HOLIDAYS IN THE SEYCHELLES - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pure holiday bliss awaits in the Seychelles, an enchanting archipelago of 115 sun-kissed coral and granite islands in the inviting turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere in this idyllic haven of tranquillity is out of this world – the cluster of islands never fails to make a big impression on couples, families and groups of friends craving an unforgettable holiday experience.

Pristine sandy beaches, reef islets and coral atolls, abundant marine life, gastronomic delicacies and unrivalled hospitality are among the delights you’ll discover in this paradise destination.

We've chosen to turn the spotlight on the Seychelles to reveal why it’s the perfect choice for a dream holiday in the sun.

What is the weather like in the Seychelles and when is the best time to visit?

The tropical climate in the Seychelles means the islands enjoy year-round high temperatures averaging between 24°C and 32°C. The mercury rarely falls below the mid-20s in the winter (June to August) and rises above 30°C in the summer (December to February).

A great time to holiday in the Seychelles is between April and October during the drier months, when the sea is calmer. You will encounter some rainfall in the wet season, but the showers are normally short-lived.

How long is the flight from the UK to the Seychelles?

Flight times to the Seychelles average between 13 and 18 hours, depending on stopovers. Timewise, the islands are three hours ahead of the United Kingdom in the summer season.

What language is spoken in the Seychelles?

The national languages of the Seychelles are Seychellois Creole, English and French. Creole is the most common language and is spoken by more than 90% of the population. English is the main language used in business and government, a throwback from the days when the Seychelles was a British colony. The population of the Seychelles is around 98,000, with most people living on three of the 115 islands.

Is the transport system good in the Seychelles?

There are various modes of transport for getting around the Seychelles on your holiday.

There are plenty of ferry boat services operating between the main islands of Seychelles and there are also options for taking short flights or helicopter trips.

Mahé and Praslin have excellent local bus services and the two main islands in the Seychelles have plenty of taxis for hire. There’s also the option to rent a car or bicycle.

What are the most popular holiday locations in the Seychelles?

Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles and home to more than 80% of the archipelago’s population. It’s also the location of the islands’ only international airport.

Towering granite peaks, white sandy beaches, verdant tropical forests and crystal-clear waters are among the delights which will wow you when you arrive in Mahé.

You’ll discover superb shops, excellent restaurants and charming Creole architecture in the island capital Victoria and there’s plenty of nightlife after dark on Mahé, with several vibrant night clubs and beach bars.

Beau Vallon in the north west of Mahé island has a glorious beach and is a popular spot for diving enthusiasts keen to explore a myriad of marine creatures on the coral reefs. Beau Vallon bay is the ideal place to witness stunning sunsets and also sip cocktails in a beachfront bar.

Praslin is an enthralling island with a verdant jungle interior, emerald waters, incredible palm-fringed beaches and wonderful coral reefs.

The island’s Anse Lazio beach is divine with its swaying palms, white sands and striking boulder formations, while Praslin National Park is a must-see refuge for rare birds and plants.

This Indian Ocean gem is also one of two islands in the world where you'll find the rare coco de mer palm, with its massive 60lb seeds.

The island also boasts a superb 18-hole championship golf course and you’ll find some excellent hotels, restaurants, bars and shops in the charming village of Grande Anse.

La Digue, the fourth largest island in the Seychelles, is a more remote and secluded hideaway which oozes natural beauty and tranquillity.

This really is a place to get away from it all – mesmerising bays, crystal-clear waters, unique granite rock formations and one of the world’s most photographed beaches, Anse Source D'Argent.

La Digue is accessible via a ferry from Mahé, a catamaran service from Praslin or a helicopter trip from Mahé.

Bird Island, the northernmost island in the Seychelles, is a private nature reserve and bird sanctuary which is home to sooty terns and common noddies, as well as hawkbill and green turtles. A maximum of 80 people are allowed on the island at any one time.

What are the top attractions in the Seychelles?

Much of the appeal of the Seychelles relates to the stunning beauty all around and the lure of the natural attractions including the pristine sands, flora and fauna, glistening waters and spellbinding coral atolls.

There is, however, plenty of scope to head out for an exciting day trip on the island or a fun-packed adventure on the waves.

The giant tortoises in Curieuse are a winner with children, while the George Camille Art Gallery in Mahé is a great place to get a real flavour of the island's culture.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be impressed with Veuve Nature Reserve on La Digue island where you’ll see terrapins, fruit bats and rare birds such as the black paradise flycatcher.

Key attractions on Mahé island include the famous clock tower in Victoria, Morne Seychellois National Park, Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, Takamaka rum distillery and Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple.

Praslin has its share of superb attractions – these include the Praslin National Park (Vallée de Mai), a magical refuge for birds, native plants and insects, as well as being home to the rare coco de mer palm.

Heading out to sea on a catamaran or yacht is a fantastic experience – sunset cruises, island-hopping and dolphin and whale watching trips are among the popular sea-faring pursuits.

Popular activities in the Seychelles include hiking, golf, scuba diving, horse-riding, surfing, fishing and paragliding. Birdwatching, helicopter sightseeing tours and snorkelling on the reefs are other exciting options.

Is there plenty to keep children entertained in the Seychelles?

There’s no shortage of fantastic attractions and activities in the Seychelles to provide a feast of fun for children.

Climb aboard a banana boat for a thrilling ride, give your legs a work-out in a pedalo or set sail on a catamaran for an exhilarating adventure to gaze in awe at the amazing marine life.

Children will have a wonderful time bike riding on La Digue island, zip-lining at Port Launa in Mahé or viewing the giant tortoises on Curieuse Island.

Paradis des Enfants play park in Mahé is a fun place for the little ones and Praslin National Park is home to rare birds, reptiles, amphibians, tortoises and other fascinating creatures.

Other popular activities for young holidaymakers in the Seychelles include tours on a semi submarine in Sainte Anne Marine National Park, visits to the National Museum of History in Victoria, and spending an entertaining day at The Craft Village in Mahé.

Let’s not forget the great facilities for children in many of the luxury hotels in the Seychelles including superb swimming pools, mini water parks, games rooms and kids clubs – plus there’s the beach for a traditional sandcastle building session and a splashing time in the sea where children can snorkel beneath the waves to view the incredible marine life on the coral reefs.

What are the beaches like in the Seychelles?

The beaches in the Seychelles are truly awe-inspiring – powdery white sands, emerald waters, serene lagoons and towering palms create a picture of beauty.

The Seychelles has it all – from long stretches of sand with safe and shallow waters for hours of family fun to secluded coves and bays where couples can enjoy a peaceful and romantic time together.

The beaches are a popular location in the Seychelles for couples to tie the knot in romantic wedding services on the sands. They are also the key factor in enticing newly-weds to spend their honeymoon on the islands.

Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue is spectacular with its trademark granite boulders, amazing white sands and coral reef teeming with marine life. It's no wonder this is rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Anse Royale Beach in Mahé is charming with its pristine sands, imposing giant boulders and shallow waters which make it a great choice for families. This place is great for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Praslin is home to Anse lazio, rated as one of the best beaches in the world with its glorious sands and inviting calm waters.

Other jaw-dropping sandy beaches in the Seychelles include Beau Vallon, Anse Baleine, Anse Louis Beach and Anse Georgette.

What is the nightlife like in the Seychelles?

There’s plenty going on in Mahé when the sun goes down – vibrant night clubs and lively bars provide energetic entertainment after dark, while an array of superb restaurants with soothing background music creates the right ambience for a romantic meal.

You’ll also discover local performers who will entertain you with traditional dance and music after dark in the main island towns and resorts.

Oxygen is a pulsating night spot in Praslin, while Katiolo is the place to dance the night away in Mahé.

Boardwalk on Eden Island is a popular venue with young revellers, with fantastic cocktails and karaoke creating an up-beat party atmosphere, as is Beach Shack Bar on Beau Vallon beach.

If you fancy watching a movie you can head for Deepam Cinema in Victoria and there are several casinos on the islands for trying your luck on the roulette tables, including Club Liberté Casino and Gran Kaz Casino.

Are the Seychelles good for shopping?

There's plenty to keep you happy when it comes to indulging in some retail therapy on the islands.

Mahé has an impressive array of up-market boutiques and local designer clothing shops, as well as jewellery outlets and high-ticket electronic goods stores.

The bustling market in Victoria Market is the place to barter for a bargain and you'll discover some wonderful souvenirs to take back home at The Craft Village in Mahé.

If you are holidaying on Praslin you’ll find many small retail outlets selling locally-made items and many of the main hotels have their own well-stocked shops and boutiques.

Beau Vallon night market is a great place to fill your shopping bags by moonlight, with dozens of stalls selling local merchandise and tasty street food.

What is the traditional food and drink in the Seychelles?

The Seychelles has something to excite the palate of every visitor– you’ll discover a fantastic array of traditional dishes and local specialities to tantalise your taste buds.

Seafood features heavily in the islands with most beachfront restaurants and dining venues serving a range of freshly-caught delights including lobster, octopus, jackfish, red snapper and shark. Steamed, grilled, salted, smoked and wrapped in banana leaves are among the popular ways to present seafood.

Grilled octopus or fish, served with ginger, garlic and chilli sauces is a popular dish in cafes and restaurants, while satini is a delicious salad made with finely grated raw papaya and apple mixed with onion and spices.

The islands are also big on curries and you’ll come across many great dishes which are often served with satini, a delicious chutney made with papaya or apples.

A scrumptious desert on the islands is daube de banana which consists of bananas or plantains which are prepared with cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, brown sugar and coconut milk.

Rum-based drinks are favourite tipples in bars and restaurants throughout the Seychelles and kalou is a popular fermented wine made from the inflorescence of coconut trees.

Discover the magic of the Seychelles on a fabulous sunshine holiday. Start planning your escape today at Destination2.co.uk.