Introducing Mahé
When it comes to wishing for the archetypal idyllic island, it's impossible to think past the glorious bays caressed by gorgeously multihued waters (the ones you see in travel mags) of Mahé. To the northeast, a range of granite peaks, including Mahé's highest point, Morne Seychellois (905m), adds to this vivid panorama.
By far the largest and most developed of the Seychelles islands, Mahé (named by the French in honour of the 18th-century governor of Mauritius, Mahé de Labourdonnais) is home to the country's capital, Victoria, and to about 90% of the Seychelles' population. Small wonder that it has excellent vacation and adventure opportunities, from exploring the mountainous jungle of the interior to diving pristine sites and snorkelling with whale sharks. Or just do nothing at all and flake out on porcelain-sand beaches. Your ideal holiday spot is surely here somewhere.
That said, Mahé has its fair share of the mundane, as testified by industrial development on the northeast coast. Yet paradise lies close at hand – a bus or car ride of no more than 20 minutes will bring you to fabulous natural attractions.
Activities in Mahé
Victoria
Victoria may be the country's main economic, political and commercial hub, but peak hour here lasts an unbearable five minutes! It is home to about a third of the Seychelles' population, but even so Victoria retains the air of a provincial town.
Beau Vallon & the North Coast
A long, brilliant white arc of sands laced by palms and takamaka trees, Beau Vallon (on Mahé's northwest coast, 3km from Victoria) boasts the most popular beach in Mahé.
Mahé destination guides
West Coast
The west coast is exquisite on the eyes.
Hotels in Mahé
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Mahé
Apartments in Mahé
East Coast
Let's face it: much of the east coast is given over to housing, so there are only a few spots that fit the picture-postcard ideal.
Entertainment in Mahé
Shopping in Mahé