Best Things To Do in Seychelles

You'll feel as if you've been dropped straight onto the set of Jurassic Park, in the emerald green heart of the island of Praslin. The Vallée de Mai palm forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only place in the Seychelles where you can see 6 different types of palm growing side by side. Be fascinated by the person-sized leaves of the coco de mer, and even laugh at their fun-shaped coconuts - which are in fact the largest seeds in the plant kingdom! Don't forget to keep an eye (and an ear) out for tiger chameleons, tree frogs and the native black parrot, one of the rarest birds in the world.

One of the world's smallest capital cities, Victoria is well worth a stroll and hard to get lost in. Early risers can head to the bustling Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, whose stalls are full of daily catches and fresh tropical fruit, or shop for homemade clothes and souvenirs in the upstairs sections.

The Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu Temple and the National History Museum are also on the list of things to do to experience Creole culture. Don't worry if the humidity gets too much, the shady, leafy National Botanical Garden is a great place to take a break.

Enter Morne Seychelles National Park and discover the Copolia walking trail. Don't forget sturdy walking shoes and a thirst-quenching drink for this 45-minute trail filled with carnivorous pitcher plants and miniature frogs. The 500-metre-high summit opens out onto an expanse of shimmering granite offering breathtaking views of Victoria, the dazzling waters and neighbouring islands of La Digue and Praslin, as well as the man-made resort of Eden Island.

Founded over 20 years ago by the d’Offay Brothers, this famed distillery has slowly become a part of the archipelago’s identity. Found on the La Plaine St Andre estate, which dates back to the 1800’s, produces numerous tipples blended with local fruits and spices, but by far the best are the easy drinking coconut rum aged in American oak barrels. Enjoy distillery tours and tastings sessions perfect for new visitors and a tour of the garden's available everyday weekday.

Although Aldabra Island is difficult to access due to the lack of an airstrip, harbour, helipad and even hotels, what you see there in the end will be worth the long journey. The simplest method of travel is to charter a flight to the island of the hypothesis and sail the high seas from there. Why go there? This isolated site of four islands, classified by UNESCO, is, like the Galapagos Islands, a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to frigate birds, Aldabra drongos, the giant banded snail thought to be extinct and, above all, the world's largest population of giant tortoises. You'll find them grazing in the central lagoon, allowing you to admire nature in all its splendour.

Why not book a table at the Indian Ocean’s oldest restaurant, The Marie Antoinette. This restored colonial mansion is a real slice of history, serving bowls of favourite Creole dishes such as aubergine fritters, mango salad, tuna steak and – for those brave enough – curried fruit bat. Whichever course you choose, make sure to wash it down with a sumptuous glass of fresh passion fruit juice. Kids will also be more than entertained with the rescued giant tortoises roaming the land in the back garden!

Yorkshire-born Brendon Grimshaw, former editor of The Times, bought the Moyenne National Park for the modest sum of £8,000 in the late 1960s. He spent the next few decades as its sole resident, planting 20,000 trees, building miles of nature trails, breeding giant tortoises and attracting 2,000 species of birds, until the park was finally recognised as the world's smallest national park. Today, a warden kindly looks after the park and charges a small fee to enter the mystical island.

A fusion of West African and European cultures and cuisines, Creole cuisine is characterised by a host of vibrant flavours. Join a Seychellois family as they browse the morning market in Victoria, looking for home-grown produce as fresh as possible - including cinnamon and sweet potatoes. Afterwards, pass by a fisherman's stall to pick out the best catch of the day, then return to the family home to learn a local recipe (and sway to the local music). This visit is highly recommended to give an insight into everyday life in the Seychelles.

Trotting amid the crashing waves of a sugary white sand beach is a Seychelles bucket list activity. Mount a friendly Appaloosa horse for an hour or two ride along a lush jungle path, scented with yiang yiang flowers, before emerging on Mahé's stunning Barbarons beach. No previous experience is necessary, as beginners will be supervised by a guide, and children aged 6 and over can take part in this must-do excursion. Couples can also opt for a romantic champagne picnic, if they wish. What better way to spend an anniversary or engagement!

Just a stone's throw from Praslin, the islands of Curieuse, Cousin and Saint-Pierre form the perfect island hopping trio. Explore the ruins from Curieuse's dark past, or take a short trip east to the uninhabited island of Saint-Pierre - an island made up of just a handful of rocks and swaying palm trees, making the perfect backdrop for snorkelling. Finally, the Île Cousin nature reserve is an important resting place in the Indian Ocean for the endangered hawksbill turtle, which roams freely on this stunning island.