The Seychelles: Where Giant Boulders Meet the Garden of Eden
Unspoiled Beaches, Rare Coco de Mer, and the Ultimate Island-Hopping Adventure
Welcome to the Land of Giants (and Gorgeous Beaches!)
Get ready for an Indian Ocean escape that brings the drama! The Seychelles is an incredible archipelago of 115 islands, but unlike the flat coral islands of the Maldives, the Seychelles is famous for its stunning, jungle-covered granite mountains that tumble down to the sea. The beaches here are jaw-dropping — think white powder sand backed by enormous, smooth, ancient granite boulders that look like sculptures left by giants.
This is a place where you swap endless water vistas for lush tropical rainforests teeming with rare wildlife. The Seychellois culture, a vibrant mix of French, African, and Indian heritage known as Creole, is warm, welcoming, and flavourful. Whether you’re cycling around a car-free island, hiking to a panoramic viewpoint, or simply flopping onto a beach that regularly tops "World's Best" lists, the Seychelles is a true Garden of Eden waiting to be explored.
Latest Hotel Offers
Cycle to Anse Source D'Argent on La Digue
If you only do one thing in the Seychelles, you absolutely must hire a bicycle on La Digue island and make the journey to Anse Source D'Argent. La Digue is mostly car-free and operates at a beautifully slow, relaxed pace, where cycling is the favoured mode of transport. The ride itself is half the fun, passing historic colonial-era plantations and lush vanilla farms.
But Anse Source D'Argent is the star of the show. Widely considered one of the most photographed beaches on Earth, it’s defined by those massive, smooth granite boulders that frame the delicate pink-sand beach and the shallow, turquoise lagoon. It feels utterly prehistoric and beautiful all at once. Time your visit for the late afternoon when the setting sun hits the granite just right, turning it a fiery orange — it’s a memory that perfectly captures the unique, raw, and protected beauty of the Seychelles.
The Travel Intel Scoop
(01)
Flying High from the UK
Island-Bound: Direct flights from London to Mahé, the main island, take around 10 hours. Mahé is the international gateway, and from there, you’ll take a quick domestic flight, ferry, or helicopter to get to the smaller, more exclusive islands.
(02)
No Visa Required, Just an ETA: UK passport holders don't need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days), but you must apply for a quick Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before you fly. This keeps everything smooth and simple for your arrival.
Passport Power Play
(03)
Euros and Rupees: The local money is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR), but you’ll often see prices for hotels, car hire, and some excursions quoted in Euros (€). It's handy to have some Rupees for local market stalls and small takeaways, but major credit cards and Euros are widely accepted.
Cash, Currency, and Coins
(04)
A Creole Combination: The Seychelles has three official languages: Seychellois Creole, English, and French. English and Creole are spoken everywhere, so communication is easy. A simple Creole greeting like "Bonzour" (hello) will always be appreciated!
Chatting with the Locals
4 Things to Do While on Holiday
Visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Head to Praslin island to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often called the biblical "Garden of Eden." It’s the only place on Earth where the rare Coco de Mer palm grows naturally, producing the world's heaviest seed (shaped rather suggestively!).
Meet the Aldabra Giant Tortoises
Take a boat trip to Curieuse Island, a nature reserve and home to hundreds of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises. These gentle giants, some over a century old, wander freely and love a good head scratch — an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Explore Victoria, the Tiny Capital
Take a morning to wander through Victoria on Mahé, one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Check out the tiny replica of London's Big Ben, browse the colourful Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, and soak up the laid-back, bustling local life.
Sip Rum at the Takamaka Distillery
Learn the secrets of local rum production at the Takamaka Distillery on Mahé. Take a tour of the historic plantation, see how they turn sugarcane into pure gold, and, most importantly, enjoy a tasting session of their fantastic local rums.
Reviews
Location Survival Guide
Island Hopping vs. Settling Down
Choose Your Adventure: The Seychelles truly requires you to island hop (Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are the main ones) to appreciate its diversity. Don’t settle on one island — use the fast, efficient ferry services to explore at least two or three to see the jungle, the granite, and the local life.
Embrace the Humidity (and the Rain)
Tropical Weather: The Seychelles is hot and humid year-round. Short, intense tropical rain showers can appear suddenly, even during the dry season. Don't worry, they usually pass quickly, so bring a light raincoat and plan to be near a nice café when the heavens open!
Road Trips on Mahé
Hire a Car for Freedom: While La Digue is for cycling, Mahé is best explored by car. The roads are narrow and winding (and you drive on the left, like the UK!), but driving gives you the freedom to discover hidden, pristine beaches that aren't accessible by bus or taxi.
The Archipelago of Adventure and Awe
Granite Peaks, Rare Giants, and Beaches Beyond Belief
The Seychelles offers a unique blend of experiences that goes far beyond the typical 'beach holiday'. Here, conservation is king, and every corner of the islands — from the ancient rainforests of the Vallée de Mai to the monumental granite rocks of La Digue — feels utterly special and protected. If you’re looking for a luxurious island getaway that offers both unspoiled natural beauty and the thrill of genuine discovery, the Seychelles is the magnificent destination that delivers adventure and pure relaxation in equal measure.