Seychelles Islands Seychelles Seychelles Islands located in the Indian Ocean, is a group of about 115 small islands, the main islands are Mah�, Praslin and La Digue. Victoria is the capital of Seychelles islands located in Mah�. It is located about 1600 km from the east coast of Africa. The three main islands are all out of granite, the others are coral atolls. The first who visited the island were the Arabs. In 1505 the island appeared on the Portuguese charts, Mah� de Labourdonnais, who was been the French Governor of Mauritius island, sent in 1742 an expedition to the Seychelles islands. The French took possession of Seychelles islands 1756. From this date until 1903 the Seychelles colony was a dependency of Mauritius, which passed from the French to the British in 1814. In August 1903 Seychelles became a separate British Crown colony. In 1976 the Seychelles became an independent republic within the Commonwealth.

The president holds executive power, the national assembly controls the legislation, it comprises of 34 members. President and National assembly are subject to election every five years.The languages spoken in Seychelles are English, French and Seselwa Creol.Seychelles islands is a paradise, it has been preserved as natural as possible with its flora and fauna, white sand beach and a blue lagoon. Victoria - Seychelles Travel Guide Seychelles Travel Guide Victoria The capital city of the Seychelles Islands The lovely region of the Seychelles Islands and the capital also well known as Victoria or Port Victoria and are situated on the island of Mahé. It is a very popular international destination. A few centuries it was a settlement site under French colonial rule, the British consequently took over in the year 1811. The capital city was named for Queen Victoria of England. The main attraction of the metropolis is a clock tower modeled similar to the Little Ben clock tower outside Victoria station in London. This region is very popular amongst everyone young and old. Port of Victoria is very famous for all young and old who want to come here and have a good time with their friends and family.

As the trade and civilization Center of Seychelles Island Victoria, there is a Polytechnic Institute, teachers' preparation institute, the hospital, the national stadium, and the famous airport, which was completed in 1971. It also has a famous Post Office built in the time of the colonial age and the airport is the hub for Air Seychelles, which flies to the majority of global destinations. People from all over the world make it a point to come and stay here and enjoy time with their family. This region has prime exports comprising of vanilla, coconuts, coconut oil, and tortoise shells. The majority of the inhabitants work and live in and around the region of Victoria. The places of importance are the botanical gardens, the museums, and the Sir Selwyn Clarke marketplace. The markets are abundant and there are local bargains for fresh fruit, vegetables and fish. These things are priced very attractively and visitors do not need to shell out a big amount so there is little danger of spending too much. An Indian Ocean earthquake occurred in the year of 2004 and shattered one of the major bridges in Victoria. The buses are accessible and are comfortable, though unbalanced.

The most popular conventional and reasonably priced mode of transport is a bicycle, which is accessible for a rental fee in the majority local shops. Before hiring a taxi, one has to barter in order to get the good deal on fare charges. The greenery of this place is very good and full of fun, and people can have a great time. During the time of year when the tourists spend their time enjoying the sunshine and the waters, there are also a number of water sports and one can go fishing and play golf. Without question the premiere attraction here is diving. The island of Seychelles has one of the most multicolored undersea landscapes in the world, with charming and multicolored flora, and the amazingly wrought and tinted species of fish. A number of the most attractive places are the Trois. There are many good places to enjoy and have fun with your friends and family. People come here and enjoy having fun and playing games; there is something for everyone. Families can also rent an apartment, which is much more economical than a hotel room. The Seychelles is a collection 115 islands stretching 1.500 kilometers (932 mi) from the Eastern coast of Africa to the middle of Indian Ocean.

The islands are a coral atoll. Unlike other similar formations, this land is not volcanic. According to scientific research, the island is the peak of a giant undersea plain, which was cut down off the rim of India about 60 million years ago. Huge areas of sand, an area of plateaus and mountains constitute the land that includes a good deal of forest with diverse plants and fauna. The scenery here is amazing and people enjoy it a great deal. Climate The climate is equatorial and extremely moist. The bulk of the rainfall comes by the commencement of the year. Average temperatures are 28º C (82.4º F) and the standard humidity is 75%. This climate is one of the best you get and people do fall in love with it. The Seychelles is a great destination to get away from your troubles any time of the year. Choosing when to come is up to the traveler. Arriving in the months coinciding with the commencement and the conclusion of the trade winds is perfect for those who like windsurfing and marine activities. For sun worshippers the best season is flanked by March and November. So that is why it is sensible to book your housing and air transportation early.

You can also find many good travel deals on the Internet. The Indian Ocean & It's Islands - worldfactsinc worldfactsinc The Indian Ocean & It's Islands The Indian Ocean is the world's third largest body of water at 73,556,000 square kilometers with a volume of 292,131,000 cubic kilometers. The Indian Ocean separates the continent of Africa to it's west, from the continent of Australia to it's east and borders the continent of Asia to it's north and the Antarctic to it's south. The waters of the Indian Ocean meet the Atlantic Ocean at the point of the 20th meridian east - the nearest land point being Cape Agulhas, Western Cape, South Africa - and from the waters of the Pacific Ocean at 146.55 meridian east, the nearest land point being the Indonesian Archipelago. The sea bed of the ocean is home to the area where the African, Indian and Antarctic continental plates meet, at the point known as the Rodriguez Point.

The Indian Ocean has been classified as the earth's warmest sea, the earth's youngest sea and also harbours an area with the world's saltiest waters, at the point where it meets with the Arabian Sea, with a water salinity level of between 32 - 37 parts per 1000. The ocean's deepest point is situated at the point of the Diamantha Trench, at 8,047 meters deep. The ocean feeds The Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman by way of the Strait of Hormuz, The Great Australian Bight and the Gulf of Aden. The Ocean also includes The Mozambique Channel, The Gulf of Mannar, The Bab al Mandeb, The Bay of Bengal, the Red Sea, the Loccadive Sea, the Andaman Sea and the Arabian Sea. The ocean is also artificially linked to the man - made Suez Canal via the Red Sea. The ocean borders forty three countries on three continents, 15 in Africa, 22 in Asia and 6 in Oceania.

Major port cities on the Indian Ocean include Singapore, the largest on the ocean, Mumbai in India, Aden in the Yemen, Durban in South Africa, Muscat in Oman, Jakarta in Indonesia and Perth in Western Australia. LARGEST ISLANDS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN The Indian Ocean is home to hundreds of islands, the ten largest of which are; Madagascar - Independent Republic - 587,713 sq km - Capital, Antanarivo. Sri Lanka - Independent Republic - 65,610 sq km - Capital, Kotte. Grande Terre - Largest island of the Kurguelen Island Group, which are an overseas territory of France - 6,675 sq km. Socratra - Region of Yemen - 3,796 sq km - Capital, Hadibo. Zanzibar - Region of Tanzania - 2,643 sq km - Capital, Zanzibar City. Reunion - An Overseas Territory of France - 2,512 sq km - Capital, St Denis. Mauritius - Independent Republic - 2,040 sq km - Capital, St Louis.

South Andaman Island - Largest island of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands - Region of India - 1,348 sq km. Grande Comore - Largest island of the Republic of the Comoros - 1,148 sq km. Great Nicobar Island - Second largest island of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands - Region of India - 1,045 sq km. ISLAND GROUPS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN The Indian Ocean is home to hundreds of island groups including; The Andaman & Nicobar Islands - Region of India - 8,249 sq km - Capital, Port Blair. The Cocos Keeling Islands & Christmas Island - Australian overseas territory - 149 sq km. The Comoros - Independent island republic - 2,235 sq km - Capital, Moroni. The Chagos Archipelago - British Indian Ocean Territory - 544,000 sq km - Main island, Diego Garcia. The Kurguelen Islands - Overseas Territory of France - 7,215 sq km - Capital, Port Aux France.

The Lakshadweep Islands - Region of India - 32 sq km - Capital, Andrott. The Maldives - Independent island republic - 298 sq km - Capital, Male. The Seychelles. - Independent island republic - 451 sq km - Capital, Victoria. INDIAN OCEAN ISLAND MAPS Shown below are maps of the Indian Ocean's six major island groups of the Chagos Archipelago, Christmas Island, the Cocos Keeling Islands, the Comoros, the Maldives and the Seychelles. THE CHAGOS ARCHIPELAGO The Chagos Archipelago was discovered by the Portuguese in 1512, claimed by France in 1793 and ceded to Mauritius in 1903 before eventually being purchased by the British government in 1968, where the archipelago then became known as the British Indian Ocean Territory.

By 1971 the entire archipelago had been depopulated by the British government in order to lease the archipelago's Diego Garcia Island to the American military, where the Americans operate a naval support base known as Camp Justice, complete with an air base, a submarine base, a high frequency global communications facility, a deep space surveillance system and a vast fuel storage area. Geographically the archipelago, which lies 500 kilometers due south of the island Republic of the Maldives, consists of one thousand coral atolls which cover an area of 544,000 square kilometers which also includes the world's largest living coral structure, the 12,000 square kilometer Great Chagos Bank and the world's richest, healthiest and most ecologically sound shallow water reef ecosystem, which was designated as the world's largest no take marine environment in 2010.

Victoria | Define Victoria at Dictionary.com Share Victoria [vik-tawr-ee-uh, -tohr-; for 3 also Spanish beek-taw-ryah] /vɪkˈtɔr i ə, -ˈtoʊr-; for 3 also Spanish bikˈtɔ ryɑ/ Spell the ancient Roman goddess of victory, identified with the Greek goddess Nike. 2. 1819–1901, queen of Great Britain 1837–1901; empress of India 1876–1901. 3. Guadalupe [gwahd-l-oop,, -oo-pee;; Spanish gwah-th ah-loo-pe] /ˌgwɑd lˈup,, -ˈu pi;; Spanish ˌgwɑ ðɑˈlu pɛ/ (Show IPA), (Manuel Félix Fernández) 1789–1843, Mexican military and political leader: first president of the republic 1824–29. 4.

Tomás Luis de [taw-mahs lwees de] /tɔˈmɑs lwis dɛ/ (Show IPA), 1548–1611, Spanish composer. 5. Also called Hong Kong , Xianggang . a seaport in and the capital of the Hong Kong colony, on the N coast of Hong Kong island, facing the seaport of Kowloon. 6. a state in SE Australia. 87,884 sq. mi. (227,620 sq. km). Capital: Melbourne. a seaport in and the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island, in SW Canada. 8. a city in S Texas. 9. a former name of Nyanda . 10. a port in and the capital of the Seychelles. 11. Lake. Also called Victoria Nyanza . a lake in E central Africa, in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya: second largest freshwater lake in the world; source of the White Nile. About 26,828 sq. mi. (69,485 sq. km). 12.

Mount, a mountain on E New Guinea, in SE Papua New Guinea, in the Owen Stanley Range. 13,240 feet (4036 meters). 13. (lowercase) a low, light, four-wheeled carriage with a calash top, a seat for two passengers, and a perch in front for the driver. 14. (lowercase) an open touring car having a folding top that usually covers only the rear seat. 15. noun 1. a British crown colony comprising Hong Kong island (29 sq. mi.; 75 sq. km), Kowloon peninsula, nearby islands, and the adjacent mainland in SE China (New Territories) reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. 404 sq. mi. (1046 sq. km). Capital: Victoria. noun, (used with a plural verb) 1. a republic consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, NE of Madagascar: a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 175 sq. mi. (455 sq. km). Capital: Victoria. a province in W Canada on the Pacific coast. 366,255 sq. mi.

(948,600 sq. km). Capital: Victoria. Examples from the Web for Victoria Expand Contemporary Examples Closely resembling the Autobot Optimus Prime, Brady's look was created by Martin Izquierdo, Victoria Secret's costumer. A Boy's Voyage Round the World The Son of Samuel Smiles The constitutional history of Victoria affords a curious illustration of what will certainly happen in Ireland. British Dictionary definitions for Victoria Expand noun 1. a light four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a folding hood, two passenger seats, and a seat in front for the driver 2. (Brit) Also called victoria plum. a large sweet variety of plum, red and yellow in colour 3. any South American giant water lily of the genus Victoria, having very large floating leaves and large white, red, or pink fragrant flowers: family Nymphaeaceae Word Origin C19: all named after Queen Victoria Victoria1 noun 1. a state of SE Australia: part of New South Wales colony until 1851; semiarid in the northwest, with the Great Dividing Range in the centre and east and the Murray River along the N border. Capital: Melbourne.

Pop: 4 947 985 (2003 est). Area: 227 620 sq km (87 884 sq miles) 2. Lake Victoria, Victoria Nyanza, a lake in East Africa, in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, at an altitude of 1134 m (3720 ft): the largest lake in Africa and second largest in the world; drained by the Victoria Nile. Area: 69 485 sq km (26 828 sq miles) 3. a port in SW Canada, capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island: founded in 1843 by the Hudson's Bay Company; made capital of British Columbia in 1868; university (1963). Pop: 288 346 (2001) 4. the capital of the Seychelles, a port on NE Mahé. Pop: 25 500 (2004 est) 5.

an urban area in S China, part of Hong Kong, on N Hong Kong Island: financial and administrative district; university (1911); the name tends not to be used officially since reunification of Hong Kong with China in 1997 6. Mount Victoria, a mountain in SE Papua New Guinea: the highest peak of the Owen Stanley Range. Height: 4073 m (13 363 ft) Victoria2 noun 1. 1819–1901, queen of the United Kingdom (1837–1901) and empress of India (1876–1901). She married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1840). Her sense of vocation did much to restore the prestige of the British monarchy 2. (Spanish) (bikˈtorja). Tomás Luis de. ?1548–1611, Spanish composer of motets and masses in the polyphonic style Victoria3 the Roman goddess of victory Greek counterpart Nike British Columbia noun 1.

a province of W Canada, on the Pacific coast: largely mountainous with extensive forests, rich mineral resources, and important fisheries. Capital: Victoria. Pop: 4 196 383 (2004 est). Area: 930 532 sq km (359 279 sq miles) BC Hong Kong noun 1. a Special Administrative Region of China, in the south of the country, with some autonomy; formerly a British Crown Colony: consists of Hong Kong Island, leased by China to Britain from 1842 until 1997, Kowloon Peninsula, Stonecutters Island, the New Territories (mainland), leased by China in 1898 for a 99-year period, and over 230 small islands; important entrepôt trade and manufacturing centre, esp for textiles and other consumer goods; university (1912). It retains its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar. Administrative centre: Victoria. Pop: 7 182 724 (2013 est). Area: 1046 sq km (404 sq miles) 2.

an island in Hong Kong region, south of Kowloon Peninsula: contains the capital, Victoria. Pop: 1 337 800 (2001). Area: 75 sq km (29 sq miles) Seychelles plural noun 1. a group of volcanic islands in the W Indian Ocean: taken by the British from the French in 1744: became an independent republic within the Commonwealth in 1976, incorporating the British Indian Ocean Territory islands of Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches. Languages: Creole, English, and French. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: rupee. Capital: Victoria. Pop: 90 846 (2013 est). Area: 455 sq km (176 sq miles) Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.

1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for Victoria Expand fem. proper name, Latin, literally "victory" (see victory ). The Victoria cross is a decoration founded 1856 by Queen Victoria. Hong Kong from Cantonese pronunciation of Chinese Xianggang, literally "fragrant port." Perhaps so called from the scent of incense factories or opium cargoes, or from the semi-fresh waters of the bay. The word hong was the general English term for foreign trading establishments in China. Seychelles renamed 1756 in honor of French finance minister Jean Moreau de Séchelles; spelling altered 1794 by the English when they took the islands from France. Related: Seychellois.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Expand Hong Kong definition Now a special administrative region of China ; formerly a British colony, located on the south coast of China on the South China Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean . Note: China ceded the island of Hong Kong to Britain in the nineteenth century. Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, when Britain's lease expired. Note: One of the world's leading commercial centers, Hong Kong is home to many international corporate offices and a world-famous tailoring industry. China has given assurances that it will maintain Hong Kong's capitalistic (see capitalism ) and democratic (see democracy ) institutions. British Columbia definition Province in western Canada , bordered by Alberta to the east; Montana , Idaho , and Washington to the south; the Pacific Ocean to the west; and the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories to the north. The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Seychelle Islands - definition of Seychelle Islands by The Free Dictionary Seychelle Islands - definition of Seychelle Islands by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Seychelles Sey·chelles (sā-shĕl′, -shĕlz′) An island country in the western Indian Ocean north of Madagascar. Previously uninhabited, the islands were explored by Vasco da Gama in the early 1500s and colonized by the French in the mid-1700s. They were taken by the British in 1794, and Britain gained permanent control of them in 1814. The Seychelles were a crown colony from 1903 until 1975, when they became self-governing. Independence as a Commonwealth nation was achieved in 1976. Victoria, on Mahé Island, is the capital.

Seychelles (seɪˈʃɛl; -ˈʃɛlz) pl n (Placename) a group of volcanic islands in the W Indian Ocean: taken by the British from the French in 1744: became an independent republic within the Commonwealth in 1976, incorporating the British Indian Ocean Territory islands of Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches. Languages: Creole, English, and French. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: rupee. Capital: Victoria. Pop: 90 846 (2013 est). Area: 455 sq km (176 sq miles) Sey•chelles (seɪˈʃɛl, -ˈʃɛlz) n. (used with a pl. v.) a republic consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, NE of Madagascar: a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 79,164; 176 sq. mi. (455 sq. km). Cap.: Victoria .

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Seychelles travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC+4 The Seychelles [1] are a group of 115 islands, only a few inhabited, in the Indian Ocean that lie off the coast of East Africa , northeast of Madagascar . Understand[ edit ] The Seychelles were disputed between France and Great Britain during the age of colonialism, with Britain ending up in control in 1814 after the Napoleonic Wars. The islands achieved independence in 1976; however, free elections did not occur until 1993. The politics of this island group remain in something of a state of flux, although this should not bother the tourist seeking a relaxing beach vacation. Get in[ edit ] No visa is required, but Seychellois (pronounced se-sel-wa) authorities make sure you are not entering to stay for good. Therefore, the following items MUST be presented to the immigration officer: A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles. Your return ticket. Your hotel voucher. At least 150 USD per day. They will ask for cash, show them.

If you have credit cards, show them - you may be asked for the credit balance you have. A statement of good health and a statement that you are not importing plants or infected animals (The flight attendants in your flight will provide you these papers). Visitors without pre-booked accommodation are likely to be compelled to book one at the airport for the length of their stay before being allowed to leave the airport. An initial entry permit is granted for 1 month but can be extended for a maximum of 3 months at a time up to a maximum of 1 year in total. See the official travel web-site [2] . By plane[ edit ] The only international gateway to the Seychelles is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) near Victoria . Air Seychelles [3] . International service is also available from Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines [4] ), Nairobi (Kenya Airways [5] ), Dubai (Emirates [6] ), Abu Dhabi (Etihad [7] ) and Doha (Qatar Airways [8] ), and regular charter services from Frankfurt (Condor [9] ).

Centre of Victoria By boat[ edit ] The strict controls imposed on cruising yachts in the early 1990s have been gradually lifted and rules and regulations are no longer so complicated. However, some restrictions remain in force, mostly for the sake of environmental protection as most of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs near the surface. By plane[ edit ] Air Seychelles [10] operates multiple daily flights between Mahe and Praslin. Over two dozen flights vary in frequency from 15 minute to 2 hour intervals, depending on time of day. On Mahe the flights depart from the modest domestic terminal, located just next to the international terminal. The tiny airport on Praslin is modern and comfortable. Air Seychelles also operates once daily or several times per week between Mahe and the islands of Bird, Denis, Fregate, Desroches and Alphonse. Assumption Island and Coetivy can be reached by air charter. By helicopter[ edit ] Zil Air provides charter helicopter flights to/from most of the inner and outer Seychelles islands. It is the only scenic flight operator in the Seychelles.

Scenic flights can be booked to cover the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the surrounding smaller islands of (among others) Cousine, Félicité, Grande Seour, Curieuse and Bird Island. By boat[ edit ] As of June 2013, online bookings and e-ticketing has been made possible for trusted ferry operators in the Seychelles by Seychellesbookings. Cat Cocos and Inter Island ferry offer their routes between Praslin, Mahe and La Digue through this site, making live seat availability and reservation accessible online for the first time. They also offer a range of discounts on Island accommodation, restaurants and activities to complement ferry bookings. Cat Cocos operates 2 catamaran ferries (With a 3rd ferry coming into service in 2013) serving multiple daily crossings between Mahe and Praslin and a daily crossing extension to La Digue. The sailing normally takes one hour. Non residents should budget roughly between €90 and €100 per person (price at July 2013) for a same day return ticket from Mahe to Praslin.

Tickets can be purchased from the Cat Cocos office, opposite the pier, on the same day before travel subject to availability. Alternatively, e-tickets can be purchased online at Seychellesbookings. Similarly, Inter Island Ferry operate a route betwen Praslin and La Digue with 8 daily departures taking only 15mins in crossing time. Tickets cost around €15 for an adult single, and can be purchased at the office or online with Seychellesbookings. Most arrivals at Praslin are timed to coincide with Cat Cocos departures to Mahe. Belle Serafina, a small schooner ferry makes the passage between Mahe and Praslin or La Digue in 3-4 hours, usually departing weekdays shortly around 12 from Mahe and heading back at 5AM from La Digue to Mahe. In November 2013 the price for the passage was 20 euros. Schedules and routing need to be confirmed by phone.

It is also possible to take small boats from Mahe direct to La Digue, although departures can be unreliable, there is limited wet weather cover and the journey takes about 3 hours (but that's cheaper than an Indian Ocean Island cruise!) By car[ edit ] Driving in Seychelles is on the left side of the road. The roads on Mahe are low-traffic, mountainous, narrow roads, so caution is generally advised. The roads usually have steep drops or low walls on the side instead of curbs, which can make driving on the narrow roads stressful, especially if driving a large vehicle. If you are used to driving on the right and you arrive on Mahe seriously jet lagged, a taxi to the hotel may be a good idea, even if you eventually plan to rent a car. There are also few places where one could pull over to admire the view, study the map or such. Whenever you see a combination of wide curb and an interesting stop, you should take advantage of the situation. The traffic situations on the roads can change rapidly. There are no sidewalks, so keep your eyes open for pedestrians.

Also you should know that even on narrow winding mountain roads a buss or a truck might be coming at you just behind the next tight turn. Keep to the left and slow down whenever a hairy situation develops. Around Victoria you should also be prepared for sudden traffic jams. Having a car is really a good idea and makes life much more simple. For as little as 100 rupees worth of gas you can see the entire island of Mahe in a couple of days, including stops at beaches and whatever else catches your eye. There is free parking in 'downtown' Victoria on Mahe, and if you go with a B&B or self-catering option for accommodations its by far the easiest way to pick up groceries. A car will also allow you access to the stores where locals do their regular shopping, and the prices are more reasonable as compared to the small convenience stores along the beaches. You can only rent on Mahé and Praslin. You can find a small car (eg: Hyundai Atos) for around €35-€45 per day, but keep in mind that renters must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have at least three years of driving experience.

There are several car hire counters outside the arrivals hall at Mahe international airport, which provides a convenient way to compare prices. Prices can be negotiated, with the better rate available for rental periods of 3 consecutive days or more. The 'excess' payable by the customer in the event of a claim, ranges from €300 to €1000 depending on the company, so choose carefully and ask the right questions. Taxis are a popular means of transportation for both short trips and day rental and can be obtained almost anywhere. Taxi prices for non-residents (approx. 20 rupees/1.3Euros per km as of Sept 2010) on a relatively long trip, can easily exceed the cost of hiring a small car for a day. By bus[ edit ] Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) runs daily bus services on the islands of Praslin and Mahe from morning to evening on nearly every available road on the island. The bus usually passes by every 15 minutes. Although the bus will get you there, the schedules aren't tight and the drivers are a bit bold on the very narrow roads if you're a nervous passenger.

Climate[ edit ] Seychelles is hot and humid, with an average yearly temperature of 84°F (29°C), and average sea temperature rarely dropping below 81°F (27°C). However, the heat is usually mitigated by refreshing sea breezes, especially by the beaches. The cooler season in Seychelles is during the southeast monsoon season (May to September) and the warmer season is during the northwest monsoon (November to March). April and October are "changeover months" between the two monsoons, when the wind is variable. The northwest monsoon season tends to be warmer with more rain, while the southeast monsoon season is usually drier and cooler. Talk[ edit ] Languages spoken in the Seychelles are Seychellois Creole , English and French . With the smallest ability in French or English you'll be able to get around just fine, and a little effort, even a few basic phrases, will assist. Culture[ edit ] Seychelles is not well-known as culture destination, but those who spend their entire vacation on the beach do miss out on several interesting sights.

The Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple in Victoria is the centre of Hinduism on the islands. The temple is beautifully decorated and the ceremonies of the temple are interesting to see. Visitors are welcome, and discreet photography is allowed. Footwear should be removed and left in the vestibule. Please turn off your phone and avoid loud talking. Seychelles Natural History Museum in Victoria is small, inexpensive and interesting. Visitors will learn about the unique nature and geology of the islands. The ruined youth village of Cap Ternay is located at the end of a narrow one lane road on Mahe. This quiet and eerily beautiful place is best enjoyed by those who spend a bit of time beforehand reading about the site's history. Nature[ edit ] Vallee de Mai on Praslin is a national park and world heritage site, home to amazing flora and fauna, including the world's largest seed: the coco de mer. The remote paths far from the entrance are less crowded and offer the best views, but can be rough and steep. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. It is also a good idea to start the visit with a guided tour so that you can fully appreciate the unique features of the park.

Entrance fee: Free for residents, 315 rupees (~20Euros) for foreigners (Sept 2010). Beaches on the Seychelles also good for activities other than swimming and tanning. Especially during low tide one can spot interesting wildlife there. Find a deserted beach and move quietly, and you may be rewarded by sightings of ghost crabs, leaping blennys, flying fish and many other species. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Visit the beaches. Many of the beaches are untouched by man's influence and are refreshingly uncrowded. They offer clear blue skies and a tranquility you will rarely find. A hike along the coastline from Beau Vallon to Anse Major will take about 1.5-2 hours and your reward will be a small deserted beach that's fit for a king. The scenery along the hike is breathtaking. Not all beaches are suitable for swimming depending on the time of year, due to the seasonal winds. Do not ignore warning signs indicating that a beach is hazardous for swimming, no matter how it seems to you. The conditions on the beaches depend on the strength and direction of wind, absence or presence of a protective reef and the tide.

One should not worry, however, because Seychelles has beaches in abundance, and if the conditions on one beach are not good, a perfect beach may be only 5 minutes drive away. Aldabra Atoll: The world's largest coral atoll that stretches about 22 miles east to west and encloses a huge tidal lagoon. Aldabra is the original home of the giant land tortoise and tiger sharks and manta rays can also often be seen here. Watersports: The warm Indian Ocean waters make Seychelles the perfect place for the water enthusiasts. Explore on board a yacht, power boat, catamaran or sailboat. Windsurfing is also popular and the best time for this activity is usually around May then in October, at the start and end of the trade winds. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing are also extremely popular and can be done almost anywhere in Seychelles. Baie Ternay is superb and easily acccessible by glass bottom boat tour from Beau Vallon beach - leave yourself an empty day and walk the beach for a 'last minute' booking - great deals can be bartered.

Snorkeling (provided you have your own gear - some hotels lend masks, snorkels and fins to guests) is FREE and there are many great spots: off some of the small beaches at Glacis, past Mouse Island at Anse Royale, along the reef at Port Launay (near Ephelia Resort). Often spotted are a wide array of tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays and more! Land Sports: Golf, tennis, squash, badminton, horseback riding, biking and hiking are some of the recreational activities available on the Seychelles Islands. Bike rentals and walking tours are great ways to sightsee and since distances are relatively short and the scenery is beautiful, walking is probably the best way to see the smaller islands (La Digue, Praslin), while walking along the main road can be quite intimidating as the roads are narrow and local cars/busses drive quite quickly. On Mahe it is not advised to ride bicycles, and there are no rental shops within sight. Bird watching is also popular and the islands are home to many of the worlds most treasured and rare species of animals.

The best place to do so is Cousin Island which although only 1 km (0.6 miles) in diameter, is home to more than 300,000 birds, but many unique species can be found at ease on Mahe. Nightlife: Do not miss most popular Nightclub "Lovenut" in the centre of Victoria, 100 metres walk from central Taxi station. Also entertaining are "Tequila Boom" at (Bel Ombre) and "Katiolio" (near Anse Royale) night clubs. "Katiolio" was one of the first nightclubs to open on Mahe and boats an open-air that is directly beside the ocean. International Charter Group: [11] . Yacht charter and sailing, one of the worlds largest yacht charter companies, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to crewed in the Seychelles. Operating from nine offices worldwide (USA, Spain, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Honk Kong and Dubai). Hiking There are several maintained hiking routes on the main island of Mahe and a few on Praslin.

The Seychelles tourism office has a few descriptions of the hiking routes with maps available to be purchased. Check out openstreetmap [12] for some hiking tracks around the islands. Seychelles also has numerous markets, art galleries and shops, colonial Creole-style plantation houses, and the main island of Mahé has six museums, a botanical garden, and several national monuments. The market downtown Victoria has a good selection of local produce, and spices for sale that are all grown locally and 100% authentic. Learn[ edit ] The University of the Seychelles [13] has a medical degree for Americans. Public education has been free and mandatory for a ten years period of primary schooling, for children ages six to 16 since 1980. Primary education is followed by five years of secondary education. Seychelles does not provide education at university level, but there is a teacher training college and a polytechnic institute, and as mentioned above, the University of Seychelles - American Institute of Medicine does exist. Because of the absence of higher education facilities, many students study abroad, mostly in the United Kingdom.

Work[ edit ] Working and doing business in the Seychelles can be difficult due to the the humidity and heat. Forget about wearing a suit or anything resembling one; rather, opt for a light cotton shirt and pants. The atmosphere in the Seychelles is relaxed and it can take a lot of effort to achieve very little. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the economy. In fact, about 15 percent of the work force is directly employed in tourism, and employment in banking, transportation, construction, and other activities is closely tied to the tourist industry. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] The islands' currency is the Seychelles rupee (SCR). To get the best rates, use credit cards as much as possible, and get your cash from ATMs. However, it is also possible to buy rupees from the airport and from several banks. Credit cards and European debit cards are widely accepted, with the notable exception of gas stations. Petrol must be paid with cash. Trading in foreign currency, long illegal, was legalized in November 2008, and the currency freely floated. This has also wiped out the previously wide-spread black market, which offered up to twice the official rate.

The £ buys around 21-22 Rupees on Jan 2012. Shopping[ edit ] The best place for shopping is Victoria, the capital, and more specifically the market at the city centre. There are also a few outlets on the island, Praslin, but few shopping areas on the other islands. Larger hotels have boutiques but shopping in Seychelles is not one of the major attractions. Small grocery stores, usually run by the Indian community, are found all over the islands. These are, however, not particularly cheap, and have little or no local flavor. If doing self catering, the large hypermarket at the outskirts of Victoria is an option. The supermarket is boring, but also efficient and inexpensive. While visiting, be sure to buy the classic and traditional Seychelles souvenir, the coco-de-mer, or the 'nut of the sea,' a nut from trees native to the islands in the Seychelles - but this requires an export licence. Other locally made souvenirs, although not as unique, can be purchased like sea shell and pearl jewellery, textiles and straw hats, in addition to needlework & crochet, paintings by local artists and woodwork.

Tipping[ edit ] Most service providers already include a service charge of 5% - 10%. Tipping is not obligatory in the Seychelles, however, any extra change is greatly appreciated. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Seychellois cuisine has been greatly influenced by the islands' rich cultures. Creole cooking, varied seafood dishes, coconuts and curries are the most popular. The main product of the country, fish, is cooked in a variety of ways. Especially the red snapper is very tasty and well known to visitors. Cheapest food: Collect coconuts on the beach and learn how to open their terrible cover (not the shell, that's easy; they have a thick cover of natural fibres; to open it: hit the coconut very strongly many times on the edges, sooner or later the fibres break up). Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Seychelles offers a fantastic nightlife scene that caters to tourists. The active nightlife is mostly located around the larger hotels and in addition to theatres, cinemas and discos, there are numerous fun and trendy restaurants.

If you enjoy a good beer you must try the local Seybrew beer, it tastes similar to a light Bavarian style beer and is a must to get you through those balmy days. You can save yourself a packet buying the beer from stores on the side of the road like the locals do rather than from hotels. A dark Takamaka Rum on the beach under the stars is the best way to end a day on the Seychelles. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] The Seychelles are not tolerant of backpackers turning up at the airport without accommodation booked. In such a situation, you will likely be taken to a counter where you will have to book & pay for accommodation for the duration of your trip before being allowed through immigration. Visitors need to provide details of their accommodation on their landing card (Hotel Name, address, phone number), and additionally, being questioned by the immigration officer about their accommodation details ("Is your booking at hotel <x> confirmed?" etc..) Most accommodations are relatively expensive and some islands have only one hotel. In fact, some of the islands aren't even permanently inhabited and accommodation can be found on fewer than 10.

Your best bet for a budget bed is renting an apartment or bungalow, which are available at better rates. Also keep in mind that hotel prices greatly increase and accommodation can be hard to find during the peak seasons from December to January and July to August. Holidays such as Easter can also get very busy. Most resorts can be found on the main islands of Mahe and Praslin . A few (very) high end ones, like the North Island , have their own private islands. Additionally, you will find an array of 'small hotels' which can be ideal as a get-together venue with that special feeling of exclusiveness. AVANI Seychelles, PO Box 626, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles, ☎ +24 8 4 673 000, [14] . checkin: at 12.00 pm; checkout: at 10.00 am. The Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort and Spa is located in Mahe, Seychelles with an magnificent sea view. Ideal for couples, the resort offers beautifully designed rooms and suits for your preference.

Main resort activities include water sports, gym, horse riding and traditional cooking classes for tourists. USD 270. ((-4.683192),55.454335) edit Stay safe[ edit ] Try to avoid any dark lanes, and always be careful not to leave your bag unattended. Swimming alone on isolated beaches is not advisable. If you sail, avoid bringing valuables; if you have no choice, become adept at finding great hiding places. There is some social activity along a secondary road behind Beau Vallon beach (left from the Boathouse restaurant), but locals mostly seem content to admire their flashy cars and mostly ignore passers-by. There are newly instituted tourist police stationed at every beach on Mahe and are easily recognizable by their blue or white golf shirts, with a tourist police badge sewn on. They are very friendly and more than willing to help keep a good eye, even though you may not see them. They are honest and freely offer advice. Potential thieves are obvious (mostly due to lurking and just stand out from the locals) and tend to hide just off the beach or across the narrow streets near more out of the way beaches.

Jail terms are stiff and are strictly enforced since the island makes lots of money from tourism. Actual tourist scams are very rare, but it is advisable to check all bills at the restaurants and other establishments before paying. Stay healthy[ edit ] Chikungunya virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes, and causes flu-like symptoms. It is increasing in concern and although it is rare to die from it, the joint pain it causes can last for months. Insect repellent can help deter mosquitoes but not much else can be done as a precaution. The disease is native to East Africa and occasionally is introduced and quickly eradicated. Tap water is safe to drink on Mahe and Praslin, but water quality is variable in undeveloped areas. It is recommended to drink bottled water only and to avoid bodies of fresh water like lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. Respect[ edit ] The attitude towards manners and dressing are generally relaxed, and common sense and common courtesy are usually enough to keep one out of trouble. Shorts and T-shirts can be worn almost everywhere, although very revealing clothing, such as bikini tops, should only be worn on the beaches, especially if one is planning to visit a place of worship.

Dress shirt and long trousers are appropriate for a night out in Victoria or for a dinner in an upscale establishment. Nature is a treasured aspects of the islands. Do not litter or disturb wildlife or plants. Contact[ edit ] The Seychelles Tourism board is a great point of reference and they will be able to answer any and all questions you might have. Their website is Embassies/consulates[ edit ] There are only six embassies/High Commisions and another dozen or so consulates. The Chinese embassy is an attraction itself while the multilevel, colonial-era Victoria House on the corner of Francis Rachel & State House Streets is home to several of these consulates. Belgium, Victoria House, Victoria, ☎ 224434. edit France, Victoria House, Victoria, ☎ 382500. edit Greece, Victori, ☎ +248 373050 (fax: +248 373456). edit India, Le Chantier, ☎ 4610301. edit Mauritius, Anse aux Pins, ☎ 376441.

edit Netherlands, Glacis, ☎ 261200. edit Try Comoros , Mauritius , and Madagascar Many tourists travel to these alternative destinations because of their similarity and the fact that they do not have as high of prices for accommodation, travel and other daily expenses, which incur in Seychelles due to the island's high exclusivity. Or viewed in another perspective: The Seychelles are small disperse mountainous islands with poor transport infrastructure, prices in the tourism related industry will always remain high as the infrastructure will never be able to cope with mass tourism numbers. The common perception of Seychelles only offering an expensive accommodation, however, is an unfortunate one as you truly are likely to find accommodation to fit into almost everyone’s budget. Some establishments will offer you a double room for two persons starting at €65. At this cost you will not have many luxuries, but you will have the Creole hospitality that has made these islands so famous. Seychelles Seychelles COUNTRY OVERVIEW LOCATION AND SIZE. The Seychelles are a group of islands in the Indian Ocean about 925 kilometers (575 miles) northeast of Madagascar.

The country consists of 115 small islands with a total land area of 455 square kilometers (176 square miles) and a total coastline of 491 kilometers (305 miles). The territory of the Seychelles is about 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. The country consists of 2 groups of islands, the largest being the Mahe group in the northern part of the archipelago, comprised of 40 granite rock islands (the largest are Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette, Fregate, and North) with hilly interiors rising up to 900 meters (2,953 feet). The other group consists of about 65 small coral islands spread over a wide area of ocean south of the Mahe group. Mahe Island, with a total area of 153 square kilometers (59 square miles) is home to the capital city Victoria (pop. 40,000, 1997).

The strategic importance of the Seychelles group is derived from its location in the Indian Ocean on the sea route from South Africa to the Indian subcontinent, which was a major route before the Suez Canal was opened in 1869. POPULATION. The population of the Republic of Seychelles was estimated at 79,326 in July 2000, an increase of around 16 percent from 68,598 in 1987. In 2000 the birth rate stood at 17.99 per 1,000 and the death rate at 6.74 per 1000. The estimated population growth rate is 0.49 percent, a low rate attributed mainly to the high emigration rate of 6.3 per 1,000. Life expectancy at birth is 64.87 years for males and 76.12 years for females. It is expected that the country's population will reach 100,000 by 2020.

The diverse population is composed of 3 major ethnic groups: French settlers, freed slaves of African descent, and Indians brought to work on the plantations. Creoles (mixture of Asian, African, and European) make up 89.1 percent of the population, Indians make up 4.7 percent, and Malagasy (from Madagascar) make up 3.1 percent. There are also small minorities of Chinese (1.6 percent) and European (1.5 percent) origin. Some 29 percent of the population is below the age of 14, and 6 percent is older than 65. A majority of the country's inhabitants, 56.1 percent, lives in urban areas. Limited natural resources and scarce land forces the government of the Seychelles to limit inflow of immigrants and to control population growth. In the 1980s there was sizable emigration of the people from islands due to economic difficulties and political instability. In the early 1990s many of them returned home when the Seychelles government significantly liberalized the political and economic environment and allowed opposition parties. SERVICES TOURISM.

Since the 1970s, tourism has dominated the national economy as its single most important sector, providing direct employment (hotels and restaurants) for 3,829 people or 12.4 percent of the workforce, according to Seychelles in Figures 2000 . Including secondary employment, these figures rise to 9,797 people or 32 percent of the workforce. In 1998 an estimated 128,000 tourists visited the country, contributing SRe584 million (US$111 million) to the economy. The island nation offers a total of over 4,700 hotel rooms. The Seychelles promotes itself as the "Dream Destination," offering up-market services to international visitors seeking the charms of a tropical island paradise, mainly from France, Germany, and Britain. The government plans to redefine the national tourism strategy in 2001. FINANCIAL SERVICES. The services sector was controlled by the state throughout the 1980s, until the economic and financial liberalization in the 1990s.

The Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) is fairly efficient according to international standards, although it lacks independence from the government. The largest local bank is the Development Bank of Seychelles. In 1999 there were also 4 international banks in the country: Barclays Bank (UK), Banque Française Commerciale-Ocean Indien (France), Bank of Baroda (India), and Habib Bank (Pakistan). In 1995 the government established the Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA) and opened the Seychelles International Trade Zone (SITZ) in an attempt to develop the country as an international "offshore" financial-services center. RETAIL. The retail sector is developed to meet the demands of foreign tourists. This sector is dominated by small and medium-sized retail shops where visitors and local consumers can buy a wide variety of products and souvenirs. DEPENDENCIES Seychelles has no territories or colonies. BIBLIOGRAPHY Gabbay, Rony, and Robin N. Ghosh. Economic Development in a Small Island Economy: A Study of the Seychelles Marketing Board. Perth (Australia): Academic Press International, 1992.

Economist Intelligence Unit. Country Report: Seychelles. London: Economist Intelligence Unit, November 2000. Scarr, Deryck. Seychelles since 1770: History of a Slave and Post-Slavery Society. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press, 2000. Seychelles International Business Authority. Seychelles: Your International Business Centre. < . Accessed July 2001. Statistics and Database Administration Section MISD. Seychelles in Figures 2000. < . Accessed July 2001. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook, 2000. < . Accessed June 2001. —Alfia Abazova, MILS Victoria. MONETARY UNIT: Seychelles rupee (SRe). There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. One Seychelles rupee equals 100 cents. CHIEF EXPORTS: Fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (re-exports).

CHIEF IMPORTS: Machinery and equipment, food products, petroleum products. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT: US$590 million (purchasing power parity, 1999 est.). BALANCE OF TRADE: Seychelles - definition of Seychelles by The Free Dictionary Seychelles - definition of Seychelles by The Free Dictionary Sey·chelles (sā-shĕl′, -shĕlz′) An island country in the western Indian Ocean north of Madagascar. Previously uninhabited, the islands were explored by Vasco da Gama in the early 1500s and colonized by the French in the mid-1700s. They were taken by the British in 1794, and Britain gained permanent control of them in 1814. The Seychelles were a crown colony from 1903 until 1975, when they became self-governing. Independence as a Commonwealth nation was achieved in 1976. Victoria, on Mahé Island, is the capital.

Seychelles (seɪˈʃɛl; -ˈʃɛlz) pl n (Placename) a group of volcanic islands in the W Indian Ocean: taken by the British from the French in 1744: became an independent republic within the Commonwealth in 1976, incorporating the British Indian Ocean Territory islands of Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches. Languages: Creole, English, and French. Religion: Roman Catholic majority. Currency: rupee. Capital: Victoria. Pop: 90 846 (2013 est). Area: 455 sq km (176 sq miles) Sey•chelles (seɪˈʃɛl, -ˈʃɛlz) n. (used with a pl. v.) a republic consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, NE of Madagascar: a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 79,164; 176 sq. mi. (455 sq. km). Cap.: Victoria .

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Discover Mahe, Seychelles (with photos!) | Indian Ocean Discover Mahe, Seychelles (with photos!) Leave a comment Seychelles! The 115 scattered islands located in the northwest of the Indian Ocean form the Seychelles archipelago, a rare representation of paradise on Earth. Greeneries, coconut trees, Palm trees, endless beaches and azure lagoon characterize the Seychelles Islands and its magnificent environments. Often seen as lush and peaceful, Seychelles islands attracts travellers from around the world who in search of a relaxing vacation! With its majestic beaches, a colourful culture and its legendary hospitality, the Seychelles archipelago is outclass many other destinations in the world. Let’s discover the main island of the archipelago, Mahe. Mahé The largest Mahe of the 115 islands is also the most inhabited with a population of 78,500, representing more than 90% of the Seychellois population. With its international airport, the island is the country’s only access, any traveller will visit Mahé.

The island is home to the Victoria capital, (one of the smallest capitals in the world) the main administrative centre of the country. Mahé is the main island and connects all the other islands of the archipelago either by air or by ship stopovers and is considered as the richest and most complete of all the Seychelles archipelago, here are a few pictures of Mahé! Port Victoria Photo Nelson Tauro Symbol of a whole country, the city Victoria is visited and inhabited by a multicultural population. Also known as Port Victoria (by the Seychellois), the city very attractive and is full of religious monuments, colonial houses and museums. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market Located at the heart of Victoria, the central market (or “Bazaar” in creole) is the main attraction of the city. In a multitude of colours is gathered all the flavours and scents of the Seychelles. There is everything, from vegetables, fruit, fish and other seafood. At the stalls, you will discover enchanting characters who will tell you an anecdote or a little story before sell you their products. Another section of the market has a craft market and a few traders will delight you with their handmade souvenirs. Not to be missed!

Le Jardin du Roi “Jardin Du Roi” Spice Garden in Mahe Seychelles Not far from the capital Victoria, there is a garden with particularly exotic scents, Le Jardin du Roi, which translates as “King’s garden”. Representing an area of about 25 hectares, the garden brings together local and endemic plant species often used in creole cuisine. During a trek of an hour you will discover a range of spices and fruit in the middle of the very aromatic aisles. At the end of the course, at the top of a hill, you can enjoy a breath-taking view on the sea. The particularity of this place is that it has its own restaurant, a restaurant where they use spices and fruits found in the same garden to prepare the meals. The beaches of Mahé Although Mahe is the most populous of the Islands, it is relatively easy to find a deserted Beach to spend a good time at the seaside. Renting a car is the best solution to discover the island and beaches are not what’s missing on Mahé, there not less than fifty sublime beaches. Several internationally renowned hotels have been built their resorts in harmony with the tropical scenery of the beaches of the island.

Therefore, the traveller can at the same time enjoy a unique hospitality, the beach and all in a tropical climate. Here are five of the most beautiful beaches of the island of Mahé. Beau Vallon Located north of the island, the beach of Beau Vallon is the most appreciated by the Seychelles but is also a famous beach for tourists. The beach is long and spacious. However, it is quite busy on weekends when Seychellois gather there for family picnics. Beau Vallon beach is popular for its azure lagoon, deep water and its abundance of aquatic life, which is ideal for diving and other nautical activities such as glass-bottomed boat trips. Anse Intendance The beach of Anse Intendance is located to the south of Mahé, a beach perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean. A beach of almost a kilometre long aligning granitic rocks and coconut trees. Unlike most other beaches of Mahé, the beach of Anse Intendance has no reef, which makes the place most suitable for surfing for swimming. The beach of Anse Intendance is also very popular for sunbathing and seaside strolls.

Sunset Beach As its name suggests, this beach is coloured every evening by beautiful sunsets. If you come to Mahe for honeymoon, this beach is for you. You will enjoys stunning views of the surrounding islands including Silhouette and the North Island. The beach is wild, granitic formations wrapped by coconut trees and the turquoise lagoon amazingly tranquil. Photo credit: Juergen Feuerer The beach of Anse Major is certainly the most special of all the beaches of the island of Mahé. The only way to access it is hiking the Anse Major trail or by boat. Therefore, it is also one of the less visited beaches on the island, and if you are looking for a place out of the ordinary to spend the day, Anse Major is the place you need. Framed by ancient granitic rocks, this charming white white sand beach is a source of inspiration for any traveller! Port Launay Port Launay Marine Park Located on the northwest coast of Mahe, this beach is one of the hidden treasures of Mahé. The beach is part of a National Marine Park and is surrounded by a stunning coral reef with a variety of colourful fish.

Protected by thr reef, the beach is very quiet, which is even better to enjoy water but especially for scuba diving. The beach itself is large and abundantly lined by trees. Like any other classified National Park places in the Seychelles, it is strictly forbidden to collect corals and other sea shells. Lire cet article en Français ici It is often said that Mahe is the best place to start your holidays in the Seychelles!

Question: Victoria is the capital of which group of islands in the Indian Ocean?
Answer: THE SEYCHELLES