Seychelles - Exclusive Romantic Islands

Seychelles is an island country in the Indian Ocean, which has an area of 40,000 km². The 115 islands which belong to Seychelles can be divided into the Inner Islands and the Outer Islands. There are 25 districts: 22 are located on the main island of Mahé, two others are on Praslin and the last district consists of La Digue and its surrounding smaller islands. Four of the biggest and most important places are located on Mahé: the capital of Victoria, De Quincey, Anse Boileau and Beau Vallon. Anse Volbert on Praslin is another big town. The islands are dominated by tropical climate with average temperatures between 24 °C and 30 °C. The annual north-west monsoon lasts from December to March, while the south-east monsoon lasts from May to September. The latter is less rainy but more windy.

The 42 Inner Islands constitute the heart of Seychelles. They mostly consist of granite rock, which you see at many beaches. The Outer Islands, on the other hand, consist of 73 coral islands and have a maximum height of nine metres. The best-known archipelagos are the Amirantes, the Alphonse and the Aldabra group. There are no lakes or rivers on these islands, i.e. no drinking water. The archipelago displays extraordinary natural beauty and is protected. In fact, Seychelles is the record holder regarding protection of nature. Over 99.5 percent of its area are protected. The islands accommodate many endemic plants and animals. One curiosity is the coco de mer, an oddly-shaped coconut which only exists on Seychelles. These nuts were often washed up on the beaches of distant countries and since this type of palm existed in no other place on earth, the fruit was simply named "sea coconut". It was not until the discovery of Seychelles that the origin of the nuts could be determined. Visitors can also watch Aldabra giant tortoises, Seychelles frogs and numerous types of birds on the islands.

The capital of Victoria accommodates a wonderful botanical garden but you actually only need to leave your hotel room to marvel at Seychelles' unique natural beauty. National parks, nature reserves, deserted sandy beaches - all this invites holidaymakers to relax and explore. One attraction is the magical Aldabra Atoll of the Outer Islands. It is the world's second-largest atoll, a natural wonder and an unforgettable sight. Development of the atoll is prohibited and only a few natural scientists live on Aldabra permanently. Cruisers regularly stop at the atoll. Travellers who are interested in Seychelles' colourful bird species should visit the bird reserve of Bird Island. Its observation platform offers a spectacular view of the island group. The coral island of Alphonse is also worth seeing. High palms, giant tortoises and legendary natural beaches make this island an extraordinary destination. Praslin accommodates one of the best-known beaches - Anse Lazio. Holidaymakers can marvel at eroded granite rocks here, which can be found all over the sea. The waters around Seychelles are populated by whales and dolphins. With a bit of luck, you can see these animals from the beach.

About 90 percent of Seychelles' present-day population are descendants of the first settlers from France and African slaves. However, Indian and Chinese people have also come to live on the archipelago in the ocean. The majority of the population are Catholic or Protestant, about five percent are followers of the Islam and another three percent are Hindus. Arab commercial traders probably spotted the archipelago in the middle of the ocean first but the man who is known as its discoverer is the Portuguese Vasco da Gama, who arrived in 1502. The French settled the country from the 1740s on before France annexed the territory. Due to disputes in Europe, the islands fell into the hands of the British. The influence of colonial powers is apparent from the architecture and the inhabitants' mentality to the present day. Nevertheless, as on most tropical islands, the inhabitants of Seychelles are calm, friendly and relaxed. Nowadays they proudly call themselves "Seychellois". They speak their own dialect Seychellois Creole but they also know the English and French language.

Most cultural sights are located in the capital on the main island of Mahé. Victoria still displays British colonial style. Prominent attractions are the clock tower and the court building. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Church Street still embodies the spirit of bygone centuries. However, the new era has left its mark as well and that is why you see British buildings next to the great, colourful Hindu temple Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar. Like many other islands, Seychelles has an eventful pirate past. The tomb of the infamous pirate "La Buse" Olivier Le Vasseur is located on Mahé. Travellers who want to have a closer look at Praslin should visit the pearl farm and dive into the tradition of pearl farming.

Creole cooking combines the advantages of the Chinese, Asian and European cuisine. A lot of fish and rice with curry and the sweetness of the tropical fruit are the rule on the menu on the sunny islands. The most popular food is fish, whether it is cooked, grilled or baked. A truly original dish, which takes getting used to, is the bat curry. Coconuts and coconut milk also play a major role in the country's cuisine. Travellers who want to taste the island beer best have Seybrew. A more substantial drink is bakka, which is made of potatoes and sugar, is high in alcohol content and should not be drunk in the blazing sun. A good location for a shopping tour is the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market in Victoria. The locals already bustle around the market in the early morning hours to get the freshest products. Visitors can buy beautiful island jewellery or artistically processed coconut shells here. You only find clubs and pubs on Mahé. The evenings on the islands are usually rather quiet and relaxed. Holidaymakers can enjoy the wonderful sunset and the romantic atmosphere at the beach.

A sailing trip to Praslin today, a dive to the reefs in front of Mahé tomorrow and a relaxed day at the beach on a deserted island the day after - the ocean is the most important tourist destination in Seychelles. Surfing, parachuting and catamaran trips are popular activities. Deep-sea and fly fishers can take advantage of the hotels' offers or set out to sea on a yacht. Seychelles has one of the richest fishing grounds on earth. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to rent a horse and riding along the endless sandy beach. The best hiking locations are the lush green national parks.

From May to October, it is pleasantly warm and there is not a lot of rain but you can travel Seychelles at any time of the year. There are only three islands which are equipped with a road network. If you want to drive yourself, you should note the left-hand traffic. You can easily travel between the islands by ferry or sailing boat.