Seychelles

1. Anse La Farine

Sitting right in front of the Emerald Cove Hotel on the island of Praslin, Anse La Farine is a small but beautiful beach that receives few visitors besides those staying at the hotel.

The water is quite calm and shallow, making it suitable for swimmers of most levels and ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing. However, the sand sometimes disappears at high tide, so it's advisable to check the tide charts before planning a visit. The only way to access the beach is by boat; a boat sometimes runs between the beach and the hotel, but private transportation can also be arranged. Anse La Farine Map

2. Anse Lazio

Anse Lazio often makes an appearance on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it's not hard to understand why. With its soft white sand, turquoise water, and granite rock formations, the beach is a perfect photo backdrop as well as an ideal place to stroll, swim, and sunbathe.

The water is quite deep outside of the designated swimming area and the beach is not protected by a coral reef like many of the other beaches in the Seychelles, but the water is still quite calm and a lifeguard is often on duty. Anse Lazio Map

3. Anse Marron

Hidden away on the southernmost end of La Digue, Anse Marron is almost impossible to find without the assistance of a local guide. The beach can only be accessed on foot; anyone interested in visiting should be aware that the hike requires clambering over large boulders, wading through water, and sometimes squeezing through gaps in the rocks.

However, anyone who makes the trip will be rewarded with a spectacular beach protected by large granite formations. The water gets deep quite quickly, but some of the rock formations form a shallow natural pool perfect for paddling and wading. Anse Marron

4. Aride Island Nature Reserve

One of the northernmost island in the Seychelles, the Aride Island Nature Reserve is an untouched natural paradise. More than one million seabirds belonging to over ten species can be found here; five of these species are found only in the Seychelles. Only boats belonging to the reserve are permitted to land on the island, and all visitors will be required to transfer onto one of these vessels. The island is open to visitors Monday through Friday, but the island is sometimes closed during the months of May through September because of strong surf that makes it difficult to land a boat.

5. Bicentennial Monument

Created by Italian artist Lorenzo Appiani, the Bicentennial Monument was erected in 1978 in honor of the 200th anniversary of the town of Victoria, which was founded in 1778 by French settler Charles Routier de Romainville. The three large pairs of graceful white wings are meant to represent the origins of the people of the Seychelles, who have their roots in three continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa. The monument sits in the middle of the roundabout at Independence Avenue and 5th June Avenue, making it easily accessible either by car or by foot. Bicentennial Monument

6. Cousin Island Special Reserve

Only 2 km away from the much larger island of Praslin, Cousin Island Special Reserve is a 34-hectare granitic island that was declared a special nature reserve in 1975 (Cousin Island Video). More than 300,000 nesting seabirds visit the island every year, and it serves as a year-round home for five species of bird found only in the Seychelles. The incredible nature isn't limited to the land; the waters surrounding the island boast the most diverse fish population to be found almost anywhere in the Seychelles. The island is open to visitors during the mornings from Monday through Friday, but closed on weekends and public holidays.

7. Curieuse Marine National Park

Formerly known as Ile Rouge because of its beautiful red soil, Curieuse Marine National Park is one of only two islands where coco de mer palm trees can be found. The trees are one of the Seychelles' iconic cultural symbols, and their unique green leaves are particularly striking when seen against the island's red soil. Giant bumphead parrotfish and giant tortoises can often be seen near Baie Laraie, which is the point of arrival for most visitors. From here, a stunning trail leads through the mangroves to Anse José, which features an old colonial house that has been transformed into a museum.