What to See in Praslin, Seychelles

The beaches of Praslin

Anse Lazio is THE legend of Praslin, regularly ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches (4.9/5). On the northwest coast, this bay opens onto an arc of fine white sand framed by huge pink granite boulders, lined with takamaka palms that offer precious natural shade. The waters shift between jade and sapphire depending on the hour, and it's also an outstanding snorkelling spot: sea turtles, parrotfish and rays move around the coral. A self-service stand at the end of the beach offers drinks and snacks. Access is free, but the road winds through tropical forest with a steep climb over the last 300 metres: come before 9am to have the sand to yourself, before the excursions arrive.

Anse Lazio, regularly ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches

Anse Georgette rivals Anse Lazio for the title of Praslin's most beautiful beach (4.9/5): pristine sand, crystal-clear waters of an unreal blue, postcard palm trees, and above all a perfectly preserved atmosphere found nowhere else. Accessible from the Constance Lemuria hotel, this beach remains protected from mass tourism; hotel guests have direct access, and a phone call in advance is enough for other travellers, mandatory in the high season of July and August. No facilities on site: better to bring water and snacks, and arrive early, as the beach empties out in the afternoon.

Anse Volbert, also called Côte d'Or, is the beating heart of tourism on Praslin (4.7/5). Its long white sand beach with shallow, very calm waters is perfect for families with children. Facing the beach, the small Chauve-Souris islet is reachable by swimming and offers an additional snorkelling spot. Hotels, restaurants and shops line the beach, everything is accessible on foot or by bike, and it's the natural starting point for boat excursions to Saint-Pierre and Curieuse. Stay for sunset: the colours over Chauve-Souris islet are spectacular.

Grand Anse is the large beach on Praslin's southwest coast, very different from the northern beaches (4.5/5). Its setting is grand: a long stretch of sand framed by coconut palms and primary forest, with emerging granite rocks, though waves can be significant depending on the season. It charms with its wild, authentic atmosphere, almost empty of tourists, close to Bazar Praslin and three kilometres from the Vallée de Mai. Check conditions before swimming, and take the opportunity to combine the visit with the nearby craft market.

Anse Cimitière is one of those addresses experienced travellers share only in hushed tones (4.6/5). Nestled between granite rocks away from the tourist circuits, five minutes' walk from the Baie Sainte-Anne jetty, this small beach offers absolute calm and clear waters ideal for impromptu snorkelling. It's often empty even in high season — a rare luxury in the Seychelles — and makes a good stop before taking a taxi to Anse Lazio.

Activities and excursions on Praslin

The Vallée de Mai is one of the most extraordinary natural sites in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983 (4.8/5). This primary forest is home to the largest natural population of coco de mer palms, the lodoicea maldivica, whose fruit is the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The dense canopy creates a mysterious, timeless atmosphere, home to endemic parrots, the Praslin black parrot, giant tortoises and exceptional biodiversity. Open daily from 8am to 5.30pm, in a mid-range price bracket, the visit lasts about ninety minutes. Arrive right at opening to enjoy the silence and hear the parrots, with closed shoes as the trails can be slippery.

Curieuse Island, home to free-roaming giant tortoises

The excursion to Curieuse Island is one of the most memorable experiences in the Seychelles (4.8/5). This small island is home to around a hundred Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely on the beaches, some over a century old and used to visitors. The guided tour skirts the former 1877 colonial leper colony, crosses the mangrove on wooden walkways, and ends on a white sand beach with a generous grilled Creole lunch included, for about 90 euros for the full day, departing at 9.30am from Côte d'Or. Wear water shoes for the mangrove, and choose a French-speaking guide if possible for the leper colony's history.

Saint-Pierre islet is nothing more than a simple emerged granite rock, but underneath it's another world entirely (4.8/5). The surrounding coral reefs shelter extraordinary biodiversity — barracudas, sea turtles, reef sharks, multicoloured parrotfish, moray eels and shoals of golden trevally — making it Praslin's best snorkelling spot. The half-day excursion, equipment included, costs about 50 euros and lasts about ninety minutes on site; it pairs ideally with Curieuse Island for a full day out. Bring your own mask for comfort, as visibility is best in the morning.

Fond Ferdinand is Praslin's hidden gem for hikers (4.7/5). This protected nature reserve offers marked trails through a forest of endemic coco de mer palms, rewarding walkers with 360-degree panoramas over Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse and the neighbouring islands. The visit, which must be guided, costs about 15 euros and runs from 9am to 3pm, guaranteeing rich explanations of the endemic flora and fauna, in an atmosphere much more intimate than the Vallée de Mai. Explicitly ask to climb to the panoramic summit: the view over La Digue is exceptional.

From Côte d'Or beach, Chauve-Souris islet can be reached by swimming about 300 metres (4.8/5). This private islet, covered in dense vegetation and bristling with pink granite rocks, is surrounded by turquoise water of absolute clarity, home to tropical fish, stingrays and multicoloured corals: the area's best snorkelling spot, freely accessible by sea even though a private hotel establishment occupies the islet. Swim there early morning, mask and snorkel essential, without trying to reach the jetty, which remains reserved for hotel guests.

Where to eat on Praslin

Café des Arts is a legendary Praslin address blending fine dining with contemporary art (4.7/5). On Côte d'Or beach, its walls display works by local artists in a creative, relaxed atmosphere. The menu draws on three registers — Mediterranean, Creole and Asian — starring a coconut-milk grilled red snapper that regulars order with their eyes closed. Direct view of Chauve-Souris islet, live music on weekend evenings, in a higher price range. Book for weekend dinner and ask for the terrace table facing the islet.

Les Lauriers is Praslin's must-visit institution for dinner (4.6/5), regularly top-rated on review platforms thanks to its generous Creole buffet: whole fish grilled over charcoal, fragrant curries, octopus skewers, Creole rice, breadfruit broth, fresh salads and homemade desserts. The atmosphere is convivial, in a large tropical garden lit by lanterns under the stars, at Côte d'Or, evenings only, for a moderate budget. Book in the morning for that evening: the best tables go fast.

On Côte d'Or beach, Le Pirogue plays the freshness and simplicity card (4.5/5). The menu changes daily according to the catch — red snapper, grouper, tuna, octopus — always ultra-fresh, grilled or Creole-style, for a moderate budget. The location is perfect for sunset, feet in the sand, a local beer in hand. Arrive before 6pm for the best seaside tables, and don't hesitate to ask for the catch of the day, not always listed on the menu.

Coco Rouge is the insiders' address in Grand Anse: a small, no-frills Creole canteen where the owner cooks like home, on a small budget (4.5/5). Freshwater fish curries, breadfruit chips golden-fried in coconut oil, homemade tomato rougail, Creole rice and lentils — everything is prepared on site, fresh and generous, Monday to Saturday for lunch between 11.30am and 2pm. It's where taxi drivers, craftspeople and island fishermen have lunch, just three kilometres from the Vallée de Mai. Arrive at opening time, as some dishes sell out before 1pm, and bring cash.

Where to sleep on Praslin

The Constance Lemuria is Praslin's most legendary address (4.9/5). This palace occupies 100 hectares of tropical forest at the northwest tip, with direct access to three beaches including the legendary Anse Georgette. An 18-hole golf course carved into the granite and forest, an internationally renowned spa, several gourmet restaurants and villas with private infinity pools round out an offering built for absolute excellence, in the island's highest price category, for a stay of at least four nights. Even without staying there, it's possible to call ahead to book access to Anse Georgette or a table at the beach restaurant.

Le Duc de Praslin is the reference for boutique hotels on Côte d'Or beach (4.7/5). Its spacious villas feature refined tropical architecture with a direct sea view over Chauve-Souris islet; the hotel houses the famous Café des Arts on the ground floor, and its spa is highly regarded on the island. Ideally located less than four kilometres from Anse Lazio and the Vallée de Mai, in a higher price range, it's the best-placed spot to explore all of Praslin. Ask for a villa with a direct sea view, as the price gap with garden-side rooms is minimal.

The Acajou Beach Resort is regularly cited as Praslin's best value for money (4.6/5, higher price range). Its spacious rooms overlook the tropical garden or the sea, the large pool is perfect between excursions, and a gym, beach bar and Creole restaurant round out a warm offering, at Côte d'Or, three hundred metres from the restaurants and ten minutes by taxi from Anse Lazio. The front desk happily arranges excursions to Saint-Pierre and Curieuse with good local contacts.

Anse Lazio Lodge is an authentic guesthouse nestled in tropical vegetation, a few minutes' walk from Anse Lazio beach (4.5/5, mid-range budget). Its granite stone walls set the tone: a calm, discreet stay in Praslin's Creole tradition, without the prices of the large hotels. Booking by email or direct message is recommended for the best rates. Rent a bike on site to explore the island's whole north coast.

Practical information for Praslin

Baie Sainte-Anne is Praslin's lively heart (4.4/5). This coastal village hosts the Cat Cocos ferry terminal from Mahé, in an hour and a quarter, and Cat Rose from La Digue, in fifteen minutes, making it the island's essential gateway. A local market, grocery shops, boutiques, currency exchange offices and restaurants cluster here, and it's also the starting point for taxis to Anse Lazio, the Vallée de Mai or Côte d'Or. As soon as the ferry arrives, a shared taxi to Côte d'Or is cheaper than an individual one, and the local market near the jetty sells fresh fruit, spices and crafts at good prices.