Mahe Island © Angelo Cavalli / STMA
Despite the fact that it is heavily populated and
well-developed, the island of Mahé, the largest of the
Seychelles archipelago, contains plenty of hidden treasures, not
least of which is a legendary pirate's cache purportedly buried at
Bel Ombre. The southern end of the island still sports deserted
beaches, and even the busy northern urban enclave, which includes
the international airport and capital city, Victoria, exudes
laid-back charm.
Forming the backbone of the island is a spectacular mountain
range that includes Morne Seychellois, the island's highest peak.
Around the peak is one of the island's beautiful national parks,
offering good hiking and stunning scenery. More than 60 idyllic
beaches fringed with swaying palm trees can be found along the
shoreline, offering a host of activities from excellent dive
centres to various watersports operators. There are several
interesting sights to see, particularly in friendly Victoria.
Although not renowned for its nightlife, Mahé is the
liveliest island after dark and resorts like the Berjaya Beau
Vallon Bay Beach Resort and Casino, several nightclubs and
restaurants that serve up traditional Creole delights provide the
evening entertainment.
Attractions
Beau Vallon Bay
Beau Vallon Bay
The mile-long beach encircling beautiful Beau Vallon Bay on the
northern coast of Mahé Island is the most popular beach
resort area in the Seychelles, boasting several hotels, a casino,
and a selection of dive and watersport centres. Beau Vallon also
has a number...
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Watecolour by George Camille © George Camille
George Camille Gallery
Praslin artist, George Camille, is famed not only locally, but
his works have been exhibited extensively in London and Paris. He
works in a variety of mediums in an effort to capture the colour
and excitement of Creole life. His works may be...
see full detailsMorne Seychellois National Park
The largest national park in the Seychelles, Morne Seychellois
National Park takes up over 20 percent of the area of Mahé.
The park is made up of a number of habitats and ecosystems ranging
from coastal mangrove forests to misty mountain peaks, and...
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Mahe Botanical Gardens © Angelo Cavalli / STMA
National Botanical Gardens
An oasis of green shade, ideal for a stroll, the century-old
Botanical Gardens at the south end of Victoria extend for six
hectares (15 acres), planted with a wide variety of indigenous and
exotic trees, including the Seychelles islands' unique 'coco de
mer' palms....
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Voodoo Dolls © thegeo
Seychelles National Museum of History
Step back into the days of the buccaneers at the Seychelles
National Museum of History, which features excellent displays of
historic artefacts relating to the cultural and natural history of
the islands. Exhibits include a range of interesting objects from
shipwreck salvage, coral, voodoo...
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Hawksbill turtles, St Anne National Marine Park
Ste Anne Marine National Park
A treat for nature lovers, guided tours are offered from
Victoria harbour to the St Anne National Marine Park, which covers
six islands off the coast of Mahé near the city. The park
encompasses one of the most important nesting sites for Hawksbill
turtles,...
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Victoria's centrally located clock tower © canardwifi
Victoria
Having the dubious honour of being the smallest capital city in
the world, Victoria can also be considered one of the most charming
and quaint, easily explored on foot. The best place to soak up the
friendly atmosphere is at the busy daily...
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Events
Festival performers © Wendy Tanner
Creole Festival
During the last week of October each year the Seychelles
capital, Victoria, becomes a gaily decorated party town for the
celebration of the annual Creole festival. Music, dancing and
dramatic productions are staged and local art and crafts displayed
and sold.
...
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SUBIOS Festival
SUBIOS Festival
The SUBIOS Festival is the Sub Indian Ocean Seychelles Festival.
It is a film and photography festival showcasing the rich
underwater life of the Seychelles islands. Filmmakers, journalists,
ecologists and photographers travel to the Seychelles to take part
in this week-long festival. Fans of...
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Fireworks on Independence Day
Independence Day
The Seychelles Independence Day celebrations are not to be
missed. The event takes place at the end of June each year.
Visitors to the Seychelles at this time will be treated to
impressive displays of national pride and patriotism. Public spaces
and parks fill...
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Seychelles beach
Seychelles Marathon
The Eco-Healing Seychelles Marathon is held on the last Sunday
of February every year. Runners from across the globe descend on
the Seychelles to take part in this scenic event. The race
showcases the natural beauty of Mahe Island. Runners are encouraged
to enjoy...
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Creole Culture
FETAFRIK
This popular month-long Seychelles festival showcases artists
from across all of the Seychelles islands in a celebration of
Creole and African culture. The festival is held in venues across
the Seychelles but the main event is opened in Victoria at the
National Cultural Centre....
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