Mahe, Seychelles

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At 59 square miles Mahe is, by far, the largest island, and it is home to the capital, Victoria, the international airport, the fishing and commercial ports, most of the population and many resorts and hotels, plus four casinos.

Its powdery white, idyllic beaches, lush vegetation, plantations of coconut palms and cinnamon rise to forested peaks with unequalled views of the neighboring islands.

Surrounded by coral reefs the clear, calm waters invite relaxation and many water sports. Although it is the nation's economic hub, it has retained all of its natural beauty and charm.

Many tourists decide to stay at (and some never get much farther than) beautiful Beau Vallon Bay...but there is so much more to see and explore. Both island roads and public transportation are quite good and rental cars ubiquitous and fairly easy to manage (although the British driving on the left convention is observed)...making it very, very easy to sightsee the entire island...or you can take an island helicopter tour for a real bird's eye view.

Coach excursions will take the visitor to Mahe's attractions: the markets, the 100 year old Botanical Gardens (with giant land tortoises, coco-de-mer and orchids); the capital, Victoria, with its famous clock tower; the National Museum dedicated to island history, folklore and music; graceful colonial mansions and old plantations; and vibrant green jungles.

Mahe is also the center for craft artisans as well as fine art painters, sculptors and woodworkers. The pirate treasure dig at Bel Ombre has been worked for decades. It is supposedly the site of an 18th Century french pirate's share of the loot from a plundered Portuguese treasure ship. At Jardin du Roi, a renovated and now working plantation and spice garden there are walks, a museum and an excellent restaurant featuring, of course, interestingly spiced cuisine.

Morne Seychellois National Park can be visited and the summit ascended to view one of the most spectacular vistas in the world. Walking is the best way to get the feel of the island; many trails and nature walks are well posted and the capital, itself, is a walker's delight and an excellent chance to experience why the Seychellois are called "the friendliest people on earth." With its incredible amount of daytime activities and lively nightlife, Mahe can truly offer something for everyone. More info on: www.sey.net

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General Tips about Seychelles

» Required travel documents for Seychelles
» Electric power
» Public Holidays
» Clothing
» Costs
» Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta Festival
» Subios festival
» Festival Kreol
» General informations
» Climate
» Sailing
» Snorkeling
» Scuba Diving
» Transportation in Seychelles
» Communications in Seychelles
» History
» Praslin Island
» Morne Seychellois National Park
» The Botanical Gardens
» The Natural History Museum
» Marianne Rock
» Lazio
» Anse Intendance
» Anse Aux Pins and Turtle Bay
» Bird Island
» Mahe
» Mahe
» La Digue
» Praslin
» Seychelles
» Vallée de Mai
» Ste Anne Marine National Park
» Mahé Beaches
» Cousin Island
» Anse Lazio
» Victoria

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