Joanna James
As one of the globe's leading honeymoon and beach holiday hotspots, Seychelles is an archipelago full of pristine islands. Here are five of the country's most captivating islands.
As the smallest island of the country's three inhabited islands, La Digue is home to a mere 3000 residents. This pristine island's most touted attractions are its stunning beaches which include Anse Source D'Argent and Anse Cocos Beach, which occupies the southern fringes of the island. The best way to uncover the beauty of the island is on a cycling tour or an ox-cart excursion with a local tour operator. Measuring in at less than 10km2, La Digue makes up in the diversity of landscapes what it lacks in size.
Praslin Island is the second-largest in the country with a population of nearly 80,000. Offering travellers a more laid back and peaceful atmosphere, Praslin is home to beaches that are counted among the finest in the world. This includes picture postcard-perfect beaches the likes of Anse Lazio and Cote d'Or while Anse Georgette is no less impressive with its white sands and turquoise waters. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve which is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Seychelles is also found here. This verdant rainforest is where the globe's largest nut, the Coco de Mer is found. Considered an excellent base location for day trips those based at Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort or any similar beach resorts in Seychelles can travel to Praslin for the day and head out to neighbouring isles.
Tipped to be one of the top snorkelling hubs in Seychelles, St Pierre Island is a tiny little island that's ideal for those in search of privacy and seclusion. With its underwater landscapes teeming with sharks, sea turtles and scores of vibrant fish species, St Pierre is the perfect pit stop for marine life enthusiasts.
Ranked among the best-preserved islands in all of Seychelles, the Sister Islands are mostly known as the nesting ground for the country's sea turtle populace. Grand Soeur is equally well-known for its captivating beaches and free-roaming giant turtles while Petite Soeur is only accessible when the ocean waters are calm.
As the largest island in the country, Mahé is not only among the most visited islands in Seychelles but also one with some of the top beaches. A mere 26km in length and 6km in width, the island is home to the highest peak in the entire country known as the Morne Seychelles. Home to a string of five-star resorts and hotels, Mahé is not only a beach Mecca for the masses but a dream come true for nature lovers. The capital of the country Victoria is also found here which means the best shopping opportunities, as well as the Botanical Gardens, are all located on the island. Hiking trails, larger than life waterfalls and captivating lookout points are also part of the landscape in Mahé which also provides excellent diving sites and water sports activities for the whole family.
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