Upon arrival in Victoria, any traveler immediately understands that this city is not at all like other capitals of the world. The population of this paradise is only 25 thousand people, and its idle and measured atmosphere contrasts strongly with the rush and bustle of modern megacities. The city attracts tourists not only with magnificent beaches and beautiful nature, but also with traditional houses with openwork balconies, Creole restaurants, souvenir shops, colorful markets and greenery of coconut palms. In addition, there are practically no houses here, the height of which exceeds three floors, as the local authorities care about the beauty of the urban landscape and prohibit the construction of high-rise buildings.

Climate and weather

Within the territory of Mahe Islands, on which the city of Victoria is located, a maritime subequatorial climate dominates. From June to November, the weather here is relatively cool with an average temperature of about +24 ° C, but from December to May the air usually warms up to +29 ° C.

The hotter period of the year is considered the "rainy season", but the tropical downpours here are quite short, so the weather on the island is comfortable all year round. Although it is worth noting that the most favorable months for a holiday in Victoria are May and October.

Nature

The city of Victoria is located on the northeast coast Mahe Islands, which is the largest in the Seychelles archipelago. Low mountains surround the capital Three brothers» and hills Krev-Ker, Signal and Niol, as well as picturesque cinnamon plantations. A huge number of incredibly beautiful beaches stretch on the coast of the island, and the city itself is literally immersed in the greenery of coconut palms and flowering trees. In addition, in the west of Victoria there is a beautiful Intendance Bay, which was chosen by divers.

Attractions

Inspection of local attractions is recommended to start with Revolution Avenue next to the old Anglican church. Well, not far from it is a traffic light, which is famous for being the only one in the entire city. The main symbol of Victoria is considered Clock tower, which is a small copy of the famous London Big Ben. This tower is decorated with very beautiful lanterns, and its height is about three meters.

Another interesting tourist attraction is a small mosque decorated with paintings, which is located in the business district of the city.

Another popular place is 5th June Avenue(5th June Ave), where the monument " Free man”, installed in honor of the Socialist Revolution of 1977. In addition, there is another symbolic monument in Victoria called " bicentennial monument”, the opening of which was timed to the beginning of the development Mahe Islands.

In addition, it is worth taking a walk Victoria street, which contains several buildings in the colonial style, the Parliament and the National Library. It is located there Museum of Natural History.

Among other attractions it is necessary to highlight:

• Church of the Immaculate Conception,
• St. Paul's Cathedral,
• Bank Of Seychelles,
• church park,
• colorful Market Street.

Food

The city of Victoria is famous not only for its natural environment, but also for its excellent national restaurants. The main components of the local menu are seafood and rice, so it is not surprising that the most popular dish here is " pwason ek diri» from fish and rice. In addition, local restaurants offer to try:

• tuna steaks,
• « shatini» from shark,
• fried shrimps,
• lobsters in lemon sauce,
• crabs " Trululu and parrot fish fillets.

Also, tourists are in great demand:

• soup from tekteka,
• banana " kat-kat»,
• boiled cassava,
• puree from giramona,
• stewed breadfruit,
• coconut nougat,
• candied bilimbi and stewed banana Saint Jacques».

Well, the main local delicacy, which not everyone dares to try, is a bat with curry and fruits.

The choice of alcoholic drinks is no less wide here. Of these, the most unusual are the tincture of lemon mint, kalu" (fermented coconut juice) and " tank» (fermented juice sugar cane), as well as local beer Saber. In addition, in almost all local bars and restaurants you can taste good South African wines.

Keep in mind that Seychelles dishes are quite spicy, so you can ask the waiter in advance for the chef to add less spices. In addition, most hotels, as well as some restaurants in the city, serve the usual dishes of European cuisine.

Accommodation

The capital of the Seychelles has the most developed infrastructure in the country, so there is a great variety of variety of options residence. Most of them are located near the beaches and are low-rise luxury buildings or stylish bungalows.

It is worth noting that the cost of living in most hotels is high, for example, in Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort & Spa(from $647) or Maia Luxury Resort & Spa(from $ 2300), although this is justified by royal service and comfort. Of course, there are less expensive hotels on the island ( Coral Strand Smart Choice, Albizia Lodge etc.), but in this case it is recommended to book rooms in advance.

Entertainment and recreation

In Victoria, the most popular entertainment options are, without a doubt, excursions to St. Anne National Marine Park and national park Seychelles Morne, as well as beach holidays and visits to local entertainment venues.

In addition, for lovers of outdoor recreation, the city has beautiful small parks and gardens, of which the garden is the most popular. Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden. It occupies a rather vast territory, within which there are tropical thickets, picturesque meadows, walking paths and viewing platforms.

Of the many sandy beaches, the most famous and most visited is beach Beau Vallone. Well, for fans of active entertainment (surfing, windsurfing, diving, scuba diving and spearfishing), the ideal place is Anse Intendance beach. Moreover, on both beaches there are many small cafes, which makes them even more attractive.

Also on the island is a fairly large Botanical Garden, on the territory of which a huge collection of exotic plants grows and is inhabited by turtles, some of which are over a hundred years old.

Fans of spa treatments will also like it in Victoria, for which several wellness complexes are open here, among which the most famous is Cerf Island Private Mini Spa.

The city also has nightclubs, bars and casinos, most of which are located near the beaches. At the same time, in daytime many of them work like ordinary cafes, but in the evenings they arrange theme parties, discos and other entertainment events.

Purchases

Victoria has a fairly large number of shops, souvenir shops, markets and street stalls, as well as several large shopping centers. For clothes, accessories and souvenirs, it is recommended to go to market street, which is simply replete with an abundance of shopping establishments. There is also a huge Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clark Market. It stands out not only for its special color, but also for a large selection of all kinds of goods - from fashionable clothes and handicrafts to fresh products and delicacies. It is worth noting that it is more profitable to buy products in local supermarkets, for example, in SMB because the prices there are much lower than in the market. Although, on the other hand, the market offers a wider range of products.

Another popular shopping area in the city is victoria street, where, in addition to shops and original shops, there are rows of small street tents, whose traders offer to buy inexpensive souvenirs and trinkets. Also definitely worth a visit Craft Village(handicraft village), where you can look after yourself souvenirs made of bamboo, coconut leaves, wood, ceramics and straw.

If we talk about specific souvenirs, then usually national Seychellois hats, all kinds of shells, coconut liquor, coconut soap and models of sailboats are brought from Victoria. However, the fruits of a unique palm tree can be the most interesting purchase here. coco de mer which are the pride of the locals. But products from turtle shells Hawksbill you do not need to buy, since it is forbidden to take them out of the country.

Transport

Buses are the only form of public transport in Victoria. The cost of one trip here is quite inexpensive and is about $ 0.5. However, it is worth noting that local buses do not run very often and do not go to all parts of the island, so it will be more convenient to use the services of local taxis. Moreover, quite often the local taxi drivers offer their services as a guide for a very reasonable price.

In addition, in Victoria it is possible to rent a car ($35-45 per day), where you can drive around the entire island in just a few hours and get to the most remote beaches. Well, the locals prefer to ride bicycles, which can also be rented.

Connection

Telephone communication in Victoria is quite modern and of high quality. For calls on the streets of the city, there are numerous pay phones that operate on magnetic cards (sold in post offices and kiosks), or local coins.

Cellular communication in the Seychelles operates in the GSM 900 standard. International and local calls are possible with a roaming service, which must be activated in advance in your home country.

Access to the World Wide Web is provided in all major hotels. There are also several Internet cafes in the city center.

Safety

For tourists, the capital of the Seychelles is an absolutely safe place: there is practically no crime here, the locals are friendly and welcoming, and the city streets are patrolled by the police. Although, despite this, you should not forget about elementary safety rules.

The tap water on the island is drinkable, and from a sanitary and medical point of view, rest here is absolutely safe. However, it is recommended to bring sunscreen and local insect repellants. You should also be careful when swimming, as sea urchins are found in coastal waters.

Business climate

Victoria is the main financial and economic center of the country, as well as a strategically important seaport and fuel supply base for many ships.

The main source of income of the city, on which almost all of its economy is based, is tourism. In addition, there are tobacco, fish processing and furniture enterprises in Victoria. The city is also active in the export of copra, cinnamon bark and fish.

Real estate

Seychelles policy is aimed at attracting any foreign investment to their country, so there are practically no restrictions and limits for foreigners when buying real estate. Moreover, local authorities are trying to do everything to attract foreign citizens here.

Well, since Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles, it is not surprising that her property is in the greatest demand. However, it is worth noting that housing and land prices are quite high here.

In the Seychelles, the last Saturday of every month is the official pay date. That is why on this day almost the entire population of the island comes to Victoria for shopping, which occupies literally all supermarkets and shops. As a result of this, traffic jams constantly occur in the city, and there is a real flea market on the streets. Thus, if you do not want to participate in a street crush or stand in long lines in shops, it is better to stay in a hotel on such a day.

The Seychelles are always on the lips - they are remembered when thinking about a paradise vacation. Stunning landscapes are difficult to describe in words, it is better to see once. Dry letters cannot convey all the beauty of the islands: islands are scattered like multi-colored beads on the ocean, smoothly turning from bright emerald to blue. A bright green island, overgrown with forests, takes you either to a film about a lost traveler, or directly to the gates of Paradise. The red dot is the roofs of hotels and villas. And small snow-white droplets moving between them, yachts carrying tourists wide open from such indescribable beauty. Victoria Resort is exactly the red island. Many years ago, the city was founded by French colonists who named the island Port Royal. Several years passed, he was under the rule of Great Britain, and he was renamed Victoria in honor of the English queen, who had friendship with. Local residents treat their homeland with awe and love, they sincerely believe that if the Garden of Eden were preserved on Earth, it would look exactly like the Seychelles.

What is the best way to get to the city

There is no direct flight from Russia to Victoria. Transfer to British Airways, Air France, Condor or Martinair is inevitable. After the first step, local taxi drivers immediately attack from the airport. They offer to take you to the hotel, and tell you about the city, and go around the sights. You should be careful and agree on the price of the trip in advance. In any case, you will have to rent a taxi to the hotel - buses run irregularly, and after a long flight, few people can stand with suitcases in the scorching sun. Directly around the city, in addition to buses, tourists move either on foot or by bicycle. It's better to go by bike. The latter can be rented at numerous tourist spots. If physical fitness, fatigue or just a desire to relax your body and soul overpower the interest to explore the city on a bike, there is another option - renting a car. For only fifty dollars, a left-hand drive car is available, on which it is a matter of a couple of hours to drive around the entire perimeter of the city.

Restaurants and entertainment

Every year more and more cafes and restaurants open here, because local entrepreneurs know that they will not burn out, as long as there is an ocean and a beach in Victoria, the influx of tourists is guaranteed. It serves dishes familiar to locals and outlandish for tourists from coconut and coconut milk, fish, crabs, octopuses, generously flavored with spicy curry. Many restaurants and cafes are owned by Americans. For example, the famous Islander restaurant is the fruit of the efforts of a former American military pilot. Or Marie Antoinete, where the restaurant has become a family business of a family from the USA. On a hot afternoon, when it is recommended to refrain from sunbathing, you can pass the time cheerfully and profitably by weaving a national Seychelles hat at one of the city's master classes. You can also make a souvenir from a tortoise shell and coconut leaves dear to your heart in the center of applied crafts.

Attractions in Victoria

Perhaps the very first attraction, which is simply impossible not to notice the reduced Big Ben. Directly from the clock is the local museum, where there is a kind of confirmation of the French possession of the city. Here there was a place for religious monuments: St. Paul's Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception are often visited by tourists from Europe. Guests of the island often go to neighboring Praslin or other islands by plane. The main purpose of such trips is to lie on the beach, swim in the crystal clear ocean and feel unity with nature, since there are practically no people within a radius of hundreds of meters. The Seychelles Botanical Garden can become an unforgettable experience - blooming tropical plants, palm trees, touching orchids, murmuring streams flowing into small ponds with lotuses. You feel as if you got into the world of Mowgli - every rustle is heard. Here, a flying fox hangs on a tree, sorting through its paws, but a huge Seychellois tortoise hit its paw, and a little further, loudly fluttering its wings, a bat flew by. You can learn a lot of interesting things in the garden: see with your own eyes how natural dye for decorative cosmetics - achiote, or touch coconuts coco de mer.

Basic prices for travelers in hotels in Victoria

Since Victoria is a popular and prestigious holiday destination, room prices literally skyrocket. However, even a budget tourist can find accommodation here - with a little searching, you can find a two-star hotel with a minimum of amenities, but cheap from $20 per night. But the choice of luxury hotels, bungalows and villas is really amazing - each hotel tries to surprise its customers with something, whether it's a glass floor in a bungalow or a huge aquarium with tropical fish. It is better to look for a budget hotel away from the beach - it is there that prices will be lower than those of hotels located on the first coastline.

Victoria - the capital of the Seychelles - is located on the island of Mahe. Nearby is the only international airport in the country.

Also in Victoria is the deepest port of the Indian Ocean. However, the port is not only for ocean liners; tourists can also rent small vessels here: from a catamaran to a 20-meter yacht.

Victoria offers its guests hotels of all levels, up to luxury class. If you want to live in seclusion, it is easy to rent a cottage or villa.

Attractions in Victoria

Only 27 thousand people live in the main city of Seychelles. It is the smallest capital in the world in terms of population.

A leisurely walk through Victoria will take a maximum of 4 hours.

It starts from the main attraction of the capital - the Clock Tower with a clock. It was built in 1903 to commemorate the declaration of the Seychelles as a British territory. Under her patronage, the Seychelles lived so well that the British for a long time persuaded the islanders to become independent.

A special place where tourists go to feel the Creole atmosphere is the local market. What is not here!

Multi-colored pareos and national shirts flutter, on the shelves - a huge number of products from everything that grows and is found on these islands. Herons walk on the roof of the market. To the left of the entrance is a huge counter littered with freshly caught fish. Carcasses of small sharks are also sold here, but without the head, because the shark jaw is an excellent souvenir.

Souvenir shops selling shark jaws start right behind the fish rows. Here you can also buy a lacquered fake of the famous sea coconuts, twenty times cheaper than real ones.

It is worth approaching the trays with spices. Bags of coriander, pepper, cinnamon and vanilla sticks require special attention. Once the main income of the Seychelles were spices. And in the 30s of the 19th century, vanilla pods were paid instead of money. When synthetic vanillin was invented in Europe, the economy of the islands nearly collapsed.

Next to the bazaar rises a blue and white lush Hindu temple. Just a block away, the crescent moon of a mosque shines. Religions on the island coexist peacefully. Although the majority of the population of the Seychelles are Catholics who go to Sunday masses at the Cathedral of Our Lady, standing next to the local prison. And that's not the only thing that comes as a surprise.

Victoria is the capital of the legendary Seychelles, dating back to the 18th century. Thanks to 15 French colonists who became the fathers of the first settlement of Port Royal, the city today is one of the main tourist centers of East Africa. The capital of the Seychelles is immersed in the pristine nature of the tropics, which the Creole nation, the owner of such a great miracle, shows with dignity to tourists.

General information

Victoria is the capital and largest city of the country, named after Queen Victoria of England. The city is located on the northeast coast of the most famous island of the Seychelles - Mahe. The population of the capital is 25 thousand people. In the west of Victoria is the picturesque Intendanse Bay, also on the territory: the famous Three Brothers Mountain, 699 meters high, and the hills: Niol, Crave Coeur and Signal.

Victoria is the port of the same name and the main fuel supply base for all ships on the way from Africa to India.

Victoria is part of the Greater Victoria / Central Mahé metropolitan area in the Seychelles, and is located in the English River district.

Weather in Victoria

Victoria is located in the zone of subequatorial maritime climate. Therefore, the weather here is usually sunny with an average annual temperature of +27 °C. The rainy season, which falls between December and January, is characterized by infrequent rainfall, which does not bring any particular inconvenience to vacationers.

For beach holiday The most suitable periods are from April to June and from September to November. At this time, the most pleasant warm weather, light wind and calm ocean are observed.

Transport Victoria

There are direct flights to Seychelles International Airport from Frankfurt (Condor), London (British Airways), Amsterdam (Martinair), as well as from Milan, Rome, Bangkok, Johannesburg.

In addition to the International Airport, Victoria is famous for the largest port in the country. Ferries, high-speed catamarans and river buses run constantly between the islands, they can be used to get to Praslin and La Digue. You will have to travel by boat to other islands.

Also, local attractions can be viewed from a private plane or helicopter. The domestic airline "Air Seychelles" operates regular flights within the Seychelles.

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Victoria, and the largest bus station in the Seychelles is also located here. It is also possible to rent a car or bike and travel around the island.

Attractions in Victoria

Popular areas in Victoria

• Albert - the main avenue of the city, which houses the only "SMB" supermarket, Chinese and Indian stores;
• Francis Rachel - the business district of the capital, which houses: banks, representative offices of airlines, office buildings, stock exchange, etc.;
• Revolution Avenue is central, it houses an English church and many small shops.

Natural attractions in Victoria

• Mont Fleuri Botanical gardens is the main attraction that clearly demonstrates the unique nature of the Seychelles. The entrance to this truly heavenly place is located on Mont Fleuri Avenue, not far from the intersection of the main streets Francis Rachel and 5th June Ave. The garden contains all types of palm trees typical for this natural area. Of particular interest is, of course, the coco de mayor palm, the fruits of which are considered a miracle of nature. The fruits ripen for 7 years and in the finished state reach a weight of 40 kg. The fruits of this palm tree in ancient times were washed ashore from the island of Praslin, and since then the name “sea coconut” has stuck to this nut. Of no less interest are the bright red fruits of achiote (bixa orellana), from which the natural dye "annatto" is extracted for rice, margarine, butter, smoked fish, cheese and even lipstick.
• The enclosure with giant turtles always attracts a large number of not only tourists, but also local residents. . The famous Seychelles orchids and giant alocasias in the garden are given a large area;
• Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden is a fabulous garden and the main attraction not only of Victoria, but also of the Seychelles. Here you can spend the whole day admiring the beauties of virgin nature from viewing terraces specially provided for such purposes;
• Vale de Mai is a natural attraction that has another name - "May Valley". Here you can meet a rare bird - a black parrot and other representatives of tropical flora and fauna.

Historical and cultural attractions in Victoria

• The National Historical Museum of Victoria (Victoria National Museum of History) and the Museum of Natural History (Victoria Natural History Museum) - attractions that acquaint visitors with all the details of the formation of Creole culture;
• House of Peoples - the center of cultural and political life capital, there is a conference room and a large library. Nearby is another attraction - the monument "Liberation";
• The monument "Free Man" - symbolizes the importance of the historical event - the revolution of 1977;
• "Bicentennial monument" - is a symbol of the beginning of the active development of the Seychelles;
• Seychelles Club - an architectural landmark, the former residence of the Governor of the Seychelles;
• The clock tower in the capital of the Seychelles is a copy of Little Ben in London, it was installed in honor of Queen Victoria;
• Seychelles Bank - is considered one of the attractions of Victoria for its unique architecture: the outer part of the building is made of glass that reflects the sun's rays;
• Seychelles National Library - has a huge collection of publications by local and foreign authors;
• The Creole Institute is an architectural monument protected by the Government of the Seychelles. The building is closed to the public for tourists and local residents.

Temples of Victoria

In Victoria there are confessional centers of different cultures. Here you can find a Hindu temple, Orthodox Church and a Muslim mosque.

The Cathedral is located on Maradan Street, the church is crowned with a figure of Jesus, going far into the clouds;

The Hindu temple is located on Quincy Street - the temple is a real architectural masterpiece, it is very ancient and has already been restored several times.

Wellness Centers in Victoria

Each Victoria hotel has wellness complexes, including beauty parlors, fitness centers, massage parlors, etc.

Cerf Island Private Mini Spa is a wellness complex ideal for devotees healthy lifestyle life, namely SPA - procedures. The list of services provided includes: cosmetic procedures and various types of massage.

Victorian beaches

Beach holidays are one of the most basic specializations of tourism in the Seychelles. The metropolitan area also has all the conditions for this type of recreation. The island on which the capital is located is indented with numerous bays, each of which has its own beaches.

• Bay of Valion - famous for the presence of a magnificent beach with coral sand. The most complete set of elements of beach infrastructure makes the bay one of the most visited by lovers of water activities and beach holidays. All types of water sports are available here: windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, etc.;
• Anse a la Moush, Anse Forbans - beaches that are ideal for lovers of secluded relaxation, fine fine sand, clear water, few people. In the Seychelles, most of the outlying beaches are rather deserted;
• Anse Intendance - a beach ideal for lovers of water sports, very popular with surfers;
• Petite Anse is one of the smallest and most popular beaches with ideal conditions for relaxation and modern beach equipment.

Holidays in Victoria

• The Creole Festival is one of the most significant events in the cultural life of the islands. Every year, in October, the diversity of Creole culture is presented at this festival in all its splendor. The festival starts in Victoria, where it gathers Creole artists, musicians and singers from all over the world;
• Deepavali - one of the religious holidays, which means the arrival of joy and happiness, dedicated to the goddess of prosperity, abundance and success - Lakshmi;
• The Ovan Bazaar and the Victoria Bazaar are also traditional permanent holidays, where everyone can take part in mass entertainment, accompanied by incendiary Creole rhythms;
• Healing Marathon - takes place in Beau Vallon Bay in February and brings together adherents of a healthy lifestyle;
• FetAfrik is a festival of African culture, held annually in May.

Victoria Restaurants

Victoria is known to tourists not only for the abundance of attractions, but also for its excellent cuisine. The main menu items of any restaurant are rice and seafood. The most popular dish of these ingredients is pwason ek diri.

• The Pirates Arms restaurant is the most famous restaurant not only in the capital, but throughout the island of Mahe. It is located in the city center on Independence Avenue. The restaurant menu is presented traditional dishes Creole cuisine.
• Restaurant Le Rendez-Vous - located near the Clock Tower, in the city center. Differs in ecological style of furnish of an interior. The restaurant's specialty is mixed grill. They also serve an excellent milkshake.
• Restaurant La Plaine Andre. - is located next to the local distillery and offers visitors a varied wine list. The menu includes an abundance of fish dishes, beef and tuna dishes are also popular. The restaurant has a great entertainment program.
• Restaurant Kaz Zanana - suitable for families with children. It is famous for its abundance of fresh pastries and soft drinks. The signature dish is the banana pie.
• The Marias Rock Cafe restaurant is ideal for relaxing with a large company. The restaurant offers an interesting entertainment program. Nearby is an art gallery, where you can take a walk after a meal.

Nightlife in Victoria

Each hotel offers its visitors entertainment program, but there are also metropolitan popular places:

• "Lovnat" is the best night club in the country, has one hall in the fresh air, the second - indoors, but with air conditioning; VIP boxes; music - popular hits; the audience is mostly foreign;
• "Barel" - a bar popular with the local population, suitable for those wishing to get acquainted with real Creole hot evenings;
• Three casinos: at the Plantation Club and Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay hotels and a new casino in the center of the capital at the Barbarons Beach hotel.

In the capital, there are opportunities for making automobile, air and sea excursions, not only around the island of Mahe, but also at the main tourist destinations of the Seychelles.

Shopping in Victoria

Victoria has a huge number of shopping centers, souvenir shops and street tents.

The most popular souvenirs to buy in Victoria are the national hat, model sailboats, sea shells, coconut soap and coconut liqueur.

• Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clark Market sells traditional handicrafts, fashionable clothes and all sorts of gourmet foods;
• On Victoria Street there are numerous street stalls where you can buy all the traditional souvenirs.
• The craft village of Craft Village offers exclusive souvenirs made from wood, coconut leaves, straw, ceramics and bamboo.

Victoria is a real African wonder that can satisfy all the needs of tourists who crave aesthetic beauty, pleasant pleasures and exotic experiences.

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands. It is located in Indian Ocean, northeast of the island of Madagascar. Seychelles is called the island of love. The tropical climate of these places seems to be specially created for those who want to plunge into the world of pleasure and tranquility. Only a few of these islands are inhabited. The islands have a tropical climate that is so perfect for an unforgettable vacation.

Traditionally, the SUBIOS Underwater Festival is held in the Seychelles, and every year in October - the Creole Festival of Folk Culture. In January, international sailing competitions are held here, and in November, the International Fishing Competition.

Attractions in the Seychelles

The capital of the Seychelles, Victoria, is located on the northeast side of the island of Mahe. This port city is one of the smallest capitals in the world. Tourists can buy stylish traditional souvenirs here, such as amazing sea shells, textiles, straw hats, pearl jewelry, woodwork, handicrafts, including paintings and objects made by locals, crocheted. And in Victoria there are a lot of coconuts and products based on them. The city has many art galleries, markets, shops. In the latter, by the way, you can buy local products. You can travel around Victoria by bus, taxi or bicycle, which are so popular among the locals.

Spread over 15 acres, the Victoria Botanic Gardens is home to exotic plants, birds, giant tortoises and fruit bats. Here, travelers will also see with their own eyes the famous Seychelles nut Coco de Mer, which is also called the “double coconut”. It grows only in the Seychelles.

Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History has a unique geological collection of the Seychelles with their unique flora and fauna. Part of the exposition is devoted to the problem environment. The museum is small, so it will take no more than two hours to discover all the treasures of the Seychelles.

A 20-minute drive from Victoria is an 18th-century plantation with orchards of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and citronella. By the way, picking up and tasting fallen fruit is not prohibited. Tourists can also visit the planter's house. Satisfy your hunger at the splendid open-air restaurant, the menu of which includes sumptuous portions of grated green papaya, tropical salads and fruit sprinkles. As you walk through the gardens, you may encounter skulls that roam freely past the trees.

St. Anne Marine Park

The best way to visit St. Anne Marine Park is from Victoria. It is surrounded by islands: St. Anne Island, Cerf Island, Long Island, Round Island and Moyen Island. If you decide to spend the whole day in the park, you will learn a lot of interesting things about the underwater world of the Seychelles. If you wish, you can take scuba diving lessons.

Night life

Tourists must not miss and nightlife Victoria. Check out some of the city's nightclubs, or head to the theater or a trendy restaurant. Hollywood blockbusters are played in numerous cinemas of the city, and tourists enjoy music and dancing all night long, quenching their thirst with cold beer.

Aldabra is the world's largest coral reef, which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The reef itself has 13 islands. One of the most spectacular sights available to visitors to the reef are the giant tortoises.

bird island

Little Bird Island is located on the continental shelf of the Seychelles, hundreds of kilometers from Mahe. To enjoy the amazing view of the island, you can take a short trip. The duration of the flight is about half an hour. The small size of the island, however, does not prevent it from having at its disposal five magnificent beaches covered with soft white sand. Tourists do not miss the opportunity to enjoy swimming or sunbathing on it.

Cousin Island

The journey to Cousin Island takes about a couple of hours from Mahe. This place has become home to a large number of rare birds. It's amazing, but about 1.25 million birds nest here. April and May are best time to visit Cousin Island.

Mahe Island

Beau Vallon is a beach resort on the island of Mahe, the largest in the Seychelles group. In the center of the island there are tropical forests, and on the edges there are beautiful beaches. There are about 70 of them in total. Some beaches of the island offer an unforgettable view of the neighboring islands. There is a market on the island where you can buy interesting souvenirs as a memento of an unforgettable trip. Tourists are also encouraged to visit botanical gardens, see the clock tower, visit cinnamon and vanilla plantations, get close to lush green jungles and visit old colonial mansions. Mahe is also popular with party-goers for its open-air clubs right next to the ocean.

Everyone who sees the Beau Vallon beach for the first time gets the impression that this is a picture: the white sand and the inclined coconut trees. The clear blue waters of the ocean and colorful coral reefs make this beach a favorite destination for those who love water sports. If you look from the beach to the bay, you can see the island of Silhouette, as well as the first island of the Seychelles, which was opened to the public in 1609 - the North Island.

Here you can find secluded, almost deserted beaches, which are hidden from prying eyes in luxurious thickets. For example, if you walk along the coast from Beau Vallon towards Anse Major for two hours, you can get to a small and very beautiful beach.