Amidst prehistoric forests and marine reserves

Each island holds unique natural treasures. On Mahé, hiking enthusiasts should not miss the trail leading to Anse Major, a route that winds its way through exposed granite rocks and endemic vegetation, before opening out onto a sheltered bay accessible only on foot or by sea. Off the coast of the capital, the St Anne Marine Park offers excellent snorkelling spots, with a stop at Moyenne Island a must. The island has a unique history: purchased in the 1960s by the British journalist Brendon Grimshaw, it was transformed into a private nature reserve. Today it is the world’s smallest national park, home to more than 16,000 trees, 120 giant tortoises and dozens of bird species.

On Praslin, the island’s green heart is the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO-protected nature reserve. It is here that the coco de mer grows wild – the palm tree that produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom, with its distinctive, striking shape. Praslin is also home to famous beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, half-moons of white sand framed by lush coastal vegetation.

On La Digue, access to the famous Anse Source d’Argent is via the historic Union Estate, a former plantation where visitors can still observe the traditional processing of copra (dried coconut pulp), the cultivation of vanilla and an area dedicated to the conservation of land tortoises.