Seychelles what country is it? Seychelles: where dreams are.

The Seychelles Islands (or the Republic of the Seychelles Islands) are one of the paradisiacal places on the planet where every tourist strives to go. Amazing nature, untouched by man and civilization, snow-white sand on the coast of the endless ocean, animals and birds that cannot be found in other countries - everything is so attractive that travelers choose this destination over many others and, having been there once, do not regret their choice .

Seychelles, general information

Seychelles is a country of 115 islands, some of which were formed approximately 750 million years ago, and only 33 of them are inhabited.

The capital of Seychelles is Victoria, located on the largest island of the archipelago, called Mahe. There is also an international airport here, and any trip to the Seychelles begins from here.

The population of this country speaks Creole, but there are three official languages: English, French and Seychellois Creole (a type of French). People who work with tourists (for example, hotel staff) use English fluently.

Officially, in the Seychelles, more than 90% of the population are Christians, almost all of them are Catholics, but there are also Muslims, Baptists, and atheists.

Note! The time difference with Moscow is minus 1 hour.

Like the whole world, the Seychelles celebrate the same holidays: they celebrate the New Year, Labor Day, national Independence Day and Liberation Day, Easter, but in addition to them, they organize festivals with pleasure and scope that tell about the diversity and originality of each region.

Victoria

Seychelles: where are they located?

A map will help you easily answer the question, where is the Seychelles? These islands are located in the Indian Ocean, close to the Maldives, Mauritius and Comoros.

Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights from Moscow to the Seychelles, so you can only get there with a transfer, for example, fly through Paris, or choose a flight Moscow - Qatar, Dubai or another city. Including transfers, the flight takes from 14 hours; tickets are not cheap, but purchased in advance will be much more affordable. All international planes land in Mahe. If your final destination is not Mahe Island, Seychelles will offer domestic air carrier services. How much does a ticket to the Seychelles cost - the estimated cost from Moscow to Mahe is 40,000 rubles*.

A tourist can travel between the islands by ferry (it arrives at the port according to a schedule), or take a helicopter or plane ticket. From a bird's eye view, a wonderful view of the islands themselves and the waters of the Indian Ocean washing their shores opens up.

Important! I get very seasick on the ferry. It is worth taking medicine for seasickness on your trip.

Climate and weather in Seychelles

Finding the right time of year to fly to the Seychelles will not be difficult, because it is always beautiful there. There are practically no temperature changes, and even the division into two seasons is arbitrary, because it simply never gets bad on these islands, and they are all perfect for a luxurious holiday.

• Wet season (December-April) is the time of year when precipitation occurs on the islands in the form of short showers. The water and air temperatures in these months are approximately the same: +28-30 °C.
• The dry season (June-October) is also called cold, although the water temperature is almost equal to the air temperature and is +26-38 °C. The only negative of this season is the monsoons, which do not allow you to admire the smooth water and disturb the ocean.

Interesting! Between the two seasons in the Seychelles there are two off-seasons, the first is in May, the second in October. These months are ideal for those who love an impeccable holiday - there is no rain, the wind does not disturb the ocean.

But not only people feel comfortable living in such a climate. The animals that inhabit the Seychelles did not choose this paradise for nothing. Most of them have never been seen in other countries:

• giant turtles;
• birds of paradise;
• nightingale Bulbul;
• various mollusks and crustaceans;
• chameleons;
• exotic fish (marlin, sailfish, shark, etc.)

No state in the world can afford to show such “inhabitants of the planet” or even one animal in a zoo, but on the paradise islands of Seychelles they exist.

The huge coral atoll on the planet Aldabra (Seychelles), consisting of four islands surrounding Mahe, is known not only for its size. It is home to the largest population of giant land turtles in the world - about 150 thousand. There are sea cows, sharks, frigate birds and flamingos. A trip to this corner of the planet is not easy or cheap, but travelers do not spare money and time for it.

Aldabra

Recreation and entertainment in the Seychelles

To remember your trip to the Seychelles, the time spent here will be helped by such activities as swimming in the ocean waves, scuba diving, watching the sunrise and sunset on one of the most beautiful beaches, flying over the islands by plane or helicopter, going out on a yacht, riding on giant turtles and much more that is inaccessible to an ordinary tourist in another part of the world.

For nightlife entertainment, the Seychelles offers discos, clubs and casino games. After all, the holiday here is designed to ensure that for some time the tourist will belong to a world to which civilization has practically not reached.

Cuisine of the Seychelles

On a note! Where the Seychelles are located, Creole national traditions and French cuisine are surprisingly combined. The influence of French cuisine is felt in the presentation of dishes and a huge number of recipes using the same basic products.

The main product of Seychelles is fish and seafood, which is prepared here both on the grill and in the oven.

National dishes are:

• stewed and fried bananas;
• fried brinjal eggplant;
• delirium broth (vegetable);
• Pvason ek diri - rice with fish;
• breadfruit chips;
• pancakes stuffed with fish, meat and fruit.

Usually all restaurants are located at hotels, the only thing tourists complain about is the slowness of the waiters, but this is explained by the mentality and way of life of the indigenous population of Seychelles. Slowness and the desire to enjoy every moment are transmitted to them.

Shopping in Seychelles, currency in Seychelles

There are no large shopping centers or malls here, as in the big cities that Europeans are accustomed to; shopping here can be done in small shops, markets and hotel shops. Almost all stores start working at 8 am and close at 5 pm. The largest stores can be found on the larger islands, and don't expect expensive luxury shopping.

Note! Even souvenir shops may close for lunch break.

To make purchases, you should change your currency to the local Seychellois rupee, and it is best to do this at ATMs, where the best rate is. One Seychelles rupee in 2018 is equal to approximately 5 rubles.

They bring trinkets from here as gifts: bottles with colored sand, handicrafts of indigenous people, postcards and magnets.

At the hotel you can also pay with a credit card, but it’s still worth finding out about this in advance, before making a purchase.

Transport in Seychelles

The local population moves around the islands on bicycles, oxcarts, or on foot, but this type of travel is not suitable for tourists. For active trips, it is worth renting a car, but you can also take buses and taxis. There are air (planes and helicopters) and water (ferries, boats) connections between the islands themselves. Buses run only on the roads of large cities.

Communications in Seychelles

Interesting! There are usually no problems with Internet access on the hotel premises. However, Wi-Fi is not always available in the rooms, and to work you will have to go to the lobby area. On remote islands, Internet access may even have to be paid for. But this can also be approached with a degree of common sense.

Cellular communications to the islands are provided by two operators, and when buying their SIM card, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the tariffs. Usually the cost of Internet access for two weeks is not high. To obtain such a card, you can go to any communication shop and present your passport.

Recommendations for tourists traveling to the Seychelles

A traveler going to the islands for the first time should take with him not only sunscreen or sunscreen, but also mosquito and fly repellent, as well as his own forethought and caution. Marine life is not always safe, although it may look like it, so you should not look for a shark in the depths of the sea or touch corals with your bare hands.

Electricity in the network here is higher than in Russia, 240V, and the sockets are not the same as ours, so you will need an adapter, but in hotels there are no problems with this, you just need to ask the staff at the reception.

Important! It is not customary to give or ask for tips in the Seychelles, but a maid or receptionist will never refuse a few rupees, and in a restaurant a tip of 10% can always win people over.

The Seychelles is not only an expensive vacation, but also a famous offshore, a place where wealthy firms and large concerns do business.

When choosing your next tour, for example, the Seychelles, finding out where they are, what country it is, you shouldn’t just jump in and pay for an expensive vacation, but sit comfortably in the tour operator’s chair and find out everything inside and out. Hotels here are not internationally classified, but for a couple of weeks or even a month, this is still a home, and the shore on which it will be located will be washed by the Indian Ocean (sometimes calm, sometimes not). This choice should be approached most consciously.

*Prices are current as of August 2018.

It is unlikely that anyone will be left indifferent by the exotic climate, wonderful sea views, unique attractions and luxurious top-class hotels. That is why every year more and more people choose to holiday on the islands. Currently, there are a whole host of beach resorts that can satisfy the needs of the most demanding and sophisticated vacationers. Today we will talk about one of the most beautiful islands in the world - the Seychelles.

The Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean south of the equator and located east of the African coast. The famous archipelago has 115 islands, of which only a third is inhabited. The largest ones include La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette. The largest, and usually the most famous, is the island of Mahe, where Victoria, the capital of the republic, is located, as well as an international airport. In general, the Seychelles islands can hardly be called a large state (their total area is only 455 sq. km), but nevertheless this does not prevent them from competing in world fame and being worthy competition with such leading resorts as in the Maldives, Bali, the Philippines and Hawaii .

Seychelles tours

Tours to the Seychelles are currently one of the most exclusive offers in the tourism industry. Almost any advanced travel agency can offer you tickets to the Seychelles, but it is still better to contact the largest companies where holidays in the Seychelles are their specialization. This is not only an opportunity to save money, but above all a guaranteed quality of service.

The tropical climate contributes to a comfortable vacation at any time of the year, but it is worth saying that in Lately New Year's tours are becoming extremely popular among tourists around the world. The most popular flights to the Seychelles are those with a stopover in Dubai or Paris.

Such flights will take 13.5 and 15 hours, respectively. When buying a tour, you need to take into account in advance all the most characteristic features of the chosen island, since each of them can offer you something special. Thus, Praslin is impressive because it is the only place in the world where one of the rarest natural phenomena grows - the sea coconut "coco de mer", Mahe is known for its vibrant nightlife and a developed tourist system, and Denis is famous for its landscapes and landscapes against a calm backdrop. passing life.

Holidays in Seychelles

The Seychelles Islands, where the weather remains favorable all year round, offer a huge range of leisure services.

Comfortable beaches with clean sand, excursions to nature reserves, various festivals, diving, surfing, deep-sea fishing, pleasure boats and exotic spa treatments - everyone will find something to suit their taste.

Of course, a holiday in the Seychelles with its even, mild climate will become an unforgettable event in the life of anyone who visits this tropical corner.

Seychelles reviews

If we take into account the reviews of people who have already been lucky enough to visit the Seychelles, it is worth noting that spending your entire vacation only on the beach, you risk not fully understanding the uniqueness of these islands. Excursions to the marine national park, a visit to Bird Island and the unique nature, which the government of the republic treats very carefully - this is what truly impressed the tourists.

Many were pleased with such a detail as the absence of a time difference with Moscow, which allows people sensitive to flights to go through the adaptation stage more easily, and does not cause confusion for others.

The friendly local population is always ready to help solve a problem or explain how to get to a certain place. Of course, tourists who prefer to travel independently, without using the services of agencies, will appreciate such friendliness.

Hotels in Seychelles

It is important to note that hotels in the Seychelles do not have a clear official classification and, therefore, the number of stars is rather arbitrary. However, hotels of a high service level meet all European standards. These, for example, are: “Constance Ephelia Resort”, “Raffles Praslin Seychelles”, “Constance Lemuria Resort”, “North Island” and a number of other leading hotels. Their wide base allows you to choose the most preferable place depending on the client’s budget, age and lifestyle. Hotels on large islands and those on smaller ones can have significant differences. As a rule, in the first case, tourists are provided with more entertainment opportunities in addition to comfortable rooms. Therefore, it is better to find out in detail about the conditions in hotels in advance and do not leave this matter until you arrive on Mahe Island.

Seychelles photo

Wedding in Seychelles

Picturesque landscapes, fresh breezes, beautiful sandy beaches, beachfront bungalows and romantic sunsets have played an important role in the fact that not only honeymoons, but also wedding ceremonies on the island have become especially popular.

Newlyweds can have an unforgettable wedding using the professional services of the organizers. A whole system of organizations has been formed in the republic to organize such celebrations.

The Seychelles can offer anything from a modest closed ceremony to a celebration that will amaze you with its scale and abundance; the choice is only up to the newlyweds and their financial capabilities.

Seychelles prices

And since we are talking about financial opportunities, it is worth noting that not everyone can afford a trip to the Seychelles. So, on average, a ten-day vacation with hotel accommodation and breakfast will cost about $1300-1500 per person, not including the cost of the flight.

Prices and flight duration often scare away potential tourists. But the overwhelming majority of those who decided to take tours to the Seychelles are unanimous in their opinion: this is exactly the place where you need to visit at least once in your life, without sparing any expense, since the emotions received are worth any financial costs.

There are many islands on our planet that can truly be called paradise. These include the Seychelles archipelago. Beautiful nature, clean beaches and clear water of the Indian Ocean attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

It is noteworthy that Seychelles is not only the name of the archipelago, but also the name of the state.

There are about 115 islands in total. The biggest ones include:

• Mahe is the largest, and the capital of the Seychelles, Victoria, is located on it.
• La Digue.
• Silhouette.

Please note that the pieces of sushi are located very close to each other. Therefore, moving from one to another is quite simple. If we talk about local residents, they do this on corn trucks or ferries.

Where are the Seychelles on the world map?

In answering this question, you should pay attention to the fact that The archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean. To find it, you should start by looking for Madagascar on the map, and then look a little higher, that is, to the north, where the Seychelles will be located.

However, even the largest island, Mahe, is so small that it may not even appear on the map. To roughly understand its size, it should be emphasized that Mahe is 20 times smaller than the area of ​​​​the entire Moscow. Therefore, to see the entire archipelago, you should choose a map with a large scale.

The closest African countries are Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya. It is noteworthy that the distance to the coast of Africa is about 1600 km.

It should be noted that the Seychelles are located in the subequatorial climate zone, that is, the equator is very close to the islands. Islands such as Reyunuk are located relatively close to the Seychelles. In the southwest, the Seychelles are adjacent to the Comoros Islands, and in the northeast are

What is Seychelles?

This archipelago of islands is a republic. Despite the fact that there are about 115 islands in total, only 33 are inhabited. All the other islands have long been discovered, however, no one lives there. Therefore, if you want to enjoy wild and primitive nature, then this is the place for you. It is noteworthy that half of the islands are covered with specific tropical vegetation, and the second half is empty.

As already mentioned, the largest island is Mahe. The area of ​​this island is about 141 km², and the capital of the state is also located here. On the same island there is an international airport where all tourists arrive.

There is an opinion that the largest island is Aldabra. It is noteworthy that the total population of Seychelles is about 90 thousand people.

Who owns the islands?

Answering this question, it should be noted that some islands belong to the Seychelles state. For example, La Digue belongs to the president, however, tourists can still be there.

Why do tourists choose Seychelles?

The Seychelles archipelago is so popular because it is here the sun is constantly shining, it’s warm and there’s a beautiful ocean nearby. In addition, on the islands of this archipelago you can see pristine tropical nature. Tourists not only from Europe, but also from America and Asia come to the resorts of this region.

Sea coconuts, Seychelles palm trees - that's why tourists come. The most popular island among tourists is Silhouette. It is noteworthy that the natural landscape has been preserved in this place. This is simply a paradise for drivers, as one of the most beautiful underwater lagoons is located here. In addition, this is a great opportunity to admire not only corals and seaweed, but also a wide variety of fish species.

How to get to the Seychelles archipelago?

After looking at the world map, the tourist begins to think about the question of how to get to this paradise. It should be noted that there are no direct flights from Russia, so you will have to fly with transfers.

You can get to the archipelago through:

• Milan;
• London.

Please note that the international airport is located only in the capital. Therefore, if you want to visit other islands, you will need to book your local flights in advance. There is also another option for traveling between the islands - by boat. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.

Seychelles beaches

The coastline is dotted with snow-white beaches, where you can not only sunbathe, but also exercise. So, all the necessary equipment can be bought or rented directly on the beach. The most famous beach is Cote d'Or, which is also called the “Gold Coast”.

Is Seychelles a safe holiday destination?

Holidays here are safe, but you should not forget about the basic rules. It is noteworthy that on islands such as Mahe or Praslin there is clean tap water, but it is better to drink bottled water. In addition, before traveling, you should definitely get vaccinated against hepatitis A. But special vaccination is not necessary, but is desirable. Insurance will also not be superfluous.

How developed is the tourism sector?

It should be noted that there are always a lot of tourists here, so the infrastructure is more than well developed. There definitely shouldn’t be any problems with housing, as there are many options for where you can stay. So, these can be either expensive hotels or budget hotels and hostels. However, it should be said that there is no single classification of hotels. Now the country's Ministry of Tourism is actively working on this issue.

While relaxing on the islands of the Seychelles archipelago, you will always find something to do. So, you can sunbathe all day long on well-groomed and clean beaches, or walk along the seashore. Special attention should be paid to diving.

Please note that in this country roads are in poor condition, so you should drive with extreme caution. A huge advantage is that here you can rent a car with a Russian license.

It is noteworthy that the Seychelles region has the most developed medicine. The central hospital is located in the capital.

As a result, it should be noted that The Seychelles archipelago is heaven on earth. However, you should also rest with caution. For example, while swimming in the sea, you can stumble upon a sea urchin or fragments of coral. Therefore, you should also rest wisely.

Seychelles

Today I am opening a new and long-awaited column about the Seychelles - a truly heavenly place on Earth and a tropical resort located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles is one of the prestigious destinations of beach tourism, a place that will be appreciated not only by sunbathers, but also by fans of active recreation. The unique beauty of the Seychelles resorts attracts tourists from all over the world and travelers from Russia who are happy to spend their long-awaited vacation in the Seychelles. So I’ll share everything I know about these incomparable islands: what kind of country the Seychelles is, where it is located, do you need a visa to visit, what language do they speak there, what kind of money is used, how long does it take to fly there and what are the prices? for air tickets, when is the best time to go there and what islands and hotels are in the Seychelles. In general, my article is about how best to prepare for a trip to the Seychelles and what is worth seeing there to make your holiday in the Seychelles memorable for a long time.

I will begin my story, of course, with a definition and brief description of the Seychelles, where they are located on the world map and what vacation is like there.

Seychelles is an island state (its full name is the Republic of Seychelles), located below the equator in the southern hemisphere in East Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, with a population of about 90 thousand people and a territory of only 455 km 2. According to the form of government, the country of Seychelles is a presidential republic, which gained independence from Great Britain on June 29, 1976. The flag of Seychelles has 5 colors radiating from the lower left corner and was adopted on June 18, 1996.

basic information

Judging by where the Seychelles Islands are located on the map - a little south of the equator, about 1600 km east of the African mainland, their belonging to Africa can be called very conditional, especially considering the unique fauna of these islands. However, geographically, the Seychelles are located closest to Africa, next to another famous island - Madagascar.

Seychelles on the map

Capital of Seychelles is the city of Victoria, the largest city in this country. It is located on the largest island of the Seychelles archipelago - Mahe (its area is 142 km 2). Seychelles International Airport is also located there, the runway of which is only 3 meters above sea level.

The territory of the Seychelles is formed by islands rising 4-8 meters above the ocean, which in the Seychelles are of two types: granite and coral. It is very easy to distinguish between them: people live and relax on granite (inhabited) ones, but coral ones, similar to, are mostly uninhabited and can only be visited as part of excursions.

Do you want to know how many islands there are in the Seychelles? Compared to other island states, there are not so many, only 115 islands. However, only 33 of them are inhabited. Moreover, most tourists relax in the best hotels, such as Four Seasons And Hilton Seychelles on the largest Seychelles islands - Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette - or on small and private islands with exclusive hotels - North, Fregate, Felicite, Denis and a number of other resorts.

The flora and fauna of the Seychelles includes a large percentage of endemics - birds, reptiles and plants that are found only on this archipelago of islands and nowhere else in the world. Seychelles palm trees grow here, the fruit of which weighs up to 20 kg and is considered the largest in the plant world. Rare species of birds also live - the Seychelles small black parrot and the bulbul nightingale.

Here is an interesting overview video about Seychelles:

It is important to know: For detailed background information about the Seychelles, see Wikipedia, and I will continue to share with you practical information about this country and holidays in it.

I would compare the Seychelles with Hawaii: there are also several large islands, each unique in its own way. Therefore, when preparing trips to Seychelles the most important thing is to choose the right island on which you will relax. If we compare it with the Maldives, then everything will be completely different, because it is not so important (in essence they are almost all the same) how to decide whether you want to relax.

Here are three of the best hotels in Seychelles:

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles 5* - a real paradise lagoon and stunning views of the ocean. The hotel is conveniently located in the southwest of Mahe island in a separate cove of Petite Anse. From the airport it can be reached in just half an hour. Accommodation in spacious villas with expensive interiors and a swimming pool. It features two restaurants serving Creole and international cuisine, a hillside spa with panoramic views and the best yoga center in the Seychelles. Price per room – from $1000 per day. Book Four Seasons 5*

Raffles Seychelles 5*- a relatively new hotel with excellent room design, excellent sandy Takamaka beach without pebbles and an incredible level of staff. This truly fabulous place is located on the island of Praslin. It offers romantic and family villas and apartments with superb interiors and a private pool, yoga room and children's club. For the convenience of guests, there are as many as 3 restaurants on site, which often host themed evenings. An ideal holiday destination in the Seychelles. They speak Russian at the hotel and have a Russian manager. Price per room – from $1100 per day. Book Raffles Hotel 5*

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa 5* is the only hotel on Silhouette Island. It is among the top best hotels in the Seychelles and is the wildest, which will especially appeal to nature and ocean lovers. The well-groomed hotel grounds are suitable for a romantic and family holiday or retreat in comfortable privacy. Everything is blooming all around, as if in paradise, and the birds are singing, and the convenient beach is well suited for children. Among the staff there are very competent Russian-speaking people, not everyone will tell you about the island - a real nature reserve with a pure atmosphere and beautiful landscape. Complete relaxation is guaranteed! Price per room – from $450 per day. Book Hilton 5* hotel

Seychelles on the map

Legend on the map:

• Burgundy color - airports and ferry piers of Seychelles;
• Blue color - islands in the Seychelles;
• Yellow color - the most famous beaches of Seychelles;
• Green color - Seychelles national parks.

Holidays in Seychelles

So, I told you the basic information about the Seychelles, and now let’s talk about what the Seychelles is like as the best place for a beach and romantic holiday. It is no secret that the Seychelles constantly compete with the Maldives in these two prestigious categories, and tourists choose where it is better to relax - in the Seychelles or in the Maldives. And at the same time, the Seychelles is slightly ahead of its competitor as the best wedding destination for a vacation and honeymoon in terms of overall impressions and price for two.

If you don't know what the language is in Seychelles, then keep in mind that Seychelles has three official languages ​​- Seychellois Creole, French and English. All residents speak mainly Creole, which is a variety of French. However, the staff in Seychelles hotels and the majority of those employed in the tourism sector speak English, because tourism accounts for about 30% of the country's GDP.

Why go to Seychelles

• Romantic getaway and wedding. If you want to have a wedding there with Seychellois flair and live music, spend a honeymoon in luxurious surroundings, renew your vows for a family anniversary, spend a relaxing and expensive holiday on the beach with your loved one and take lots of beautiful photos. In general, every category of romantic getaway is available in the Seychelles;
• Vacation with children . Families with children also love holidays in the Seychelles. Many hotels have children's clubs where your child will be engaged in interesting games with other little travelers, and will also be able to explore the Seychelles in an educational way with experienced mentors;
• Go diving. Since the Seychelles has many coral islands and rich underwater life, the diving here is as five-star as in the Maldives. In addition, do not forget that everything in the Seychelles is unique: there are fish, birds and animals that are not found anywhere else on Earth. It is for this reason that experienced and novice divers come to the Seychelles and go scuba diving in one of the best places on the planet for this;
• Trekking in nature and active recreation. This category works best for me. I don't like to just relax on the beach and do nothing. At least for a long time. And I definitely need to go somewhere, see the beauty of the world around me, climb higher on the mountain. So, the Seychelles are just ideal in this regard: you come and relax for a couple of days on the beach, and then you can go trekking into the jungle, visit tea plantations, study the local flora and fauna, and visit small towns and villages. And when he was tired of exploring the world, he returned to the beach again. Moreover, the beaches here are truly heavenly!
• Beach holiday. And finally, if you’re just tired of everything and want to have a great rest on secluded beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and you’ve already been to the Maldives, then why not visit the Seychelles this time?

Tour to the Seychelles or a trip on your own?

There are two simple ways to relax in the Seychelles:

• Buy a ready-made tour to the Seychelles;
• Organize your own vacation.

Both are expensive. But going to the Seychelles, nevertheless, is the best gift you can give. Unlike the Maldives, where today there is a large selection, budget holidays in the Seychelles are not yet sufficiently developed. And there is no direct flight from Moscow to the Seychelles yet, even the ubiquitous one does not fly there. So you will have to get there with a transfer, but it will be much more exotic and interesting, won’t it?

• So, if you prefer to entrust your vacation to trusted travel companies and pay more for it, you can familiarize yourself with their offers and look at tours to the Seychelles for the dates you are interested in on the website.
• And if you are like me, solo traveler, then you just need to buy inexpensive air tickets (on the Aviasales website), book hotels that suit you on Booking and check out online. That's all you need to go to the Seychelles yourself!

Map of Seychelles (from seychellesbookings.com)

Direct flights to the Seychelles from Russia have not yet been opened. Therefore, the best way to fly to the Seychelles from Moscow is to buy tickets with a transfer in one of the Arab countries, for example, the UAE or Turkey. Tourists also often choose a flight from Moscow to Seychelles with a short connection in Europe (usually via Serbia).

How long is the flight to Seychelles? It all depends on the choice of airline and the number of transfers. If you take inexpensive tickets Moscow - Seychelles at a price of 500-600 dollars, then the travel time will be from 18 to 24 hours. But air tickets to the Seychelles from Russia with a short connection in Dubai will cost more, $600-800 per person, and the entire flight will take only 13 hours.

It is important to know: If you want to fly to the Seychelles, keep in mind that the time difference with Moscow is only +1 hour, which is not so much. Remember to set your watch forward after landing in the Seychelles to show the correct time in Seychelles.

Upon arrival in the Seychelles, you arrive on the island of Mahe, in the center of which the Seychelles International Airport is located. Then tourists need to think about transfer to the hotel:

• Vacationers on the island of Mahe can simply order a transfer: anywhere on the island can be reached in 30-40 minutes by bus from the hotel.
• To Praslin Island You can fly from Mahe using domestic airlines - Air Seychelles or take a ferry. Many high-end five-star hotels offer private helicopter transfers from the airport directly to the hotel - usually starting from $600.
• You can get to La Digue island by ferry from Mahe; the journey takes about 3 hours. Or use a combined method: first get to Praslin (by plane or ferry), and then take a ferry to La Digue (it takes only 20 minutes). This is convenient if you choose both islands for your vacation and live on each of them in turn.
• To Silhouette Island tourists are brought exclusively by helicopter, since there are only two hotels there, one of which, Hilton, organizes this transfer.

To get to other private islands, like Providence, where Seychelles House 2 is filmed, hotel guests usually book a helicopter transfer. But some of them, for example, Fregate Island, can be reached by ferry. This is due to the fact that Fregate is an important tourist destination and is of interest to many travelers from a historical point of view.

As I said, to have a great holiday in the Seychelles, first you need to choose an island, and then a hotel and a beach on it. For the most curious travelers, I recommend visiting all three main islands, especially if the number of days on your vacation allows it.

So how are they different? islands in Seychelles?

• Mahe is the central and largest island in the Seychelles, where the international airport and the capital Victoria are located. The city of Victoria itself is a small copy of London (after all, the Seychelles used to be an English colony) and at the same time competes with for the title of the smallest capital in the world. There are amazing beaches along the shores of Mahe, there are a lot of them - about 70 in total! Despite the fact that Mahe is a busy island, its western part is very quiet, and this is where the most prestigious and expensive hotels are located. There is also a nature reserve on Mahe - the Morne Seychellois National Park, in the middle of which there is the highest mountain in the Seychelles - Morne Blance (height 907 meters) and the jungle around. Among other things, Mahe also has tea plantations - a heritage of the British. Almost an ideal island for relaxation - both beach and active, right?
• Praslin- a beautiful island that is unique for its unusual palm trees, for which a national park was even organized here. It’s not for nothing that the Seychelles was called the leader among honeymoon destinations, because the coconuts of the local palm trees look like a heart! So Praslin is the island of love in the Seychelles. The beaches here are as beautiful as those on the island of Mahe, but on Praslin they are quieter. At the same time, in small towns you can also find nightlife - bars and discos. Divers also come to Praslin who dream of exploring the underwater world in local waters. So if you also dream of diving, be sure to include Praslin Island in your Seychelles itinerary.
• La Digue- This is the smallest among the granite islands, and at the same time it has the largest rocks. If we continue to compare the islands, and call Mahe an island-city, and Praslin a small town, then La Digue is undoubtedly a village. At the same time, the village is cozy and fantastically beautiful. This is a way to get away from everything and everyone, live among tropical beauty, relax on snow-white beaches and relax in silence. It also has its own attractions, such as Eagle's Nest Mountain and Union Estate Park. It was also on the island of La Digue that the iconic film “Goodbye Emmanuel” was once filmed, and there you can even see the preserved house of the planter from this movie. By the way, it will be important for budget travelers to know that on the island of La Digue hotel prices are significantly lower compared to other Seychelles islands, both the most expensive room categories and simpler accommodation.
• Silhouette is a wild island in the Seychelles. Yes, after a village, you can call an island with only two hotels in the middle of the jungle wild. So if even the village atmosphere is too crowded, welcome to Silhouette, where there are very few people.

Sandy and beautiful beaches in the Seychelles

All beaches in Seychelles sandy and located in small coves (you will immediately notice their names in French - anse, which means bay). That is, if the name contains the words Anse, it means a bay, and therefore a beach. Another feature of the beaches in the Seychelles is that they are all municipal. That is, everyone can come and relax, even if you are staying in a five-star hotel.

Tourists who come to the Seychelles inexpensively are quite happy with this arrangement. Since sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach are free, you can book a cheaper hotel on the second line, and go to the beach of expensive hotels and not deny yourself anything.

Helpful advice: What to do if you want to relax on a beach where there are few people? There is a solution - choose a hotel away from populated areas, then there will be no one to come to the beach except tourists.

Many beaches in the Seychelles are without waves, as the bays are surrounded by breakwaters and special fortifications. One of these beaches is the most popular and party place Beau Vallon Beach, which is located near the capital of Victoria. This means that the Seychelles is ready for the arrival of families with children and those tourists who are not very good swimmers. But there are also places with good waves for surfing and spots for diving - especially on the islands of Denis, Felicite, Alphonse and Silhouette.

Intendance Beach - the most beautiful in the Seychelles

Which beach to choose in Seychelles?

Do you need insurance in Seychelles?

Insurance in Seychelles will be needed, especially if you plan to engage in active sports. And for everyone else who just wants to relax on the beach, just in case, it’s better to take care of their health and not leave it to chance. I also recommend purchasing health insurance if you are going on vacation with children.

Compared to the total cost of a holiday in the Seychelles, insurance is not at all expensive. However, if you need to use medicine in the Seychelles, it will greatly help in saving on medical care costs.

Don’t forget, Seychelles is Africa after all! But at the same time, you do not need to do any special vaccinations before the trip.

Visa to Seychelles

For tourists visa to Seychelles not required if the period of stay in the Seychelles does not exceed 30 days (as well as).

So if you are flying for two or three weeks, feel free to take your international passport and tickets, and at Pointe Larue International Airport (Mahe Island) upon arrival you will be given an entry stamp and - welcome to the Seychelles! All you have to do is go through customs.

By the way, before your flight, read the list of what you cannot bring to the Seychelles and what you cannot take out, as well as how much cash you can bring and take with you to the Seychelles.

Currency in Seychelles and what money to take with you

Official currency in Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). There are 100 cents in 1 rupee. Banknotes in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 rupees and coins of 1 and 5 rupees, as well as cents - 1, 5, 10 and 25 are in circulation.

Despite the fact that prices in the Seychelles are indicated in rupees, in the Seychelles you can officially pay with other money - American dollars and euros, which are used here on a par with the rupee. So you can take both dollars and euros with you to the Seychelles, but cash rubles must first be exchanged for foreign currency.

• The exchange rate of the Seychelles rupee to the dollar is quite stable and does not change significantly. It averages 14 rupees per 1 US dollar. 1 rupee = 4 rubles, 1 euro = 16.5 rupees.
• It is not difficult to exchange dollars for local currency. This can be done at the airport, at many exchange offices in the city, bank branches or right at your hotel.
• It is important to know that the reverse exchange of money - from rupees to dollars or euros - is possible only if you have the original currency exchange receipt. So don't throw it away unless you plan to leave with Rs. Moreover, it is generally prohibited to export more than 2 thousand rupees per person from the country.
• In hotels and restaurants it is better to pay for services by credit card. And in transport, small shops and cafes, cash is preferred - local rupees, dollars or euros.
• Tipping in Seychelles is usually 10% and is already included in the bill. Unlike and, all taxes that must be paid for accommodation are usually already immediately included in the prices shown in the hotel booking system. That is, this is the final price and there is no need to calculate anything additional and estimate how much more you will have to add.

When is the best time to fly to Seychelles - weather and seasons for holidays

Climate in Seychelles- tropical, but very soft. Temperatures fluctuate slightly between months throughout the year. We can say that the weather in the Seychelles is approximately the same all year round: the average air temperature during the day is +26..29°C, and the water temperature is +25..28°C. There are no strong winds, and rains occur much more often in winter than in summer.

Seasons in Seychelles not as pronounced as in the Maldives. This is not to say that there is a time when you shouldn’t even think about flying to the Seychelles. You just need to keep in mind that during the winter period from December to February there is more rainfall. Moreover, the rainiest month in the Seychelles is January, and in December and February there is also quite a lot of rainfall. Therefore, it is better not to travel to the Seychelles in winter. Although you can take a risk if you are not a big fan of going into the jungle or going on excursions to see nature. It rains in the mountainous regions of Mahe and Silhouette islands. In this, the Seychelles are similar to Hawaii. It may rain in the mountains, but the sun is on the beach. The rest of the year - spring, summer and autumn - the Seychelles is a great holiday!

Conventionally, the seasons in the Seychelles are usually divided into two:

• hot from December to May, with rain from December to February;
• cool - from June to November, when the air temperature is quite pleasant and there is little rain.

Thus, When is the best time to fly to Seychelles?? That's right, summer! But it is also possible in spring and autumn.

You may ask, what about the New Year holidays, and is it really not worth going to the Seychelles in winter? You can take a chance and try to go, because the weather in the Seychelles at this time is generally not bad, but if you still want to guarantee yourself a 100% sunny vacation on the beach, then it is better to choose from December to March.

Transport and car rental in Seychelles

The Seychelles is an island nation, but it is developed enough to cleverly arrange transport links between its islands.

There are several ways to travel between the Seychelles islands using different transport:

• With Air Seychelles, you can fly between the two largest islands in the Seychelles - Mahe and Praslin. In addition, this company connects Seychelles with other islands and countries in the Indian Ocean - Madagascar and Mauritius, as well as mainland Africa - Tanzania, Kenya and others.
• Public ferries They also go between the islands, and this type of transport is the cheapest in the Seychelles. In just an hour you can get from Mahe to Praslin. It will take another twenty minutes to swim between Praslin and La Digue. And in two hours you can get from Mahe to Fregate.
• Helicopter is the most convenient way to get not only to private islands or Silhouette, but also right on the territory of the most prestigious hotels on all islands, including Mahe, there are equipped helipads.

Ground transportation on the islands:

• Mahe and Praslin also have good local transport. There are clear and convenient ground transportation routes, with the option to purchase an all-day pass for as little as 5 rupees (about 40 US cents). Buses run from early morning until the evening. There are also minibuses (minibuses) that connect Mahe International Airport with the capital Victoria.
• A taxi in the Seychelles is also a great way to get to your hotel, go to the store or visit attractions, and it’s very inexpensive. Taxi pays according to the meter. Landing (or rather the first kilometer) costs 15 rupees, and then another 5 rupees are added for each subsequent one. For example, during the day you can get from the airport to the capital for only 75 rupees (at night it will be more expensive).

Car rent- this is the most convenient way to see the island of Mahe or Praslin on your own. If you are planning to see nature or go to the mountains, then it is better to immediately take a four-wheel drive vehicle and be an experienced driver. Road traffic in the Seychelles is on the left, and the roads in the mountains are narrow and in some places look like serpentines.

• To rent a car in the Seychelles, you will need an international driving license (IDP), and your driving experience must be more than 3 years.
• There are not many gas stations in the Seychelles: only 6 gas stations on the island of Mahe and 2 more on Praslin. It is better to know their location in advance so as not to be left without gasoline when you rent a car in the Seychelles.
• It is also worth remembering that the maximum permissible speed in the Seychelles is 65 km/h, and in the city it is generally only 45 km/h.

Bicycle rental will be most useful on La Digue Island. But on other islands you can also try to travel by bike, if you have experience and desire.

Diving, surfing - what to do in Seychelles

- this is interesting not only for those who already master this skill, but also for beginners who just want to try scuba diving. The Indian Ocean is a very beautiful place for scuba diving. In addition, near the Seychelles there are various unique fish and giant Aldabra turtles.

• Visibility in the water near the Seychelles is up to 30 meters;
• The best time for diving in the Seychelles is from September to October and April to May.

The best places for snorkeling are along the coast of the islands (the boat ride takes about 10-40 minutes). Don't miss the UNESCO-protected Aldabra Island and the site of the English tanker Ennerdale Rocks, where turtles and a variety of deep-sea fish now live. Other recommended dive spots are Mammel Island and Tropheus Rocks.

Surfing It is also popular in the Seychelles, especially on the islands of Mahe and Praslin.

Where to surf in Seychelles:

• On the island of Mahe, the best beaches are Grand Anse, Beau Vallon and Anse Bougueville. In the west of the island the waves are more unpredictable, while in the east they are calmer;
• On the island of Praslin, Anse Lazio beach is ideal;
• On the island of Silhouette - Anse Lascar.

Beaches in the Seychelles for surfing by skill level:

• Beaches for beginners in surfing: Beau Vallon and Carana (Mahe);
• Beaches only for pros: Anse Bougainville, Anse Royale, Barbaron and Misfit Bay (Mahe);
• Beaches for people of all skill levels: Anse Goulette (La Digue), Bel Ombre and Anse Intendance (Mahe).

Brief history and culture of Seychelles

History of the Seychelles closely related to European discoveries. There is practically no information left about the time that existed before the Europeans first landed in the Seychelles. Except that the Arab pirates used some islands (Silhouette, Frigate) for their base. Also, the Malays from Borneo could replenish their supplies of water and provisions in the Seychelles on their way to Madagascar.

But as for the written history of the Seychelles, it begins from the moment when the great navigator Vasco da Gama sailed past them at the very beginning of the 16th century (in 1502) on his way to India. For some time these were no man's lands, but the British first declared their territory of the Seychelles when, following in the footsteps of Vasco da Gama more than a century later (in 1609), they sailed to India and were caught in a storm. Seeing the land, the British landed in the Seychelles and immediately decided that this piece of paradise was now in the possession of the English crown. However, since resort islands were not in fashion then, it was not entirely clear how these lands in the middle of the ocean could be useful. And the British left them alone, but first they described them in detail.

Then, a little more than a century later, the French became interested in the islands and founded the first settlements there. They arrived in the Seychelles in 1756, looked around, and decided that, together with Mauritius, the Seychelles would make an excellent base for them (Mauritius is a source of sugar cane). Then they brought people here from Madagascar and East Africa, turning them into slaves. The name Seychelles did not appear immediately. The Seychelles Islands began to be called this way in the second half of the 18th century in honor of the French Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Sechelles.

During the wars with Napoleon, which took place not only on land, but also at sea (many remember Nelson’s victory), battles also took place in the distant Indian Ocean. In 1794, Britain drove the French out of the Seychelles and began cultivating huge coconut palm plantations there with the help of slaves.

In 1814, the Seychelles became a colony of England under the Treaty of Paris. Life became better under the British. At least in the sense that in 1835 they finally abolished slavery. But at the same time, they began to encourage the import of hired workers - Arabs and Indians. It was necessary to work, and someone also had to conduct trade.

The independence of the Seychelles was declared quite late (compared to India), only in 1976, when the Seychelles became a Republic ruled by a president.

Interesting facts about Seychelles:

The history of the Seychelles is quite short compared to world history. Nevertheless, a tangle of events has formed an unusual historical cocktail here.

• Despite the fact that most of the time the islands were owned by the British, the name of the country itself and all its objects is French.
• The brought slaves mastered French culture. Now it is called Creole - that is, African and French, born from mixed marriages and a common household. Now here the language is Creole, that is, it seems to be similar to French, but not quite, the cuisine is Creole, the religion is Creole: all are Catholics, but with their own African flavor.
• The fact that the British brought Arabs and Indians did not greatly affect the situation. Hindus, Arabs and other peoples in the Seychelles are in the minority. Their culture is officially recognized, but does not greatly influence the general state of affairs; Creoles still remain the absolute majority.

Attractions in Seychelles

The main attraction of the Seychelles is their fantastic nature, which is definitely worth watching. Since most tourists come here for a beach holiday, the picturesque beaches on the islands are the best thing in the Seychelles for them. In general, the beaches here are also important attractions, and they are all different - rocky or sandy, with white or pink sand, with calm seas or high waves suitable for surfing. In general, if you have time and desire, you can personally visit many Seychelles beaches and see their unique diversity.

In the meantime, I will briefly tell you about the most interesting sights of the Seychelles:

• Source d'Argent is the most photographed beach in the Seychelles. To be more precise, this is the most photographed beach in the whole world! It is located on the island of La Digue and is famous for its granite boulders. You've probably seen this photo on the Internet. It was precisely because of this photo that I learned about the Seychelles and wanted to go there.
• Aldabra Island is one of the most famous outer Seychelles islands, which is located in a UNESCO protected region. It does not consist of granite, but coral, and is located geographically closer to Africa, next to the Comoros. The peculiarity of this island, in addition to its extraordinary lagoon where divers come to dive, is that Seychelles giant turtles live there - unique marine inhabitants. All in all, it's worth paying a pretty penny to see them in their natural habitat and get to know them.
• Bird Island, which is a half-hour flight from Mahe, is especially popular from May to September. From the name it is immediately clear that this island is the habitat of birds, black terns. In the summer (winter for the Southern Hemisphere) there are so many of them that you can become deaf from their conversations.
• Curious Island, part of a national park in the Seychelles, is also home to giant tortoises. But, as far as I understand, they were transported there from Aldabra.
• Cousin Island near Praslin is home to some endangered animals. The Seychelles is a unique place, and the animals here are endemic. And some of them, unfortunately, are on the verge of extinction.
• Vallee de Mai is another Seychelles national park on the island of Praslin where you can admire sea palms and their coco de mer nuts. I love all palm trees very much and always find time to visit such unique places as the garden of Californian palm trees in Joshua Tree Park. I’ll definitely set aside an hour or two for sea palms in the Seychelles.
• Victoria is the largest city and capital of Seychelles. Compared to world capitals, this town is quite small, but here you can see in detail how the British settled on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, far from rainy London.

Here's what else you can do in the Seychelles, besides sightseeing:

• Diving
• Surfing
• Fishing
• Island tours
• Trekking on Mahe and Silhouette. Why not?
• Beaching is undoubtedly the most important point of the vacation program
• Getting to know the local cuisine.

Holidays

Seychelles is a Catholic country. Therefore, the main holidays here are also Catholic, and their celebration is not much different from the usual European holidays.

Generally, holidays in Seychelles can be divided into two types:

1. Religious
2. Related to the independence of the Seychelles Republic from Great Britain (all of them occur in June).

Here are the days declared public holidays (national holidays) in the Seychelles:

• New Year (January 1-2)
• Good Friday
• Easter
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (June 3)
• Liberation Day (June 5)
• national day(June 18) is the main holiday in the Seychelles.
• Independence Day (June 29)
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15)
• All Saints' Day (November 1)
• Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (December 8)
• Christmas (December 25)

Cuisine and restaurants

The cuisine in the Seychelles is special - Creole. What does it mean? Creole cuisine in the Seychelles took its island location and traditions as a basis, added European culinary delights (mostly French) on top and mixed it all with Indian spices. The result is an original tropical mix that all tourists should definitely try.

The basis of Creole cuisine is, of course, seafood. Rice, curry and coconuts are also constantly used. What do you think is the most common dish in the Seychelles? Of course, rice with fish. Not just, but with spices and coconut sauce.

And since there is quite a lot of fish caught in the Seychelles, there is also an abundance of fish dishes here. Anyone who loves seafood will not get bored in the Seychelles either - octopus, crabs, lobsters and so on. In addition, expensive hotels always have European or other Asian restaurants. So it’s impossible to stay without pizza and sushi.

As for inexpensive food, the Indians always come to the rescue. If you want something local and colorful, you can always go to an Indian restaurant or buy food right on the street. It's inexpensive and adds interesting variety to your diet.

As for drinks, locals like different types of fermented coconuts, sugar cane, and mint infusions. And of course, they bring in wines - French and South African.

Tours to Seychelles and prices

Trip to Seychelles tour– this is a rather expensive pleasure, but almost every tourist can go there. The price of the tour depends on the cost of the flight, the luxury of the hotel and the distance of the island from the airport (transfer fee), as well as on your special preferences. Since there are practically no experienced tour operators in the Seychelles, it will take a very long time to book a trip to the Seychelles with them. It is much more convenient to organize your trip yourself, especially since it is not at all difficult. In this case Seychelles tour for two will cost significantly less since you will not pay a large commission to the travel agent.

Tour price to Seychelles strongly depends on the season (in the summer from June to August - high season and the highest prices, and on New Year it can be very expensive), as well as on your ability to save and desire to understand the features of a holiday in the Seychelles before starting your trip. Because you can immediately book the most expensive hotel and quickly spend all the money in a few days on expensive entertainment, as in the Heads and Tails Seychelles program. But it would be much more rational to calculate in advance the approximate budget for a tour to the Seychelles, taking into account your own wishes, choose a good hotel on the beach or in nature, plan a cultural program and sightseeing in order to see the maximum possible.

As an example, I will provide information about Seychelles price for two— the cost of air tickets and double rooms in hotels, if you book a room yourself on the website Booking.com:

But how much do ready-made tours to the Seychelles cost with a flight from Moscow - the price for two, taking into account fuel surcharges and all surcharges (without meals, only breakfast or all inclusive):

Types of tours to the Seychelles	Price for two
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) - 3* hotel on Mahe island without meals	160 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) – 3* hotel on Mahe island, breakfast included	180 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) - 4* hotel on Praslin island, 2 meals a day	360 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (10 nights) – 4* hotel on Praslin island, all inclusive	500 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) - 5* hotel on Praslin island, breakfast only	650 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) – 5* hotel on Mahe island, all inclusive	1 million rubles
Tour to Seychelles (10 nights) – 5* hotel on Praslin island, all inclusive	1.4 million rubles.

What else you need to know about the Seychelles

The best hotels in the Seychelles, where Russians most often go, are the following:

• On the island of Mahe - Kempinski Seychelles 5* and also Savoy Seychelles 5*
• On the island of Praslin - Raffles Seychelles 5*
• On the island of La Digue – Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort & Spa 4*
• On Silhouette Island - Hilton Seychelles 5*

In general, Russians are not often found in the Seychelles, but some rich people here have their own villa, registered in a Seychelles offshore. A few years ago, when local authorities did not disclose information about company owners, many preferred to buy property in the Seychelles in order to optimize the payment of their taxes. However, now that all data has become open, keeping money in the Seychelles has ceased to be as profitable as it was before.

You can notice the small Seychelles islands on the world map only with a detailed examination. Modern travelers have become more discerning, so they choose the most attractive and exotic places to spend their holidays. Among tourists, there is an increase in the popularity of beach holidays in the Seychelles, ignoring the fact that just a few years ago the average Russian had no idea where they were. Geographically, the Republic of Seychelles is considered an island state in East Africa, which is locally located near the equator in the Indian Ocean. More precisely, the archipelago is located on the Kenyan side, 1,600 kilometers from the African mainland.

To understand where the Seychelles are located, you can also focus on a fairly large island called Madagascar, which is located a little to the south.

Not far from the Seychelles, Reyunuk Island and Mauritius are also located on the southern side, the Maldives in the northeast, and the Comoros in the southwest. The republic includes a total of 115 islands, the total area of ​​which is 455 square kilometers. Of the total, only 33 islands with a granite structure are inhabited. Their topography is very varied, with more hills and mountains. The remaining areas are unsuitable for year-round living, but tourists often stay there who want to temporarily reunite with pristine nature. They are coral atolls of various shapes. Some of them are covered with various tropical vegetation, some are completely deserted.

The area of ​​the largest island, Mahe, is 142 square meters. The capital of the republic, the city of Victoria, is located on it. The large size of the granite plot of land made it possible to locate the Seychelles airport of international importance here.

Tourists come here from all over the world all year round. The proximity of the equator makes itself felt. The archipelago, surrounded on all sides by water, has a mild, warm climate, despite the fact that most tropical countries are characterized by high humidity and sultry heat. Sunny days prevail here, when the sky is completely cloudless.

How to get to Seychelles

1. London.
2. Once tourists understand where the Seychelles are on the world map, they begin to look for options on how to get there. It’s worth noting right away that there are no direct flights either from Moscow or from any other city in Russia, so travelers, as a rule, first go to:
3. Milan.

Paris.

As a rule, the capital of the Seychelles hospitably welcomes its guests. There is no need to apply for a visa before traveling; it is issued upon arrival and is a stamp with an image of the fruit of the local coco de mer palm tree. This plant, like the currency of the Seychelles, is an exclusively local symbol, which is depicted not only on the visa stamp, but also on the coat of arms, as well as on most postcards and souvenirs. The tourist does not have to pay taxes. To cross the border without additional questions, it is enough to present to the passport control officer a printout confirming your hotel reservation, as well as return tickets. There are usually no serious interrogations.

Weather in Seychelles

Seychelles is considered one of the heavenly places where tourism flourishes all year round. The main reason is excellent weather conditions, which, combined with the unique fauna and flora, make any trip to the island republic unforgettable. The proximity of the equator to the archipelago does not affect the local weather in any way. The local climate, logically, should be subequatorial, but it can rather be called tropical. The waters of the Indian Ocean have the strongest impact on it. Thanks to them, the Seychelles do not know what excessive moisture is, as well as sweltering heat.

If we look at the weather in the Seychelles by month, it is worth noting that the air temperature rarely rises above +35 degrees and falls below +23. It must be remembered that the republic is located in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons there do not exactly coincide with ours. For this reason, it is difficult to adequately divide the weather by month; it is easier to distinguish two main seasons, each of which is comfortable for relaxation:

1. The dry season, characterized by a lack of precipitation and a decrease in air temperature, lasts from early June to early October.
2. The hot season with high humidity lasts from November to April. It is characterized by frequent showers. Precipitation mainly falls in the area of ​​higher elevations of granite islands.

There are also two intermediate periods, falling in October and May. These months are considered ideal for a vacation. The off-season is characterized by a lack of rain and temperature fluctuations. In addition, not only the weather of the Seychelles is pleasing, but also the ocean, whose waters are calm and clean. In winter, the resort areas are influenced by the northwest trade winds blowing from the ocean. Hot air currents blow from the African continent. However, it is worth noting that most rain is quickly replaced by bright sunshine.

Months can be characterized as follows:

1. December represents the hottest period. Tropical showers make it easy to survive the heat. Humidity can rise to 80 - 100 percent, but it is not felt and does not cause discomfort.
2. January is considered the wettest month, with more than 400 mm of precipitation.
3. February is great for sightseeing trips. After intense rains, local landscapes become overgrown with lush vegetation.
4. March is characterized by increased activity of the local fauna, whose representatives are accustomed to tourists and are not afraid of them.
5. April is considered the period when the winds change, and the season in the Seychelles also changes, becoming windless. The month is ideal for fishing or diving, since it rains extremely rarely and the ocean is completely calm.
6. May becomes the peak season when the influx of tourists is highest.
7. June represents the first month of the local winter. The water temperature is almost the same as the air temperature and is +26 degrees.
8. July is considered the driest and coldest month and is also characterized by turbulent ocean conditions. This time is ideal for surf lovers. The flow of tourists is minimal, so prices are significantly reduced.
9. August ends the tropical winter.
10. September is the period when flocks of birds migrate, which looks very spectacular.
11. October is the off-season, so it is ideal for swimming and beach holidays. There is practically no difference between night and day temperatures, the ocean waters are calm.
12. November is considered the beginning of the hot, humid season, when there are showers every day, but half an hour after the rain stops, the sun shines brightly.

Warm ocean waters, abundant vegetation and a mild climate make for the perfect vacation. Therefore, you can choose when is the best time to go on vacation to the Seychelles without taking into account the time of year.

Seychelles beaches

The coastline is almost completely occupied by the world famous Seychelles beaches, where there are all conditions for first-class recreation, as well as various sports. All necessary sports equipment can be rented at the hotel or directly on the beach. On the island of Praslin is the Cote d'Or beach, which is also known as the "Gold Coast". Here vacationers can visit the diving center. You can enjoy a fabulous sunset on Beau Vallon beach on Mahe Island. The coastline of Anse Lazio Bay is particularly beautiful; on the island of La Digue you can observe such an unusual phenomenon as pink sand; various fish live near Denis, so deep-sea fishing is developed here. The abundance of places where tourists can spend time near the water is very wide, so it is noted that crowds of people are almost completely absent.

The beaches of the republic are the main attractions of the Seychelles, so most vacationers go there to enjoy the tropical sun near the ocean.