Seychelles

Seychelles can look almost too perfect in photographs, and in person it is even better. The difference is the granite. Unlike most tropical islands, the inner Seychelles are the peaks of an ancient granite landmass, weathered into smooth pink-and-gray boulders that frame beaches of powder-white sand. Add jungle-clad mountains, endemic palms and a relaxed Creole culture, and you have one of the Indian Ocean's most distinctive destinations.

The inner islands

Most visitors combine the three main granitic islands. Mahé, home to the international airport and the small capital, Victoria, has dozens of beaches, mountain trails in Morne Seychellois National Park and a lively market.

Praslin is quieter, with the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage palm forest where the coco de mer grows, and the much-loved bay of Anse Lazio. La Digue is smaller still, an island where bicycles outnumber cars and the granite boulders of Anse Source d'Argent draw photographers at every tide.

Wildlife above and below the water

Seychelles is a haven for nature. Giant tortoises roam freely on Curieuse Island, seabird colonies fill protected islands such as Cousin and Aride, and rare endemic birds, including the Seychelles black parrot and the paradise flycatcher, survive in small sanctuaries. Beneath the surface, reefs and granite outcrops shelter turtles, rays, reef sharks and shoals of bright fish.

Far to the southwest lie remote coral atolls, including UNESCO-listed Aldabra, home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises and reachable only on occasional expedition cruises.

Creole island life

Life here moves to a Creole rhythm. Victoria's market is at its busiest on Saturday mornings, family-run takeaways serve fish curry with rice and fresh chutneys, and the Creole Festival each October fills the islands with music, dance and food.

Island hopping made easy

Fast ferries link Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, and short domestic flights connect Mahé with Praslin and some outer islands. Many travelers spend a few nights on each of two or three islands, pairing a boutique hotel with a villa or a secluded island retreat.

Seychelles also makes a natural beach finale to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Our Seychelles Island Hopping journey is a good template, and we'll tailor the islands, pace and budget to you.