05 Top Rated Tourist Attractions in the Seychelles – Tropical Haven

Anse Intendance is one of the most stunning beaches on the island of Mahe. The crescent shaped beach is framed by lush forests and is a favourite amongst surfers; mainly for its huge swells and tempestuous waves. There is no protective reef around this beach hence swimming in windy season is a bit tough but this is no hindrance to sunbathing, beach combing and enjoying unlimited bouts of photography.

Baie Lazare named after 18th century French explorer Lazare Picault is a beautiful little village. Picault landed on the island first during his expedition to the Seychelles. An iconic attraction that should be visited is the Baie Lazare Church which exudes Neo-Gothic style architecture and is dedicated to St Francis of Assisi; from the church you are afforded gorgeous views across the area. Some of the popular beaches close to the village are well known Anse Petite and Anse Soleil. This too is located on Mahe an island most popular for housing the best beach resorts in Seychelles.

Victoria is the beautiful capital of the Seychelles it is named after British Queen Victoria and is the only seaport in the country. Victoria's most popular attraction is the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens located close to the AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa; which is also walking distance to many other attractions. The botanical gardens are a 15 acre refuge for a number of exotic indigenous plants and animals such as flying foxes and giant tortoises. Freedom Square in Victoria is where you will find well preserved colonial buildings as well as the famous clock tower modelled after London's Big Ben. Satisfy the shopaholic in you at Sir Selwyn Clarke Market where locals offer a variety of goodies such as fresh fruits and vegetables together with local crafts and souvenirs of model ships and pearl jewellery. History and culture buffs will love the Natural History Museum which carefully chronicles the islands natural flora and fauna.

Located close to Victoria the Ste Anne National Marine Park amalgamates six islands off Mahe's coast. Set up in 1973 this was the first national park in the Indian Ocean. There are heaps of fun watery activities to try at the park such as scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and taking on a glass bottomed boat. From the latter you can enjoy the diverse collection of marine life and coral formations within the park – without getting wet. The first French settlement was set up here in 1770 although Ste Ann is home to huge mangrove forests and crocodiles; it is also a nesting ground for the Hawksbill Turtle. Round Island which was once home to a leper colony houses a vintage hospital that's quite interesting to explore while at beautiful Cerf Island you can swim, snorkel and dive to your heart's content, along the fabulous reef or opt to simply relax and sunbathe on the isolated beach.

The beautifully curved sandy beach of Beau Vallon is a favourite amongst tourists and locals. It is located on the North West coast of Mahe and is shaded by Silhouette Island on the horizon. Jet Skiing and water skiing are quite popular at the beach while the lifeguard patrolled beach offers calm waters, ideal for a family day out.