Mahe Island © Angelo Cavalli / STMA

Despite the fact that it is heavily populated and well-developed, the island of Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles archipelago, contains plenty of hidden treasures, not least of which is a legendary pirate's cache purportedly buried at Bel Ombre. The southern end of the island still sports deserted beaches, and even the busy northern urban enclave, which includes the international airport and capital city, Victoria, exudes laid-back charm.

Forming the backbone of the island is a spectacular mountain range that includes Morne Seychellois, the island's highest peak. Around the peak is one of the island's beautiful national parks, offering good hiking and stunning scenery. More than 60 idyllic beaches fringed with swaying palm trees can be found along the shoreline, offering a host of activities from excellent dive centres to various watersports operators. There are several interesting sights to see, particularly in friendly Victoria. Although not renowned for its nightlife, Mahé is the liveliest island after dark and resorts like the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort and Casino, several nightclubs and restaurants that serve up traditional Creole delights provide the evening entertainment.

Attractions

Beau Vallon Bay

The mile long beach encircling beautiful Beau Vallon Bay on the northern coast of Mahé Island is the most popular beach resort area in the Seychelles, boasting several hotels and a selection of dive and watersport centres. Beau Vallon also has a number of dive sites within the bay, including two wrecks and several coral reefs. The Marine Park of Bay Ternay is also easily accessible from the bay.

National Botanical Gardens

An oasis of green shade, ideal for a stroll, the century-old Botanical Gardens at the south end of Victoria extend for six hectares (15 acres), planted with a wide variety of indigenous and exotic trees, including the Seychelles islands' unique 'coco de mer' palms. The orchid garden is particularly lovely. There is a restaurant and souvenir shop in the Gardens.

Address: Mont Fleuri Road, next to the hospital entrance, Victoria; Telephone: 670 500; E-mail: boga@seychelles.net; Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm; Admission: €5; residents are free

National Museum of History

Step back into the days of the buccaneers at the Seychelles National Museum of History, which features excellent displays of historic artefacts relating to the cultural and natural history of the islands. Exhibits include a range of interesting objects from shipwreck salvage, coral, voodoo dolls and old household objects to items that belonged to well-known pirates in days of old.

Address: National Library Building, Francis Rachel Street, Victoria; Telephone: 32 13 33; E-mail: seymus@seychelles.net; Opening time: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6.30pm, Saturday 8.30am to 12pm; Admission: SR10; residents receive concessionary rates

Seychelles Natural History Museum

Located in the centre of Victoria, the Seychelles Natural History Museum features some fascinating exhibits like the bones of an extinct type of crocodile, a shipwreck, various stuffed animals and other curiosities of the natural world.

Address: Independence Avenue, next to the Post Office, Victoria; Telephone: 32 13 33; E-mail: seymus@seychelles.net; Opening time: Open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 4.30pm; Friday and Saturday 8.30am to 12pm; Admission: SR10 (adults), free for children. Guided visits SR20, Concessions for residents

Victoria

Having the dubious honour of being the smallest capital city in the world, Victoria can also be considered one of the quaintest and most charming, easily explored on foot. The best place to soak up the friendly atmosphere is at the busy daily market (closed on Sundays), where local crafts are on sale along with fish, fruit and vegetables. A hint of French and British colonial days still remains, reflected in buildings like the courthouse and main post office. Among the colourful houses there is also a cathedral and a clock tower built as a copy of the one housing Big Ben in London. The city is also something of an art centre, and works by local artists are popular buys at local galleries.

Excursions

Events

Creole Festival

During the last week of October each year the Seychelles capital, Victoria, becomes a gaily decorated party town for the celebration of the annual Creole festival. Music, dancing and dramatic productions are staged and local art and crafts displayed and sold.

Date: 24-31 October 2008; Website: www.seychelles.net/festivalkreol

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