- Split your stay between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue for variety
- British visitors need an online Travel Authorisation before flying
- Anse Source d'Argent and Anse Lazio are among the world's most photographed beaches
- Expensive, but self-catering guesthouses help the budget
- Airports
- Seychelles International, Mahé (SEZ)
- Flight time
- about 10h direct from London to Mahé, or 12-14h with one stop
- Best time to go
- April-May and October-November for calm seas and the best snorkelling
- Currency
- Seychellois rupee (SCR)
The Seychelles look like the screensaver version of a tropical island: giant granite boulders, impossibly white sand and water in every shade of blue. Spread across 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, it is a classic honeymoon destination, but it also suits walkers, divers and anyone who enjoys nature, with giant tortoises, rare birds and the prehistoric palm forest of the Vallée de Mai.
For UK travellers, the Seychelles are four hours ahead of the UK in winter and three in summer. Cars drive on the left, sockets are UK-style type G and English is one of three official languages. It is expensive, though there is a good range of guesthouses as well as luxury resorts. This guide, part of our Africa section, compares the main islands; Mauritius and Madagascar are the nearest alternatives.
Entry requirements
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits, but everyone must apply online for a Seychelles Travel Authorisation before travel, usually for a small fee, and should only use the official government website. You will need a passport valid for your stay, a return ticket, proof of accommodation and enough funds. A visitor's permit is granted on arrival, usually for up to three months. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in the Seychelles
Mahé
The largest island is home to the airport, the tiny capital Victoria, and most of the population. Beau Vallon is the main beach resort area, while Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka and Petite Anse in the south are quieter and gorgeous. Inland, the Morne Seychellois National Park has hiking trails with views over the coast.
Praslin
Praslin is the second-largest island and the place for the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, where the giant coco de mer palm grows wild. Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are among the finest beaches anywhere, and boats go to Curieuse Island to see giant tortoises.
La Digue
Small and slow, with bicycles and ox carts instead of busy roads. Anse Source d'Argent, framed by pink-grey granite boulders, is the iconic Seychelles view; Grand Anse and Anse Cocos are wilder and less crowded.
Smaller and outer islands
Bird Island and Denis Island have eco-lodges and huge seabird colonies. Silhouette, Félicité and the remote coral atolls such as Desroches and Alphonse are for private-island luxury, diving and fly fishing.
Best time to visit the Seychelles
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April-May | Calm seas, clear water and warm weather; excellent snorkelling and diving |
| June-September | South-east trade winds, cooler and drier; some beaches have seaweed and rougher water |
| October-November | Calm and clear again; another ideal period |
| December-March | Hot and humid, with more rain and the north-west trade winds; Christmas is peak season |
Beaches on different coasts are sheltered at different times of year, so ask your hotel which side of the island is calmest.
Getting to the Seychelles from the UK
British Airways has operated seasonal direct flights from Heathrow to Mahé in recent years, taking about 10 hours. Otherwise, connect via Dubai with Emirates, Doha with Qatar Airways, Abu Dhabi with Etihad, Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, for a total of around 12 to 14 hours.
Getting around
Ferries run several times a day between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, taking about an hour from Mahé to Praslin and 15 minutes from Praslin to La Digue. Short domestic flights link Mahé and Praslin. On Mahé and Praslin, hire a car (drive on the left on narrow, winding roads) or use the cheap local buses. On La Digue, rent a bicycle.
Money and costs
The Seychellois rupee is the local currency; cards are widely accepted, and euros or US dollars can be used at many hotels. The Seychelles are expensive: guesthouses and self-catering apartments make a mid-range trip possible at around £150-250 per person per day, while luxury resorts can cost several hundred pounds per night or more. Eating at takeaways and local markets saves money. A tourism environmental levy is charged per night of your stay.
Frequently asked questions
Which Seychelles island is best?
Mahé is best for variety and convenience, Praslin for beaches and the Vallée de Mai, and La Digue for a slower pace and iconic scenery. Many people visit all three.
Do I need a visa for the Seychelles?
No visa is needed for British visitors, but you must apply for a Travel Authorisation online before you travel.
Is the Seychelles expensive?
Yes, compared with many destinations, but guesthouses, self-catering and ferries instead of flights keep costs manageable.
How many days do I need in the Seychelles?
Around 10 days lets you see Mahé, Praslin and La Digue at a relaxed pace. A week works if you focus on two islands.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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