Seychelles is an ocean. When is the best time to visit the Seychelles? What attracts tourists to the Seychelles so much

It is unlikely that anyone can remain indifferent to the exotic climate, wonderful sea views, unique sights and luxury hotels of the highest class. That is why every year more and more people make their choice in favor of holidays on the islands. Currently, there are a number of beach resorts that can satisfy the needs of the most demanding and sophisticated vacationers. Today we will talk about one of the most beautiful islands in the world - the Seychelles.

The Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean south of the equator and are located east of the African coast. The famous archipelago has 115 islands, of which only a third is inhabited. The largest include La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette. The largest, and usually the most famous, is the island of Mahe, where Victoria is located - the capital of the republic, as well as an international airport. In general, the islands of the Seychelles can hardly be called a large state (their total area is only 455 sq. km), but nevertheless, this does not prevent them from competing in world fame and competing with such leading resorts as in the Maldives, Bali, the Philippines and Hawaii .

Seychelles tours

Tours to the Seychelles are currently one of the most exclusive offers in the tourism industry. Almost any advanced travel agency can offer you tickets to the Seychelles, but it is still better to contact the largest companies where holidays in the Seychelles are their specialty. This is not only an opportunity to save money, but above all a guaranteed quality of service.

The tropical climate contributes to a comfortable vacation at any time of the year, but it is worth saying that recently New Year's tours have become extremely popular among tourists around the world. The most popular flights to the Seychelles are flights with a stopover in Dubai or Paris.

Such flights will take 13.5 and 15 hours, respectively. When buying a tour, it is necessary to take into account in advance all the most characteristic features of the selected island, since each of them can suggest something special for you. So, Praslin is impressive in that it is the only place in the world where one of the rarest natural phenomena grows - the coco de mer sea coconut, Mahe is known for its vibrant nightlife and a developed tourist system, and Denis is famous for its landscapes and landscapes against the backdrop of calm flowing life.

Holidays in the Seychelles

Seychelles weather which remains favorable throughout the year offer a huge range of services in the field of recreation.

Comfortable beaches with clean sand, excursions to nature reserves, various festivals, diving, surfing, deep sea fishing, pleasure boats and exotic spa treatments - everyone will find something to their liking.

Of course, a holiday in the Seychelles with an even mild climate will be an unforgettable event in the life of anyone who visits this tropical corner.

Seychelles reviews

If we take into account the reviews of people who have already been lucky enough to visit the Seychelles, it is worth noting that spending the entire vacation only on the beach, you run the risk of not fully understanding the uniqueness of these islands. Excursions in the marine national park, a visit to the Bird Island and the unique nature, which the government of the republic treats very carefully - that's what really impressed the tourists.

Many were pleased with such a detail as the absence of a time difference with Moscow, which makes it easier for people who are sensitive to flights to go through the adaptation stage, and for the rest it does not cause confusion.

Friendly local people are always ready to help you solve a problem or explain how you can get to a certain place. Of course, tourists who prefer to travel on their own, without using the services of agencies, will appreciate such friendliness.

Hotels in the Seychelles

It is important to note that Seychelles hotels do not have a clear official classification and, thus, the number of stars is rather arbitrary. Nevertheless, hotels of a high service level meet all European standards. These, for example, are: "Constance Ephelia Resort", "Raffles Praslin Seychelles", "Constance Lemuria Resort", "North Island" and a number of other leading hotels. Their wide base allows you to choose the most preferred place depending on the budget, age and lifestyle of the client. Hotels on large islands and those that are smaller can have significant differences. As a rule, in the first case, in addition to comfortable rooms, tourists are provided with more opportunities for entertainment. Therefore, it is better to find out in detail about the conditions in hotels in advance and not leave this matter before arriving on the island of Mahe.

Seychelles photo

Wedding in the Seychelles

Picturesque landscapes, fresh breeze, beautiful sandy beach, beachfront bungalows and romantic sunsets have played an important role in the fact that not only honeymoons, but also wedding ceremonies on the island have become especially popular.

Newlyweds can spend an unforgettable time using the professional services of the organizers. A whole system of organizations involved in holding such celebrations has been formed in the republic.

The Seychelles can offer anything from a modest private ceremony to a celebration that is striking in its scale and abundance, the choice is only for the newlyweds and their financial capabilities.

Seychelles prices

And since we are talking about financial opportunities, it is worth noting that not everyone can afford a trip to the Seychelles. So, on average, a ten-day vacation with hotel accommodation and breakfast will cost about $ 1300-1500 per person, not including the cost of the flight.

Prices and flight duration often scare away potential tourists. But the vast majority of those who decided to take tours to the Seychelles are unanimous in their opinion: this is exactly the place where you need to visit at least once in your life, without sparing any money, since the emotions received pay off any financial costs.

Every international tourist knows about the Seychelles, because everyone dreams of getting here. This is due to the peculiarity of these places - pristine beauty, beautiful nature and comfortable solitude.

It’s enough just to figure out where the Seychelles are located on the map, you just have to imagine our globe a little.

This paradise is located at a distance of about 1.5 thousand kilometers from the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean near the equator, retreating south of it only a few degrees.

In the district there are such geographical objects that almost everyone knows about:

• Mauritius;
• Maldives;
• Reunion;

The country itself is called the Republic of Seychelles, which includes more than 100 of these same islands, while a small number of them are inhabited - 33. The uniqueness of this earthly corner is just beginning. So, the only city is Victoria - the smallest capital in the world, located on Mahe, the largest of the Seychelles. An international airport has also been built here.

The following islands are also known and impressive in size:

• La Digue;
• Silhouette;
• Praslin.

When you study where the Seychelles are located on the map, you can see that all landmasses can have 2 natures:

• granite;
• coral.

Those islands where people live belong mainly to the first type. In such areas there are even forests with palm trees and ferns. But the islands of the second type make up atolls, their height is small and the vegetation is sparse, since moisture is poorly retained in limestone.

And yet, most of the total 455 square kilometers is characterized by a rich and marvelous flora, harmoniously combined with amazing landscapes. The islands are also known for a huge number of birds that lived and changed here regardless of external ecosystems. A special representative of birds is the frigate, which has a three-meter wingspan, it can also remain in a state of flight for a whole week.

In addition, this is a place where migratory birds flock from many corners of the earth, so their numbers here are record-breaking.

Another holiday in the Seychelles will be remembered for huge turtles, which in some cases can weigh more than 200 kilograms.

And the whole European world learned about these wonderful lands for the first time in the 16th century, when the Portuguese plied the oceans around Africa with might and main in search of the cherished path to India. Although the human foot has stepped here before, what became known thanks to the graves and rock paintings belonging to Arab sailors who left them somewhere in the 10th century.

Officially, these islands began to be mapped by a team sailing here in 1502. The main island of Mahe was then called Ilya Gana, and the Amirant Islands were called the Admiral Islands.

Now it is no longer a problem to find out where the Seychelles are located on the maps, it is much more important to decide why it is worth going on vacation there. And it's really worth it!

Those who dream of a paradise vacation come here, this place is ideal for this in all respects:

In the Seychelles, you can peacefully admire the water surface, resting from worldly turmoil, or you can immerse yourself in the local flavor, since the local residents are friendly and hospitable. In addition, they especially appreciate the nature they have, therefore, with pleasure and awe, they show natural sights and all the inhabitants.

Many have fallen in love with these islands for their excellent conditions for water sports:

• diving;
• surfing;
• fishing;
• sailing trips.

Such tourists choose spring and autumn for a trip, because then dry weather sets in with pleasant temperatures (up to 25 degrees Celsius), which is provided by the Southeast Southeast Monsoon.

Divers choose to rest in the Seychelles because the local water inhabitants are full of variety, while their visibility is excellent, because the sea surface is transparent, like a tear. All these outlandish inhabitants look especially impressive against the backdrop of white sand and various corals.

Surfers rejoice at waves reaching two meters, and fishermen enjoy rich and unusual catches. So finding something to your liking here is simple and easy. Even idleness here is perceived as relaxation and filling with energy.

You should also pay attention to the national parks that occupy most of the archipelago:

• St. Anna National Park - known for all possible types of corals, occupies 6 islets;
• Cousin Island - home to endangered seabirds and turtles;
• Bird Island - famous for its inhabitants, one and a half million black terns live here, as well as the oldest huge tortoise Esmeralda;
• Curieuse Island - here, in addition to the National Marine Park, giant turtles live;
• Arid Island - only here on the planet the lemon tree blooms.

Whatever holiday you would prefer in the Seychelles, the holiday will definitely be imprinted in your memory and soul for a long time, as this place in the east of Africa is truly a paradise.

1) group of islands in the Indian Ocean S.-V. from O. Madagascar; territory of the state of the Seychelles. open Portuguese navigators at the beginning of the XVI V. and named the Seven Sisters, - "sisters" because Portuguese ilha "island" female kind, and seven is used as a designation of a set and does not indicate a specific number of islands (there are now 85 of them) . In 1742 G. Captain L. Pico on orders French Governor Bertrand F. Mahe, Comte de la Bourdonnais examined islands and named them after the governor of La Bourdonnais. However, already in 1756 G. they were renamed to islands Sechelle (sechelles) in honor of the Minister of the military. Maurois de Sechelle's fleet (the name of the governor was preserved behind the main island of the Mahe archipelago) . In 1794 G. arch. captured Great Britain and the name was given to the English, the form of Sepshely (Seychelles) , Russian traditional Seychelles.

2) Republic Of The Seychelles, state V app. parts of the Indian Ocean, on the islands of the Seychelles, Amirantes and others smaller ones. Name for the Seychelles, which make up approx. 75% of the territory of the state.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001 .

Seychelles

(Seychelles), state-in on the islands in Indian Ocean - Seychelles, Amirante, Cosmoledo, Praslin, Providence, etc., a total of 115 islands, total area. 405 km² (including the largest Mahe - 142 km²). Capital Victoria . Discovered by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th century, the islands until the end of the 18th century. served as a base for pirates. Since 1756 arch. belonged to France (named after the Minister of Finance M. de Seychelles); in 1774 they went to Great Britain. The USA have on about. Mahe tracking station for artificial Earth satellites. Since June 28 (national holiday) 1976 independent Republic of Seychelles ; the head of state is the president, the legislative power is held by the National. meeting. Part of the British Commonwealth. The climate is subequatorial, maritime. In the inner areas have preserved evergreen tropical forests. Many endemics, including the relic Seychellois palm tree coco de mer ("sea coconut") on about. Praslin (the world's largest nuts weighing up to 20 kg and leaves up to 3 m wide); giant tortoises weighing up to 250 kg per island. Aldabra, bird colonies on about. Cousin and others. Population 90 thousand people. (2001); in the main Creoles. Official language - Creole, or Krio (French with an admixture of English, Swahili and Malagasy); English and French are also used; 90% of the population are Catholic Christians. OK. 60% of cultivated square. occupied by coconut palm plantations. The main export product is copra (45% of exports). Vanilla, essential oil - patchouli, cinnamon (cinnamon), cloves and other spices are also exported. Sugar is grown. cane, tobacco, fruits (mangoes, bananas, pineapples), vegetables, breadfruit, tea. Main rice food product is imported. Life: large horn. cattle, pigs. Fish-in (tuna). Tourism provides 90% of foreign exchange earnings. Small pr-tion for processing. rural-farm. raw materials; pr-in furniture, boats. Manufacture of products from palm fibers, turtle shells, etc. Intern. airport. Cash unit - Seychellois rupee.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Seychelles

a group of 85 islands and rocks in the Indian Ocean, northeast of the island of Madagascar. The earliest name for the Seychelles is the "Seven Sisters", presumably Portuguese. Total sq. OK. 444 km². They are part of the state of the Seychelles. Composed of granites, coral limestones. The largest: about. Mahe and about. Praslin. Three types of origin of the islands have been established: high granite, low rift, raised reefs. The high islands have a dissected relief with the greatest abs. mark on about. Mahe (905 m). The low islands are bordered by coral reefs, sometimes wide. up to 2 km. The climate is subequatorial maritime. Average monthly temperatures 26–28 °C. Precipitation up to 5000 mm per year. On large islands, tropical forests, at the tops, turn into crooked forests. National parks in the Morne-Seichuellois massif and around the islands. The islands were discovered by the Portuguese F. Suarish in 1502.

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Under the editorship of prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .

SEYCHELLES

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
A state located on 115 islands scattered in the western part of the Indian Ocean to the northeast of the island of Madagascar. The area of ​​the country is 455 km2. The state consists of two island groups: Mahe in the north and the coral islands in the south. The 32 islands of the Mahe group are granite rocks, and their height above sea level sometimes exceeds 900 m. The main islands of the country are in this group. These are the islands of Mahe, Platte, Silhouette, Coetivy. 83 coral islands have virtually no water resources and most of them are uninhabited.
The population of the country (estimated in 1998) is about 78,650 people, the average population density is about 173 people per km2. About 90% of the population lives on the island of Mahe. Ethnic groups: Creoles - 95%, Indians, Chinese. Language: Creole (dialect based on French), English, French (all official). Religion: Catholics - 90%, Protestants - 8%. The capital and largest city is Victoria (35,000 people). The state structure is a republic. The head of state is President Frans Albert René (in office since June 5, 1977, re-elected for another term in 1993). And Monetary unit - the Seychellois rupee. Average life expectancy (for 1998): 67 years - men, 74 years - women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 19.7. Mortality rate (per 1000 people) - 6.6.
The first Europeans on the islands were the Portuguese in 1502. However, they did not begin to colonize the territory. In 1756, the islands, at that time still uninhabited, fell under the control of France and in 1768 the first settlers appeared on them - planters and slaves. The islands were annexed by Great Britain in 1794 and administered from Mauritius for the next century. In 1903, the islands became a separate dependent territory. On June 29, 1976, the country gained independence. In 1978, the activity of all political parties, except for the ruling ones, was banned, which is enshrined in the 1979 constitution. In 1991, the ban on multiparty membership was lifted. Seychelles is a member of the UN, the Organization of African Unity, the British Commonwealth of Nations.
The famous Seychelles palm, discovered in 1742, grows in the Seychelles. The height of the palm tree is 30 m, the crown of 30 leaves, the length of the leaves is 3-5 m, the width is 2-2.5 m. The palm tree blooms at the age of 20 to 40 years and the flower lives 8-10 years. The main attraction of the country are the beaches.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

Seychelles (Republic of Seychelles, Republic of Seychelles) - a state in the Seychelles and Amirante Islands, on the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar in the Indian Ocean. Area 405 sq. km. The population (81.8 thousand people) consists of Creoles. The official languages ​​are English and French. The believers are mostly Catholics.
Seychelles - 115 paradise islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The islands owe their name to the French expedition of 1756, whose commander renamed the islands, giving them the name of the French Minister of Finance of that time - Viscount Moret de Sechelle. Later, the new owners of the islands, the British began to call them in the English manner - the Seychelles. The Republic of Seychelles gained independence in 1976. As a former British colony (cm. Great Britain) it is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The head of state is the president. Legislative power in the country belongs to the President and the National Assembly. Creoles, the descendants of French settlers and African slaves, form the basis of modern society. There are also many Indians, Chinese, Malagasy and English.
The interweaving of races and ethnic groups has formed a peculiar culture of the Seychellois. About 85% of the total population live on the main island of Mahe, 30% of them live in the capital of the state and the only city in the state, Victoria. Of the 115 islands, only 33 are inhabited. The mixing of the population affected the diversity of religion. The vast majority of the inhabitants are Catholics, but there are also Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, and even Confucians.
Seychellois love music, dancing, often organize festivals and festivities. Ballrooms are crowded with representatives of all nations and ages. Local music often sounds: old French motifs in a local interpretation. In the mountain villages, one can still observe African dances to the rhythm beaten on tom-toms. Seychelles are known for their sociability, friendliness and hospitality. As a result, all over the world, where men who have been to the Seychelles meet in bars and nightclubs, the rumor is spreading about the "paradise for bachelors." Every year, the islands are visited by a number of tourists equal to the total population of the state, and in recent years even more.

Geography
To find the Seychelles on the map, you need to count from the east coast of Africa (from the coastline of Kenya (cm. Kenya) or Tanzania (cm. Tanzania)) 1500 km to the east. All 115 islands are barely 0.4 thousand square meters. km, of which 142 sq. km falls on the main island of the Seychelles - Mahe. There are several groups of islands in the Seychelles: the Seychelles proper, the so-called Inner Islands (Mahe, Praslin, Bird, La Digue, Frigate, Curiosity) and the so-called Outer (remote from Mahe Island) Amirante Islands, Aldabra Islands and Farquhar Islands. The islands, although small, are scattered over a vast area and the distance between some of them exceeds 1000 km.
The peculiarity of the Inner Islands lies in the fact that they are similar in structure to the African mainland and the Indian subcontinent (all of them, together with Madagascar, once made up a single mainland). That is why the Seychelles are often called fragments of the continent, and sometimes even a microcontinent. On the contrary, the Outer Islands are composed of coral and are typical atolls. The highest point on the mountainous island of Mahe reaches 905 m above sea level. The coral islands barely rise above the ocean expanses by 4–8 m. The long isolation of the islands ensured the preservation of a completely unique flora and fauna on the islands themselves, and the warm and gentle sea guarantees everyone who wants to sink into its depths the richest fantastic world of coral reefs.

Climate
It never gets cold in the Seychelles. Average annual temperatures fluctuate between 26–28 °C. Precipitation is plentiful (from 1900 to 3500 mm) and it usually falls in summer. The most "hot" comes in March-April, but this is very conditional, since the difference with other months is barely 2-3 ° C. The heat is usually moderated by constant winds from the sea. The seasons differ mainly in the number of rainy days. Somewhat drier in May-November. The local population is always interested in the direction and strength of the winds, which affects the possibility of going out into the ocean for fishing. However, there are no really strong hurricanes in the Seychelles; cyclones pass to the side, closer to the island of Mauritius.

Story
The first inhabitants of the islands in the Middle Ages (13-15 centuries) were in the sphere of influence of the East African state of Zanzibar, and at the beginning of the 16 century they were discovered by the Portuguese. Decline of Portugal (cm. Portugal) in the 17th and 18th centuries contributed to the capture of the archipelago by France (cm. France). The naval war between Great Britain and Napoleonic France that broke out at the beginning of the 19th century led to a change of owners. From 1810 until the 20th century, power on the islands was firmly held by the British crown.
In 1814, the Seychelles merged with the island of Mauritius into a single administrative-colonial unit, and in 1880-1890 the British government granted them the right to create local governments, including executive and legislative councils. The small number of the island population for a long time did not allow the national liberation struggle, and only after the Second World War, popular discontent took on the character of an open social protest, which resulted, among other things, in the mass strikes of 1966 and 1972. In 1970, Great Britain granted the islands the right to wide internal autonomy. On June 28, 1976, the Seychelles was proclaimed an independent republic.
natural attractions
Nature is the main asset of the country. Its originality is associated with a unique history of development, which made these islands a kind of natural reserve, where plant and animal species have been preserved that have long disappeared in the adjacent territories of the African continent. Seychelles has become a paradise for birds much earlier than for tourists. Almost the entire feathered world is represented here - from the inhabitants of the thickets of the tropical forest to lovers of the ocean expanses; there are many unique endemic species listed in the World Red Book, whose populations number only two to three dozen individuals. In total, 14 endemic species of birds live in the Seychelles (when the islands began to be settled by Europeans, there were 16 of them). It is worth visiting the huge bird market on the tiny island of Bird, 100 km north of the island of Mahe. The spectacle is truly impressive, and if you get in season, you will be lucky enough to taste dishes from the eggs of sooty terns.
A colony of frigatebirds (one of the largest birds) can be seen on the island of Aldabra. Their colony numbers several hundred thousand and is considered the largest in the Indian Ocean. The tropical forests are inhabited by parrots (black wasa parrots and "kato-noir", a pygmy green parrot), weavers, Seychelles turtledoves, Seychelles falcons, Seychelles owl, etc. The only small colony in the world has survived on the island of La Digue (only about 40 individuals) of paradise flycatchers.
Cousin Islet is bought by the International Bird Conservation Organization and turned into a bird sanctuary. Terns (several species), petrels, white-tailed phaetons and other birds inhabit this islet. Some species of birds are found only on the islands of the Indian Ocean. Under the name "coco de mer" are known double coconuts of enormous size (on average they weigh 15 kg), which grow only on the island of Praslin (25 miles from the island of Mahe). For many centuries and even millennia, these bizarrely shaped nuts have remained a mystery to the whole world. They were washed ashore by storms in India (cm. India), Sri Lanka (cm. Sri Lanka) and even Indonesia (cm. Indonesia) hence the name "sea coconuts". No one knew exactly what it was and what was the origin of these items. As a result, the most amazing legends were composed. Until the middle of the 18th century, even small pieces of these nuts were highly valued.
They were credited with amazing healing properties for many diseases. Versions have been put forward that the island on which the amazing Seychelles palm tree grows was the place where the Garden of Eden was located, and the tree itself is the famous “tree of knowledge”, but its fruit is just the same, forbidden. The most famous grove of these amazing plants, which you will not see anywhere else, is located in the Valle de May, the only reserve where excursions for tourists are provided.
The ancient representatives of amphibians, turtles, can be considered one of the hallmarks of the Seychelles. These islands are one of the few places on earth where giant tortoises have survived (some specimens reach a length of 125 cm). The largest colony of these amphibians is famous for the island of Aldabra. There are few turtles left on other islands due to their predatory extermination in the last 200 years.
Almost all islands of the Seychelles have coral reefs. Due to the transparency and shallowness of the ocean and coasts, the underwater world of reefs is fantastically rich and diverse. You can take part in a boat trip on a glass bottom boat, or snorkel or scuba dive, or just walk along the reefs exposed at low tide. You need to walk on the reefs in shoes (and preferably on thick soles), and dive in a wetsuit. The Seychelles provide an opportunity to go on a fishing trip that will be remembered for a lifetime. You can catch a tuna or a shark, but if you're lucky, then huge sailboats or marlin of 200 kilograms that way!

Holidays in the Seychelles
Tourists are attracted to the Seychelles by the opportunity to soak up the luxurious beaches, sunbathe, live in comfortable conditions, swim among coastal corals and just relax in a calm and friendly atmosphere. The sea around the Seychelles is considered free from sharks. However, bathers and those who like to swim far need to be aware of the danger of coastal currents. All the islands have many beautiful beaches.
The most famous, "civilized" Beau Vallon beach is a strip of fine sand and is located on the main island of Mahe. Here you can indulge in any of the main types of entertainment - sailing boats, windsurfing, canoes, water skiing. Clean water and bottom provide ideal conditions for swimming, and the presence of restaurants and bars nearby eliminates the need to return to the hotel during the day. The mass of small islands, such as Praslin or La Digue, attracts with the opportunity to spend a completely quiet and calm day on the coast away from people.
Perhaps the only danger to swimmers are sea urchins and some poisonous fish. You can avoid unpleasant encounters by swimming in a safe place and at the same time observing some caution. Convenient hotels, campsites and bungalows are located on each islet. You can always hire a boat to travel to other islands.
Wandering along the coast and diving in coastal waters, you can find a lot of wonderful shells (more than 300 species of mollusks live around the island of Mahe alone) and corals, but they cannot be taken out. For exported "natural" souvenirs, it is necessary to obtain a special permit, which, as a rule, is issued if there is a certificate of their acquisition in an official way (a check confirming that the item was officially purchased).

National parks
There are several national parks on the islands. They allow you to get acquainted with the main natural attractions and just have a good time. The National Marine Park is organized on the basis of several coastal areas and water areas of the islands of Sainte-Anne, Cerf and Moyenne; underwater coral landscapes are protected here. The mentioned huge atoll of Aldabra has been turned into a reserve for the conservation of giant sea turtles, as well as a colony of frigatebirds. The May Valley on Praslin Island has been declared a national park; it is here that the famous protected grove of amazing Seychelles palm trees is located. An ornithological reserve has been organized on Cousin Island to preserve the endemic feathered inhabitants of the islands.

Islands
There is only one city in the Seychelles - the capital of Victoria on the main island of Mahe. In addition to the island of Mahe, Praslin, Aldabara, La Digue, Bird, Moyen are considered the main, "large" islands.

Mahe
The main island is home to the bulk of the population, and it is this island that serves as a base for tourists arriving at the modern international airport. Comfortable hotels are scattered throughout Mahe for all tastes and budgets. Most of them are taken from the depths of the island and from the city closer to the ocean, to the beaches. There are practically no buildings higher than three floors. There is a ban on the construction of structures higher than palm trees, so as not to spoil the landscape.
It is interesting to visit the local bazaar, the village of crafts, go to shops with spices and spices, look into the mosque and the Hindu temple, visit the port, watching the arrival of fishermen with a variety of catches. The city has a lot of bars, restaurants and discos. Life in Victoria flows measuredly and unhurriedly, quite like a resort, which contributes to creating the image of an ideal relaxing holiday. You can climb the slopes of the mountains surrounding the capital, walk through the tropical forest, view from above the main wealth of the islands - fantastic coral sand beaches. It is interesting to travel around the island by car, with amazing views from the mountain roads.

Praslin
The second most important island is famous for its extraordinary groves of Seychelles palm trees. In fact, the entire island is one rock up to 300 m high. Its slopes, destroyed by erosion, are cut through by picturesque green valleys. There are only two villages on the island, but small, cozy, quite homely hotels with all amenities have been built for tourists.

Aldabra
The world's largest coral atoll miraculously escaped the fate of becoming a British military base, but it became a place of pilgrimage for tourists, and most importantly - biologists and environmentalists from all over the world. The inner lagoon occupies almost 200 km2. Narrow straits divide the atoll into four segments. Aldabra has become a haven for huge turtles (land and sea) and many thousands of birds.

La Digue
On the island you can find a quiet Robinson vacation, a completely clean seabed, clear water. The only transport here is bullock carts. The National Open Air Museum will introduce you to the traditions of copra mining. Many consider this island the coziest corner of the Seychelles.

bird
You can get to this “bird paradise” (as evidenced by the very name of the island) by plane, and stay in a fairly comfortable family hotel. Fishing enthusiasts will not remain indifferent to the possibilities of grandiose ocean fishing.

moyenne
The islet belongs to a private person, but is fully equipped to receive guests. This tiny piece of land attracts not only the opportunity to soak up the beach in silence and solitude, but also the hope of finding pirate treasures allegedly left on this island. Everyone is given the opportunity to try their luck.

Encyclopedia of Tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .

Seychelles is a lost and found paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean: 115 wonderful islands, of which only 30 are inhabited. The beaches here are like a selection: white sand, wide and secluded, the hotels also correspond to the paradise. All about the Seychelles: photos, tours, road and maps.

• Tours for May to the Seychelles
• Hot tours to the Seychelles

Wedding destination - it is in this section that the Seychelles invariably ranks in foreign guidebooks: all year round, happy newlywed moths flock to its idyllic landscapes. The Seychelles offer a very rare commodity in today's hectic world - absolute peace, solitude and a measured rhythm of life (if not the complete absence of it) - in a word, ideal conditions for starting a life together. Paradise, frankly, is not cheap, on the other hand - there is also one wedding ... at least, few people are already planning the next wedding during their honeymoon.

Another category of local tourists is people who are in love with the sea: there are many exceptionally beautiful dive sites around the archipelago, and the coasts of its 115 islands are washed by waves for every surfer's taste. In addition, lovers of sea fishing, yachting and exclusive beach holidays without any frills come here. Is it necessary to add that all of them are at least very wealthy people?

Disadvantages of direction? Well, there is one ... although it's for someone like ... look at the prices - you'll find out.

Time difference with Moscow

1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

Tropical, very mild, without significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. It is never too cold or too hot here. The average annual air temperature is +26...+30 °C. Rather, for the sake of formality, it is still customary to distinguish between two seasons: conditionally hot (December-May) and conditionally cool (June-November), when monsoons blow. During the hot season, most of the annual precipitation falls, mainly on the mountainous islands of Mahe and Silhouette. January is considered the rainiest month. The rains are heavy but not long. See also: current weather forecast for the Seychelles for the next 10 days.

Visa and customs

Citizens of Russia arriving for a period not exceeding 30 days do not need a visa to the Seychelles. But despite the general “chocolate” and the safety of the destination, medical insurance will not hurt.

Import and export of foreign and local currencies is not limited, the allowable limit for the transport of local is 2000 SCR. 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco are allowed duty-free; 2 liters of alcohol with a strength of more than 16% and 2 liters of less strong drinks; 200 ml perfume. The importation of other goods is limited to 3,000 SCR per person. When transporting musical instruments, sports equipment and portable electrical appliances, you will have to pay a special deposit (the money will be returned on the way back - unless, of course, the listed items leave the country with the traveler). Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Pets are placed in quarantine (14-180 days) and are allowed in the Seychelles only if they have an international veterinary certificate issued no earlier than a month before arrival. It is forbidden to import weapons (including pneumatic and for spearfishing), vegetables, fruits, plants, birds, tea, non-canned meat and meat products, as well as medicines and drugs. The export of shells, corals, tortoise shell products and coco de mer nuts is prohibited without special permission.

There is no Tax free system in the Seychelles.

How to get to the Seychelles

Entertainment and attractions

The historical "excursion" in the Seychelles is present in minimal quantities - and, by and large, it is not needed. All the main attractions here are exclusively natural: snow-white (and in some places even pale pink!) beaches, clear water, unique tropical nature, multi-colored marble stones and a stunning underwater world. Service in hotels, bungalows and lodges is always on the level. Aborigines are nice and friendly. Sunsets are fantastic, waves (where there are no strong currents) are invariably gentle. And also a fantastic (and this is not an artistic exaggeration) underwater world.

reserves

Cousin Island, a nature reserve since 1968, is located 2 km from Praslin Island. It is home to several endangered animal species and a nesting site for seabirds and turtles. Two of whom, old George and Georgina, live here and often follow tourists in the hope of scratching their necks.

Bird Island can be reached in half an hour by plane from Mahe Island. The island is known as home to approximately 1.5 million black terns that live here from May to September. The giant tortoise Esmeralda also lives here (they say that she is already over 150 years old). Curieuse Island, named after the ship that discovered it in 1768, is famous for its large colony of giant tortoises and dense thickets of tropical plants. There is also a national marine park here.

Arid Island is located just 15 km from Praslin. In 1973, it was bought for the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature by Christopher Cadbury, an English "chocolate" tycoon. The island serves as a major gathering place for seabirds throughout the region and is home to the world's largest colonies of pink terns, lesser fulmars and red-tailed tropicbirds.

St. Anna Marine National Park consists of 6 small islands. A tour of them begins with a trip on a glass-bottomed boat, which allows you to observe the colorful life of coral reefs. Then the path goes to Moyen Island, which is privately owned by a certain Mr. Grimshaw, who has been living here for a long time and is still trying to find pirate treasures. You can explore the island, see pirate graves and historical ruins (and try to score Mr. Grimshaw's bucks by finding the infamous treasure).

10 things to do in the Seychelles

1. Do nothing, do nothing and do nothing again on the secluded white sand beaches of the Seychelles archipelago.
2. Dive into the captivating underwater world off the coast of the Seychelles.
3. Evaluate the delights of Creole cuisine - and not necessarily bat stew, for example, fish and rice - a miracle how good!
4. Try to find pirate treasure on Moyen Island.
5. Walk around the capital of the island of Victoria and look at one of the two traffic lights in the whole country.
6. Fly in a helicopter over the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean.
7. Fish for tuna, secretly hoping to catch blue marlin.
8. Take a chance - and combine legal marriage under the approving whisper of the ocean.
9. Join the proud fraternity of the "dosochnikov" on the beach of Grand Anse.
10. Take a “coco de mer” walnut with you to your homeland so that there is something to remember in the long Russian winter.

Night life

Fans of vibrant nightlife may be disappointed: all local entertainment is represented by a couple of discos and casinos. There are only three casinos on the island of Mahe: at the Plantation Club Hotel, Berjaya Beau Vallon and a recently opened, but already the best casino in Victoria. With clubs - the same problem. They are far from numerous and often uninteresting. Pleasant exceptions: the Lovant Club in the center of Victoria, the Katiolo disco, which looks like Uncle Tom's hut and a rural disco of the 80s and 90s, a very small 369 Club and Barrel (or simply Barrel) ) is a cheap and fun place, mostly with a local audience. Praslin Island has a casino at the Lemuria Resort.

But on the islands throughout the year there are many festivals and sporting events, the most famous among them are the Great Regatta and the Festival of Creole Culture.

Holidays and events in Seychelles

The main public holidays in the Seychelles fall on the first month of summer. June 5 - Liberation Day in honor of the coming to power of the socialists, 29 - Independence Day: in 1976, the islands got out of British control and officially became a republic. The brightest in the summer series is National Reconciliation Day on June 18 in honor of the adoption of the Constitution with magnificent parades in the capital, music shows and flower exhibitions.

At the Praslin Culinary Festival in September, among other treats, you can taste coco de mer cocktails, ostrich stew and other exotics.

The New Year is celebrated with a tropical flavor: palm trees are decorated instead of Christmas trees, flowers are hung instead of electric garlands, but dances, fireworks and feasts are international traditions. They also love festivals in the Seychelles: in the spring they hold the March Carnival, which attracts thousands of tourists, and the French Week with concerts, exhibitions and craft fairs. In May, a sailing regatta takes place, in June - Mind Body Spirit, which promotes a healthy lifestyle. The festival of Creole culture is a chance to get acquainted with the ancient customs of the islanders, the fishing festival on La Digue is an occasion to compete with the locals in the art of fishing.

The Seychelles are 115 islands of incredible beauty located in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa. This is a place of absolute peace, solitude and measured life. This is an idyll. Perhaps that is why the Seychelles is a favorite place for newlyweds from all over the world who come here on their honeymoon. If you do not yet know where the Seychelles are located on the world map, you can consider them below.

The Seychelles archipelago is located outside the zone of cyclones, so there is always peace and grace and only 2 climates: dry and wet. The Seychelles are perhaps the most unhurried people, they are not in a hurry, but relax relaxed against the backdrop of lush thickets of hibiscus, ginger and coconut palms.

Mahe Island and Victoria

The islands were discovered by the famous navigator Vasca da Gama, when he walked along the Great Silk Road to India in 1502 through the Cape of Good Hope. Mahe is one of the three largest islands of the Seychelles (27 km long and 12 wide). Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, is located on the island of Mahe, and it used to be called Port Royal. The capital began to be called Victoria when the Seychelles came under the control of England, and so it remained Victoria forever. Although a small town is the smallest capital on Earth (population 25 thousand), but construction there has long been prohibited: in an effort to limit the boundaries of the city, the state takes care of its ecology.

The main attractions of the capital:

• local history museum;
• St Paul's Cathedral;
• Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception;
• Indian temple;
• center of applied arts and crafts;
• Botanical garden Mont Fleuri (near the city, in the valley).

The cultural life of Mahe is concentrated south of the capital, on the east coast. Here it is interesting to visit the Creole Institute, which studies Creole culture and language. The Seychelles is the only country where Creole is recognized as the official language. If you visit the archipelago in October, you can see the annual Creole festival at the end of the month with national dances, fashion shows and exhibitions.

Botanical Garden

The main exhibit is Lodoicea - the famous Seychelles palm tree with huge fruits in the form of appetizing female thighs. This is coco de mer - a sea coconut weighing more than 20 kg, shaped like a human heart. There are 7,000 sea coconut palms in the "May Valley", Seychelles National Park. The tree reaches a height of 30 meters and lives for several hundred years! Fruits with a very hard and thick shell ripen for 10 years; in ancient times, ships from Europe were specially equipped for them. The fruit is expensive, about $ 100, and it can only be exported outside the country with special permission.

Also, tourists visit the Black Pearl farm with interest, the main profile of which is pearl mining.

Located next to Victoria, Intendanse Bay is famous for its wonderful coral sand beaches, modern hotels with excellent service, trendy restaurants, bars and discos.

Praslin: coconut island

Praslin is only considered the second largest island in the archipelago, but in fact it is tiny: it can be walked around in an hour. However, many tourists come here, since Praslin is the location of the famous Seychelles beaches of Côte d'Or and Anse Lazio. In addition, it is here that lovers of solitude stop to rest: they have at their disposal the wild beaches of Anse Georgette and Anse Consolation.

Praslin's natural attraction is the coco de mer, a sea coconut weighing more than 20 kg and shaped like a human heart. There are 7,000 sea coconut palms in the "May Valley", Seychelles National Park. Also, tourists visit the Black Pearl farm with interest, the main profile of which is pearl mining.

Praslin has three diving centers - Octopus, Bleu Marine and Whitetip Divers, offering dives near coral reefs near the islands of the entire archipelago.

Not far from Praslin there is the island of Curieuse, where it is very interesting to visit a marine reserve and a giant tortoise farm with an excursion.

Silhouette: total privacy

Silhouette Island is one of the three largest islands of the Seychelles archipelago. Snow-white beaches, blue of the ocean, dense coastal thickets, flowers, birds - this is the world that will be the environment for every tourist who comes here to spend their holidays here. Accommodation is possible in the only Silhuette Island Lodge 5 * hotel on the island. Resort guests can expect a luxurious vacation in seclusion in the bosom of tropical nature.

La Digue pink beaches

The beautiful tiny island of La Digue is also one of the most "tourist" Seychelles. Ringing silence, pink beaches of Grand Anse, Petit Anse and Anse Coco, Union Estate Park - these are all the advantages of La Digue, but it is precisely for this peaceful calm on the ocean that tourists from all over the world love this island so much.

The popular dive sites of La Digue, including Channel Rock, White Bank, Grand Ser, West Sister Rock, Ave Maria, Coral Garden, allow exotic lovers to swim in the labyrinths of coral atolls and admire the underwater inhabitants to their heart's content (large barracuda, gray shark, etc.).

Deniz: exciting diving

An island two kilometers long, Deniz is extremely popular with diving fans. It has all the conditions for deep-sea diving, which opens up a completely different world for tourists. Especially all divers like to watch sea turtles, as well as engage in deep sea fishing. The local Denis Island Lodge 4 * hotel provides accommodation for tourists with any budget, since resort guests are provided with bungalows of different categories.

Sainte-Anne: honeymoon island

The considerable territory of the island of Sainte-Anne allows you to competently organize areas of complete privacy, which is why newlyweds and couples in love come here so willingly. Villas and chalets of different price levels increase the opportunities for those who want to relax in comfortable conditions without serious damage to their wallets. The island also has a hotel that is deservedly recognized as the best in the archipelago - this is the Sainte Anne Resort, and although it is very expensive to stay, the hotel is never empty. In addition to romantic youth, many divers of all ages rest on Sainte-Anne: rare species of fish and incredible beauty of corals in coastal waters serve as bait for them.

Sainte Anne Island

Island hotels

An attractive feature of the Seychelles is the presence of islands on which only one single luxury hotel has been built. Comfortable service relieves tourists from all domestic worries, and they completely surrender to a serene rest, literally dissolving in nature and experiencing boundless delight from merging with the outside world.

One of these islands is Bird. It is perfect for those who are looking for isolation from the outside world at least for a while and plan to live on the shores of the turquoise lagoon, in palm thickets. On Byrd there is only the Bird Island Lodge 4 * hotel with attendants, and no one else. The feeling of solitude is supported by the absence of all signs of civilization - TVs, the Internet, telephones (up to air conditioners).

If you also dream of relaxing on the ocean coast, forgetting about everything in the world and enjoying freedom, buy a tour to the Seychelles! Treat yourself to the bright world of tropical nature.