Island-Hopping the Seychelles: Mahé, Praslin & La Digue

Overview

This 10-day itinerary covers the three main granitic islands of the Seychelles. You will spend 3 nights on Praslin exploring ancient palm forests and secluded coves, 3 nights on bike-friendly La Digue for iconic boulder-strewn shores, and 3 nights on Mahé for scenic mountain viewpoints, Creole culture, and dramatic coastal drives.

Getting There

From the Netherlands, fly from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Popular one-stop connections include Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi), or Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Total travel time typically runs 12 to 15 hours depending on layovers. Round-trip economy fares generally cost €700–€1,000.

To begin the itinerary immediately on Praslin, take a 15-minute domestic flight with Air Seychelles from SEZ or catch the Cat Cocos ferry (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes, ~€50–€60 one-way) from Victoria Jetty.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Praslin

Land at SEZ on Mahé, take the connecting flight or Cat Cocos ferry across to Praslin, and check into your guesthouse. Spend a low-key evening walking around Cote d'Or Beach (Anse Volbert) and sampling fresh grilled fish at a seaside café.

Day 2: Vallée de Mai & Anse Lazio

Spend the morning walking the shaded trails of the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve to see the endemic Coco de Mer palms and rare black parrots. In the afternoon, take a rental car or bus to Anse Lazio for swimming and sunset.

Day 3: Curieuse Island & St. Pierre Marine Park

Join a local day excursion by boat to Curieuse Island. Walk among free-roaming giant Aldabra tortoises and trek through mangrove boardwalks, followed by a Creole barbecue lunch on the beach and a snorkeling stop off islet St. Pierre.

Day 4: Ferry to La Digue & Anse Source d'Argent

Take the Cat Rose ferry from Praslin to La Digue (approx. 15 minutes, ~€15). Rent a bicycle at La Passe jetty, drop your bags, and ride south through L'Union Estate to spend the afternoon at the world-famous Anse Source d'Argent.

Day 5: Wild East Coast Beaches (Grand Anse, Petite Anse, Anse Cocos)

Pedal to the southern road terminus at Grand Anse. Hike the coastal footpaths across to Petite Anse and further on to Anse Cocos, where natural granite pools offer calm swimming away from the heavy open surf.

Day 6: Island Viewpoints & Belle Vue

Hire a guide for the challenging trek to the secluded natural pools of Anse Marron, or take a leisurely cycle north around the cape toward Anse Severe. In late afternoon, hike or take a taxi up to Belle Vue to watch the sun drop over Praslin with a fresh fruit juice.

Day 7: Ferry to Mahé & Victoria

Take the morning ferry back to Mahé via Praslin. Pick up a compact rental car at the jetty or airport. Explore Victoria's colorful Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, the miniature Victoria Clocktower, and the National Botanical Gardens before checking into your base on Mahé.

Day 8: Morne Seychellois Hiking & Tea Country

Drive the winding Sans Souci road through the mountains of Morne Seychellois National Park. Hike the short but steep trail to the summit of Morne Blanc for panoramic ocean views, visit the historical Mission Lodge viewpoint, and stop at Port Glaud for an afternoon swim.

Day 9: South Mahé Beach Hop

Drive the scenic coastal roads of South Mahé. Visit the surf cove of Anse Intendance, swim at sheltered Anse Royale, and explore the craft village and artisan shops along the east coast. Enjoy a casual dinner at a local Creole take-away or beach shack.

Day 10: Beau Vallon & Departure

Spend your last morning relaxing along the lively promenade of Beau Vallon or snorkeling at nearby Sunset Beach. Return the rental car at SEZ for your overnight flight back to Amsterdam.

Where to Stay

• Praslin: Base yourself around Côte d'Or (Anse Volbert) for walkable beach access, tour departures, and local dining, or Grand Anse for practical bus links and budget self-catering apartments.
• La Digue: Stay around La Passe or Anse Réunion. Both offer easy walking distance from the ferry jetty, bicycle rental hubs, grocery shops, and Creole take-away spots.
• Mahé: Choose Beau Vallon in the north for evening atmosphere and calm swimming, or self-catering chalets around Anse Royale/Baie Lazare in the south for a tranquil, nature-focused stay.

Budget

• Flights (AMS to SEZ return): €700–€1,000 per person
• Inter-island Transport: €140–€180 per person (Cat Cocos & Cat Rose ferries, or domestic hop)
• Accommodation (Mid-range self-catering/Creole guesthouses): €90–€160 per night for a double room
• Local Transport: €40–€55 per day for a compact rental car (Mahé/Praslin), €7–€10 per day for bicycle hire (La Digue)
• Food & Dining: €25–€50 per person per day (mixing local Creole take-away stands at €5–€8 per box with casual sit-down dinners)
• Activities & Park Entries: €150–€250 per person (covers Vallée de Mai entry, L'Union Estate fee, Curieuse boat excursion)
• Total Estimated Budget: ~€1,800–€2,500 per person based on two people sharing rooms and car rental.

Know Before You Go

• Travel Authorisation: Seychelles requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) submitted online up to 30 days prior to arrival (€10 standard fee) along with proof of confirmed accommodation and return flights.
• Driving: Driving is on the left side of the road. Roads on Mahé and Praslin are narrow, winding, and have deep drainage gullies with no guard rails; drive slowly.
• Ocean Safety & Currents: Ocean currents can be strong, especially on south-facing coasts during the southeast trade winds (May–September). Observe beach warning signs and avoid swimming at unshielded beaches when red flags or heavy swells are present.
• Cash & Card: Credit cards are widely accepted for accommodation, car rentals, and sit-down restaurants, but carry Seychellois Rupees (SCR) for small convenience stores, bus fares, bicycle hire, and local take-away counters.