Many people compare the Seychelles with a tropical paradise. This resort is great for families, there are many beautiful beaches, and the sea is warm all year round. Here you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city, enjoy sea bathing, fishing, get a nice tan. Tranquil waters, reefs, the magnificent underwater world of the Indian Ocean attracts tourists from all over the world. Fans of diving and snorkeling come to Seychelles. Geographically, the islands are located in East Africa. A total of 115, they are located in the western Indian Ocean, but only 33 are inhabited. There are no people on the coral atolls, and vegetation is sparse and is mainly coconut palms. The largest island of Seychelles is called Mahe, it is formed by granite rocks. The islands are separated from each other by a maximum of 70 km.
Features of the country
The relief of the inhabited islands is mostly rocky, in the lowlands there are tropical forests dominated by rare species of palms and tree ferns. Areas of agricultural activity are concentrated on the coast of the ocean.
The climate in Seychelles is tropical, from November to April, the temperature is 30-35 degrees and the humidity exceeds 80%. In winter, the sky is obscured by clouds, it rains. In the summer, the temperature rarely drops below +26 degrees. Floods with natural disasters in Seychelles are rare, which is why these islands are so loved by tourists, because they are located away from the cyclone zone.
Rest at the resort pleasure expensive, a day of stay on the island will cost at least 270 euros. A room in a three-star hotel can be taken for about 185 euros, dinner at a cafe will cost 40 euros or more, the cost of transportation is estimated at 50 euros.
The official religion in the Seychelles is Catholicism. Religious holidays here have the status of the state. Local residents believe in omens and practice witchcraft, though this is prohibited by law.
Seychellois speak three languages – French, Creole and English. The islands were part of Britain for about a century and a half, so English is used by officials, businessmen and tourists.
Seychelles’ culture has been shaped by the folk traditions of Africans, Indians, and Madagascans. Music is dominated by African motifs, and the locals love to play the drums and guitar. Folk arts and crafts are also well developed here. Products made from turtle shells, palm fibers and coconut shells are popular far beyond the islands.
Beaches
The beaches in Seychelles are varied. Among them there are secluded corners surrounded by cliffs, as well as areas with well-developed infrastructure.
Sours d’Arjan beach
This beach is located on La Digue Island in the national reserve and is considered one of the best beaches in the Seychelles. It is often visited for diving and underwater fishing. Against the backdrop of beautiful rocks, you can make a lot of luxurious pictures to remember. There are restaurants on the beach, where you can eat delicious food.
Anse Soleil Beach
This beach is over 200 m long and about 20 m wide. It is covered with fine white sand. One of its advantages is the gentle entrance to the sea, which is important for holidaymakers with children. Minus of this place – the high waves, which remain almost all the time. The bottom is sandy and rocky, and the depth increases sharply during the tide. Special infrastructure on this beach there is no, so umbrellas and sun loungers have to bring with you. Nearby there are stores, catering facilities, there are hotels.
This beach is not the most crowded in the Seychelles, here prefer to rest the hotel owners and surfers. Tourists like to organize picnics here.
Anse Intendance Beach
Anse Intendance is one of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles. It’s located in a bay on the southwest coast of Mahe. It can be reached directly from the airport by a winding road through a dense rain forest.
Anse Royal Beach
Beach located in a large bay in the southeast of the island of Mahe. It is separated from the airport by 11 km. It can be easily reached by bus or cab. Nearby there is parking and a public transport stop.
Beau Vallon Beach
Beau Wallon beach is located in the bay of the same name in the northwest of the island of Mahé, part of the Seychelles archipelago. The beach line is 2 km long and is surrounded by dense tropical thickets that create comfortable shade. Many tourists get to this beach by boat.
Cuisine
Seychelles cuisine is a unique combination of culinary traditions of different peoples. In local restaurants tourists are offered both Creole and European dishes. Here you can also try Asian cuisine.
A great influence on Seychelles cuisine had France in the eighteenth century. This happened thanks to the French settlers, who brought their traditions in the preparation of fish.
Slaves from Africa invented the dish based on sweet potatoes, they also started frying bananas. Thanks to them, the Seychellois learned what garlic and vanilla and ginger were.
The Chinese and Indians made local dishes spicier and more flavorful with spices.
Transportation
Seychelles has a large number of islands separated by an ocean. You can move between them both by water and by air. Helicopter rides can afford only the most wealthy tourists. Most people prefer to use ferries. Also convenient to move between the islands by boat and yacht.
Public ferries ply on a schedule. They are used as tourists and locals.
Helicopters fly only in the daytime, which is associated with safety.
Experienced tourists are advised to arrive to the islands by an international flight early in the morning to have enough time to get to the desired destination.
