Located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles are a group of 115 islands that are basically the definition of paradise. White sand beaches, warm turquoise water, giant tortoises, and all the palm trees await you there.
And while the Seychelles are most often associated with honeymoons (Prince William and Kate Middleton vacationed here after their 2011 marriage), the truth is that there's SO much more to the Seychelles than just romantic beach resorts.
In fact, to truly experience these islands, you really need at least a week in the Seychelles.
Lucky you, though, that I've put together the perfect Seychelles itinerary for one week in the Seychelles! Here's everything I think you should do with a week in this island paradise.
Seychelles itinerary: 1 week in the Seychelles
Day 1: Arrival and Mahe
Getting to the Seychelles can take a bit of time depending on where you live, but there are more connections to the island nation than you probably expect. There are direct flights from places like Johannesburg, South Africa; Dubai, UAE; Frankfurt, Germany; Paris, France; and soon London in the UK. I flew from Boston to Dubai, and then Dubai to Mahe International Airport.
Depending on where you're flying from, you'll arrive on Mahe (the largest island in the Seychelles and home to its only international airport) in the early morning or early afternoon. From the airport, you can grab a taxi to your hotel.
If you arrive later in the day like I did, I recommend spending the rest of the day enjoying your hotel and maybe visiting a beach for sunset. I stayed at a hotel that was just steps from Beau Vallon Beach, which is the most popular beach on Mahe for sunsets.
Where to stay on Mahe
I stayed at the Savoy Resort & Spa on Beau Vallon Beach. This resort is huge, with a large pool and three on-site restaurants. While I really loved my room here, I will say that I don't think this resort is really a 5-star one as advertised. (The service is really closer to a 4-star, or maybe even high 3-star.)
There are lots of places to choose form on Mahe, though. Also on Beau Vallon Beach is the H Resort (the highest-rated Beau Vallon hotel), and I had a great lunch and tour at the nearby Carana Beach Hotel, which has the most affordable rooms with private plunge pools on the island.
For those looking for luxury, Mahe has both a Four Seasons and a MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa.
And for more mid-range options (that are still super luxurious), there's the Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove, and a Hilton property.
Day 2: Mahe Island
On your second day, I recommend exploring Mahe by either renting a car or hiring a taxi driver for the day. The top things to see include:
- The capital city of Victoria, which is the smallest world capital
- Beaches! The best on Mahe include Anse Intendance, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, and Beau Vallon for sunset
- Morne Seychellois National Park if you prefer hiking to sightseeing
- The lookout at Mission Lodge, where Queen Elizabeth II once sat for tea
- Either the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens or Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
- A tour of the tea factory or Takamaka Rum Distillery
I think a lot of visitors to the Seychelles treat Mahe as the airport and that's it, but the truth is that there's a lot to see and do! Mahe has an excellent mix of beaches and jungle, and deserves at least a full day of exploration.
RELATED: My 5 Favorite Beaches in the Seychelles
Day 3: Praslin Island
Ferries run frequently between Mahe and Praslin, or you can also fly between the two. The ferry only takes about an hour, though, and is more of an adventure. Take a morning ferry from Mahe so you can have the whole day to explore Praslin.
From the ferry dock, grab a rental car or taxi and head straight to the Vallée de Mai, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a nature preserve filled with rare coco de mer palms – they're so rare that they only grow in the Seychelles! They also produce the largest, heaviest seeds/nuts in the world, which are pretty cool to see. It's worth it to hire a guide here so you can spot not only the coco de mer palms, but also all the other unique flora and fauna like orchids and black parrots.
(Traveler tip: If there's a cruise ship in-port, get to the Vallée de Mai before 10 a.m. if you want to avoid the crowds!)
After the Vallée de Mai, head to Praslin's most famous beach: Anse Lazio. This is usually regarded as one of the best beaches in the Seychelles, and it's not difficult to understand why. Anse Lazio is characterized by white sand, turquoise water, rusty-red boulders, and plenty of shady palm trees.
Have lunch at Bonbon Plume right on the beach (go a little early to get a table, and try the red snapper if they're serving it), and spend a few hours enjoying the sun and sand.
In the late afternoon, head to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your evening there.
Where to stay on Praslin
I stayed at Paradise Sun, a 4-star resort hotel right on the beach (Cote d'Or, near Anse Volbert), and would recommend it. The hotel has a nice pool, plenty of beach loungers, and things like snorkeling gear and paddleboards for guests to use. I liked my beachy hut, and enjoyed the buffet dinner I had on-site.
For true luxury-seekers on Praslin, go for Raffles (the only hotel on the island where every room has its own private plunge pool) or the Constance Lemuria.
Day 4: Curieuse Island and Praslin Island
Today, take a day or half-day trip from Praslin to Curieuse Island. Along with being the only other island in the Seychelles where the coco de mer palm grows, Curieuse Island is also home to a breeding program for giant Aldabra tortoises. The land giants roam freely here, which is perfect if you want to grab a tortoise selfie!
Many people pair trips to Curieuse Island with St. Pierre Island, which is a great place for snorkeling. Check out Tourbookers for tour options.
Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day on Praslin at your hotel or on the beach.
Day 5: La Digue Island
From Praslin, it's only a short 15-minute ferry ride over to La Digue, the smallest of the three most popular islands in the Seychelles. Even though you'll experience “island time” everywhere in the Seychelles, things are even more relaxed on La Digue.
There are virtually no cars on the island, and the main mode of transport is by bike. Since you'll be traveling with luggage, though, your hotel will likely offer to pick you up from the ferry and transport you and your things. Afterwards, though, be sure to get your hands on a bike so you can explore the island!
I would spend your first day beach-hopping to all the free beaches on La Digue. Grand Anse is probably the most popular (and arguably the most beautiful), but you can also visit Petite Anse, Anse Patates, Anse La Réunion, Anse Marron, and more! (La Digue is pretty much just one big beach!)
La Digue covers less than 4 square miles, meaning you can easily explore the whole thing by bike.
Where to stay on La Digue
La Digue has a few resorts/hotels, but staying at a guesthouse or B&B is more popular here.
If you want to go the resort route, Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort and Spa is the highest-rated on the island, followed by Le Repaire Boutique Hotel.
Or you can check out guesthouses on La Digue.
Day 6: La Digue and ferry to Mahe
Today on La Digue is all about the island's most famous beach: Anse Source D'Argent.
This beach is often said to be one of the most-photographed in the world, and certainly wins my vote for most beautiful beach in the Seychelles. It's an absolute must-do for any Seychelles trip.
Anse Source D'Argent does lie on private property, though. You have to pay to enter L'Union Estate (your admission includes a tour through the old copra factory and vanilla plantation), but I think the $10 entry fee is more than worth it.
I recommend bringing a picnic lunch so you can spend most of the day here. Anse Source D'Argent is a long beach – it's actually like three or four beaches in one because of the different sections separated by giant granite boulders – so you can easily while away the hours exploring, swimming, and napping in the shade.
Once you head to the beach, there's no food for sale – but you will find to beach bars where you can grab a coconut, fruit smoothie, or alcoholic cocktail.
In the later afternoon, catch a ferry back to Praslin and then another back to Mahe. (Check with your La Digue hotel to see if they can meet you at the ferry dock with your luggage so you don't have to drag it to the beach with you!)
Day 7: Snorkeling tour from Mahe
You could definitely spend your last day in the Seychelles simply lounging by the pool or on the beach, but if you want just one more adventure, consider booking a snorkeling/sightseeing tour from Mahe to the islands in nearby Ste Anne National Marine Park.
Tours to the marine park usually include snorkeling and swimming in the reserve, a stop at Moyenne Island to see some giant tortoises, and lunch and cocktails on the boat. This would be a great way to round out your time in the Seychelles.
(Want to book it? Check out this Full Day Reef Safari from Mahe.)
Day 8: Departure
Today will sadly be the day you'll say goodbye to the Seychelles. But don't forget that this island paradise is close to some other fantastic destinations. For example, many people pair up a week in the Seychelles with a safari in South Africa!
RELATED: How to See the Best of South Africa in 12 Days
What to pack for a Seychelles trip
The Seychelles have a tropical climate year-round. Expect heat and humidity no matter what time of year you visit.
A few things I was glad to have on my trip included:
- A packable, breathable sun hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A swimsuit and coverup
- My Teva Verra sandals (which you can also wear as water shoes)
- Long and breezy sundresses
- A pair of Jockey Skimmies Slipshorts (because no lady likes chaffing)
- Quick-dry travel towel to keep in my beach bag
How much does it cost?
While your trip will obviously be different from mine, here are some sample prices (in USD) you can expect in the Seychelles:
- 1 night at a 4-star hotel: Usually starting around $400
- Rental car on Mahe: $50-$100 per day, depending on type of car
- Mahe-Praslin ferry: $50 one-way
- Seychelles National Botanical Gardens entry: $7.50
- Vallee de Mai entry: $22
- Dinner: $15-$30 per person
The Seychelles isn't really a budget destination (though you can certainly save some money by staying in a guesthouse or apartment and self-catering some of your meals). But the good news is that almost all the beaches are free to visit!
More essential info
- Looking for more packing suggestions for the Seychelles? Head over to my Amazon shop to see all my favorite travel gear!
- Pick up a Seychelles travel guide before you go.
- Don't leave home without a good travel insurance plan – because you never know what might happen! I recommend World Nomads for affordable basic travel insurance.
Who's ready to plan a trip to the Seychelles?
Pin it for later:
NOTE: Thanks to the Seychelles Tourism Board for hosting me in the Seychelles. As always, all opinions and recommendations are 100% my own.
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
What is the best time to visit this country??
I guess it depends! The weather is tropical year-round. November-March is hot and humid, while the trade winds blow April-October and make things a little cooler (and wetter). It’s a popular destination for holidays in December and January, and that’s when prices go up. I think April/May and October/November are probably the best months to go. (I went in late November and it was pretty much perfect!)
Hii just wanted to check if the localites hike the prices from tourists or they remain same throughout? Like for the activities and ferry prices?
I can’t speak to individual tour companies, but ferry and food prices are standard – there’s no separate “tourist price” or anything.
You’ve written that Paradise Sun is on Anse Volbert but it’s on Cote Dor beach, which is not far from Anse Volbert (The only hotel on Anse Volbert is the La Reserve).
Thanks for correcting! Many hotel websites have it listed on Anse Volbert, and that’s the only beach Google Maps really names in that area too!
This is legit a dream trip! Do you know if there’s good diving there? The only place I’ve dove in the area of the world was Mauritius and it was a bit underwhelming (though still pretty). I’d LOVE to go to the Seychelles…and for a week at that!
There is definitely diving in the Seychelles, though I’m not really sure how it compares to diving in other parts of the world since I myself am not a diver! I do know that the visibility is supposed to be great though!
Looks like you had a great time and got some beautiful photos! Some great tips for our upcoming 2 week trip – although we are pretty luck as some of my husband’s family live there 😉
I’m sure you’ll get some great insider tips while there!
Heading out to the Seychelles in April for the first time in a decade. Can’t wait!
Lucky you!! Enjoy!
What an amazing place.. Thanks for sharing Amanda!
Loved the pictures and its making me so excited to travel there!!
It’s basically paradise – I’d love to go back and visit even more islands!
WOW!! Beautiful pictures. Looks like a beautiful place to travel to.
It’s definitely a gorgeous place – it wasn’t hard to take good beach photos here!
What an amazing itinerary! The snorkeling looks really cool 😛
You could easily spend even longer and see more islands (there are 115, after all), but I think this would be great for a first trip!
Hiyya ,
Im travelling solo to Sez next month,still preparing my itenerary but a bit confused were i should stay for the fact that being solo might me a bit bored especially on the Islands of Praslin & La Digue . I Like the odd bar hop after sunset so im still unsure in which area accomodate myself . Another issue is being solo i am not interested in driving/renting car .Is Mahe doable by cycling ?
Duration 10 nights .
Thanks
Mahe is pretty big and also very hilly, so I’m not sure I personally would want to cycle there! La Digue, on the other hand, is pretty perfect for getting around on a bike. On Mahe, I would maybe try to stay near Beau Vallon beach, as there’s slightly more to do in that area. I’m not sure there’s really much nightlife on Praslin, so your best bet would probably be to choose a hotel that has a bar, and that is perhaps walking distance to another hotel with a bar – I think that’s your best bet for “bar-hopping” there!
To see these picture I wish to travel at there, and I think I can easily spend 1 month in SEYCHELLES.
For some weird reason, all of your hotel choices were left out of the article I read. Your hotel tastes seem to be like ours, so I’d love to know the hotels you stayed at. (I use an Apple/Safari browser if that makes a difference.)
NRN
Hmmm that’s very odd. My hotel recommendations are definitely in the post, and are just included as regular text, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t be appearing assuming you can see the rest of the text. Maybe you can take a look at the post again? (I’m on a Mac and just checked on Safari – everything is there!) My Mahe recommendations are listed under Day 1, Praslin under Day 3, and La Digue under Day 5 of the itinerary.
After enduring these freezing cold temperatures in Michigan this week, seeing these warm tropical photos is making me teary.
I enjoy me a good island vaycay every now and then, but I often get bored when all there is to do is lay on the beach. The Seychelles sounds like it has a lot of things to keep you occupied through the week!
I’m not a “lay on the beach” type of person, either, and I LOVED the Seychelles. The beaches are so pretty and unique that it was easy to spend hours at them taking photos – no beach lounging required! Plus, there are all the non-beach things to do, too.
Great one week itinerary. What kind of budget should a traveler expect if they were to follow your recommendations? Were there any additional “hidden costs” that you did not expect before coming here?
Great question, Ray – I should add a section in about prices! The Seychelles isn’t particularly cheap, since it is rather a luxury destination AND because everything is usually pricier on an island. Many of the hotels I’ve mentioned start around $400 per night (often including some meals). The ferry from Mahe to Praslin runs about $50 each way. Meals will run anywhere from $15 to $30 per person depending on where you go. Thankfully all the beaches are free!
FIne, to the point post with beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.
I love posts like this! I always struggle to think how to organise trips to countries that consist mainly of islands, and even though I read many posts about the Seychelles I couldn’t wrap my head around the logistics of travelling there. I’ll be bookmarking this post for when I plan my trip there!
I really enjoy writing posts like this, so I’m glad you enjoy reading them! Hopefully this one will be helpful to others wanting to plan trips to the Seychelles too.