Made up of 115 different islands that offer breathtaking escapes and experiences to be had, Seychelles is a dreamy destination that would warrant more than a casual glance. From alluring beaches and nature parks to UNESCO World Heritage Sites that would leave you with a newfound love and appreciation for these sparkling islands, Seychelles is all this but so much more than what meets the eye. Penned down below is a guide on how you should approach planning a holiday here.

Best time to travel

With year-round sunshine and warm weather dominating the island nation, one need not fret over the question of when to arrive here. Seychelles is found in close proximity to the equator which translates to a scenario where consistent weather is the norm as opposed to the exception. Thus, with daily temperatures hovering between 26 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius, one would find all the more reason to get your fancy swimsuit on and hit the beaches or set out on an island hopping expedition.

The general period of stay

An itinerary that extends from 2 to 3 weeks would be ideal but this too would largely be influenced by the number of islands that you intend on visiting. It is best that you make allowance for a holiday that will ensure you cover a minimum of 3 islands including Praslin, La Digue and the largest of them all, Mahe.

Getting around

The 3 main islands of the country as referenced above can be accessed via the local ferry service. In fact, traversing through Mahe and Praslin can be done so by boarding the ferry which will take approximately an hour with multiple trips afforded on a daily basis. Further, the services of a plane can be availed of that will have you well placed to enjoy a bird’s eye view of shimmering shores, turquoise seas and green mountains all in one go. If you find yourself having to journey from Praslin to La Digue, then the trusty ferry can be resorted to which would not exceed 20 minutes. Neighbouring islands in the likes of Round and Felicite can be reached by boat. However, one would need to check in advance from your mode of lodging on the possibility of the same.

Basic itinerary

Your point of entry to Seychelles will be on the island of Mahe which is where the international airport is located. A pleasing way to commence your adventures here would be to book into one of the all-inclusive resorts. Seychelles provides access to Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas from where you can map out your future plans. After a day’s rest, opt for either the plane or boat that will soon have you safely on Praslin. Once here, consider unwinding along the island’s most visited beach of Cote d’Or. After this, you may toy with the idea of visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai which is a nature reserve where the Coco de Mar palm tree grows. Towards late afternoon or evening, a trip to Anse Lazio can be scheduled which is famed for its stunning sunsets. Where the island of La Digue features prominently on your bucket list, then it would be wise to rent out a bike so that you blend in with the locals. Armed with a sense of curiosity and a passion for exploration, you can look forward to stopping by the cinnamon and vanilla plantation referred to by the name of L’Union Estate. If you find yourself being coaxed towards spending time on the beach, then factor in the possibility of a snorkelling tour that will get you up, close and personal with the minute details of the marine world. The capital city of Victoria cannot be excluded and in this regard, every inch of the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market must be explored where one may sort one’s way through local produce, spices and handicrafts.