The Seychelles lie far out in the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar. Only a few of the 115 islands are inhabited. The best known are made of granite, and that is exactly what makes them so special: huge boulders polished smooth lie on the beach and in the sea, and between them the water glows in every colour from turquoise to deep blue. Most visitors spend their holiday on three islands.
The three main islands at a glance
| Island | Character | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mahé | Largest island, capital, mountains and many coves | A choice of hotels, walking, excursions |
| Praslin | Quieter, with a palm forest inland | Dream beaches, nature reserve |
| La Digue | Small, hardly any cars, bikes instead of taxis | Relaxed days, the most famous boulders |
Mahé: the main island
All international flights land on Mahé. Here lies Victoria, one of the smallest capitals in the world, with a colourful market selling fish, spices and fruit. The interior of the island is mountainous and green. In the Morne Seychellois National Park, trails lead through cloud forest up to wide viewpoints.
On the northwest coast is the long beach of Beau Vallon, with restaurants and water sports. The many small coves in the south and west are quieter. Mahé is a good base, because it has the widest choice of hotels and restaurants.
Praslin: palm forest and dream beaches
Praslin is the second-largest island and much quieter. Inland lies the Vallée de Mai, an ancient palm forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where the coco de mer grows, a palm with the largest seed in the world. On a circular path, with a little luck, you will hear the island’s rare black parrot.
Praslin’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the Seychelles. Anse Lazio in the north is a wide bay with granite boulders at both ends, and the water is often calm and clear. Anse Georgette is smaller and a little hidden, and access is partly regulated through a hotel’s grounds.
Boats run from Praslin to the small island of Curieuse, where giant tortoises roam freely. A trip that children love too.
La Digue: time to slow down
There are hardly any cars on La Digue. Most visitors cycle, and on the narrow roads you are more likely to meet an ox cart than a taxi. The pace is slow, and that is exactly why many people come here.
Anse Source d’Argent is the most famous spot. The mighty, pink-tinged boulders in shallow turquoise water are one of the most photographed views in the world. The beach lies on an old plantation, for which you pay an entrance fee. Come early in the morning or at low tide, when it is at its most beautiful and quietest.
When is the best time to go?
It is warm in the Seychelles all year, usually 27 to 31 °C during the day. The sea is almost always around 27 to 29 °C. The seasons are determined by the wind.
From December to March the northwest monsoon blows. It is humid and hot, and short, heavy showers are more common. From May to September the southeast trade wind blows. It is then a little cooler and drier, but on some beaches in the southeast the sea gets rougher and seaweed washes up.
The loveliest time is the weeks in between, in April and May and in October and November. The wind is light, and the sea is calm and very clear. That is ideal for snorkellers and divers.
Good to know
From Germany you usually fly with one change, about ten to twelve hours in total. The clocks go forward three hours in winter and two in summer. To enter you need a passport and a travel authorisation that you apply for online before the trip. Check the current rules for your nationality, German citizens with the Federal Foreign Office.
You pay in Seychelles rupees, and cards are accepted in hotels. The Seychelles are not a cheap destination. Food and drink often cost more than in Germany. If you want to save, stay in a small self-catering guesthouse and shop at the market in Victoria.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
