There’s beautiful… and then there’s Seychelles. I’ve traveled all over the world, but few places have left me as speechless as this Indian Ocean paradise. Giant granite boulders rising out of crystal-clear water, beaches that feel like they belong on another planet, and palm trees that look straight out of a painting.
But it’s not just about the beaches (though trust me, they’re next-level). It’s the wild jungle trails, the slow island rhythms, and the surreal sense that you’ve stumbled into somewhere that hasn’t changed in centuries.
After exploring several islands, hopping between hidden coves and lush mountain viewpoints, I’ve put together this list of the 12 most jaw-droppingly beautiful places in Seychelles. These are the spots that made me stop, stare, and seriously consider never going home!
The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Seychelles
Eager to explore Seychelles’ most breathtaking spots? This destination in Africa has a little something for everyone, so continue reading to uncover its awe-inspiring landscapes.
Whether you’re in search of picturesque urban scenes and cultural landmarks or you’re more inclined towards a tranquil retreat amidst nature, Seychelles has got you covered. Here are the must-visit locations in the Seychelles that you should have on your radar:
1. Anse Intendance
- 📍 Location: South coast of Mahé Island
- 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄, wild beach lovers 🌊, turtle watchers 🐢
- 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing the waves, spotting nesting turtles, walking the full length of the untouched shoreline
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for bigger waves and fewer crowds 🌥️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Cheval Blanc Seychelles – Ultra-luxury beachfront resort located right on Anse Intendance
Anse Intendance feels raw in the best way. No coral reef here means bigger waves and a wilder coastline, which is rare for Seychelles. Surfers love it when the swells roll in, but even if you’re not riding waves, the setting is worth the trip.
The sand is soft and white, and the bay curves just enough to make every photo look like a screensaver. If you visit between October and January, keep an eye out for sea turtles nesting in the sand. It’s quiet, unspoiled, and usually uncrowded.
Swimming can get rough, so this spot is more about soaking in the view, catching some sun, and feeling like you’ve found a secret. There are no shops or vendors nearby, so come prepared with water and snacks. Anse Intendance keeps it wild, and that’s exactly the point.
2. Anse Lazio
- 📍 Location: Northwest coast of Praslin Island
- 🏆 Best For: Sunset chasers 🌅, snorkelers 🐠, beach photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling near granite boulders, lounging under takamaka trees, watching the sky explode at sunset
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for calmer water and less humidity 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Anse Lazio Lodge – Simple beachfront guesthouse just a few minutes’ walk from the sand
Anse Lazio is as picture-perfect as beaches get. Think turquoise water, powdery sand, and huge granite boulders that look like they were dropped there by accident. It’s a dream for anyone with camera or a pair of goggles.
Snorkel the edges near the rocks where the fish hang out, or swim straight out into clear, open water. The beach is long enough to find your own quiet spot, even when it’s busy.
Shade is easy to find under the takamaka trees lining the back of the beach, and there are a few casual snack spots nearby if you didn’t pack lunch. In the late afternoon, the light starts to shift and the sky turns every color. Sunsets here are wild and totally worth sticking around for.
Staying nearby makes it easy to soak up the whole experience without rushing it. Anse Lazio hits the sweet spot between adventure and chill.
3. Anse Source D’ Argent
- 📍 Location: La Digue Island
- 🏆 Best For: Instagram lovers 📸, couples 💑, casual swimmers 🏖️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking between giant granite boulders, snorkeling in shallow lagoons, capturing postcard-perfect shots
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for dry weather and fewer crowds 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: La Digue Island Lodge – Charming beachfront stay with quick access to Anse Source D’Argent
Anse Source D’Argent is the beach that put Seychelles on the map. You reach it by walking through L’Union Estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation, which makes the whole arrival feel like a slow reveal. Once you hit the sand, it’s all dramatic boulders, glassy water, and perfect little coves.
The water stays shallow for a long stretch, which makes it great for swimming or just floating. Bring your mask and snorkel if you want a closer look at the coral and tropical fish. It’s also a good idea to wear water shoes since the seabed can get a little rocky in spots.
Mornings are best for fewer crowds and softer light. The beach changes with the tides, so every visit feels slightly different. Whether you’re here to take photos or just chill in the shade of a takamaka tree, this spot is as iconic as it gets.
4. Anse Volbert
- 📍 Location: Côte d’Or, Praslin Island
- 🏆 Best For: Families 👨👩👧👦, swimmers 🏊, casual adventurers 🚣
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in shallow waters, paddleboarding along the coast, hopping on a boat to nearby islands
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November for great weather and fewer tourists 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Le Duc de Praslin – Family-friendly boutique hotel just steps from the beach
Anse Volbert is one of Praslin’s most versatile beaches. It’s got the space, the scenery, and the smooth, shallow water that’s perfect for swimming or letting little kids wade around safely. The bay stretches wide with soft white sand and calm turquoise water that goes on forever.
This beach is a launch point for day trips to nearby islands like St. Pierre and Curieuse, so you’ll see boats anchored just offshore. Paddleboarding and kayaking are easy to arrange right from the beach. When hunger hits, there are beachfront cafés where you can grab grilled fish or a cold drink without changing out of your flip-flops.
The vibe here is active but never hectic. Spend your morning out on the water, then kick back in the afternoon under the shade of a palm. If you’re looking for a beach with plenty to do but zero stress, Anse Volbert hits the mark.
5. Baie Lazare
- 📍 Location: Southwest coast of Mahé Island
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, peaceful swimmers 🧘, scenic walkers 🚶♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting St. Francis of Assisi Church, swimming in calm blue water, walking the bay at golden hour
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for the calmest sea and clear skies 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kempinski Seychelles Resort – Laid-back luxury with direct beach access and great snorkeling spots nearby
Baie Lazare blends natural beauty with a quiet sense of history. The beach itself is wide and peaceful, with calm, swimmable waters and hills that wrap around the bay like a soft embrace. It’s the kind of place where you can float for an hour and forget what day it is.
Up the road, the small but beautiful St. Francis of Assisi Church adds character to the area. It’s worth a quick visit, especially if you enjoy quiet places with a view. The hills above the bay also offer some scenic walking paths with views over the coastline.
Even during peak season, Baie Lazare rarely feels busy. The beach is spacious, and the vibe is all about slow mornings, quiet afternoons, and taking your time. If you’re looking to stay somewhere peaceful with just the right touch of luxury, this bay checks all the boxes.
6. Beau Vallon Beach
- 📍 Location: Northwest coast of Mahé Island
- 🏆 Best For: Social beachgoers 🕶️, beginner snorkelers 🐠, sunset watchers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling near the reef, trying Creole street food, watching the sun set behind Silhouette Island
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for clear skies and calmer water 🏖️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Coral Strand Smart Choice – Budget-friendly beachfront hotel right in the heart of the action
Beau Vallon is the most active beach on Mahé, but not in a touristy-overload kind of way. You’ll find a good mix of locals and travelers hanging out here, swimming in the warm water, and chilling under the shade of the takamaka trees. The beach is long, so you can always find your own stretch of sand.
Snorkeling is solid, especially near the southern end where the reef comes close to shore. If you’re hungry, check out the food stalls along the beach for grilled fish, roti, and fresh fruit juices. It’s one of the few beaches where you can easily spend an entire day without getting bored or needing to leave.
As the sun starts to set, the vibe shifts. Locals bring out guitars, couples show up for the view, and the whole beach turns golden. It’s chill, lively, and everything you want in a classic beach day.
7. Praslin National Park
- 📍 Location: Central Praslin Island, surrounding the Vallée de Mai
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, nature photographers 📸, endemic wildlife lovers 🦜
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the Glacis Noire trail, spotting rare birds and reptiles, exploring pristine forest paths
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for cooler hiking weather and active wildlife 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel L’Archipel – Peaceful boutique hotel perfect as a base for exploring the park
Praslin National Park is where you go when you want to see the wilder side of Praslin beyond the beaches. This chunk of protected forest wraps around the famous Vallée de Mai but extends much further, giving you proper jungle trails without the crowds. I highly recommend checking out the Glacis Noire trail – it’s steeper and more challenging than anything in Vallée de Mai.
You’ll spot things here that most tourists miss completely. The Seychelles blue pigeon, bronze gecko, and if you’re really lucky, the Seychelles bulbul. The forest is thick, green, and feels genuinely untouched. Early morning hikes are best when the air is cooler and animals are most active. Bring proper hiking shoes and plenty of water – this isn’t a casual beach walk.
The park connects to several other trails if you want to make a full day of it, but even a couple hours here will show you the Seychelles that existed long before the resorts arrived.
8. Curieuse Island
- 📍 Location: Off the northern coast of Praslin Island, Seychelles
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife lovers 🐢, hikers 🌴, curious explorers 🔍
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking with giant Aldabra tortoises, hiking the mangrove boardwalk, visiting the Doctor’s House and leper colony ruins
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for calm seas and dry weather ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Paradise Sun Hotel – A beachfront resort on Anse Volbert, offering easy boat access to Curieuse Island and stunning ocean views
Curieuse Island is one of those places that feels like an open-air nature documentary. It’s small and uninhabited, but full of wildlife and history. The stars here are the giant Aldabra tortoises that roam around freely. Some are over 100 years old and totally unbothered by visitors passing through.
A wooden boardwalk trail cuts through a mangrove forest and leads to a beach on the far side of the island. Along the way, you’ll pass crabs, birds, and plenty of weird-looking roots poking out of the mud. It’s a short hike but full of moments you’ll want to stop and photograph.
The island also has the remnants of a 20th-century leper colony, including a restored doctor’s house that now serves as a museum. With no shops or restaurants, it’s a pack-your-snacks kind of adventure. Curieuse is quiet, raw, and full of surprises if you’re up for the detour.
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9. La Digue Island
- 📍 Location: Seychelles’ third-most populated island, northeast of Mahé
- 🏆 Best For: Slow travelers 🚲, culture lovers 🏡, nature photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Biking to Anse Source D’Argent, hiking to Nid d’Aigle, visiting the Veuve Nature Reserve
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for cooler, drier weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Le Repaire Boutique Hotel – Laid-back beachfront hotel just a short ride from the ferry and beaches
La Digue is the kind of place where bikes rule the roads and time feels like it stretches out. It’s small, charming, and packed with personality. Most people rent a bicycle right off the ferry and spend the day cruising past vanilla plantations and sleepy Creole homes.
Anse Source D’Argent is the star of the show. Its granite boulders, shallow clear water, and powdery sand make it one of the most photographed beaches on Earth. Go early to beat the crowds and bring water as it gets pretty hot here.
For something quieter, hike to Nid d’Aigle for panoramic island views or stop by Veuve Nature Reserve to spot the endangered Seychelles black paradise flycatcher. La Digue doesn’t try to impress. It just does. And that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
10. Morne Seychellois National Park
- 📍 Location: West coast of Mahé Island
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers ⛰️, nature lovers 🌿, birdwatchers 🦜
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking Morne Blanc trail, spotting rare birds, enjoying panoramic views over Mahé
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for cooler, drier hiking weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Beau Séjour Hotel – Peaceful hillside guesthouse just a short drive from trailheads
Morne Seychellois National Park is the wild heart of Mahé. Covering over 20% of the island, this place is thick with jungle trails, mountain peaks, and views that make you forget you’re on a small island. The best hike? Morne Blanc. It’s short but steep, and at the top, you’ll get a front-row view of the ocean that’s worth every drop of sweat.
What makes this park special is the variety. One moment you’re walking through misty cloud forests, and the next you’re ducking under cinnamon trees while black parrots call from above. If you’re into plants, keep an eye out for the Seychelles Pitcher Plant. It’s weird, rare, and very cool.
Whether you’re chasing sunrise from a mountaintop or just looking for a quiet break from the beach, this park delivers. Bring water and good shoes, it’s not a flip-flop kind of place.
11. Ste Anne Marine National Park
- 📍 Location: Off the coast of Mahé Island
- 🏆 Best For: Snorkelers 🤿, boat lovers 🚤, day-trippers 🧃
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling with tropical fish, glass-bottom boat rides, beach-hopping between the six islands
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May or October to November for calmer seas 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: JA Enchanted Island Resort – A luxury hideaway on Round Island with private villas and easy access to the park
Ste Anne Marine National Park is one of the easiest ways to explore Seychelles’ underwater world without straying far from Mahé. Just 15-20 minutes by boat, this cluster of six islands is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with life.
Snorkel near Moyenne or Cerf to see vibrant fish, gentle rays, and colorful coral gardens. Don’t want to swim? Take a glass-bottom boat and still catch all the reef action. You can also go kayaking or hop between beaches for a chill afternoon in the sun.
Moyenne Island has trails and giant tortoises roaming around, which adds a cool land-based twist to the marine adventure. Most day trips include lunch and gear, so it’s an easy plug-and-play option for travelers. For a more exclusive experience, staying overnight nearby lets you explore at your own pace.
12. Vallée De Mai Nature Reserve
- 📍 Location: Praslin Island, Seychelles
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, hikers 🥾, birdwatchers 🐦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking under the coco de mer palms, spotting the rare black parrot, exploring jungle trails
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for cooler weather and active wildlife
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Les Lauriers Eco Hotel – Laid-back, eco-conscious stay just a short drive from the reserve
Vallée De Mai is one of those places that doesn’t just look ancient. It feels like you’ve stepped into a prehistoric world. This UNESCO-listed reserve is packed with towering coco de mer palms, whose double-lobed seeds are massive and totally unique to Seychelles. It’s like a living museum of island biodiversity.
The main trail loops are beginner-friendly, but still give you that deep-forest experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear or even spot the rare Seychelles black parrot. Early morning is the best time to go for fewer crowds, cooler air, and active wildlife.
The whole place feels hushed, like nature’s holding its breath. It’s quiet, green, and a little mysterious. Good shoes and water are essential, but don’t overthink it. Let yourself wander. This isn’t just a scenic hike, but a chance to connect with a part of the world that hasn’t changed in millennia.
