Surrounded by clear blue sea and it's white sandy beaches, Seychelles island is already famous for its tropical beauty and it's post cards sceneries. Enjoy your holidays on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Every island in the Seychelles is ringed with beaches. And what beaches they are: spectacular ribbons of the finest white sand lapped by cerulean waters and backed by lush hills and big glacis boulders. And nary a crowd in sight. Here are our picks for the most idyllic stretches of sand.
Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue)
Anse Source D'Argent, voted numerous times as one of the 'best beaches in the world'.
There's a dazzling powdery-sand beach framed by naturally sculpted granite boulders lapped by luxuriously warm waters, white clouds billowing in a deep-blue sky, palm trees leaning over the shore, a shimmering lagoon with every hue from lapis lazuli to turquoise and within it, large coral gardens packed with rainbow-coloured fish. It's great for sunbathing and sloshing around, less so for swimming – at low tide the waters are too shallow for a dip. It's best to come in the late afternoon when day-trippers have left – you'll have the beach all to yourself. Feeling hungry? Head to nearby Lanbousir – this sand-floored eatery is an ideal spot to sample a meltingly tender grilled fish followed by a rich banana pancake.
Petite Anse (La Digue)
It's a 15-minute plod from Grand Anse, but it's well worth the effort – you'll be rewarded by a half-moon of white sand, turquoise shallows and not a soul in sight. Head for a spot at the far north of the beach, by the granite boulders, and it'll be just you, with the occasional sea eagle soaring above.
Anse Georgette (Praslin)
It ought to be heaving with sunseekers, yet Anse Georgette, a hypnotically beautiful cove at the western tip of Praslin, is very well hidden and hard to access on foot. Indeed, it has been engulfed by the Lemuria Resort and is now a de facto part of it, although it's a public beach by law. Your best bet to access this gem of a beach is to charter a taxi boat from Anse Volbert. There's nothing here but palm trees, shells and the occasional honeymooner from the nearby resort.
Anse Lazio (Praslin)
This long stretch of silvery sand framed by granite boulders and shaded by coconut palms and takamaka trees is often described as the most idyllic beach in the Seychelles. It has shallow, calm waters most of the year, making it an ideal location for families. Backed by a series of big granite boulders at each extremity and lush vegetation, it feels raw and untamed. You won't find a better spot for swimming and snorkelling. If you're feeling peckish, two beachfront restaurants beckon.
Bird Island
For nature lovers, Bird Island is a knock-out. It's encircled by a white-on-white beach with smooth grey driftwood sticking up out of the sand. Indigo blue waters surround the island, which is bounded by a healthy reef system on the eastern side, making for sensational snorkelling opportunities. The clear waters flicker with kaleidoscopic sea life. Big fish top the bill: dolphins from October to December and March to May, and the occasional sharks year-round. Best of all, the beach has become a haven for egg-laying turtles. Between October and February, wildlife-watchers can witness hawksbill turtles crawling ashore and laying eggs – a memorable experience. Everything is carefully recorded and monitored. Guests can join an ecotour with the resident conservationist, who'll enthusiastically tell them about the breeding habits of turtles.
Beau Vallon (Mahé)
This swooningly sandy stretch is Mahé's most popular beach. A glorious 3km crescent of gleaming, white sand pricked with takamaka trees and coconut palms on the northwest coast, Beau Vallon Beach is where the Seychellois strip off for a safe, clean swim. There is an area specifically marked out for swimmers and lifeguards are present. Despite its popularity, it's still astonishingly crowd-free. It's not just about sun and sand either; you won't lack for something to keep you occupied here – go parasailing, snorkelling, diving, sailing, or order a piping-hot pizza at Baobab Pizzeria, a sand-floored eatery right on the beach. Oh, and the sunsets behind Silhouette Island are mesmerising.
Anse Intendance (Mahé)
As the sun-low sky deepens to orange, this superlative beach on the southwestern side of Mahé just might be heaven. Anse Intendance ranks as one of the most unspoilt beaches of Mahé. The northern swath is occupied by the luxurious, refined Banyan Tree Hotel, but the southern section is super quiet. Grab your own patch of white-sand perfection and enjoy a picnic under the shade of coconut palms – this is the life.
Anse Takamaka (Mahé)
Anse Takamaka is a stunning beach to sun yourself on. Stretching uninterrupted for almost 2km of white, soft sand and multihued water good for swimming, the beach is large enough for every beachgoer to claim their own piece of real estate. A thick takamaka and palm forest provides the backdrop. Right on the beach, Chez Batista is a charming, rustic thatched restaurant where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy a local curry or grilled fish, making this a great place to spend the entire day.
