct character, and island-hopping is a trip through a dazzling variety of natural beauty.
On Praslin, for example, you can walk through the primeval forest of the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hold the legendary coco de mer, which bears the world’s largest seed. On La Digue, ox-carts and bicycles are the main forms of transport, leading you to Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches on the planet, thanks to its otherworldly rock formations.
This is a nation that has enshrined conservation in its constitution, protecting vast swathes of its territory. The result is a haven where nature remains the main attraction. From the vibrant Creole culture of the main islands to the remote, wild atolls of the Outer Islands, home to giant tortoise colonies and teeming birdlife, the Seychelles offers a journey into a world of vibrant biodiversity, stunning beaches and tranquillity.
Top travel tips for The Seychelles
Did you know?
The inner islands of the Seychelles are considered to be the oldest islands on Earth
- Embrace island hopping: to truly experience the Seychelles, you must visit more than one island. Fast, modern ferries are an efficient way to travel between the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue
- Carry euros and local currency: while the Seychelles rupee is the official currency, euros are widely accepted, especially in hotels and for tours. It’s practical to have both for different types of transactions
- Hire a car on Mahé and Praslin: renting a small car offers the best freedom to explore the main islands’ many secluded coves and mountain trails. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and driving on the left
- Book well in advance: the Seychelles focuses on sustainable tourism, meaning there is limited accommodation, especially on smaller islands like La Digue. Speak to your Travel Architect about booking several months ahead, particularly for travel during peak seasons
- Take sun protection seriously: located just south of the equator, the sun in the Seychelles is extremely strong year-round. High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses are non-negotiable
Did you know?
- The coco de mer palm, found only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse, produces the largest and heaviest seed in the plant kingdom, weighing up to 25kg (55lb)
- Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, with over 150 000 individuals
- The country’s capital, Victoria, located on the main island of Mahé, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world
- The national language, Seychellois Creole (Seselwa), is a unique French-based creole that reflects the nation’s diverse African, French and Indian heritage
- The Seychelles has no indigenous large mammals; its native fauna is dominated by birds, reptiles and marine life
- The archipelago lies outside the cyclone belt, making it a safe, year-round tropical destination
- Nearly half of the country’s total land area is protected as national parks and reserves, one of the highest percentages in the world
- According to local legend, the French pirate Olivier Levasseur, known as La Buse, buried a vast treasure somewhere in the islands, which has never been found
- The Vallée de Mai was once claimed to be the original site of the biblical Garden of Eden
Though Seychelles has many beautiful things to share with the world, visitors come for one primary thing: the intense beauty of our unique islands.”
