Most of the Seychelles' postcard-stunning beaches are on Praslin and La Digue, but Fairyland Beach when seen from the south is a real looker, with a lovely arc of sand fringed with palm trees and granite boulders. Sadly, it's not a great beach for swimming – waters are shallow and there's plenty of algae, Mahé's east coast curse. There's good snorkelling around tiny Île Souris, just offshore.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
9.17 MILES
Housed in Victoria's restored colonial-era Supreme Court building (1885), this terrific museum opened in late 2018. While the architecture itself is worth…
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
9.34 MILES
No trip to Victoria would be complete without a wander through the covered market. It's small by African standards, but it's a bustling, colourful place…
1.16 MILES
On this popular tour you learn the story behind the island's main distillery and about the rum-making process. The tour runs for between 30 and 45 minutes…
10.75 MILES
A beautiful semi-circle of sand backed by palms and takamaka trees, Beau Vallon beach is Mahé's most popular. The swimming is excellent, but there can be…
3.99 MILES
The idyllic little beach of Anse Soleil is a pocket-sized paradise. You can pause here for lunch – there's a beach restaurant – but beware, you may never…
12.13 MILES
One of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé, Anse Major is only accessible on foot from Danzil – few visitors to the Seychelles make it here. The setting is…
3.41 MILES
The gently curving Anse Takamaka is a gorgeous strand for walking unfettered on white sand and gaping at sunsets. Facilities include Chez Batista's bar…
9.35 MILES
This gallery, in a traditional Creole wooden structure built in 1915 and restored in the 1980s, exhibits the work of George Camille, one of the Seychelles…
Nearby Mahé attractions
1. Église Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours
0.74 MILES
Consecrated in 2009, this graceful church is simplicity itself and is all the better for it. Instead of stained-glass windows, the massive windows are…
1.15 MILES
Worth a look if you're in the area, this lovely vivid garden, overseen by a retired Seychelles diplomat, has all manner of exotic, tropical flowers on…
1.16 MILES
On this popular tour you learn the story behind the island's main distillery and about the rum-making process. The tour runs for between 30 and 45 minutes…
1.49 MILES
Located 2km up in the hills above Anse Royale, this lush spice garden owes its existence to Pierre Poivre, the French spice entrepreneur. There is a self…
3.24 MILES
To the north of Anse à la Mouche the coast is a bit less glamorous but appealing nonetheless. If you can find access to Anse Louis, where the superswish…
3.41 MILES
The gently curving Anse Takamaka is a gorgeous strand for walking unfettered on white sand and gaping at sunsets. Facilities include Chez Batista's bar…
3.71 MILES
A top-end resort lines the northern portion of this high-profile beach. The southern end is almost deserted and offers good swimming and snorkelling. The…
3.99 MILES
The idyllic little beach of Anse Soleil is a pocket-sized paradise. You can pause here for lunch – there's a beach restaurant – but beware, you may never…