Seychelles Itinerary: 10 Days in Seychelles

Last Updated on April 25, 2022

Looking for some Seychelles itinerary ideas? Check out my 10-day Seychelles itinerary.

From the minute our plane started making its descent onto Seychelles, we knew we were heading for paradise. Tiny islands started appearing in the horizon, followed by huge swathes of spearmint water. Palm trees dotted the verdant green landscapes punctuated by rolling hills.

Our days in Seychelles were spent driving from one stunning beach to another, riding the waves and hiking to waterfalls. We frolicked in the crystal clear waters, lay on the fine pearly white sand and climbed the large giant boulders.

It was the modern-day Robinson Crusoe experience we were looking for. If you’re looking to do just that, I’m sharing our detailed 10-day Seychelles itinerary to help you plan yours. Also check out my comprehensive Seychelles travel guide for more information on budgeting, getting around, what to pack etc.

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The Ultimate Seychelles Itinerary

Where Are the Seychelles?

Located off East Africa, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most remote islands. Many of the islands are uninhabited — some are protected nature serves, while others are home to endemic species like the giant Aldabra tortoises.

Most travelers visit the three most inhabited Seychelles islands: Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. It’s easy and fast to get from one to another: a 1-hour high-speed ferry takes you from Mahe to Praslin, and a 15-min ride brings you onwards to La Digue. Ferries are regular, punctual, and comfortable.

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Seychelles Itinerary Ideas

We spent 10 days in Seychelles, and it was the perfect amount of time to explore the three most inhabited islands at a relaxing pace. 

1 week in Seychelles is a minimum if you want to explore Seychelles properly. Just reduce a day on each island and you can do the same Seychelles itinerary below in 7 days. If you’re tight on time and wondering which is the best island to stay in Seychelles, check out my guide on where to stay in Seychelles. (La Digue was my absolute favorite — do NOT skip it!)

For those who are planning a honeymoon in Seychelles, I suggest planning 2 weeks in Seychelles. You’ll be able to do day trips to Cousine and Curieuse islands from Praslin and also add Silhouette island (near Mahe) to your Seychelles itinerary. Silhouette island is the third biggest island in Seychelles but it’s exclusive and mostly uninhabited, with just 2 hotels on the island. 

Our 10-Day Seychelles Itinerary

• Days 1-3: Mahe island
• Days 4-6: Praslin island
• Days 7-10: La Digue island

Recommended Seychelles Honeymoon Itinerary

• Days 1-3: Mahe island
• Days 4-6: Silhouette island
• Days 7-10: Praslin island
• Day 8: Day Trip to Curieuse island
• Day 9: Day Trip to Cousin and St Pierre islands
• Days 10-14: La Digue island

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10-Day Seychelles Itinerary

Itinerary Day 1: Arrival on Mahe Island

As the biggest island in Seychelles, Mahe is home to the country’s capital Victoria and around 86% of Seychelles’ population. It’s also where the international airport is located, so your journey like mine will most probably begin on Mahe island.

The best beaches on Mahe are along the west coast, and I recommend staying in the southwestern area where there’s least development. Mahe’s east coast, stretching from Victoria to the airport, is the most built up area. Beau Vallon  is the main tourist town with the most restaurants and hotels concentrated in one area. Here’s a look at my Mahe itinerary on a map.

 

How to Get Around Mahe

From the airport, a taxi to your hotel will cost around US$20-50 depending on where on the island you’re staying. You can also book a car rental for $45/day or arrange for airport pickup with your accommodation (ours charged us $30).

We booked our car hire on Discover Cars, which has consistently given us the best prices for car rentals. Most cars are compact automatic cars, which are easy to navigate on the narrow roads of Seychelles. The islands are small and there are not that many roads, which make driving really easy.

Search for Your Car Rental

Where to Stay on Mahe

Budget: Lazare Picault Hotel

Set on a hilltop offering amazing views of the ocean, Lazare Picault is a good budget option with spacious apartments. It’s located on one of my favorite beaches. Like many budget accommodations in Seychelles, the decor is quite old school. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Seaside Self Catering

We stayed at this beachfront self catering apartment at Anse a la Mouche and loved our stay. The studio apartment was big enough for our family of 3, and it had all the facilities we needed. We cooked every evening and ate in our balcony watching sunset. The owner was so kind and welcoming, she even bought my daughter a Christmas present. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Kempinski Seychelles Resort

This is definitely the play to stay if you’re on honeymoon in Seychelles. Kempinski (pictured) is the most luxurious hotel chain, and this branch has some of the best restaurants on Mahe. It’s also located on Baie Lazare, within easy driving distance from some great beaches. Check the rates here.

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Itinerary Day 2: Explore Northern Mahe

Our first stop on this Seychelles itinerary is Victoria, known as one of the world’s smallest capitals. Victoria is a small city dotted with lots of greenery and backed by towering granite mountains. It’s easy to explore on foot in a day.

Some of the interesting sights include the newly revamped National History Museum, the clock tower that was built as a replica of London’s Big Ben, the Cathedral, and Hindu Temple. Also worth visiting is the Botanical Gardens (entry is $7.50), where you’ll find the famous coco de mer palms and giant Aldabra tortoises.

Visit the Local Market in Victoria

The best place to soak in the atmosphere of Victoria is at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market. The covered market has everything from fresh seafood (including giant crabs and parrotfish) to exotic spices and traditional paintings. Since you’re in Victoria, take the opportunity to have lunch at Marie Antoinette, a famous Seychellois restaurant housed in a colonial building.

Hike in Morne Seychellois National Park

Leave Victoria behind and drive along San Souci Road, Mahe’s most famous road. It’s a steep and winding road that includes a few hairpin bends. There are a few viewpoints you can stop, including a panoramic stop along the highway to get an elevated view of Eden Island.

It’s also worth stopping at Mission Lodge to visit the ruins left behind from the school where liberated slaves went to. In the Morne Seychellois National Park, take a hike to one of the many waterfalls that dot the park — with the shortest being the hike to Port Glaud waterfall.

Drive to Cap Ternay

San Souci Road will eventually lead you to the west coast of Mahe that is sprinkled with quiet beaches. Make a stop at Grand Anse  and have dinner with a fantastic view of the small islet (Anse L’islette) before you. According to locals we met, L’islette was the film setting for a Russian reality TV program and so it draws in quite a few tourists these daysa.

Del Place Bar & Restaurant is one of the nicest restaurants on Mahe, offering gourmet grilled seafood and cocktails. You can also have a simple take away dinner at Port Launay, popular with local families, or head north all the way to the remote Cap Ternay (10-min walk from carpark).

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Itinerary Day 3: Drive Southern Mahe

Save the best of Mahe for last, and explore the most beautiful beaches on the island today.

Start by driving the South Coast Road to Anse Royale, one of my favorite beaches on Mahe. It’s small but picturesque, framed by granite boulders on the ends. Further south is Anse Baleine, a shallow beach great for snorkeling with fish and chilling out at Surfers Beach Restaurant. The funky beach bar has comfortable sun lounges and even an outdoor shower!

Drive to the Remote Anse Intendance

Then the road will bring you inland up the mountains, until you reach Anse Intendance. A short walk through a forest will lead you to a wide, sweeping beach. It’s a public beach, though part of it is home to Banyan Tree Resort. Currents can be strong, so be careful when swimming. There are also signs for turtle nests, so watch where you walk.

If you drive further, you’ll find yourself off the road and eventually you’ll need to park and hike to the southernmost point of the island. Here you’ll find the hidden beaches of Anse Bazarca, Anse Petit Police and Anse Grand Police. The hike is not long and you’ll most probably have the beach all to yourself, like we did.

Go Beach Hopping on the West Coast

Continue on the road and you’ll be driving along the West Coast Road. Either stop at Anse Takamaka or Baie Lazare for a swim — both are scenic, backdropped by lush green hills. 

End your day at Petit Anse, where the Seychelles Four Seasons is. It is a public beach, so it’s free to access, but they do limit the number of visitors. Grab dinner or drinks at Chez Batista, one of the most popular restaurants on Mahe.

Enjoy the Night Market at Beau Vallon

If you still have energy, head north to Beau Vallon where there’s a street food market every Wednesday evening that serves up grilled seafood, curry and rice, and cocktails. (We weren’t there on a Wednesday but still found a new stalls opened.) It is quite a drive from Petit Anse though, so this is recommended only if you’re staying in the northern part of town.

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Itinerary Day 4: Ferry to Praslin

The second biggest island, Praslin, is the best place to see Seychelles’ endemic coco de mer palm and giant Aldabra tortoises. An hour’s ferry ride away from Mahe, the island is small but packs in a punch when it comes to natural sights.

Again the west coast is less built up and I recommend staying along Grand Anse beach. Cote D’Or on the east coast is the main tourist town and where there are most activities. You can get around on public bus, but a car rental makes it easy and convenient.

 

How to Get to Praslin

Seychelles has several high-speed ferry services to get you from one island to another. Cat Cocos is the most popular ferry service and offers transportation between Mahe and Praslin (1hour) for $60 each way. We booked our ferry tickets on Viator as it was slightly cheaper and there was free cancellation.

Note that the ferry ride can be bumpy, depending on the wind and weather conditions. We had a pretty rough journey where many people were sick and vomiting around us (thankfully not us!). But the other two ferry rides were calm and smooth sailing.

Where to Stay on Praslin

Budget: Praslin Holiday Home

This budget option offers spacious and clean apartments just a few minutes from Grand Anse beach. It includes free parking and it’s walking distance from shops and restaurants. Great value and reasonable prices! Check the rates here.

Midrange: 4 Etoiles Holiday Villa

We stayed at this holiday villa and highly recommend it! Just a 5-min walk from Cote D’or, this family-run property has 3 villas (each with one bedroom and a nice living area) and a swimming pool. The family lives on the property and are always happy to help. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Raffles Seychelles 

Certainly the most upscale hotel on Praslin, Raffles Seychelles (pictured) is located on the hills close to the famous Anse Lazio. All of its modern villas feature wide a open-air balcony, private pool, outdoor rain shower and bath tub. Designed for a dreamy romantic escape!  Check the rates. 

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Itinerary Day 5: Explore Eastern Praslin

Start your day with a visit of the Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve (entry is $9). A personal guide is always included. Aim to arrive in the morning as there no more tours from about 13.00 onwards. With an area of 122 hectares, Fond Ferdinand is more than six times larger than Vallée de Mai, and is even richer in terms of endemic plant and animal species.

Hike in Vallée de Mai amidst Coco de Mer Palms (Praslin)

Continue driving to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, is one of only two places in the world where the rare coco de mer palm grows in its natural state (the other being nearby Curieuse Island). It’s also a birding hotspot: watch for the endemic Seychelles bulbul, the Seychelles warbler and the endangered black parrot. It’s a real slice of Eden.

There are free guided visits at 9am and 2pm, but we recommend taking a private guide for a 1½- to two-hour guided walk (Rs 1000 per group) through the forest – you’ll miss so much if you go it alone.

Chill on the Popular Cote D’Or Beach

The East Coast Road will take you north to the main tourist town of Cote D’Or. Its original name is Anse Volbert, and it’s probably the most popular beach on the island, and certainly the longest. The wide sandy beach is excellent for swimming and it’s lined with restaurants, including the excellent-value Pirogue Restaurant.

Drive to the Famous Anse Lazio

Continue on the road and you’ll reach Anse Lazio, on the northwest tip of the island. This famous beach often shows up on the world’s most beautiful beaches lists. The narrow has clear indigo waters with great waves, a thick fringe of palm and takamaka trees, and granite boulders at each extremity.

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Itinerary Day 6: Day Trip to Curieuse Island

In close proximity to Praslin are several islets that are uninhabited but are nature reserves home to Seychelles’ endemic wildlife. They can only be visited on day tours and staying overnight is not allowed. They include Curieuse, Cousin, Coco, Felicite and St Pierre islands.

The most popular is Curieuse Island, a breeding centre for giant Aldabra tortoises. This tortoise species is very rare: the only places you can find these tortoise species wild are Seychelles and the Galapagos Islands. They grow up to 900 lb (400kg) and 200 years old!

The wardens show visitors around the pens, after which you’re free to explore the rest of the island. The entry fee to the farm is included in that price. Check out this day tour.

*TIP: If you don’t fancy the day trip, you can also spend the day driving along western Praslin, like we did. Visit Pointe Cocos, Anse Takamaka, Grand Anse and the northernmost point on the island, Pointe Saint Marie.

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Itinerary Day 7: Ferry to La Digue

La Digue is without a doubt my favorite Seychelles island. Despite being just a 15-minute ferry journey from Praslin ($15), the vast majority of it is untouched by development. Life is simple and slow paced. There aren’t big scale hotels, only small guesthouses and local restaurants.

I recommend staying on the northern end, which is quieter than the built up area around the jetty known as La Passe. The most famous beaches, Grand Anse and Anse Source d’Argent are on the southern end.

How to Get around La Digue

One of the things I love about La Digue island is that bicycles are the main mode of transport. There are very few vehicles (you can hire golf buggies if you can’t cycle). Bike rental costs around $8-10 per day. We rented our bikes from a hustler right by the pier upon arrival, which was cheaper than renting at the hotel. But be warned that they might not be reliable.

Apparently bikes on La Digue break down or get stolen/taken often (but the owners usually find them easily). Our bike got stolen and we couldn’t find the guy we rented it from. We ended up renting a new bike.

Where to Stay on La Digue

Budget: Villa Authentique

Located just 300 m from La Digue Harbor, Villa Authentique has simple rooms with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. The area is quite busy and is a great spot for those who like to be in the center of everything. Check the rates.

Midrange: Patatran Village Hotel 

We stayed at the Patatran Village Hotel (pictured), located on the quieter northern side of the island. We like the location and swimming pool, though the hotel does need a new look. Its rooms and restaurant are very old-fashioned, but comfortable and air-conditioned. Check the rates.

Luxury: Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa

Located beside the harbor, this is the biggest resort on the island and also the most stylish. It’s both modern and rustic at the same time: featuring traditional island-style design (wooden floor and earth colors) and open-air bathrooms. Villas on the hilltop feature private pools that overlook the sea. Check the rates.

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Itinerary Day 8: Explore North La Digue

Start off by exploring the northern end of La Digue (basically turn left with you leave the ferry terminal). Head north past the northernmost end of La Digue and you’ll arrive at the east coast of La Digue.

The entire east coast is an enormous stretch of picture-perfect beach with shallow coral-filled water. Anse Grosse Roche features different shades of blue and is great for snorkeling when the tide is up. It’s almost always empty.

Snorkel off Anse Banane

Continue cycling to Anse Banane where you’ll find the popular Chez Jules (which is actually on the beach, unlike what Google Maps say). There’s a casuarina tree here that provides shade, as well as a rope swing. This is a great place to flop, especially after a meal or beer at the fantastic Chez Jules beachfront restaurant (which serves good food and also has giant tortoise!).

Further down the path is Anse Fourmis, again a perfect beach with no waves and lots of trees for shade. The road ends here, so you’ll need to cycle back in the direction where you came from.

Watch Sunset at Anse Severe

Along the way, stop at Anse Severe, the best spot on the island to catch sunset. This is also where you’ll find Bikini Bottom, a colorful juice bar (no alcohol!) with plenty of good vibes and Insta-worthy decor.

After that, head into La Passe, the busy area around the jetty. There are few takeaway stalls in town and we tried a few. Our favorite is Mi Mama’s Take Away.

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Itinerary Day 9: Explore South La Digue

Start your day at Veuve Nature Reserve (entry is 50Rupees or $3), one of the last refuges of the black paradise flycatcher (locals call the veuve or widow. This small forest reserve, which has been set aside to protect its natural habitat, is said to shelter over a dozen pairs.  There are several walking trails punctuated with interpretive panels about flora. 

Ride the Waves at Grand Anse

From there, turn right and keep paddling up the steep roads to get to La Digue’s longest beach, Grand Anse. It’s ridiculously spectacular and definitely one of my favorite beaches in Seychelles.

Note that swimming can be dangerous because of the strong offshore currents. Apart from a massive casuarina tree, there’s not much shade. From there, you can walk to the quieter Petite Anse and Anse Cocos.

Explore the Famous Anse Source d’Argent Beach

Saving the best for last once again, head back to the cross roads and turn left to visit Anse Source d’Argent.

Famed for being one of the most photographed beaches on the planet, Anse Source d’Argent is the poster child of Seychelles. It is not just one single beach, but rather a series of coves and beaches framed by giant million-year-old boulders and craning coconut palms.

It’s immensely fun to walk beneath the craning palms and climb over boulders to find one cove after another. Anse Source d’Argent is privately owned by L’Union Estate, so you’ll need to pay a fee ($15 for a day) to enter. There are restaurants in the estate, check out Old Pier Cafe for their delicious seafood gratin and beachfront setting.

Go on a Glass Kayak Tour

This was by far my favorite experience on our whole Seychelles trip. The 3-hour glass kayak tour by Crystal Kayaks only cost us $38 each ($30 for kids), and we had an absolute blast. Book online here.

The fun and outgoing guide brought us out to a few points to see coral reefs and manta rays. Then we paddled along Anse Source d’Argent before visiting 3 remote beaches only accessible by the ocean. One of them was the film setting for the 1988 Robinson Crusoe movie, and another had an amazing natural pool perfect for a sunset dip.

End the amazing day by treating yourself to a seafood dinner at the nicest place in town, Fish Trap.

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Itinerary Day 10: Ferry to Mahe and Home!

On your last day in Seychelles, head back to Mahe by ferry. You’ll need to change ferry at Praslin and the whole journey takes around 1.5 hours (costs $67 each way). We booked our ferry tickets on Viator as it was slightly cheaper and there was free cancellation.

The taxi ride from the ferry terminal to the airport costs around $20 and it takes only 10 minutes.

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How Much Does this Seychelles Itinerary Cost?

Seychelles is an expensive destination, with prices rivaling that of Netherlands (where I live). Accommodation in Seychelles are especially pricey, with even low quality guesthouses going for $80/night.

The high prices are due to several factors: tourism is controlled to protect the pristine nature of the islands. It’s also a remote island nation and most things need to be imported.

What We Spent in Seychelles (per person*)

• Flights — $650 for return flights from Amsterdam for $650
• Ferries — $150 in total for Mahe – Praslin – La Digue – Mahe loop
• Accommodation —  $850 for the 10 nights
• Meals — $400 (restaurant meals are $25-40pp; we saved money by cooking or buying takeaways every night)
• Car rental — $110 for Mahe and Praslin
• Bike rental — $32 for La Digue
• Entrance fees — $48.50
• Kayak tour — $35

TOTAL: $2275.70

*Note that the prices are based on per person. Car rental and hotels are cheaper when split between two (I traveled with my husband and kid).

This is a lot more than what we usually spend, but was it worth it? Hell yeah. We liked Seychelles a lot more than we expected to and are glad that we decided to spend 10 days in Seychelles (instead of just 5 days that we’d originally planned).

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