Seychelles in 7 days
- Irene
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
With its breathtaking white-sand beaches, iconic granite boulders, and lush, palm-fringed hillsides, the Seychelles is a true Indian Ocean paradise. Offering much more than a typical “fly-and-flop” vacation, these 115 islands promise a blend of Creole culture, vibrant marine life, and incredible biodiversity. Discover the ultimate escape in this guide to paradise.
Itinerary:
Getting There
Useful Tips & General Information
Best Time to Visit
Mahé
Day 1: Relaxing on Mahé
Day 2: Botanical Gardens, Island Flavours & a Scenic Hike
Day 3: Rum Heritage & South Coast Beaches
Day 4: Relax & Water Sports at Constance Ephelia
La Digue
Day 5: Mahé to La Digue
Day 6: Exploring the South of La Digue
Day 7: La Digue to Airport
Getting There
Travelling from the UK isn’t entirely straightforward, as there are currently no direct flights (as of 2025). Most routes include a stopover in Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.
Before travelling, make sure to complete the mandatory Seychelles Travel Authorisation — it isn’t a visa, but a paid online form required for entry. Key points:
Apply 30 to 10 days before arrival
Cost: €10 per person
Expedited processing is available but much more expensive
Useful Tips & General Information
We found Seychelles to be extremely safe, and the locals were absolutely lovely. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Costs: This is not a budget holiday.
· Food and drink prices are similar to UK standards
· Ferries between islands can be quite expensive (and limited in schedule)
· Hotels — especially on popular islands — can be pricey
Island Transport: There are usually only about three ferries per day, so plan your arrival/departure days carefully. Cat Cocos operates the main routes between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue
Island Hopping - It’s absolutely worth splitting your stay across islands. Common combinations:
· Mahé + La Digue (what we chose)
· Mahé + Praslin + La Digue (ideal if you have 9–10 days)
What to Pack: Pack water shoes! Many beautiful beaches have rocks under the water, and we really missed having them.
Environmental Tax: There is a Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy, paid at check‑out:
· Small hotel: SCR 25 pp/night
· Medium: SCR 75 pp/night
· Large: SCR 100 pp/nightThis is usually not included in room rates.
Best Time to Visit
Seychelles has two main seasons:
Rainy/Wet Season: November to March/April
Dry/Cooler Season: May to October (July–August are the driest)
The best months are the transition periods are April–May and October–November.
We visited at the end of November and had gorgeous weather, except for one torrential downpour — naturally on the one day we forgot our rain jackets!
Day 1: Relaxing on Mahé
Our flight arrived early morning and we went directly to our hotel. In terms of transportation, you can check with your hotel what options they offer and how much it costs but a tip that I recommend is to always look for the prices on “booking.com ” under the taxi tab. I have used this a lot and they tend to have very competitive prices and have never have an issue with their services.
Where We Stayed: Constance Ephelia
The hotel we choose to stay at was “Constance Ephelia” and I highly recommend to stay here. The hotel is very big and the grounds massive which is not something we would usually go for as we usually go to small boutique hotels. However, this time we went for something different as we wanted to have facilities handy. I think the most important thing to call out is that the hotel has 2 beaches and one of them, the north one, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles (at least in my view). We also found the location to be ideal if you’re planning to rent a car and explore the island, as we did. We rented a car directly through the hotel for Days 2 and 3, and the process was very straightforward — you can simply email the hotel and they will put you in contact with their rental car company.
Board Options
Another thing to consider when staying at a larger hotel is the regime that you want to stay at. All inclusive, while available in some resorts, is not really a thing and not that widespread I would say so many people choose to go for half board which includes the breakfast and dinner. We decided to just get breakfast included so we could choose which restaurants within the hotel we wanted to have dinner at. It is normal than on the half board regime you are not allowed to eat in all the restaurants with the fanciest or more expensive ones being excluded from the half board. To give an idea of costs, dinner at the hotel for two adults, including two alcoholic drinks, came to around £85, while two drinks by the swimming pool were approximately £22.
Day 2: Botanical Gardens, Island Flavours & a Scenic Hike
Seychelles Tea Factory (SeyTe), Sans Soucis
Start the day with a scenic drive from Constance Ephelia to the Seychelles Tea Factory, located on the slopes of Morne Blanc along Sans Soucis Road (around 30 minutes by car). Perched high in the island’s interior, this stop is worthwhile for its cooler mountain air and sweeping views across western Mahé. You can browse the small shop for locally branded teas and enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the surrounding plantations.
Set expectations: This is more of a viewpoint and souvenir stop than a working factory tour — go for the scenery rather than the process.
Copolia Trail – Morne Seychellois National Park
After the tea factory, continue along Sans Soucis Road to the Copolia Nature Trail, just a 10‑minute drive away. This 1.2–1.5 km trail winds through endemic forest before opening onto a vast granite slab with panoramic views over Victoria, St Anne Marine Park, and the east coast.
The hike is classified as moderate, with steep and root‑covered sections. However, I must say that I personally found this hike very challenging, with quite steep climbs and difficult terrain — though it is extremely rewarding once you reach the top, thanks to one of the best viewpoints on the island.
Tips: Wear proper hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and aim to go earlier in the day for clearer skies. The hike takes around 1.5 hours in total. Entry requires a paid ticket (100 rupees).
Lunch at Aloha Restaurant, Victoria
After the hike, drive down into Victoria for lunch at Aloha Restaurant & Bar, located on the first floor of the Docklands building near the port (around 15 minutes from the trailhead). This stylish, air‑conditioned restaurant offers a multi‑cuisine menu blending Indian, Asian, and international dishes — a great option after a physically demanding morning.
Victoria Botanical Gardens
Finish the day at the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens in Mont Fleuri, just a 5‑minute drive from central Victoria, before heading back to the hotel.
Established in 1901, this compact but beautifully curated garden is one of the easiest ways to experience Seychelles’ unique flora in a single visit. Highlights include giant Aldabra tortoises (which you can feed), coco de mer palms, spice plants, orchids, and a serene lotus pond. The gardens are flat and well signposted, making them ideal for a relaxed stroll and photography after lunch.
Good to know: The gardens are open daily from morning to late afternoon and take around 1 hour to explore. There is a small entrance fee for non‑residents (250 rupees).
From the botanical gardens, the return drive to Constance Ephelia takes around 25 minutes, completing a relaxed loop across the island.
Day 3: Rum Heritage & South Coast Beaches
Takamaka Rum Distillery – La Plaine St André
Start Day 3 at one of Mahé’s most characterful attractions: Takamaka Rum Distillery at La Plaine St André. From Constance Ephelia, allow around 45 minutes by car, following the west coast south before cutting across toward the east coast.
This beautifully restored 18th‑century estate is home to a small museum, medicinal garden, historic ruins, and of course, rum production. Two giant Aldabra tortoises live on the estate. Free guided tours run several times a day, explaining the distillation process and the brand’s Seychellois roots. Finish with a rum tasting or cocktail at the on‑site Rum Shack. We decided to do the tasting and actually I would have preferred just to have a cocktail as the shots of rum are quite strong!
Anse Royale Beach
From the distillery, Anse Royale is just a 10‑minute drive south.
One of Mahé’s most accessible and versatile beaches, Anse Royale is protected by an offshore reef, so the water is generally calm — ideal for swimming and snorkelling, especially at low tide. The long bay is backed by local shops, takeaway spots, and fruit stalls, giving it a lively, lived‑in feel.
Anse Intendance
Next, continue along the south coast to Anse Intendance, around 15 minutes by car.
This dramatic, wild beach is often ranked among the most beautiful in Seychelles. Framed by granite boulders and backed by lush vegetation, it’s a photographer’s dream. The lack of a protecting reef means strong waves, particularly from May to September, so swimming is often unsafe — but the scenery alone makes this stop unforgettable.
Anse Takamaka Beach
Just 5 minutes further along the road, Anse Takamaka offers a calmer, more intimate contrast.
This smaller, postcard‑perfect bay is shaded by takamaka trees, with beautiful light in the late afternoon and a quieter atmosphere than nearby beaches. It’s an ideal place to slow the pace after the drama of Anse Intendance. Bring snorkelling gear — there’s no rental on site.
Lunch at Del Place Restaurant.
To finish the day, cross back to the west coast for lunch at Del Place Restaurant. The drive from Anse Takamaka to Port Glaud takes around 35–40 minutes, passing through lush inland scenery. Known for its waterfront setting, fresh seafood, and elegant Creole‑international menu, Del Place is consistently rated among Mahé’s top restaurants. We ordered the grilled fish and it was absolutely delicious
From Del Place, it’s just a 5‑minute drive back to Constance Ephelia, bringing the day — and your south‑coast loop — to a relaxed close.
Day 4: Relax and water sport activities
We deliberately kept this day slow and unstructured, giving ourselves a chance to properly relax after a few busy sightseeing days. We woke up later than usual, spent the morning lounging on the beach, and enjoyed the facilities at the hotel without feeling the need to rush anywhere.
Constance Ephelia is a great place for a laid‑back day, especially if you enjoy being active at your own pace. The resort offers a range of water sports, making it easy to mix relaxation with a bit of fun on the water. It’s also possible to rent bicycles directly from the hotel if you want to explore the expansive grounds or cycle around the surrounding area.
In addition, the hotel organises guided nature walks, which are a lovely way to explore the lush surroundings and learn more about the local flora and wildlife without having to plan anything yourself. Overall, it was the perfect balance of rest, gentle activity, and simply enjoying the beautiful setting.
Day 5: Mahe to La Digue
On Day 5, we took the ferry from Mahé to La Digue, departing at 10:30 am. The crossing takes around 75 minutes, and it’s important to arrive at the Mahé ferry terminal at least 45 minutes to one hour before departure. You’ll need time to check in and, similar to an airport, drop off your luggage in a separate building before boarding.
We arrived on La Digue around midday, where we were picked up at the ferry terminal and taken to our hotel. We chose to stay at Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel La Digue, a very charming boutique hotel in a fantastic location. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort is also a popular option on the island.
After checking in, we had a quick lunch at the hotel, and shortly afterwards we were given our bikes, ready to start exploring. It’s worth noting that bicycles are the main way to get around La Digue, which is part of what makes the island so special. All hotels provide bikes for their guests, but if you’re looking for electric bikes or something a bit more premium, there are rental shops in the main part of town where you can arrange this.
That afternoon, we used our bikes to explore the northern beaches of the island, including Anse Sévère, Anse Patates, and Anse Gaulettes. All three are beautiful, but Anse Patates was my favourite — it looks like something straight out of a postcard. As mentioned earlier, make sure to bring water shoes, as there are hidden rocks under the water that can make getting in and out of the sea a bit tricky.
To end the day, we had dinner at “The Black Bull Café”. The food was absolutely delicious, and it also has a lovely terrace where you can enjoy a drink after dinner — the perfect way to wrap up our first day on La Digue.
Day 6: La Digue
On Day 6, we decided to explore the south of the island.
We started the morning by cycling towards Grand Anse Beach, another stunning beach on La Digue. It’s important to note that the waves here can be quite strong and the sea fairly rough, so you should only swim if you’re a confident swimmer. From Grand Anse, we continued on foot and hiked through the jungle to Petite Anse Beach. I would highly recommend wearing proper hiking shoes, as the trail is uneven and takes around 15–20 minutes each way.
If you’re feeling energetic, the hike can be extended further to Anse Cocos, one of the island’s most famous beaches. However, this requires an additional 30 minutes of hiking, and as there is no other way to access either Petite Anse or Anse Cocos, we decided to turn back at Petite Anse.
Afterwards, we hopped back on our bikes and headed to L’Union Estate, a private estate that you need to pass through in order to reach Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Entry to L’Union Estate costs 150 rupees per person per day. Cycling around the estate is beautiful in itself, with lush scenery, traditional buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere, and from there you can easily access Anse Source d’Argent.
One of the most popular activities here is renting crystal kayaks to see the beach from the water. These cannot be rented independently; you must join a guided group tour, as the tides are very strong in this area. The kayaks are connected to a boat, which helps guide the group safely through the currents. I actually found this experience very interesting and enjoyable — the tour lasts around two hours. Prices vary, but it costs approximately €40 per person, which was the only time during our trip that we paid in euros. I would strongly recommend wearing a T‑shirt or light shirt and a hat, as the sun is extremely strong. Despite the cost, this was one of the highlights of the trip and well worth it.
We spent the rest of the afternoon swimming at the different beaches within the estate and later stopped for lunch at Old Pier Café.
For dinner, we returned to The Black Bull Café, as we enjoyed it so much the night before. Another restaurant we had on our list, and which also comes highly recommended, was Natural Bar Grill & Drinks.
Day 7: La Digue to airport
On our last day, we took things easy with a late morning, relaxing by the hotel’s swimming pool before heading off. In the early afternoon, around 2:00 pm, we took the ferry back to Mahé, making our way to the airport for our onward journey.
When booking the ferry tickets this time, I added the Cat Cocos airport transfer option, which includes transport directly from the ferry terminal to the airport. This turned out to be very convenient and made the journey back completely stress‑free.
And with that, our trip came to an end — the perfect finish to a truly unforgettable holiday.
Seychelles exceeded our expectations in every possible way. If you’re looking for a destination that goes far beyond white‑sand beaches and delivers rich experiences, stunning scenery, and genuine moments of calm, Seychelles is an island escape you won’t soon forget.
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