- Direct flights from London take about 12 hours, and Mauritius is only three or four hours ahead
- Pick your coast carefully: the north and west are calmer in winter, the east is breezier
- Best from April to June and September to December
- Excellent for honeymoons and families, with good-value all-inclusive deals outside peak dates
- Airports
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU)
- Flight time
- about 12h direct from London to Mauritius
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-December; cyclone risk January-March
- Currency
- Mauritian rupee (MUR)
Mauritius sits in the Indian Ocean about 2,000km off the coast of mainland Africa, and it is the place many UK couples have in mind when they picture a honeymoon. Coral reefs encircle most of the island, creating calm turquoise lagoons, and the hotel scene ranges from big family resorts to some of the most polished luxury properties anywhere.
It is more than a beach, though. The interior has waterfalls, tea plantations and the forests of Black River Gorges National Park, and the island's mix of Indian, African, French, Chinese and Creole cultures shows up in its food. Of all our Africa destinations, it is the easiest pure-relaxation trip, and the small time difference means little jet lag.
Where to go in Mauritius
The north: Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches
The north coast is the liveliest area, with restaurants, bars, shopping and boat trips out to the northern islets from Grand Baie. Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy have long, sheltered beaches. It is a good choice for first-timers and anyone who wants to step outside the hotel in the evening.
The east: Belle Mare and Île aux Cerfs
The east has some of the island's longest white-sand beaches and many of its large luxury resorts. Trade winds keep it fresher, which is welcome in summer but can feel breezy from June to August. Boat trips run to Île aux Cerfs, a small island with a golf course and sandbanks.
The south-west: Le Morne and Chamarel
Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol of resistance to slavery, towers over a peninsula of excellent beaches and one of the world's top kitesurfing lagoons. Nearby are the Seven Coloured Earth at Chamarel, the Chamarel waterfall and the hiking trails of Black River Gorges.
The west: Flic en Flac and Tamarin
The west coast is sheltered and sunny, with the island's best sunsets and good value mid-range hotels in Flic en Flac. Dolphin-watching trips leave from Tamarin Bay; choose an operator that follows the guidelines on keeping distance.
Port Louis
The capital is worth half a day for its central market, the Caudan Waterfront and the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO-listed site recalling the indentured labourers who arrived in the 19th century.
Best time to visit Mauritius
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Summer (December-March) | Hot and humid, sea at its warmest; heaviest rain and a risk of cyclones, mainly January-March |
| Autumn (April-June) | Warm, drier and calmer; one of the best times to go |
| Winter (July-August) | Pleasantly warm days around 24 °C, cooler nights and breezy east and south coasts |
| Spring (September-November) | Dry, sunny and settled; excellent value outside October half-term |
Getting to Mauritius from the UK
Air Mauritius and British Airways fly direct from London, taking about 12 hours, usually overnight. One-stop routes via Dubai with Emirates, or via Paris with Air France, can be cheaper and connect from regional UK airports. Mauritius is four hours ahead of the UK in winter and three in summer.
Entry requirements
British passport holders do not usually need a visa for a holiday in Mauritius and are normally granted a stay of up to 90 days on arrival. You may be asked for proof of a return ticket and your accommodation, and your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. Mauritius has introduced an online arrival form; check what is required before you fly. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
The island is small: around an hour and a half from north to south by car. Most hotels offer airport transfers, and taxis are easy for day trips, though agree the fare first. Hiring a car is straightforward, and you drive on the left. A Metro Express light rail line runs between Port Louis and Curepipe, useful mainly for locals. Buses are cheap but slow.
Money and costs
Mauritius uses the rupee, but many hotels quote in euros or pounds. Accommodation is the main cost; outside the resorts, eating out is reasonable, with street food such as dholl puri costing very little. Expect around £100-150 a day per person for a mid-range independent trip, and much more at luxury resorts, where all-inclusive often makes sense because drinks are expensive. Tipping is not compulsory, but around 10% in restaurants is appreciated if service is not included.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mauritius good for a winter-sun holiday?
Yes, though December to March is also the rainy season. For guaranteed calm weather, the shoulder months of April to June and September to December are better. See our best winter sun destinations for alternatives.
Which part of Mauritius has the best beaches?
The east around Belle Mare has long, wide beaches, the north is calm and sheltered, and Le Morne in the south-west is spectacular. Choose by season: north and west are best in the southern winter.
Can I combine Mauritius with a safari?
Yes. Flights connect Mauritius with Johannesburg in about four hours, so a few nights in South Africa followed by a week on the beach works well.
Is Mauritius expensive?
It can be, especially at luxury resorts in school holidays. Booking a package, travelling in May, June or September, and choosing a mid-range hotel in the north or west keeps costs down.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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