Joanna James
The magical island nation of Seychelles is famed for its idyllic beaches and blue waters. With every inch of the islands hiding something new, it can be difficult to decide on the top places to visit.
Hidden beneath groves of palm trees, Anse Intendance is a magical beach that has long adorned travel magazines and postcards. Located in Mahe, the beach regularly lures in surfers due to the large swells it has on offer. It lacks a reef, which means there are plenty of waves, another plus point for surfers but bad news for swimmers. However, the Anse Intendance beach is ideal for sunbathers and photographers thanks to its breathtaking surroundings. The beach is also a known nesting spot for turtles. A few minutes away from hotels like AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, a visit here is highly recommended.
Curieuse Island is like no other island in the country. Well famed for its giant tortoise breeding program, the island is also the only location – aside from Praslin – where you can find the coco de mer palm tree. Curieuse Island also served as a leper colony at one point in its past and the remains of that era make for interesting viewing. You can walk around the leprosarium and the doctor's quarters which is now a national monument.
The largest of its kind in the country, the park encompasses around twenty percent of the Mahe island. The go-to location for nature lovers and trekkers, the park is also home to the Morne Seychellois, which is the highest point in Seychelles. Looming up to a height of just over nine hundred metres, the peak offers spectacular views over the entire island and the surrounding ocean. Words don't explain the beauty you witness while atop the island. There are many hiking trails along the park, all entering from different points in the island. If you do wish for a guide, chances are that your resort in Seychelles could easily hook you up with one.
Around twenty minutes in a boat from Mahe, the Ste Anne National Marine Park is one of the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean. The waters are an excellent location for diving and snorkelling thanks to the diverse marine life present in the colourful reef. Don't wish to get wet? If so jump on one of the many glass-bottomed boats to take a peek at the budding world underwater. The park is also a popular nesting region for the elusive hawksbill turtle.
Another one of the country's mesmerizing beaches makes the list. Located on the north of Praslin, the route to the beach is a bit exerting as you have to trek over a low mountain. The yellow sanded beach stretches on endlessly, only interrupted by the iconic granite boulders. Palm and Takamaka groves provide respite from the tropical climate while a number of restaurants can be found at the beach too.
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