Apart perhaps from Mahé Island, the Seychelles are not really a destination that’s strong on sightseeing (only on Mahé and Praslin can you hire a car). The beach, the sea and relaxation are top of most visitors’ agendas – and each is a core feature of the islands’ special magic.

WHAT TO SEE

Mahé

The main island of Mahé is where you’ll find Victoria. It’s one of the world’s smallest capitals and easily explored on foot. Though it sports a tidy modern look, in some ways Victoria is not without charm, and the courthouse and post office appear untouched since colonial times. The delightful National Botanical Gardens and weekday local market repay investigation - as do the interesting Natural History and National History Museums. Look out, too, for the replica of London’s Vauxhall Bridge Clock Tower! Explore the island and discover the superb national park scenery around the Morne Seychellois central peak. Among the 60 or so palm-fringed beaches, the mile-long sands encircling Beau Vallon Bay in the north are Mahé’s most popular resort area – while in the south you can slip into castaway mode on largely deserted beaches. Jardin du Roi, a restored working plantation and spice garden, is well worth a visit.

Ste Anne National Marine Park

Easily accessed from Mahé, this encompasses the six islands of Ste Anne, Cerf, Round, Moyenne, Beacon and Long Island (three of which have restaurants), and its clear waters and protected coral reefs offer perfect snorkelling.

Praslin

On Praslin, the second-largest island, head for the world-famous Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose prehistoric Eden-like forest is home to the unique double-nutted coco-de-mer palm tree – and the elusive Seychelles black parrot. Among Praslin’s loveliest beaches is Anse Lazio in the far north (buses will take you around all the beaches from Grand Anse).

La Digue

The rare black paradise flycatcher has chosen to make its home on this idyllic island. Who would not? Hire a bicycle and explore the lanes and tracks amid coconut and vanilla plantations, spot gracious old plantation houses like Château Saint-Cloud– and some of the most stunning beaches in the islands.

WHAT TO DO

Mahé

As everywhere in the Seychelles, watersports head most Mahé visitors’ ‘to do’ list. The snorkelling is especially good in the Ste Anne National Marine Park to which non-snorkellers can enjoy glass-bottom boat trips. There are also several dive centres around the island (see also the At a Glance section for more information on scuba-diving). If nature walks and trails take your fancy then the Morne Seychellois National Park is a ‘must’ – the summit views are spectacular. The more ambitious can opt for a helicopter tour for a real bird’s eye-view. Shopping in this Victoria can’t compare with Bond Street, but handicrafts and works by Seychellois artists are popular buys at local galleries. Most hotels present evening entertainment by local singers and bands - and there are bars and even one or two nightclubs in and around Victoria for those who want to go straight from the dance floor to the beach next morning! Two hotel casinos offer you the chance to dice with Lady Luck!

Praslin

On Praslin you won’t find any towns or man-made ‘sights’, its natural attractions and well-organised watersports more than compensate. On Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette you are enjoying beaches that feature regularly in lists of the world's Top 10, while the beautiful Vallee de Mai is like nowhere else on the planet. Cycling here is always great fun – and golfers will be bewitched by the superb 18-hole, par 70 course at Lemuria Resort. You may find a little informal entertainment at your hotel – and watching those sunsets can be quite demanding!

La Digue

If your idea of a Seychelles holiday is doing virtually nothing apart from snoozing, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, some gentle cycling, pottering around the odd craft shop, fish market or nature reserve, maybe even a little relaxing bird-watching - then La Digue is for you.

Other Islands

The sea and water-related activities are what bring most visitors to the smaller Seychelles islands. Desroches is especially noted for its scuba-diving, as is Denis (also a favourite for seasonal deep-sea fishing). Bird Island is another popular choice with fishermen, and Alphonse is a leading fly-fishing venue.