Seychelles

The Seychelles is a collection of islands that comes together to form the Republic of Seychelles: a tropical paradise so beautiful, it looks as though it’s been hand crafted for the perfect Instagram shot.

The glistening waters lap against the sandy shores, creating a slow and laid-back rhythm that acts as the Seychelles’ heartbeat. No one’s ever in a hurry here, and that might just make it that little more difficult to leave.

Plan an unforgettable trip to the Seychelles with your own personal Blank Canvas travel expert. We’ll put together a bespoke itinerary just for you.

 

  • History and Culture

    Seychelles has a colonial history. Both the British and the French having ‘claimed’ the island nation over the years. Before that, the islands were used as a secret hideaway by pirates. Seychelles became independent in 1976.

    Seychellois culture has been shaped by a range of European, African and Asian influences. Music and dance are a big part of life on the islands, particularly the sensual dances of séga and moutya.

    To learn more about Seychellois history, visit the coconut plantations on La Digue, and the tiny museums on Mahé and Praslin, but don’t expect anything large-scale.

    A visit to Seychelles can feel a little like being stranded on a desert island, in the most fantastic way possible! There’s barely anyone around, so it’s incredibly peaceful, and the locals live off the land using as little electricity as possible. It really feels like an adventure!

  • Unbelievable beaches

    Seychelles is made up of 115 islands strewn across the Indian Ocean. Most of which have been blessed with gorgeous beaches and lush, green hills. It’s been a holiday spot for centuries. And, now that the islands are starting to focus more on eco-tourism, we don’t see their popularity waning anytime soon!

    It’ll be tough to pick your favourite beach in the Seychelles, but we really like Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Marron and Anse Lazio. Spend a few hours lounging in the sun and swimming in the warm waters. Or, take it one step further by snorkelling and diving among the colourful coral reefs, deep canyons and ancient shipwrecks. The crystal-clear waters will ensure you see all the marine life perfectly. Whale sharks are known to glide by around October time.

  • Nature and wildlife

    Seychelles is blessed with an abundance of marine life. Sea turtles regularly nest on Bird Island, there are hundreds of giant tortoises on Curieuse and most islands are ideal for birdwatching.

    To get close to nature, head to the Vallée de Mai, a beautiful nature reserve that’s home to the bizarre looking ‘coco de mer,’ the national symbol. Here you can hike through the lush green hills, discover waterfalls and see what you else you can find during your time here.

  • Food and drink

    The chance to sample traditional Creole food is a big draw for visitors to Seychelles. Local specialities include breadfruit, Caris Masala curry, and of course, freshly caught fish and seafood.

  • Adventure and experiences

    A visit to Seychelles is a wonderful opportunity to get up and close and personal with nature. It’s also the perfect place for island hopping and lazing the day away on the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen.

    But there’s undeniably a more luxurious side too. If you’re staying in one of these resorts you can indulge in almost every whim. Between the spas, empty white sand beaches and island adventures, it’s hard to know where to begin.

Flag of Seychelles
  • Capital city: Victoria
  • Language: Seychellois Creole, English, French
  • Currency: Seychellois Rupee
  • Time Difference: UTC + 4
  • Flight Time: 9h to Mahe via London Heathrow
  • Visa: Stamp on arrival (UK passport holders)
  • Peak Season: April to September

Did you know?

The native Coco de mer, also known as the sea coconut or double coconut, produces the heaviest and largest seed in the world, weighing around 15 kilos.

Seychelles Climate Guide

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