The Seychelles – the name of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean alone conjures up dreamlike images in our mind’s eye: beaches shaded by tropical palm trees, on whose powder-fine sand gentle waves of crystal-clear water shining in strong turquoise slosh, framed by picturesque rocks. And indeed, the Seychelles are one of the top beach destinations in the world! The most beautiful beaches that are easily accessible for tourists are located on the three islands of Mahé, La Digue and Praslin.
Mahé
Although Mahé is the main island of the Seychelles and, at 154 square kilometres, larger than all the other islands combined, it is not number one when it comes to beaches.
However – a “not so great” beach in the Seychelles would still be a sensation almost anywhere else. Such as Anse Intendance, a 1000-metre-long fine sandy beach framed by beautiful rocks. This beach is framed by exceptionally beautiful and dense tropical vegetation, which gives it a wildly romantic atmosphere. However, the sea is often a bit rough here, so swimming is only recommended for good swimmers. On the other hand, Anse Intendance is ideally suited for surfing and kiting.
The most famous beach of Mahé is the beach of Beau Vallon in the northwest of the island. At around 1.7 kilometres, it is one of the longest in the archipelago and is one of the most visited beaches in the Seychelles because it is surrounded by a large holiday settlement and the island’s capital is not far away. So you will never be alone here; however, if you prefer a more lively atmosphere with a few beach bars and a non-exclusive tourist crowd, you will certainly be happy on this beach.
But there are also some insider tips on Mahé. Such as Anse Marie Louise in the southeast of the island. It is not quite as well known to tourists, but the locals like to go swimming here on weekends.
Webcam Beau Vallon on Mahe
La Digue
The most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles are not on the main island of Mahé, but on the smaller neighboring islands of La Digue and Praslin, which can be reached by speedboat from Mahé.
In particular, La Digue, the fourth largest island in the Seychelles with around ten square kilometers, is considered the country’s top beach destination. Because this is THE absolute super beach: Anse Source d’Argent is so kitschy beautiful that it is considered by many experienced travelers to be one of the most beautiful beaches on earth and has served as a location for numerous film and advertising shoots.
For example, commercials for Bacardi or the chocolate brand Raffaelo were filmed here. No wonder: Here, the powder-fine light sand typical of the Seychelles meets picturesque light grey granite rocks, which create a dreamlike background. In the ranking of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent is regularly mentioned as number one. Since the beach is about 1000 meters long and protected from the surf of the Indian Ocean by an offshore reef, it is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Of course, so much perfection and so much fame also has its downsides: The beach is intensively visited, although it is the only beach in the Seychelles – not completely free of charge. However, the entrance fee is so low that it does not play a major role in the holiday budget. You should definitely visit Anse Source d’Argent, because without this beach a trip to the Seychelles is simply not complete!
But La Digue has even more beaches to offer: On the opposite east side of the island, smaller beach bays are lined up, which can be reached via footpaths. First there is the Grande Anse, the “big bay”, followed by the Petite Anse, the “small bay”, and finally the Anse Coco, the “coconut bay”, where you can still see the ruins of a long-abandoned settlement. It is difficult to decide which of the three bays is the most beautiful – it is best to visit all three, they are only a few steps away from each other and connected by footpaths.
For many visitors, Grande Anse, with its wild beauty, is the most beautiful beach destination in La Digue. However, the sea here is a bit rougher than on the other beaches: Due to the strong currents and the often quite strong surf, swimming can be dangerous.
Almost an insider tip is the tiny Anse Marron at the southernmost end of La Digue, which can only be reached via paths through the jungle. Here, the granite rocks typical of the Seychelles form natural pools that protect against the sometimes quite powerful surf. Anse Marron is so remote that a local guide is recommended to visit.
Anse Severe in the northwest of La Digue is especially popular with snorkeling fans: an offshore coral reef usually ensures calm water here, and you can regularly observe sea turtles and countless colorful coral fish. On the beach, a few small bars provide refreshments.
Anse La Reunion is located right in front of the island’s only settlement, La Digue, so it lacks the dreamy backdrop of lush jungle that makes most other beaches so appealing. But the view in the other direction, where the neighboring island of Praslin not far away forms a beautiful background, is a dream: Anse La Reunion is considered the best spot to watch the sunset – a small ritual for which many of the visitors and also some of the locals gather here every evening.
Praslin
The neighboring island of Praslin, which is not far away, is almost twice as large as La Digue at 38 square kilometers, but does not have quite as many beaches. But there is also a “superstar” here: At Anse Lazio in the far north of the island, powder-soft sand meets turquoise blue water and impressive granite rocks. Similar to Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, Anse Lazio is considered one of the top beaches in the world.
Here, too, it is the combination of light powder sand, bright turquoise blue water, light gray rocks and picturesque palm trees that makes up the special atmosphere.
Hardly less beautiful is Anse Georgette on Praslin. However, this beach is privately owned by the luxury resort Constance Lémuria and is therefore only accessible by appointment for those who are not lucky enough to stay there – but this small obstacle ensures that it does not get as crowded here as on many of the other beaches.
The most popular beaches in the Seychelles at a glance
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Beau Vallon Bay on Mahé, Image: Simon Dannhauer / shutterstock Anse Source d’Argent – Located on La Digue, this beach is famous for its impressive granite cliffs, clear turquoise waters and tranquil ambience. It is often depicted in travel magazines and on postcards.
- Anse Lazio – Located on Praslin, one of the larger islands of the Seychelles, this beach offers fine white sand and crystal clear waters, surrounded by large granite boulders. It is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
- Beau Vallon – This beach on Mahé, the main island, is known for its length and width, as well as the many activities it offers, such as water sports, diving, and snorkeling.
- Anse Intendance – Another beach on Mahé that is particularly popular with surfers as it offers high waves during the monsoon season. Its seclusion and natural beauty make it a favorite for those seeking tranquility.
- Petite Anse – Also known as Anse Georgette, this beach is located on Praslin and is often less crowded. It offers beautiful views and excellent conditions for swimming.
- Anse Cocos – Located on La Digue, this secluded beach can be reached after a hike, making it a quiet and peaceful retreat.
