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When you think about Seychelles the first images that come to mind are the exotic beaches, the crystal clear and turquoise sea, tropical paradises where you can keep stress and everyday routine at a distance.
They are truly wonderful islands, all to be discovered and experienced Mahé, the main island of the archipelago, is no exception.
However, tourists often "ignore" it and only see it as an "arrival and departure point" due to the international airport. But this is absolutely not the case.
Mahé, in fact, invites you to discover glimpses of uncontaminated nature, dream beaches, expanses of water, verdant parks and a lively capital and shopping destination.
Let's get to know it better thanks to the highlights to put on the list.
What not to miss in Mahé
A visit to Mahé can start from Victoria (or Port Victoria), one of the smallest capitals in the world, the only real city in the Seychelles which has its flagship in colorful market, the beating heart of tropical perfumes and products.
A walk among the stalls is an excellent way to fully immerse yourself in the typical nature of the island and the lifestyle of the inhabitants: it takes place every morning (except Sunday) along Street Market, the pedestrian street in the centre.
Equally suggestive is the Botanical Garden, built at the beginning of the twentieth century for the cultivation of exotic plants and which became a National Monument, today open to the public to admire the spectacular endemic flora, among which the Coco de mer, a UNESCO World Heritage fruit of a plant that grows spontaneously only on the islands of Curieuse and Praslin.
Subsequent stages are the Cathedral of our lady of Immaculate Conception, L'Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar, a small but fabulous Hindu temple with a monumental tower (the gopuram) richly embellished with valuable sculptures, and the Clock Tower, a curious reproduction of the famous Big Ben.
And we are just at the beginning since Mahè is also full of nature and offers unforgettable routes for trekking and excursion enthusiasts, particularly in the heart of the Morne Seychellois National Park, the highest peak of the archipelago with its 900 meters above sea level.
Leaving the car near the Mission Lodge (the ruins of a 19th century mission), you can take the numerous paths that lead to panoramic points and viewpoints that will take your breath away: there are 12 trekking routes of varying complexity and length.
Again, don't miss it Tea Factory, the tea factory built in 1962, in Port Launay: guided tours allow you to appreciate all the tea processing phases as they once took place.
The beaches where you can daydream
Mahé is also sea and dream beaches: they are well 65 along its coasts!
The most renowned and evocative is certainly Anse Intendance, with very white sand and bordered by granite rocks, wild and perfect for surfers (particularly from May to September).
Among the most photographed, also wild, it must be mentioned Anse Bazarca, where the waves are high and the sea deep, in the embrace of the lush tropical vegetation, while among the most appreciated by the locals we find Whale Cove, with shallow water and low waves.
They are spectacular Anse-Boileau, long beach of fine sand equipped with all services and ideal for snorkelling, Anse aux Pins, not far from the airport, with services, restaurants and shops, Anse Bougainville, from the precious coral reef, Anse a La Mouche, excellent for families, e.g Blue Hen Cove, golden and little frequented.
