As the largest of the Seychelles islands, Mahé balances wild beauty with island life. Its mountains shelter some of the world’s rarest birds, while its 70-plus beaches range from popular stretches like Beau Vallon to secluded coves accessible only on foot. Many use it as an entry point to the archipelago, yet Mahé’s mix of forests, peaks, colonial architecture, and colourful markets rewards those who linger.
Victoria may be the Seychelles' capital, but with just 26,450 residents, it keeps things simple. Built in 1840, the Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market's stalls are filled with fresh spices, mangoes, and fish delivered fresh each morning. A few streets away, the silver Victoria Clocktower – a quarter-scale replica of London's Big Ben – has been a landmark since 1903. In the six-acre National Botanical Gardens, orchids and coco de mer palms share space with wandering Aldabra giant tortoises. The National Museum tells the islands' story through three centuries of objects, from pirate coins to the instruments that bring moutya music to life.
Morne Seychellois National Park covers 20% of Mahé, its trails cutting through ancient Indian Ocean forests. From the Morne Blanc Trail, views open to the western coast, and on the Copolia Trail's granite summit, wild pitcher plants thrive. The Mission Lodge, a 19th-century school for freed slaves, provides a view across the island – the same panorama that once captivated Queen Elizabeth II in 1972.
The beaches of Mahé change with each turn of the coast. The two-kilometre curve of Beau Vallon in the north invites families and swimmers to its sheltered seas, ideal for snorkelling and paddleboarding. Around the island’s southern tip, Anse Intendance catches the full force of the Indian Ocean – perfect for experienced surfers but too powerful for swimming. The small cove of Anse Soleil offers excellent snorkelling in protected waters, whereas Petite Anse remains one of the island’s most photographed shorelines within the grounds of the Four Seasons resort.
Jardin du Roi continues a centuries-old tradition of growing different spices, its gardens still producing vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg just as they did in the 1700s. The old plantation house has been converted into a restaurant serving traditional island fare. At La Plaine St. André estate, home to the Takamaka Rum Distillery in 2002, visitors can learn about local rum production before sampling the results.
Established in 1973, Sainte Anne Marine Park, just 5 kilometres from Victoria, has preserved six islands and their reefs. Its lagoons are home to more than 150 species of fish, along with green and hawksbill turtles. At sites like Shark Bank, divers can encounter reef sharks and stingrays. Moyenne Island's 9-hectare reserve houses over 100 giant tortoises. The 20-minute boat ride from Victoria stops at several snorkelling spots throughout the day.
The Four Seasons and Anantara Maia villas come with all the luxuries – private pools, butler service, and prices to match. The locally owned Carana Beach Hotel has sea-view suites at more modest rates, though guesthouses like Auberge Chez Plume provide comfortable rooms and mornings that start with fresh fruit and home-cooked Creole breakfast.
Restaurants in Mahé can be found in both old buildings and by the sea. Marie Antoinette has been offering the same dishes – fruit bat curries and grilled fish – ever since it opened in 1972, in a house that has changed little over the years. Creole cuisine shows up in dishes like octopus curry, grilled snapper, and ladob (a sweet plantain dessert), reflecting the island’s Seychellois heritage. The morning's catch is presented on the deck above Port Launay at Del Place, and at La Plage, tables sit right on Beau Vallon beach, featuring octopus curry and grilled fish.
Mahé isn't big – just 26 kilometres by 8 kilometres – but its network of roads requires patience to navigate. A rental car (from £43 daily) is ideal for reaching quieter beaches, and public buses, which connect most of the island for £0.40 per ride, present a more affordable way to explore. With over 100 buses operating regularly across the island, getting around is convenient. The sea remains between 26–28°C throughout the year, with April–May and October–November providing the clearest waters for snorkelling.
Mahé holds more stories than its shores might suggest. Named after French naval officer Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, the island changed hands between colonial powers – French in 1756 and British in 1814 – before gaining independence in 1976. Today, Victoria's port is filled with tuna boats and trading vessels, and local markets tell their own tales of centuries of migration. African, European, Indian, Arab, and Chinese influences blend into the island's kitchens and architecture, creating something entirely Seychellois. This is what makes Mahé special – not just its natural beauty but the layers of history and culture that have shaped this tropical paradise.