Anse Major

The trail starts at the Bel Ombre bus terminus next to La Scala Restaurant. From here, follow the tarmac road uphill (keep right). According to the official description from the park authority SPGA, after about 200 metres you take the right fork through the small settlement of Danzil, then follow the yellow markers. After about 15 to 20 minutes you come to a large rocky plateau on the right with a fine view of Silhouette Island. This is a popular sunset spot with locals. If you keep following the tarmac road, a few minutes later a flight of steps with a worn footpath branches off to the left. A ticket booth has stood at the trail entrance since the end of 2023.

From here it is a walk of about an hour over granite chippings and roots, with mostly fine views. You pass a few small streams, cinnamon and cashew trees and wild vanilla plants. After about 45 minutes you reach a small lookout shelter with a lovely view over Anse Major. Over 50% of the trail is in the sun.

SPTC bus route 21 runs from the bus terminal in Victoria via Beau Vallon to Bel Ombre. The last stop at La Scala Restaurant is also the start of the path. The buses turn round there, so the stop is not available for parking. Timetables change, and you can find the current version on the SPTC site. Plan your return journey before you set off, because the trail closes in the late afternoon and buses run less often in the evening.

From Victoria, head northwest along Revolution Avenue/St-Louis Road towards Beau Vallon. Shortly after the Beau Vallon petrol station, there is a turning at the police station, where you turn left onto Bel Ombre Road. At the end of the road by La Scala Restaurant is the bus terminus. From here follow the small tarmac road uphill and keep right. By car it takes about 5 minutes to the trail start.

You can park on the rocky plateau, though parking spaces are limited. According to recent travel reports, there are further spaces at the roadside near the ticket booth. That saves you the walk along the asphalt that you would otherwise do from La Scala.

Boats leave from Beau Vallon and from Bel Ombre. Many operators combine Anse Major with half-day trips to Cap Ternay (Baie Ternay) and with snorkelling. According to reports, a boat taxi also shuttles during the day between Bel Ombre and the beach. Times and prices change, so ask locally. Do not rely on it alone for your return.

The sea at Anse Major is mostly crystal clear and calm. In the water there is often a drop-off of about 1 m, and the waves break close to the shore. This matters for small children and unsure swimmers, who should not be left unsupervised there. Because of some rocks in the water, water shoes are a good idea. If you do not mind the effort of carrying snorkelling gear over the hill, it is worth bringing.

The northwest coast is usually more sheltered from May to October, when the southeast trade wind blows. Between December and February, a northwest wind can send more swell into the bay. You can also see the calmer months in the fact box on this page.

There is no road at the beach and no infrastructure you should count on. Apart from the boat operators' shelter and the morning shade, you will find nothing here. Take water and provisions with you, and take your rubbish away again.

From the beach there is a worn footpath over the mountains to Baie Ternay. It is neither official nor cleared, so only take it with a guide who knows the area.

Nearby is the long sandy beach of Beau Vallon Beach with restaurants and water sports, which combines well with Anse Major. You will find more beaches and destinations on the island on the Mahé page.