The Ultimate Seychelles Itinerary: Mahé, Praslin & La Digue

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This Seychelles itinerary is a complete travel guide based on my two-week trip exploring Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. It shows you exactly how to plan the perfect 10-day route through the islands — with suggestions for shortening or extending the itinerary depending on how much time you have — including where to stay, how to get around, the best beaches, restaurants, and practical travel tips.

I spent two weeks exploring Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and created this Seychelles itinerary so you can easily see all the highlights in just 10 days. Because I had extra time, I added plenty of relaxed beach days in between — so you can also extend this itinerary to two weeks or even longer if you prefer a slower pace and want to really soak up the atmosphere. This travel guide also includes all the best places to visit across the islands, including the best beaches in Seychelles, along with top viewpoints, nature reserves, and hidden gems.

The Seychelles is one of the most spectacular island destinations in the world, with dramatic granite boulders, turquoise lagoons, powdery white-sand beaches, lush forests, and a laid-back island atmosphere that feels almost untouched. It instantly became one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate island-hopping escape, this Seychelles itinerary covers everything you need to plan your trip — from transportation and hotels to beaches, restaurants, nature reserves, and unforgettable experiences.

And if you’re interested in visiting other island nations in Africa, also check out my guides to São Tomé & Príncipe and Comoros for some truly off-the-beaten-path destinations — both are incredible hidden gems with a completely different vibe from the Seychelles.

🚗 How to Get Around the Seychelles

Renting a Car (Mahé + Praslin)

The best and easiest way to explore Mahé and Praslin is by renting a car. Public buses exist, but they don’t reach many beaches and run infrequently. Taxis are extremely expensive — my first taxi from Mahé airport to my hotel cost more than an entire day of car rental.

I paid around $30/day for a car rental, which is very reasonable for a remote island destination.

👉 Compare Seychelles car rentals here.

 How Is Driving in the Seychelles?

Driving in the Seychelles is generally safe, but it can feel challenging if you’re not used to island roads. The main things to know:

They drive on the left side of the road

This is one of the biggest adjustments for visitors who come from countries that drive on the right.

Roads are narrow and winding

Many roads are narrow with no shoulder, winding with sharp turns, and surrounded by jungle on one side and sometimes steep drop-offs on the other. It’s completely normal to slow down or pull over slightly to let oncoming cars pass.

I actually felt fairly relaxed driving here, even with the left-hand traffic and narrow roads. However, during my first few days, I shared a rental car with another traveler I met at my hotel to save money — he was so terrified of driving in the Seychelles that I ended up driving us everywhere, and even took him to the airport when he left.

Driving is great if you like flexibility

A car gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches, stop at viewpoints, and discover less-visited parts of the islands at your own pace.

👉 If narrow roads make you uncomfortable, consider joining a guided tour instead. It’s a great alternative for travelers who prefer not to drive.

Taking a Guided Tour Instead of Driving

If you don’t feel comfortable driving or simply prefer a more relaxed trip, you can easily explore the highlights of the islands through organized tours. These tours typically include transportation, guided commentary, and stops at the most iconic beaches and viewpoints. It’s a great option if you want to avoid navigating the narrow, winding island roads or prefer not to rent a car.

Getting Around La Digue

You can’t rent a car in La Digue, so everyone gets around by bicycle — which is part of the charm. You can rent one immediately when you arrive by ferry, as there are plenty of bicycle rental stalls waiting right at the port.

Inter-Island Ferries

Ferries are the most common way to travel between the islands, and they’re generally comfortable and reliable.

• Mahé ↔ Praslin: Cat Cocos ferry (~1 hour)
• Praslin ↔ La Digue: Cat Cocos (~15 minutes)

Book tickets in advance during peak season.

👉 Check ferry schedules & book tickets here.

Flights

Air Seychelles operates short domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin — helpful if you’re prone to seasickness, although I personally didn’t find the sea conditions particularly rough when I visited.

💰 Costs & Budget: Is Seychelles Expensive?

The Seychelles is not a budget destination, but it can be affordable if you plan well.

Average Costs (in USD)

• Car rental: $30–85 per day
• Hotel restaurants: $22–52 per meal
• Restaurants outside hotels: $15–30 per meal
• Guesthouses: $60–160 per night
• Mid-range hotels: $160–375 per night
• Luxury resorts: $430–1,600+ per night

📶 SIM Cards & Internet in Seychelles

There are two main mobile providers in the Seychelles: Airtel and Cable & Wireless. You can buy a SIM card at the airport, but note that the kiosks are not open 24/7. You’ll need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card.

💡 Tip: Get an eSIM Before You Arrive

I highly recommend buying an eSIM before your trip so you have instant connectivity the moment you land. It’s much easier than waiting in airport lines or dealing with limited opening hours — and the prices can often be lower than buying a SIM at the airport.

👉 Get a Seychelles eSIM here

🛏 Where to Stay in Seychelles

Where to Stay in Mahé

Mahé is the largest island, and distances can be longer than expected, so I recommend staying in at least two different areas if you want to see everything without spending too much time driving.

North Mahé (Beau Vallon Area)

When I first arrived in the Seychelles, I stayed at Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa — an amazing place to recover after long travel days.

👉 Check prices for Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa

Other hotel options (all budgets):

South Mahé

In the south, I stayed at Chez Batista Villas, a simple and budget-friendly option right on the beach. When I visited, it was the cheapest beachfront accommodation on the island — and the location is truly stunning. The property sits directly on Takamaka Beach, and you could easily spend days here just relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the beach life.

I also visited the Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort and the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles while exploring the area. I originally went just to check out the beaches and ended up having dinner at both hotels. Their facilities, views, and beachfront settings are absolutely incredible, so if you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, either one is a fantastic choice.

Other hotel options (all budgets):

Central West Mahé

I stayed at Sunbird Bungalow, a cozy self-catering apartment owned by a local woman who was such a warm and welcoming person. It’s a perfect place to stay if you have a rental car, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Anse Boileau Beach — a quiet beach in this part of the island.

This area is also home to Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, one of the most exclusive resorts on Mahé, which I was curious to see while exploring the surroundings.

Other hotel options:

Where to Stay in Praslin

I stayed at Amitié Chalets, a simple beachfront chalet that offered me one of the most memorable wildlife encounters of my trip. The area is home to many Seychelles giant day geckos — a species native to Praslin — and I saw them every day around my chalet.

Other hotel options (all budgets):

🌦 Best Time to Visit the Seychelles

The Seychelles is a year-round destination, but some months offer better weather depending on what you want to do.

• April–May — calm seas, clear skies, excellent snorkeling and swimming
• October–November — light winds and very stable weather, great for beach days

December–February is also a popular time to visit, as it overlaps with the holiday season and peak tourism months, but this also makes it one of the more expensive times to travel.

The June–September period can be windy, especially for boat trips, but it’s a good time for surfers and those who prefer slightly cooler temperatures.

📍 The Ultimate 10-Day Seychelles Itinerary

Below is a realistic and beautifully balanced itinerary covering the highlights of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — all based on my two-week trip. You can easily visit everything in 10 days, or even faster if you prefer not to stay in multiple areas on Mahé or don’t need as many relaxing beach days. Alternatively, you can stay in just one resort for your entire trip and use this itinerary as a reference for the best highlights to explore around the islands.

Days 1–2: North Mahé — Beau Vallon & Victoria

For my first nights in the Seychelles, I stayed at the Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa in the northern part of Mahé — the perfect place to unwind after long travel days and gently ease into island life.

Beau Vallon Beach

The most famous beach in northern Mahé is Beau Vallon, a long sandy beach lined with restaurants and cafés. In my opinion, it’s not the most beautiful beach in the Seychelles (the south has far more dramatic scenery), but it’s lively, convenient, and a great place for lunch or a casual beach walk. This area also has the most nightlife on the island.

Visit Victoria

While staying in the north, it’s an ideal time to explore Victoria, the capital city, one of the smallest capitals in the world. You can:

• wander through the local market
• see the iconic Little Ben clock tower
• explore small shops and cafés
• get a glimpse of everyday Seychellois life

It’s an easy half-day trip and a nice cultural break from beach hopping.

Just a short drive from Victoria, you can also visit the Mont Sébert viewpoint, which offers beautiful panoramic views over the coastline and surrounding hills. It’s an easy stop if you’re already exploring the city.

Eden Island

Just outside Victoria is Eden Island, an artificial island known for its luxury apartments, marina filled with yachts, cafés, and a shopping mall. I didn’t stay here, but I visited to pick up a few things from the mall and enjoyed seeing a completely different, more polished side of Seychelles. If you’re into modern architecture, waterfront dining, or marina views, it’s worth a quick visit.

Days 3–4: South Mahé — Takamaka Beach, Petite Anse, Baie Lazare, Anse Intendance & Anse Forbans

Takamaka Beach

In the south, I stayed at Chez Batista Villas, located directly on Takamaka Beach. Waking up just steps from the ocean was one of my favorite parts of staying here. The beach is beautiful, quiet, and perfect for snorkeling.

Takamaka is also an amazing place to watch the sunset. The sky turns soft pink and orange over the bay, and I ended up spending many evenings simply sitting on the beach and enjoying the view. Even if you’re staying elsewhere, this beach is absolutely worth visiting.

Petite Anse Beach

The southern part of Mahé has some of the island’s most stunning beaches, and Petite Anse is one of the absolute highlights. Although it’s inside the Four Seasons Resort, the beach is open to the public, and anyone can visit for free. After a short walk down from the parking area, you’re rewarded with a picture-perfect bay of turquoise water and soft white sand.

When I visited, it was surprisingly quiet, and I found a peaceful spot all to myself.

If you’re hungry, you can have lunch at the Four Seasons, or visit the charming Maria’s Rock Cafeteria nearby, where you can grill your own food on a hot stone — including vegan options.

Baie Lazare

Baie Lazare is a peaceful and quiet beach in the south, and I noticed it had far fewer people than many of the other beaches I visited. At certain times of the year, there can be quite a bit of seaweed here, but it still has a calm, beautiful atmosphere.

I visited Baie Lazare at sunset, and it was absolutely stunning — the colors over the bay were incredible, and I had the entire beach completely to myself.

Anse Intendance

Anse Intendance is a stunning stretch of powdery white sand, and it’s also home to the ultra-luxurious Cheval Blanc Seychelles, one of the most exclusive resorts on the island — the setting here is absolutely breathtaking.

However, at certain times of the year, the waves and currents can be very strong, so be cautious if you decide to swim.

Anse Forbans

A quieter option in the south is Anse Forbans, a calm bay perfect for swimming, light snorkeling, and relaxing in a peaceful setting. It’s far less crowded than most of the famous beaches, with gentle water that’s ideal for families or anyone who prefers calmer conditions.

This beach is also home to the Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort, and I visited the hotel several times for dinner while exploring the area. The food, views, and ambiance were all wonderful, and it quickly became one of my favorite evening spots in the south.

Days 5–6: Praslin — Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio, Anse Volbert & Anse Georgette

Getting to Praslin

Traveling from Mahé to Praslin is very easy. You can either:

• Take the Cat Cocos ferry — about 1 hour
• Fly with Air Seychelles — around 15 minutes

I chose the ferry, which was comfortable and straightforward. Tickets can be booked online in advance, especially during high season.

I stayed at Amitié Chalets, a simple and affordable beachfront chalet — and it ended up being one of the most memorable stays of my entire trip. The area is home to many Seychelles giant day geckos, a species native to Praslin. I saw them every day, and some were surprisingly curious… one even jumped on my leg while I was sitting outside! It was such a unique wildlife moment.

My accommodation also helped me arrange a rental car, which I highly recommend for exploring Praslin.

Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve

Vallée de Mai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to experience Praslin’s unique ecosystem. This is where you’ll find the iconic coco de mer, a rare palm species native only to Praslin. 

This giant palm produces the largest seed in the entire plant kingdom, weighing up to 30 kg! The trees are also unusual because there are separate male and female palms, each with their own distinct appearance.

And I’m not sure if it was just me, but the shape of the seed definitely reminds me of something else… check the photos and decide for yourself!

There are several walking routes through the reserve. I chose the longest one, and it took much less time than the map suggested — even though I stopped constantly to take photos. I definitely recommend taking the longer route for the best experience.

Anse Volbert 

Anse Volbert is one of Praslin’s most beautiful and accessible beaches, with soft sand, shallow turquoise water, and plenty of places to eat nearby.

A must-visit spot here is Café des Arts, a stylish beachfront restaurant with great vegetarian and vegan options — and a perfect setting for a relaxed lunch or sunset dinner.

Anse Lazio

No trip to Praslin is complete without visiting Anse Lazio, one of the most photographed beaches in the Seychelles. With its white sand, huge granite boulders, and crystal-clear water, it looks like something from a postcard.

It’s also a great beach for swimming and snorkeling, although it can get busy by midday, so try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.

Anse Georgette

Anse Georgette is another jaw-dropping beach, located next to the Constance Lemuria resort. Access is open to the public, but you usually need to request permission in advance, as the resort limits the number of daily visitors.

Even though Anse Georgette looks close to Anse Lazio on the map, there’s no connecting coastal road between the two, so you have to drive around the entire island to reach it.

Once you arrive, the walk to the beach takes about 20–30 minutes through the resort’s golf course and offers beautiful viewpoints along the way. It’s absolutely worth the effort — the scenery here is spectacular.

Days 7–8: La Digue — Anse Source d’Argent, Grand Anse, Petite Anse & Anse Cocos

Getting to La Digue from Praslin is easy — the ferry takes only about 15 minutes, and you’ll immediately feel the slower, more relaxed atmosphere of the island. La Digue is famous for its granite boulders, turquoise shallow lagoons, and postcard-perfect beaches.

You can visit La Digue as a day trip from Praslin, but I highly recommend staying at least one night. The island is small enough to see the highlights in a day, but it’s so beautiful you won’t want to leave, and sunrise and sunset here are magical.

Getting Around La Digue

La Digue is famously car-free, with no car rental agencies and only a handful of taxis on the whole island. The best (and most fun) way to explore is by bicycle.

As soon as you get off the ferry, dozens of bicycle rental stalls will be waiting, and you can rent one within minutes. Cycling here is easy, scenic, and part of the charm of the island.

Anse Source d’Argent

This is the beach that most people picture when they think of the Seychelles. Anse Source d’Argent is famous for its enormous granite boulders, shallow turquoise water, and stunning natural formations. It’s one of the most photographed beaches in the country—for good reason.

To access it, you’ll need to buy a ticket to enter the national park. After entering, you’ll bike or walk about a kilometer through vanilla fields, coconut palms, and lush greenery before arriving at the beach.

This is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited. I even had the chance to fly my drone here and capture some incredible aerial shots — the combination of rock formations and clear water is truly spectacular.

Tip: Visit early in the morning or before sunset for fewer crowds and the best light for photos.

Grand Anse

Grand Anse is another breathtaking beach on La Digue, known for its bright white sand, dramatic waves, and raw natural beauty. There’s a small restaurant nearby, making it a great place to stop for lunch before exploring more of the island.

Swimming here can be tricky — the waves are big, and the current can be very strong. I attempted a swim but quickly realized it wasn’t safe, so be cautious and only enter the water if conditions are calm.

The walk or bike ride to Grand Anse is part of the experience, taking you through lush, hilly scenery and offering great viewpoints along the way.

Petite Anse

From Grand Anse, you can take a short walk over a small hill to reach Petite Anse. The trail takes around 10–15 minutes and leads you to another gorgeous bay, often quieter than Grand Anse.

The beach has the same wild, dramatic feel — turquoise water, white sand, and granite boulders — but fewer crowds. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, relaxing, or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Anse Cocos

Continue another 20–30 minutes past Petite Anse, and you’ll arrive at Anse Cocos, one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on La Digue. The trail is scenic and not too difficult, and the reward is a pristine crescent-shaped beach with turquoise water and a remote, untouched feel.

This three-beach trail (Grand Anse → Petite Anse → Anse Cocos) is one of the top experiences on La Digue and a must-do if you enjoy hiking and exploring stunning, less-crowded beaches.

Days 9–10: Central Mahé — Anse Boileau, Port Glaud & Anse Royale

If you’re flying internationally, I recommend returning to Mahé a day or two before your flight. Ferries can experience delays, and staying on the main island at the end of your trip gives you peace of mind — and extra time to explore a new part of Mahé.

For my final days in the Seychelles, I stayed in the west/central part of Mahé, which I hadn’t explored earlier.

I booked Sunbird Bungalow, a cozy self-catering apartment owned by a lovely local woman. It was perfect for my last days on the island. The location isn’t directly on the beach, but it’s only a few minutes’ walk away. However, most restaurants and other services are quite far, so having a rental car is essential. The bungalow had everything I needed — including a great kitchen, which made it easy to cook my own meals after weeks of eating out.

Anse Boileau beach

Just a short walk or quick drive from my bungalow was Anse Boileau, the first beach I visited in this area. It’s a quiet, local beach with calm water and a peaceful atmosphere.

This beach is also home to the Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, one of the most luxurious resorts on the island. Even from the public beach area, you can admire the dramatic coastline and beautiful views.

Port Glaud

Although technically considered part of the southern region, Port Glaud sits along the west coast and is easy to reach when you’re staying in central Mahé, which is why I’ve included it here.

I visited the beach at sunset, and afterward had dinner at Del Place Restaurant, which has an amazing waterfront setting and is a perfect spot for a relaxed evening meal.

The beach at Port Glaud wasn’t my personal favorite, but the surrounding area is charming, and it’s worth stopping by if you’re already exploring the west coast.

Anse Royale

Saving the best for last — Anse Royale is one of the prettiest beaches in this part of Mahé. It reminds me of a mini-version of Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue, thanks to its smooth, rounded granite rocks and crystal-clear water.

The beach itself is narrow, so I imagine it could get crowded during peak times. But when I visited, it was peaceful and spacious. The snorkeling here is excellent, with lots of fish and coral close to shore.

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