Located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is an archipelago that consists of 115 islands. It is home to numerous nature reserves, beautiful beaches, impressive coral reefs, as well as rare animals like the giant Aldabra turtles. Mahé, home to the capital Victoria is a hub for visitors. If you ever decide to visit this fabulous country, below are the 7 must-sees of the islands.

1.Temple of Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinyagar

With its brightly colored pictorial decorations, the small Hindu temple in Victoria stands out from the anonymous buildings that surround it. The temple, built in 1992, was named after Vinayagar Lord, the Hindu god of security and prosperity.It is frequented by the city’s Indian community.

Location: Quincy street, Victoria (capital and largest city of the Seychelles), island of Mahé.

2. Victoria Market

The trip to Victoria wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the covered market. Although it is small by African standards, it is always lively and crowded. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the stalls sell souvenirs, local herbs and spices, as well as the usual assortment of sarongs and T-shirts.

The best time to visit is early in the morning, when all the traders display all their natural products (fresh fish, fresh fruit).

Location: Market Street, Mahé Island

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 5:30 am to 5:30 pm

3. Clock Tower

The emblematic building in the city center is a small-scale reproduction of the clock tower on London’s Vauxhall Bridge, which was transported to Victoria in 1903 when the Seychelles became a colony of Her Majesty. It is the symbol of the city and the whole island of Mahé.

Location: at the corner of rue Francis Rachel and Avenue de l’Indépendance, on the island of Mahé.

4. Botanical Gardens

On the outskirts of Victoria, at Mont Fleuri, the Botanical Garden is one of the oldest national monuments in Seychelles, dating back more than a century. It houses an extensive collection of mature, exotic and endemic plants in a five-acre landscaped and maintained tropical garden.

In addition to palm trees, the garden is home to a wide variety of spices and fruit trees, many of which are unique to this garden. Another attraction is the population of giant Aldabra turtles, some of which are over 150 years old. Colonies of fruit bats feed or roost in the tallest trees and the final feature is an orchid house, where you can enjoy a collection of colourful orchids, including those native to the Seychelles itself.

Loaction: Mont Fleuri, Mahé Island

Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

5. Morne Seychellois National Park

Morne Seychellois Park is the largest in the Seychelles and was created in 1979. It covers a total area of 3,045 ha, or more than 20% of the surface area of Mahé. It is 10 km long and between 2 and 4 km wide and is equipped with an extensive network of trails covering more than 15 km. A total of 12 different itineraries can be explored by half-day or full-day excursions.

Location: Seychelles National Park Authority, Laurier Avenue, Mahé Island

6. The Union Summer

Go back in time and visit the Union estate, to see a mill and a traditional oven (kalorifer), observe funny giant turtles or walk in the majestic Plantation House framed by huge granite blocks in fabulous gardens.

The estate also houses the original cemetery of the La Digue settlers and has one of the most pristine beaches of the world – the legendary “Source d’Argent” – among the most photographed beaches in the world.

Location: Domaine de l’Union, La Digue Island

Opening Hours: every day from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

7. Anse Lazio

Anse Lazio is a pretty much the postcard beach in the north of Seychelles. The incredible mix of blue waters, white sand, lush palm trees and impressive granite rocks make this beach one of the most beautiful in the country.It is therefore no wonder that it is always in the Top 10 of the best in the world.

Location: north of the island of Praslin

Have you ever been to Seychelles? Share your experience there in the comments below.