Everyone who flies to the Seychelles arrives in Mahé, the largest of the islands and site of the capital, Victoria. With over 70 coves and beaches, offshore islands, its land and marine national parks, indigenous birds, walking trails and galleries, the island encapsulates the diversity of the beautiful Seychelles Archipelago.
Mahé, 27 km long by 8 km wide, is home to two-thirds of Seychellois. A lush green mountain range runs the length of the island, reaching a peak of 905m at Le Morne Seychellois, and provides good walking and birding. Along the narrow coasts are lovely, secluded coves and beaches, from untamed Anse Intendance in the south to the famous Beau Vallon in the northwest.
The Sainte Anne National Marine Park, which encompasses six small islands, including Cerf and Sainte Anne, lies just to the northeast and its diverse marine habitats attract divers, snorkellers and glass-bottomed boats. Anonyme lies just 700 metres off the coast of Mahé and is a good choice for those wanting to combine an offshore island hideaway with the attractions of Mahé.
With a Saturday morning at vibrant Victoria Market, an authentic Creole meal at Marie-Antoinette, wonderful sailing, scenic Mahé is an ideal introduction to the Seychelles.