The Seychelles has some of the most beautiful beaches on earth — pale sand, turquoise water and great smooth granite boulders — spread across 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Almost half the land is protected, so the islands feel green and unspoilt, with jungle-covered mountains, giant tortoises and coco de mer palms.
The big question is which islands to choose. This guide compares them and covers when to go, how to get there and what to budget for locally. For our hand-picked trips, see our Seychelles holidays page.
The quick answer
- Most first-timers combine Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, three or four nights each.
- Mahé has the airport, the most choice and the mountain hikes.
- Praslin has Anse Lazio and the UNESCO Vallée de Mai.
- La Digue is car-free, explored by bike, with Anse Source d’Argent.
- The calmest, clearest months are April–May and October–November.
Which islands?
| Island | Best for | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Mahé | Choice, hikes, first and last nights | The main island: Victoria, Beau Vallon and the wild south |
| Praslin | Beaches, nature | Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette and the coco de mer forest |
| La Digue | Slow travel, photography | Bikes, ox carts and the famous boulder beaches |
| Private islands | Honeymoons, total seclusion | One island, one resort, untouched reefs |
The inner islands are linked by fast ferries and 15-minute flights, so moving between them is easy. A common plan is three nights on Mahé, four on Praslin and three on La Digue, then fly home — or finish with a few nights on a private island such as North, Frégate, Denis or Desroches.
Things to do
- Vallée de Mai — Praslin’s UNESCO-listed palm forest, home of the coco de mer and the rare black parrot.
- Anse Source d’Argent — La Digue’s boulder beach, best at low tide in the early morning.
- Giant tortoises on Curieuse — a boat trip from Praslin, with snorkelling on the way.
- Morne Seychellois National Park — hiking trails on Mahé with views across the islands.
- Victoria market — one of the world’s smallest capitals, with its colourful market and clock tower.
- Snorkelling and diving — the best visibility is between the trade winds in April–May and October–November.
When to go
The Seychelles is warm all year, around 28–31°C. April–May and October–November are usually the calmest, clearest months. June to September is drier and breezier, with seaweed on some south-east-facing beaches, and December to March is hotter, more humid and wetter. The islands lie largely outside the cyclone belt.
Getting there and entry
There are no direct flights from the UK at present; one-stop flights via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Istanbul take about 12–14 hours, which makes a Gulf stopover easy to add. UK passport holders don’t need a visa but must apply online for a Seychelles Travel Authorisation before flying (a fee applies) and show a return ticket and accommodation booking. Check the FCDO travel advice for the Seychelles.
Money and local charges
The Seychelles rupee is the local currency; euros, US dollars and cards are widely accepted at hotels. A tourism environmental levy is charged per person per night and paid locally — from about SCR 25 to SCR 100 depending on the size of the hotel, with children under 12 exempt. We show it before you book.
Food and drink
Seychellois Creole cooking is a highlight: grilled fish with lime, octopus curry, breadfruit chips and fresh tropical fruit. Look out for beach-shack lunches on Praslin and La Digue, and the Creole buffets many hotels hold once a week.
Ask us to plan your island-hopping →
Frequently asked questions
Which Seychelles islands are best?
Mahé, Praslin and La Digue for a first visit, three or four nights each. A private island makes a special finale.
When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?
April–May and October–November are usually the calmest and clearest months, ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Can you fly direct to the Seychelles from the UK?
Not at present. Most travellers fly with one stop via the Gulf or Istanbul, about 12–14 hours in total.
Do I need anything to enter the Seychelles?
No visa, but a Seychelles Travel Authorisation applied for online before you fly, plus proof of a return flight and accommodation.
Are there local charges?
Yes, a tourism environmental levy per person per night, paid locally, from about SCR 25 to SCR 100 depending on the hotel size.
Planning a Seychelles holiday?
Tell us your dates and the kind of stay you want, and we will build the island-hopping around you, flights and ferries included.
