Jet off for a taste of paradise in the magical Seychelles

You'll think you've arrived in paradise when you begin a magical adventure of a lifetime in the sensational Seychelles.

Pure holiday heaven awaits in this enthralling destination, an archipelago of 115 sun-drenched granite and coral islands northeast of Madagascar in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

The Seychelles are a melting pot of a myriad of cultures which have co-existed there since the islands were first settled in 1770. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the three main inhabited islands, with English, French and Seychellois Creole being the official spoken languages.

The cluster of islands is a dream come true for couples, families and groups of friends craving a fabulous time, with so much to see and do the moment you arrive in this glorious getaway.

Unrivalled hospitality, picture postcard scenery, superb water sports and leisure attractions, mouth-watering gastronomy and charming Creole architecture are among the delights you’ll discover during your visit to the islands.

You’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to stay in style in the Seychelles with plenty of opulent hotels, luxurious apartments and charming guesthouses on the main islands.

Flight times to the Seychelles average between 13 and 18 hours, depending on any stopovers you have, and the islands are three hours ahead of the United Kingdom in the summer season. The population of the archipelago is around 98,000.

Blissful beauty

The spellbinding beauty and wonder of the Seychelles will take your breath away – this enchanting haven of peace and tranquillity is truly out of this world.

You’ll be wowed by the jaw-dropping castaway beaches, coral atolls and reef islets teeming with marine life, towering granite peaks and amazing rainforests.

Coastal mangroves, beautiful trails and walks, incredible nature reserves and unspoilt marine national parks will make a big impression on any visitor to the Seychelles.

The islands are home to exotic wildlife, rare species of flora and fauna and species of birds found nowhere else on the planet.

The Seychelles also boast two UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely the renowned Vallée de Mai and Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll.

The tropical climate in the Seychelles means the islands are blessed with year-round high temperatures averaging between 24°C and 32°C. An ideal time to visit is between April and October during the drier months, when the sea will be calmer.

Stunning sands

Words can’t describe the serenity and beauty of the beaches in the Seychelles – powdery white sands, turquoise waters, enthralling lagoons and swaying palms will leave you dumbstruck.

Long sandy expanses to romantic coves and bays mean these islands have something for everyone, from couples wanting a romantic stroll in a secluded inlet to families seeking a feast of fun in the sun.

The beaches on the islands offer a serene setting for couples wishing to tie the knot in a special wedding ceremony, as well as being a major factor in making the Seychelles the perfect honeymoon destination.

Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue, with its trademark granite boulders, extensive white sands and beautiful coral reef is rightly rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Petite Anse is a gem of a beach on the southwest coast of Mahé, with its imposing forests and granite cliffs, while Anse Royale Beach in Mahé has the wow factor with its white sands and family-friendly warm shallow waters.

Anse Lazio is a picture-perfect sandy expanse on Praslin where you’ll discover inviting clear waters and powdery sands fringed with palm and Takamaka trees.

Other incredible beaches in the Seychelles include Anse Georgette, Beau Vallon, Anse Major and Anse Louis.

Getting around

You won’t struggle to find a suitable mode of transport when you set out to explore the islands.

Island-hopping is hugely popular among holidaymakers and there are plenty of ferry boat services operating between the main islands. Short aircraft flights or helicopter trips are other options for getting around.

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

Islands in the sun

More than 80% of the archipelago’s population lives in the largest island Mahé, where you’ll find the Seychelles’ only international airport.

Mahé is renowned for its superb beaches, turquoise waters, dense forests, excellent shops, fabulous restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

Beau Vallon bay in the north of the island is the place to watch amazing sunsets and enjoy superb diving opportunities on the incredible coral reefs which are home to colourful marine life.

Praslin will impress you with its sensational palm-fringed beaches, magical reefs and verdant jungle interior. Praslin National Park is a famous refuge for rare birds and plants.

Praslin is one of two islands in the world where you'll find the rare coco de mer palm, with its giant 60lb seeds.

The island is also the home to a wonderful 18-hole championship golf course and you’ll find some excellent hotels, restaurants, bars and shops in the delightful village of Grande Anse.

La Digue, the fourth largest island in the Seychelles, is a secluded and tranquil place with glorious bays, glistening waters, unique granite rock formations and one of the world’s most photographed beaches, Anse Source d'Argent.

You can get to the island by ferry from Mahé, a catamaran service from Praslin or a helicopter trip from Mahé.

Bird Island, the most northerly island in the Seychelles, is a private nature reserve and bird sanctuary which permits a maximum of 80 visitors at any one time. It is home to sooty terns and common noddies, as well as green and hawkbill turtles.

Attractions galore

There are so many wonderful attractions in the Seychelles your only problem will be finding the time to fit them all into your holiday itinerary.

As you would expect, many of them are amazing natural attractions such as Veuve Nature Reserve on La Digue island where you’ll see fruit bats, terrapins and rare birds including the black paradise flycatcher.

Praslin National Park (Vallée de Mai) is a charming refuge for birds, native plants and insects, as well as being home to the rare coco de mer palm.

Diving on the magical coral reefs, watching the glorious sunsets from the top of Eagles Nest mountain on La Digue and catamaran trips on the turquoise ocean are other fabulous things to do.

Key attractions on Mahé island include the legendary clock tower in Victoria, Takamaka rum distillery, Morne Seychellois National Park and Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple. The George Camille Art Gallery and Sir Selwyn Clarke Market are also well worth a visit.

You’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to exhilarating things to do during the day – popular options include surfing, paragliding, fishing, sailing, snorkelling, jeep safaris, hiking, zip-lining, horse-riding, golf, kayaking & canoeing, birdwatching and helicopter sightseeing tours.

Fun for the young

You won’t find a plethora of amusement arcades and theme parks for children in the Seychelles – however, what you will find is a host of superb and natural attractions, serving up a feast of healthy fun in the great outdoors.

Zip-lining at Port Launay in Mahé, visiting the giant tortoises on Curieuse Island and bike riding on La Digue will delight young holidaymakers.

They can also enjoy a tour on a semi submarine in Sainte Anne Marine National Park and visits to The Craft Village in Mahé Paradis, the National Museum of History in Victoria and Paradise des Enfants play park in Mahé.

Banana boat and pedalo rides on the waves, catamaran trips to discover marine life in the ocean and dolphin and whale watching adventures add to the fun and excitement.

Many of the luxury hotels in the Seychelles give young guests the VIP treatment with a range of amenities including mini water parks, games rooms, playgrounds and kids clubs.

Shoppers’ paradise

It you fancy some retail therapy during your holiday, the Seychelles has an impressive choice of glitzy boutiques, local designer clothing outlets, and up-market electronic goods and jewellery stores.

Victoria Market in Mahé is a bustling attraction with fresh fish, spices and local produce among the items for sale on the stalls, while you'll discover some wonderful souvenirs to take back home at The Craft Village.

You can buy rare black pearls at the Pearl Farm Shop in Praslin, as well as checking out the islands well-stocked shops and boutiques in some of the top hotels.

Corals and beaded jewellery can be found in gift shops across the islands, while Beau Vallon night market is a bustling venue for stocking up on local merchandise and delicious street food.

Food glorious food

You’ll discover plenty of fabulous dining venues all across the Seychelles, with gastronomic delights that will send your taste buds into raptures.

Scrumptious seafood dishes can be savoured in many beachfront restaurants and cafes, with freshly caught jackfish, lobster, octopus, shark and red snapper among the choices available.

Curries are also very popular on the island and they are often served with satini, a flavoursome chutney made with apples or papaya. Other delightful favourites are smoked fish salad, sausage rougay and bouillon bred, a popular Seychellois soup.

Daube de banana is a tasty dessert featuring plantains or bananas, prepared with, brown sugar, nutmeg, coconut milk and vanilla.

You’ll come across a range of refreshing rum-based drinks in bars and cafes on the islands and kalou is a wonderful, fermented wine made from the inflorescence of coconut trees.

Nights on the town

If you fancy a night on the town in the Seychelles, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained after dark.

Oxygen is a popular night spot in Praslin, while Katiolo and Boardwalk in Mahé are a big hit with revellers. Beach Shack Bar in Beau Vallon is a great place to delicious cocktails, listen to reggae music and watch the incredible sunsets.

You’ll also encounter talented street performers who will impress you with their dance and music routines in many of the islands’ towns and resorts.

There’s also the option to settle back for a romantic evening with the love of your life, enjoying a delicious meal by moonlight in a beachfront restaurant, with relaxing background music.

If you fancy watching a movie you can head for Deepam Cinema in Victoria and you can also try your luck on the roulette tables in various venues including Berjaya International Casino, Gran Kaz Casino and Club Liberté Casino.

The Seychelles really do hit the bullseye when it comes to delivering an awe-inspiring holiday experience and creating a myriad of magical memories.

Discover the delights of the spellbinding Seychelles on a fabulous sunshine getaway. Book your dream escape today at destination2.co.uk