The idea to go crazy in Seychelles was originally said as a joke. But eventually it came true! Accomplices in this madness along with a friendly couple of ours, Liana and Antonis, we found ourselves, one evening in August, at the Eleftherios Venizelos airport bound for the island of Mahe in the Seychelles. Our trip lasted a total of 10 hours, flying with Ethiopian Airlines (cost of 620€ per person round-trip), with an intermediate stop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After 10 hours of flight, we started seeing, from above, green lands and clear blue waters. Fatigue was lost and the excitement started to be painted on our faces. The 10 days that followed in the Seychelles were simply unique. A beautiful destination of absolute freedom & adventure.
Mahe Island
First of all, let me tell you that the Seychelles is a group of 115 islands, of which only 33 are habitable. We only managed to go to three of them, the closest ones. The largest island in area is Mahe with Victoria as its capital. We stayed there only 3 days in total. We didn’t want to experience the bustling capital, but to get lost in the immense silence and beauty of the other 2 islands.
What to find on Mahe Island
In general, Seychelles is a very expensive destination, as most products are imported. In the capital, however, you can find lower prices, since everything arrives there first. Thus, you will generally find much better prices on souvenirs, supermarket products and rum. You will also find exchange offices to change your Euro into Seychelles Rupees at a very good price. Mahe is also home to the «Τakamaka», rum distillery, a great place to take a tour for just 10€ per person, try rum, have lunch and take a tour to its lush garden. In addition, you can visit the tea factory and buy vanilla tea, which is one of their most famous local products. Finally, it is worth visiting the Hindu temple that exists near the central market of the city of Victoria.
As far as the island’s beaches is concerned, the most beautiful ones are located in the southwest section of the island, with Anse Beau Vallon and Anse Intendance fighting with each other for the first position in our heart. Of course, to explore the island you most certainly need to rent a car, with a cost from 60€ per day and a minimum of 2-day rent (No company will rent you for only 24 hours).
La Digue Island
The island La Digue is the one that will forever be in our minds and hearts. To get there you have to take the boat that departs from the port of Mahe. The route lasts approximately 1.5 hours, at a cost of 60€ per person, one way-trip. La Digue is a car-free island of just 10 km. Yes, you read it correctly! To move around you can rent a bike for 10€ /day so as to visit all the beaches of the island. There is no reason to lock the bike. You simply leave it aside, enjoy the sun, the sea and continue to the next beach. One beach competes with the other for its unparalleled beauty. At the same time, the coral reefs, the most wonderful marine ecosystems, are a must. Do not miss the opportunity to snorkel. Keep with you a mask and a respirator before your trip. Also, on this island you will see huge turtles wandering freely! Carry with you some bananas to feed them.
An unforgettable experience we had, was to follow a hiking trail with a local guide. Along the way he taught us about the various plants and trees of the jungle as well as the extra-friendly island’s spiders. He showed us how to open coconuts and remove their crumb. Finally, he taught us to work as a team so that we could go through difficult passages of the trail. The path ended at one of the most famous beaches of the island, “Anse Marron”. During the time we were given for snorkeling, we saw a baby shark literally swimming at our feet. The view is enchanting, the freedom real, the experience unique!
Praslin Island
With a heavy heart we said goodbye to La Digue and travelled by boat, once more, to Praslin Island. The route takes 15 minutes and costs 14€ per person, one way-trip. Praslin is a green cosmopolitan island, more than La Digue but less bustling than Mahe. The distances here are long, so renting a car is essential. The most beautiful beaches of the island are “Anse Lazio” and “Anse Georgette”. In order to visit the second one, you need a permit from the Resort which expands all around the area and accepts only 30 visitors per day. It’s not a difficult process, of course, as they gladly accept you with just an email. To find out more about it, contact us here. On Praslin Island, it is worth spending a day to visit 2 islands across, CURIEUSE island & ST PIERRE Island for snorkeling and sightseeing, with the cost of 45€ per person for about 6 hours.
In Seychelles one thing is certain. You will live days of freedom, you will be moved by the beauty and tranquility of the place and its people. You will also drink a lot of “Takamaka” rum and make new friends, as the locals are very friendly and cheerful. You will be enchanted by the sunsets. You will chill a lot, as the pace of life is very relaxing. Surely, you will lose yourself on a beach and generally you will be impressed by the greatness of nature!
How can anyone not long to return to the enchanting Seychelles?
Read also: La Digue Island: A paradise on earth that you must visit!
