A Romantic Holiday in the Seychelles

The Seychelles is visa-free for tourists. Before departure, however, every traveller, children included, must apply for an electronic Travel Authorization. The application is made online, no earlier than 30 days before arrival. Among other things you will need your passport, a photo, your flight details and the address of your first accommodation. You will find all other documents and deadlines on the page Entry formalities.

For couples, the calmer shoulder seasons in spring and autumn are especially pleasant, with less wind. Which months suit your plans is covered on the page Best time to travel. You can find accommodation via hotel booking or holiday home booking. If you are arriving without a hire car, it is best to book the airport transfer straight away. For relaxing together there is spa and massage, and if you would like to say "I do" on the islands, you will find information under Getting married.

Wherever you have spent the night, why not begin the day with a delicious "Seychellois breakfast": fresh fruit, orange juice and perhaps a glass of champagne.

If you have not done so already, why not hire a car and set off with your loved one to explore Mahé? You will find offers and advice under Car hire. Soak up the atmosphere of the lively capital, Victoria, and watch the colourful bustle as you stroll through its narrow streets. Several small souvenir shops sell pretty keepsakes and handicrafts, and locally made jewellery can be bought in the jewellers nearby. Along the way, a cappuccino at the restaurant next to the Clock Tower is a good idea. From here you can watch the town go by at your leisure.

Do check the shops' opening hours, especially at weekends.

From Victoria, follow the Sans Souci Road up into the mountains. Before long you will feel the air turn cooler. The road winds higher and higher in hairpin bends, opening up fantastic views. At the summit, turn right to Mission Lodge, a lovely viewpoint over the west coast of Mahé. According to descriptions, the signpost stands about a kilometre beyond the highest point of the pass road. Here lie the ruins of the first school for the children of freed slaves, known as Venn's Town, which stood until 1889. Take your time and enjoy the peace, far from the bustle. Once you have had your fill of the surroundings, drive on over the mountain to the other side, past the tea plantation. Further down, there are more beautiful views of Mahé.

Older travel reports still mention free entry. Keep some cash in rupees handy, as a fee is charged at the entrance.

When you reach the coast road, turn left, past the Mahé Beach Hotel, until you arrive at Grand Anse beach. Hotels along the route occasionally change names and operators, so also follow the signposts. The beach, usually deserted and powder-soft, invites a long walk along the sand. The island's other beaches are presented on the page Dream beaches.

If you continue along the coast, you come to the bay of Anse à la Mouche, lovely for swimming and relaxing. At the Anchor Café you can get something refreshing. The simple restaurant stands right by the road opposite the bay, serves Creole food and seafood, and has parking. Opening hours are given differently in various directories, with Sunday the usual closing day. So ask at your accommodation beforehand rather than making a special trip.

One thing you should definitely try is the restaurant Julien's at Anse Soleil. The beach here is wonderful for swimming and counts among the most beautiful on Mahé. Take in the atmosphere, the glorious sunset and the sound of the waves before enjoying beautifully prepared seafood at Julien's. It is the perfect place to end the day.

The restaurant now generally trades as Anse Soleil Café (Chez Julien) and is run by the next generation of the family. Access is by a narrow, steep dead-end road that finishes at the bay. Guests park at the restaurant, and the path to the beach passes right by it. Beaches in the Seychelles are open to the public, so you do not need to eat at the restaurant to use it. Guest reviews are mixed, especially regarding service. Allow some patience for the kitchen, and check beforehand whether you should reserve a table for dinner. An overview of other restaurants is given in the Restaurant recommendations.

If you still feel like it, an evening out could mean a visit to the nearby casino (men need long trousers) or to Beau Vallon, on the other side of the island. Ask beforehand about opening hours and dress code. After dark the coast roads are barely lit, and driving on the left is more tiring there than by day. If you would like wine or cocktails, plan your journey back by taxi or with your accommodation's driver service.

Mahé is only part of what is on offer. Praslin and La Digue have quiet beaches and small guesthouses, and the Cat Cocos ferry is one of the links between the islands. Silhouette is especially peaceful. Islands such as Bird Island, Denis, North Island and Frégate each have just a single resort, where you spend your days without road traffic. You can be out on the water together on a boat trip or sailing. If you would like to dive or snorkel together, you will find tips under Diving and snorkelling, and walks are described on the page Hiking.

No, not for tourist stays. What you do need is the electronic Travel Authorization, which you apply for online before you fly (see above).

Yes, by taxi or bus. The buses don't always run to timetable, so allow for some waiting. For Anse Soleil and the small beaches in the south, a car is the most comfortable option. Our information on travelling by bus and getting around the Seychelles will help with planning.

For small beach restaurants, it helps to ask your accommodation to check whether they are open and whether you should reserve a table for dinner. Opening times and closing days change.

Back to Your first visit or on to Sailing in the Seychelles. The travel checklist offers more practical tips.