Everyone flocks to the Seychelles because of the soft, powdery white beautiful beaches, the unique marine life, the warm ocean and the picturesque and unspoilt surroundings. Hence, the beaches of Mahe are first on our list. We recommend Anse Intendace – across the island from Victoria, about an hour drive away from the port – a postcard perfect beach, best for swimming October – April. Beau Vallon is the longest and most busy with activities beach in Mahe, frequented by locals, as well as tourists. Here you can do anything water related – swim, jet ski, kitesurf, snorkel, scuba dive, fish, or just sunbathe, while sipping a coconut cocktail. These are only two of the 68 different beaches on Mahe. There are many more on the rest of Seychelles islands, including the ones voted amongst the best in the world – Anse Source D’Argent on the island of La Digue, Anse Lazio on Praslin and more. ports victoria aldabra giant tortoises 200There are idyllic, gorgeous beaches at the nearby islands as well. Most of them would have frequent ferry service from Mahe and you can also book an excursion by speedboat, time permitting.In Victoria, a city, easily explored by foot, we can recommend seeing the National History Museum for some insight on the geography, flora, fauna and anthropology of these unique islands. The main purpose of the museum is to highlight the environmental issues, faced by the islands, struggling to respond to the tourist demands and at the same time to protect the endemic to Seychelles species such as the various birds, the Aldabra Giant tortoise and the Coco De Mer palm – producing the heaviest seed in the world, weighing up to 17.6kg.Visit the heart and soul of Victoria – Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market. Here you can find the freshest local produce of fish, fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, also fashion boutiques and souvenir shops for half the price of the rest of the shops and supermarkets. Built in 1840 in early-Victorian style and renovated in 1999, this vibrant and lively market is especially busy on Saturday mornings and closed on Sundays.The nature lovers – and there is plenty of it in Mahe – should take one of the 12 hiking trails in Morne Seychellois National Park. This impressive nature reserve takes as much as 20% of the land of Mahe Island and is 10km long and between 2 and 4 km wide. It contains a wide variety of habitats, from coastal mangrove forests to the country’s highest peak – the Morne Seychellois at 905m. You would be surrounded by thick greenery and glimpses of the Seychelles bulbul, ports grand anse and morne view 200Seychelles swiftlet, the world smallest frog – the Sooglossus gardineri frog and more. The view from the peak is worth the hike and there is also a beautiful waterfall nearby and the ruins of old cinnamon distilleries.Interesting features in Victoria are the clock tower – a copy of the one on London’s Vauxhall Bridge Road and the silver painted replica of London’s Big Ben - remains from the time when British ruled the islands from early 19th century to 1976. Other sights in Mahe include the lush Botanical Gardens, the Tea Plantation and Factory and the Spice Garden.