Located off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is a paradise of exotic white-sand beaches, picture-perfect islands and turquoise waters. It is one of the most visited places The archipelago is home to islands and endangered species of wildlife, including the world’s largest and heaviest free-roaming tortoise – the Esmeralda.
If you are a nature lover and want to experience the untouched and unknown secrets of Seychelles, make sure you do not miss any of the following places.
Seychelles’ 7 best-kept secrets
Taking a pleasant trip around this beautiful holiday destination will definitely give you a refreshing experience with your loved ones! Scroll down to know about all its secrets.
1. Vallée de Mai, Praslin Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai is one of the most beautiful nature reserve sites surrounded by tropical flora and fauna. This heritage site is famous for its rare species, including the Seychelles black parrot, large-billed bulbul, blue pigeon, sunbird and many other species.
Extremely beautiful with a variety of palm trees up to 30 meters high and 50 other indigenous plants, the Vallée de Mai is affectionately called the “Garden of Eden” by tourists. One cannot leave this magnificent archipelago without seeing some of the largest coconuts in the world called “Coco de Mer”, available at various shops located in Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
Described as “the cathedral of nature” by renowned tourism consultant Glynn Burridge, the Vallée de Mai is truly one of the Seychelles’ hidden gems.
Must read: A Guide to Visiting the Seychelles Islands: Top Places to Visit and More
2. Anse Pauls Blues, Mahe Island
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Blessed with rich marine life, gorgeous coral reefs and mighty mountains, Mahe Island is truly an ideal place to enjoy an ideal tropical holiday. The island offers a range of exciting activities including snorkelling, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, diving and water skiing.
Due to its gorgeous beauty, stunning landscapes and mysterious ambiance, Mahe Island is also one of the famous honeymoon destinations in Seychelles. Plan a trip to this exotic island with your partner to add a magical touch to your precious moments.
3. Bird Island – Aldabra Atoll
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is the world’s second largest atoll and home to Esmeralda, the world’s largest and heaviest free-roaming tortoise. In addition, you can also find approximately 100,000 wild Aldabra giant tortoises, reptiles and various sea birds.
If you are adventurous and love marine life, you can snorkel or scuba dive to see colorful sea turtles, large eagle rays, colorful anemones, butterflyfish, harmless reef sharks, angelfish and clownfish.
Read suggestions: Learn all about Aride Island Nature Reserve in Seychelles
4. Arid Island Nature Reserve
Aride Island Nature Reserve offers you the opportunity to see some exotic species, including five rare birds found only in Seychelles such as warblers, sunbirds, blue pigeons, foddies and magpie robins. If you are a bird lover and want to see maximum number of birds, then the best time to visit Aride Island Nature Reserve is from November to February. You may also encounter some endangered species of plants here or walk along beautifully landscaped banana plantations.
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5. Victoria Market
Seychelles is not an ideal shopping destination, but there are some exciting markets, craft shops and jewelery stores to buy some gifts to take home. Exotic seeds, beautiful artefacts, essential oils, jewelry, gems and the local rum called Takamaka are some of the famous things to see.
Apart from shopping, Victoria has plenty of tourist attractions to visit during your holidays in Seychelles. Established by Sir Ernest Sweet, Governor of Seychelles in 1903, the Victoria Clock Tower known as the Creole is one of the national monuments of Seychelles built in honor of Queen Victoria, who died in 1901.
Another most visited place of Seychelles is the Natural History Museum which displays traces of the evolution of flora and fauna. You can also see the skeleton of an extinct crocodile species here. From Monday to Thursday, the museum is open from 8.30 am to 4:30 pm, while on Friday and Saturday, the museum is open from 8.30 am to 12 noon.
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6. Squint
Situated on the top of the hill with amazing views of the mighty ocean, ZEZ is one of the best restaurants in Seychelles to tantalise your taste buds with some excellent tasting dishes. Containing authentic fish dishes sourced straight from the sea, this picturesque restaurant is a paradise for seafood lovers. The signature Singaporean dish, served with chilli sauce and steamed bun, will really make your day.
Read suggestions: Seychelles with kids: where to pamper your little ones in this enchanting African land!
7. King’s Garden
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Another fine restaurant located on the charming island of Mahe serves sumptuous food with an a la carte menu to tickle your taste buds. The restaurant will truly impress you with its colonial French architecture and stunning Seychelles plant species. Don’t forget to pamper your taste buds with a scoop of delicious ice cream loaded with spices.
Just a few minutes walk from the main downtown area of Victoria you can find another beautiful wooden gallery and café called Kaz Janana, which features wonderful paintings by Georges Camille. His work includes pencil drawings, pastel drawings, silk paintings, acrylics and relief collages that reflect the spirit of Seychellois life.
Another hidden studio displaying the works of Egbert Marde, located in the mountains at La Misère, is worth a visit. This renowned artist uses oil, wood, metal, cement, sand, acrylic, charcoal, collage and resin to bring his paintings to life.
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