A taste of paradise
The Seychelles is made up of 115 unique islands, ranging from well-developed, touristic sites to remote and untouched islets. Divided into two categories, the Inner Islands and the Outer Islands each have their own special characteristics. Located just north of the equator, this tropical archipelago is 50 per cent national park, making it a sanctuary to magnificent flora and fauna found only in this part of the Indian Ocean.
The inner islands
Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are three of the main Inner Islands where most of the population lives. Cheap flights to Seychelles often fly into Mahé. Learn more about the spices and common dishes in Seychelles at Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden. The beaches of Mahé are fantastic. For a good swimming spot, check out Beau Vallon. Anse Intendance’s magnificent, granite rock formations are a sight to behold (and quite popular with kids). Take a relaxing boat ride to visit the beautiful Vallee de Mai on the island of Praslin to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest seed, the coco de mer. While visiting Praslin, be sure to check out the secluded and breath-taking beach, Anse Georgette. Thought to be the most beautiful of the Inner Islands, La Digue boasts the picturesque Anse Source d'Argent, a beach that’s often been featured in commercials and computer screen backdrops.
Life on the outside
The Outer Islands have five island subgroups created by a combination of atolls and reef islets. Just south of Mahé is the largest of the Outer Islands, Alphonse Island. A favourite for nature lovers, Alphonse Island is famous for bird watching, fishing and nesting grounds for sea turtles. If you head further south, you’ll find yourself in the Farquhar Atoll, a chain of coralline islands that give refuge to ships from stormy seas and day-trip adventure seekers. In addition to being the largest raised coral atoll in the world, Aldabra is also home to the largest population of giant tortoises. While there is no lodging on this island group, one can still experience natural beauty at its finest and most pristine condition through day trips and tours.
When to go
Located just four degrees above the equator, the Seychelles offers ideal tropical weather all year long. The temperature ranges between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius due to the trade winds in this part of the world.
Starting in October, temperatures begin to rise slightly. March tends to be the hottest month of the year; temperatures can get up to 31 degrees Celsius on average. Be sure to check out Seychelle’s International Fishing Competition in November as well as the traditional celebration of Creole heritage, the Festival Kreol in October. The Festival Kreol takes place over the course of a week and includes traditional art, dancing, costumes, parades and foods. When searching for Seychelles flights, keep in mind that these holidays may impact the price of flights.
From May to September, the winds pick up, alleviating the heat. The Seychelles Sailing Cup, an international sailing event, is held each January. The ‘SUBIOS Underwater Festival’, is also a must-see, as it showcases Seychelles’ extraordinary underwater world through a series of films, shows, talks and competitions.
Airports and airlines
Use Netflights’ filters to find the best deal for your Seychelles holiday. By selecting your favourite airport, preferred arrival or departure date and your price range in the filters, Netflights can help you find the best flight for both your budget and your schedule.
There are no direct flights to the Seychelles. Flights to Praslin are available, but it’s more common to arrive in Mahé when traveling internationally. When you fly into Mahé with Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Seychelles, Emirates or British Airways, you’ll likely have a stopover in Addis Ababa, Abu Dhabi or Doha. Don’t forget to book flights in advance to save money on airfares.