Joanna James
Seychelles is what tropical island fantasies are made up. With unspoiled natural landscapes and turquoise waters, who wouldn't want to visit. Here are the top 8 places to see.
Anse Lazio is a spectacular beach that should be on everyone's must-see list! To access the beach, visitors need to hike over a hill, but the hike is totally worth it. Bordered by giant granite boulders, Anse Lazio has a long stretch of white sand beach, and calm clear turquoise water. Shade is provided by rows of Takamaka trees that grow along the edges of the beach, and hungry beachgoers can refuel at one of the restaurants which are located at either end of the beach.
One of the largest islands in Seychelles, La Digue is the ideal place for nature lovers and anyone looking to experience the traditional way of life on the island. Life is simple here compared to other islands, with the most popular mode of transport being oxcarts and bicycles. The coastline is dotted with granite outcrops that provide shelter to the stunning beaches here, most are free to the public, but some are private and require a fee to visit. The island is also home to the Veuve Nature Reserve and several hiking trails which leads through scenic woods and old colonial house.
Curieuse Island is one of the top spots in Seychelles to view giant tortoise roaming freely around the shore. A breeding program was specially designed and set up on the island to increase the population after the tortoise numbers dramatically dropped in the past years. Formerly home to a leper colony, visitors can still explore the abandoned leprosarium as well as the medical quarters that now stand as a national monument.
This secluded, crescent-shaped beach on the south side of the island is a favourite spot among surfers thanks to the frequent big waves. Because there's no reef to protect the beach, swimming here is is rough and not advised for anyone who is not a strong swimmer; however, sunbathers and photographers will definitely love the picturesque beach. If you like turtles, check with locals which time would be best to see sea turtles nesting along the shore.
With lush tropical jungles, home to a diverse range of wildlife and flora, spectacular beaches and crystal clear blue water, it's no surprise visitors love the Morne Seychellois National Park, the largest natural park in the country. A paradise for nature lovers, hiking trails ascend into the park, right up to its highest mountain, the Morne Seychellois. Guided tours into the park can be arranged by any Seychelles beach resort, and there are a few located nearby like AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, for instance.
The beautiful curved beach at Beau Vallon has been attracting both tourists and locals for years. You can find plenty of hotels around the beach that offer up a host of fun water sports activities such as jet skiing. The waters around the island are generally calm making it a good option for visiting families with young children. During the weekends, you'll find locals enjoying barbeques along the beach.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is the home to a prehistoric forest that is home to over 4,000 cocos de Mer fruit palms, the national tree of Seychelles. Other flora includes wild orchids, splayed traveller's palm, and palmiste among many others. There's also a wide range of bird and reptile species living in the forest so do hire a guide to help you spot them better and learn more about this ancient forest.
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