Seychelles

Mahé Travel Guide: 14 Things to Do & Best Beaches

Everything you need to know about Mahé Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay

Alex, Victoria, Adrian and Zoe of Northabroad

Hi! We're Alex & Victoria, a Danish couple in our thirties, travelling the world with our two young children. Learn more about us here.

Advertisement disclaimer: Our stay in Seychelles was made possible in collaboration with Tourism Seychelles.
A luxurious dilemma

Mahé, Seychelles’ largest and most populous island, is a divisive subject when it comes to tourism.

Should you stay or should you go?

Everything you could need from Seychelles is here.

The postcard-perfect beaches, the underwater life, the green peaks with jaw-dropping views, the swaying palm trees, the amazing resorts…

Mahé has it all – and more.

…But the islands of Praslin and La Digue are calling, too. And they’re also nothing short of wonderful.

With limited time in Seychelles, where to spend it is a tough dilemma. We’ll make the case here that Mahé definitely deserves a visit. From there it’s up to you!

In our travel guide, we’ll introduce you to the best beaches on Mahé and explain why the island is worth visiting, where to stay and eat, when to go, and how to get around.

We also have plenty of ideas of what to do on Mahé beyond relaxing on the beach, so scroll down to get a taste of what Seychelles’ largest island has to offer.

Where to stay on Mahé:

  • Budget: Tropical Garden – Budget mountain stay close to the beaches.
  • Value for money: Chez Batista Villas – Uniquely located with direct access to a true beach gem.
  • Luxury: Constance Ephelia – One of Mahé’s most popular luxury options with an impressive number of facilities.

Search for the best hotels on Mahé Island.

Eden Island private beach
Swimming in Seychelles is a delight. Mahé sure has some beautiful beaches.

Why visit Mahé

There’s no way around the fact that Mahé is the gateway to the whole Seychelles archipelago.

It’s by far the biggest island with the lion’s share of the population (around 90% of Seychellois live here) and that naturally comes with some pros and cons.

There are more beaches. More mountains. More nature. More hotels. More restaurants. More shops. More of everything, really.

What’s the price?

The price for having more of everything and more choice is obvious.

While in no way an actually hectic place (except perhaps for a handful of streets in the capital Victoria), Mahé is less relaxed than, for example, its smaller neighbours Praslin and La Digue.

It’s still very much possible to have a laid-back holiday here, though.

What if Mahé was the only island in Seychelles?

Zoom out a bit, and Mahé is, after all, a small paradisical island in the Indian Ocean with gorgeous stretches of sand that could easily be all there is to Seychelles and still be worth the visit.

The resorts here are some of the world’s most luxurious, nature is thriving both on land and underwater, hiking is great, the beaches are top class – and it’s incredibly safe to visit. Let’s explore!

Eden Island, Mahé, Seychelles
Everything is possible on Mahé.
The Copolia Trail drone photo
Huge parts of Mahé are designated nature reserves – perfect for hiking.
You might be interested in:Praslin Travel Guide: 11 Things to Do & Best Beaches

Everything you need to know about Praslin Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay

Read more
You might be interested in:La Digue Travel Guide: 15 Things to Do & Best Beaches

Everything you need to know about La Digue Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay

Read more

Where is Mahé?

Mahé is the largest island in Seychelles with an area of 157.3 km².

Mahé is around 26 kilometres from north to south and rarely more than 6 kilometres from one coast to the other.

Driving from the northernmost point to the southernmost point of the island takes a little more than an hour.

The highest point of Mahé (and the whole country) is the peak of Morne Seychellois, located 905 metres above sea level.

Around 100,000 people live on Mahé (~ 90% of the population of Seychelles). Most people live around the capital Victoria and Beau Vallon in the north.

The area around Victoria
The area around Victoria is by far the most built up on the island.
You might be interested in:Where to Stay on Mahé, Seychelles: 11 Best Hotels & Resorts for All Budgets

Our personal recommendations for the best areas and places to stay

Read more

Best things to do on Mahé

Lovely beaches fringe the island’s coastline, with many of the best beaches on Mahé found along the western shore. We’ll cover them below.

While relaxing on these stunning stretches of sand is naturally one of the top things to do on Mahé, the island also offers plenty of other attractions and memorable experiences.

Here are the best things to do on Mahé Island:

  1. Beau Vallon Beach
  2. Anse Royale Beach
  3. Police Bay
  4. Anse Intendance Beach
  5. Anse Takamaka Beach
  6. Petite Anse Beach
  7. Visit the capital Victoria
  8. Shop at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market
  9. Hike the Copolia Trail
  10. Catch the views from the Morne Blanc Viewpoint
  11. Take a tour at the Takamaka Rum Distillery
  12. Check out Eden Island
  13. Go on a day trip to La Digue
  14. Bonus: Other things to do on Mahé

1. Beau Vallon Beach

Visiting Beau Vallon Beach (or staying here) is one of the most popular things to do on Mahé.

The beautiful half-moon-shaped beach is long, the water is swimming-friendly and there are plenty of places to find shade.

There’s a small beach promenade along the most northern/eastern part where it’s also possible to find some cheap eats, fruit and a little bit of shopping.

We stayed here and think it’s one of the best beaches on Mahé.

Beau Vallon Beach from above
Beau Vallon Beach is a lovely place to spend the day on Mahé.
The free outdoor gym at Beau Vallon
The free outdoor gym at Beau Vallon is one of the best we’ve ever seen.

2. Anse Royale Beach

Anse Royale Beach (whose northern end is known as Fairyland Beach) is located on Mahé’s eastern shores in the south of the island.

The granite stones make for great photos, and when the tides are right, it’s a lovely beach to sunbathe on.

For swimming, the water is very shallow here.

Fairyland Beach at Anse Royale on Mahé
Fairyland, at the northern end of Anse Royale Beach, is a popular snorkelling spot.

3. Police Bay

Police Bay is known as one of Mahé’s most beautiful beaches.

When we visited this beach at the very southern end of the island, we didn’t have much luck with the weather, but we can imagine it being lovely on a clear day.

Though we were lucky that three cute dogs followed us down to the beach from a nearby house.

Be aware that there’s not much shade here.

Police Bay
The weather got a little wild when we visited Police Bay. It’s really remote down here!

4. Anse Intendance Beach

A real stunner, Anse Intendance Beach is one of those beaches on Mahé where you slightly gasp when you see it in real life for the first time.

Granite boulders frame the beach on each side. The water quickly gets deep due to the lack of a coral reef, and you have to be careful swimming here.

Anse Intendance Beach drone photo
Anse Intendance Beach is surely one of the best beaches on Mahé.

5. Anse Takamaka Beach

Anse Takamaka Beach is a favourite on Mahé.

This crescent-shaped beach has some shade and plenty of opportunity for swimming – just be careful as the waves and currents can be strong.

It’s possible to stay at the southern end at the budget-friendly Chez Batista Villas (adlink).

Anse Takamaka Beach
Anse Takamaka Beach takes its name from the takamaka trees that grow here alongside the palm trees.

6. Petite Anse Beach

Petite Anse was one of the prettiest beaches we saw on Mahé.

While technically public, the beach is located behind the gates of the Four Seasons (adlink).

Entrance is free, but you have to first register at the gate. From there you can walk down to the beach (but not use any of the hotel’s facilities).

The beach itself is spectacular, and we definitely think it’s worth visiting despite the hassle.

Petite Anse Beach on Mahé
Petite Anse is just striking.
Four Seasons at Petite Anse
Staying at Four Seasons (adlink), you get direct access to Petite Anse. Everyone else can still use the beach after registering at the gate.

7. Visit the capital Victoria

Victoria is the capital of Seychelles and by far the liveliest place in the whole archipelago.

It’s still very small, though, so you can see the main sights on foot in half a day.

The silver-painted replica of Little Ben in London (called Lorloz in Creole) is one of the top attractions in the city. While the clock tower sits quite unspectacularly in the middle of a busy roundabout, it makes for a nice subject in photos from Victoria.

One of the cool things about the capital is the religious diversity that’s on display.

Seychellois are proudly harmonious with many different cultures and ethnicities represented in the country, and it shows when there’s not much more than a stone’s throw between the Hindu temple, the Roman Catholic cathedral, the mosque and the Chinese pagoda.

The Lorloz clock tower in Victoria
Built in 1903, the Lorloz clock tower in Victoria has become an icon for the capital.
Pagoda in Victoria
Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple
The beautiful Hindu temple in Victoria is officially called Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple.

8. Shop at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market

If you find yourself in Victoria, you can’t miss the daily Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market – yes, that’s really what it’s called!

Here you’ll find a variety of goods on sale.

While fruits, vegetables and other local produce take up the main part of the market, there are also shops on the second floor where you can buy souvenirs.

The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market
The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market is the best place in Victoria to shop for fresh produce – and get a glimpse of the local life.

9. Hike the Copolia Trail

One of the best things we did on Mahé was hiking the Copolia Trail.

The hike starts at the side of the road about 15 minutes from Victoria, where you pay an entrance fee of 100 SCR (~ 6 EUR / 7 USD)*.

The Copolia Trail then goes through beautiful jungle on a pretty easy-to-follow path before finally reaching the top after about an hour.

While not strenuous, hiking the Copolia Trail does require some fitness and agility.

But don’t worry, the views at the top more than make up for the huffing and puffing. It’s simply gorgeous up here!

*The price is from 2026.

The Copolia Trail path
The Copolia Trail isn’t too difficult but it’s still a great idea to bring plenty of water!
Mahé nature reserves
The Copolia Trail takes you up to around 500 metres above sea level through the Morne Seychellois National Park. We flew the drone to get a view from even higher up.
Copolia lookout
On really clear days, it’s possible to see Praslin and La Digue from up here.
Alex on top of Copolia
Copolia Trail views

10. Catch the views from the Morne Blanc Viewpoint

If you can’t get enough of those panoramic views over Mahé, consider hiking the Morne Blanc Trail to the Morne Blanc Viewpoint.

The trail is not easy and requires some stamina to tackle the climb, but you’ll be rewarded with amazing views.

11. Take a tour at the Takamaka Rum Distillery

It’s always interesting to hear how things are made – and at Takamaka Rum Distillery you get the history and process behind the famous Takamaka Rum, made right here in Seychelles.

Don’t forget to bring a designated driver if you plan to sample the goods!

Takamaka Rum Distillery
The grounds around Takamaka Rum Distillery are beautiful.
You might be interested in:Seychelles Honeymoon Guide: Romantic Hotels, Costs & Itinerary Ideas

Plan a Seychelles honeymoon across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue with all of our tips

Read more

12. Check out Eden Island

Eden Island sits on reclaimed land – like much of Mahé’s northeast coast – and was built as a playground for the well-off with a fancy marina, luxury condos and a (small) modern shopping mall.

Located just between the airport and Victoria, Eden Island is easy to fit into most Mahé itineraries.

Looking for an infinity pool? Look no further than Eden Island’s very own 5-star Eden Bleu Hotel (adlink).

Eden Island from above
Eden Island as seen from the end of the Copolia Trail.
Eden Island drone photo
Unfortunately, only residents and guests staying on the island can use the lovely private beaches of Eden Island, but day-trippers can still enjoy the sparkling blue of the marina from one of the waterside restaurants.

13. Go on a day trip to La Digue

We absolutely loved our time on the small island of La Digue and recommend that everyone travelling to Seychelles should at least spend a night or two here.

If that isn’t a possibility, the next best thing is to visit La Digue on a day trip.

Once there, the top choice is undoubtedly to visit the epic Anse Source d’Argent Beach.

You can then choose either to spend all day here (a fine choice indeed) or to explore more of La Digue’s other stunning beaches.

You might be interested in:La Digue Travel Guide: 15 Things to Do & Best Beaches

Everything you need to know about La Digue Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay

Read more

Advertisement

Bicycling between rows of vanilla at L'Union Estate
There’s something really special about La Digue being so small that you can walk or bike everywhere.
Anse Cocos on La Digue
Especially when the beaches you then reach are this beautiful.
Anse Source d'Argent drone shot
Of all the beaches and tropical paradises we’ve seen, Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue is surely one of the most jaw-dropping.
You might be interested in:How to Visit Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue: Travel Guide to the Iconic Beach in Seychelles

All you need to know about the famous paradise beach on La Digue, including how to get there, what to expect, where to stay and our best tips

14. Bonus: Other things to do on Mahé

  • There are so many beaches on Mahé we didn’t get to visit. One we would have loved to see is Anse Major near Beau Vallon, which you can only get to by hiking.
  • The Victoria Botanical Gardens is home to the legendary Coco de Mer palm (with the world’s biggest nuts) as well as several of Seychelles’ other endemic plants and animals. It’s located just a 10-15-minute walk from the centre of Victoria.
  • As the name suggests, Sauzier Waterfall is a waterfall that is fortunately not too hard to reach. It’s located near Port Glaud on Mahé’s western side.
  • The wonderfully biodiverse Sainte Anne Marine National Park is located just off the coast of Mahé. It’s the oldest marine reserve in Seychelles and home to six small islands. It’s possible to go here on boat tours (adlink).

Advertisement

How long to stay on Mahé

With the many things to do on Mahé, how many nights should you spend?

Well, we recommend spending four to five nights on Mahé.

This gives you enough time to explore different parts of the island, visit several beaches, hike through the lush interior and experience Victoria without feeling rushed.

If you mainly want to relax on the beach, three nights may be enough.

However, the island is larger and more varied than it first appears, and travelling along its winding coastal roads can take time.

A longer stay allows you to explore at a slower pace and enjoy both the popular sights and quieter corners.

If Mahé is your only destination in Seychelles, consider staying for a week or more.

You could also divide your stay between two areas, such as Beau Vallon in the north and the quieter western or southern coast. This reduces driving time and lets you experience different sides of the island.

For an island-hopping trip to Seychelles that also includes Praslin and La Digue, allow at least three to four nights on Mahé, ideally at the beginning or end of your journey because the country’s international airport is here.

Where to stay on Mahé

Now that you know what to do on Mahé and how long to spend, here’s where to base yourself.

Even though Mahé is the largest island in the country, it’s still pretty small.

The longest drives rarely take more than an hour, and if you place yourself centrally, you can go almost everywhere in 30-45 minutes.

Beau Vallon Beach is a very popular place to stay, and in general, most of the nice hotels are by the best beaches on Mahé’s western side.

Check out our where to stay on Mahé guide or search for the best hotels on Mahé (adlink).

The best luxury hotels on Mahé

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

We walked through the 5-star Four Seasons Resort on Mahé to get to Petite Anse Beach and can say with some confidence that this is a really cool place to stay.

The beach is surely one of Mahé’s finest, and the private villas look huge for the (still high) price.

Check prices and availability at Four Seasons Resort (adlink).

Four Seasons Resort on Mahé
Private villa with a pool overlooking one of Mahé’s most beautiful beaches? Yes, please! ©Four Seasons Resort (adlink)

Constance Ephelia Resort

Constance Ephelia, located near Port Launay on Mahé’s western side, consistently ranks as one of the island’s most revered luxury hotels.

The range of options on offer here is staggering; do everything, and you might never have the chance to leave!

The 5-star resort is home to 5 pools, 5 restaurants, 6 bars, a private beach, a spa and a fitness centre. Each villa has its own garden.

Check prices and availability at Constance Ephelia Resort (adlink).

Constance Ephelia
The location of the Constance Ephelia on Mahé is just gorgeous. And it’s actually one of the least expensive 5-star hotels on the island. ©Constance Ephelia (adlink)

Eden Island Luxury Accommodation

The best thing about staying in one of the private apartments at Eden Island Luxury Accommodation is that you get unlimited access to the spectacular private beaches of the man-made island.

The next best thing is the free electric buggy you get for your stay, which you can use all over Eden Island.

All of the apartments come with a kitchen, but they vary a lot in size, number of bedrooms and whether there is a pool.

Check prices and availability at Eden Island Luxury Accommodation (adlink).

(It’s also sometimes possible to book the privately owned villas when their owners rent them out. Use our adlink to search for the privately owned villas here.)

Eden Island drone photo
Staying on Eden Island feels like being part of a very exclusive club.
Eden Island Luxury Accommodation
We loved having our own kitchen while staying here. ©Eden Island Luxury Accommodation (adlink)

Enchanted Island Resort

If you’ve always dreamed of staying on a private island in the tropics, here’s your chance.

Enchanted Island Resort is located on the very small Round Island inside Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

As if the whole private island with private beaches thing wasn’t enough, all villas also come with a private pool.

Check prices and availability at Enchanted Island Resort (adlink).

Enchanted Island Resort
How amazing would it be to stay out here? ©Enchanted Island Resort (adlink)

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa – Beau Vallon

Located in the middle of the beautiful Beau Vallon Beach, 5-star Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa offers 163 rooms, 2 pools, 3 restaurants, a spa with fitness facilities and all kinds of services.

We stayed in a lovely double room with ocean views where we slept wonderfully in the king-size bed after our red-eye flight from Istanbul to Mahé.

There was also a minibar, a coffee- and tea-making station, a desk, a table and a sofa in the room as well as a big bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. We especially liked the spacious balcony with views over the resort and the ocean – perfect for a bit of afternoon or evening relaxation.

There’s free wifi all over the resort.

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa’s fitness centre is well-equipped with a wide array of weights, strength-training machines and cardio machines. It’s open 24/7. Super cool!

Check prices and availability at Savoy Seychelles Resort (adlink).

Savoy Seychelles Resort on Beau Vallon Beach
Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa (adlink) is perfectly located on Beau Vallon Beach.
The main pool at Savoy Seychelles
The main pool at Savoy Seychelles is one of the biggest hotel pools in Seychelles.

Anantara Maia

Located on a private peninsula near Anse Boileau on Mahé’s west coast, Anantara Maia is known for its unique villas that all come with their own infinity pools.

Check prices and availability at Anantara Maia (adlink).

Anantara Maia
The luxurious villas at Anantara Maia are very distinctive. ©Anantara Maia (adlink)
You might be interested in:The Best Luxury Hotels in Seychelles: Resorts, Villas & Private-Island Stays

Our recommendations for five-star beach resorts on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue + private-island pool villas.

Read more

The best value-for-money and budget hotels on Mahé

There’s no way around it: Seychelles is an expensive destination.

But that doesn’t mean that you have to blow the budget completely on a comfortable place to stay.

One of the best ways to save money on Mahé is to find a place with a kitchen, as eating out can be expensive in Seychelles.

Here are our top choices for value-for-money and budget accommodation on Mahé.

Search for the best value hotels on Mahé here (adlink).

The best value-for-money and budget hotels on Mahé:

Chez Batista Villas

With uniquely direct access to Anse Takamaka, Chez Batista Villas is all about the beach!

The comfortable rooms have A/C and private bathrooms, and we can only imagine how nice it must be to catch the sunset from here.

Check prices and availability at Chez Batista Villas (adlink).

Chez Batista Villas
It’s hard to decide between the pool and the beach at Chez Batista Villas. ©Chez Batista Villas (adlink)

La Nature Apartments Au Cap

At a very fair rate, you’ll get a big apartment with a private kitchen and A/C at La Nature Apartments Au Cap.

It’s quite centrally located on the eastern side, so you can easily reach most beaches – especially if you rent a car.

Check prices and availability at La Nature Apartments Au Cap (adlink).

La Nature Apartments Au Cap
La Nature Apartments Au Cap is a great place to stay if you wish to visit the beautiful beaches of the south. ©La Nature Apartments Au Cap (adlink)

Tropical Garden Self Catering

At Tropical Garden, you’re staying secluded in the Mahé mountains yet still very close to most beaches and attractions on the island. There’s a bus stop close by if you don’t rent a car.

The apartments all come with A/C, your own kitchen, a balcony and more.

Check prices and availability at Tropical Garden Self Catering (adlink).

Tropical Garden Self Catering
A simple room at Tropical Garden – a budget-friendly self-catering place to stay on Mahé. ©Tropical Garden Self Catering (adlink)

Villa Kayola – Self Catering

For a convenient location close to the airport, look no further than Villa Kayola. The views from up here are beautiful, yet you’re still close to Anse Aux Pins Beach.

The bright apartments have A/C, balconies and small kitchens, so you’ll be able to cook for yourself while staying on Mahé on a budget.

Check prices and availability at Villa Kayola – Self Catering (adlink).

Villa Kayola - Self Catering
Everything at Villa Kayola is modern and looks nicely designed. ©Villa Kayola – Self Catering (adlink)

Anse Soleil Beachcomber Hotel and Self Catering

At Anse Soleil Beachcomber, you can choose either self-catering chalets up a hill or a room with coffee/tea-making facilities just by the beach.

And what a beach!

Anse Soleil is known as one of Mahé’s most paradisical beaches. And as there’s not much else here, you’ll have it almost to yourself.

Check prices and availability at Anse Soleil Beachcomber (adlink).

Anse Soleil Beachcomber
Anse Soleil Beach is great for both swimming and snorkelling. ©Anse Soleil Beachcomber (adlink)
You might be interested in:How to Visit Seychelles on a Budget: Travel Costs & 22 Ways to Save Money

A practical guide to affordable accommodation, food, transport, activities and island-hopping in Seychelles.

Read more

Where to eat on Mahé

Being the largest and most populous island in Seychelles, Mahé is also where you’ll find the widest choice of places to eat (including vegan and vegetarian options).

You might be interested in:Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Seychelles: The Best Restaurants on Mahé, Praslin & La Digue

Everything you need to know about finding the most delicious vegan and vegetarian places in tropical paradise

Bravo Restaurant – Eden Island

Overlooking the impossibly blue harbour of Eden Island and Mahé’s beautiful mountains, Bravo Restaurant is a great choice for lunch or dinner if you’re staying on this part of the island.

We dined at Bravo Restaurant twice. The first time, we both had their vegetable curry with rice.

The second time around, Victoria opted for a salad with potatoes, beetroot and sunflower seeds while Alex had a green curry with a nice chilli kick to it.

Vegetable curry with rice from Bravo Restaurant
Vegetable curry with rice from Bravo Restaurant.

Tamassa – Eden Island

Also located on Eden Island at Eden Plaza, the restaurant Tamassa has a big, varied menu with quite a few vegan options.

Our first dinner here consisted of fried spring rolls as an appetiser followed by a tasty pasta with tomato sauce and a red curry with rice.

On our second night at Tamassa, we had a “regular” coconut curry in a vegan version and fried noodles with veggies.

There’s often live music or some other kind of live entertainment at Tamassa, and the location right next to the water is just great.

Vegan curry and pasta
Red curry with rice and pasta with tomato sauce.

Grand Savoy – Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa

We were happy to see that Grand Savoy, the main restaurant at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa (adlink) in Beau Vallon, offered a few vegan dishes on the menu.

The vegan and vegetarian dishes weren’t clearly marked but the staff helped us pick out the Creole vegetable curry, which we both had for lunch.

The curry was tasty and full of vegetables like aubergine, okra, mushroom, pepper and some sort of root vegetable. It was served with a bowl of rice.

For dinner, the Grand Savoy restaurant turns into a buffet with a daily changing theme.

When we tried it, the number of vegan options wasn’t overwhelming (apart from the salads), but the chef helped us pick out a few things and even made us some custom dishes from the kitchen, which was much appreciated!

Creole vegetable curry
The completely vegan Creole vegetable curry at Grand Savoy (adlink) in Beau Vallon was both tasty and filling.

Pescado – Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa’s (adlink) restaurant Pescado is located in the middle of the resort by the pool, and when we visited in the evening, there was a live band playing some relaxing tunes in the tropical night.

The staff were very attentive and did offer a few vegan dishes, although none were marked on the menu.

We ordered the quinoa salad with fresh veggies and a mango dressing from the starters.

The chef agreed to veganise the risotto for the main dish, which was served with fresh vegetables and a light tomato flavouring.

The starter and main dish combo left us satisfied without feeling heavy at all.

Quinoa salad
Not many restaurants serve quinoa in Seychelles, so we were glad to find it here at Pescado!

Gecko Bar – Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa

The third café/restaurant at Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa (adlink) is called Gecko Bar, located right next to Beau Vallon Beach.

We both had their veggie burger with fries and ketchup (remember to ask for no mayo if you want to make it vegan – we got guacamole instead).

There were so many fries that we could easily have shared just one portion.

The interior is beautiful and so is the view of the lush surrounding plants – as well as of the lovely beach.

If you’re in the mood for some vegan comfort food while on Mahé, don’t miss Gecko Bar.

Veggie burger at Savoy
The vegetable patty of this vegan burger from Gecko Bar was super crunchy on the outside and smooth on the inside.

Perry’s Grillz

Located deep in the mountains of southern Mahé, Perry’s Grillz is a homestyle restaurant where we had a delicious, cheap vegan curry and great views.

The service and hospitality were unbeatable.

It’s also possible to order vegan ratatouille and grilled vegetable skewers. The fresh passion fruit juice was heavenly.

It’s not easy to get here, though!

First, Google Maps doesn’t give the right directions. You have to follow the signs posted on the road.

Second, the final hill up to the restaurant is very steep, bendy, and most important of all, slippery (at least if it has been raining).

By pure luck, we drove up there and made it without any scratches or accidents. We wouldn’t do it again.

Instead, we recommend you park lower down and walk the final bit. Or do the even more comfortable thing and order takeaway.

Perry's Grillz food and view
It wasn’t easy to get here, but the food and views were great.

More plant-based dining on Mahé

We didn’t have the chance to go there ourselves, but supposedly, the Indian restaurant Mahek at the Coral Strand hotel on Beau Vallon Beach has some nice vegan options.

There’s also an Indian restaurant on Eden Island called The Maharajas. Indian food is often naturally vegetarian and can easily be veganised.

We heard good things about dining at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa. We’re guessing it’s not cheap, though.

It might also be worth checking out Adam & Eve Restaurant and Del Place Restaurant on the west coast.

Vegan milks in the supermarket on Eden Island
The supermarket on Eden Island was pricey, but it did stock quite a few plant milks and other vegan products.

How to get around Mahé

Rent a car

Driving around Mahé is easy, as all of the main roads are in good condition.

As long as you remember to drive on the left, you’ll be fine.

Parking is free next to most beaches, and we didn’t have any trouble finding parking spots.

Most rental cars in Seychelles are automatic.

Rental car on Mahé, Seychelles
We rented a car on Mahé and loved the flexibility it provided.

Public transport

If you don’t rent a car on Mahé or go on private tours, it is still possible to get around the island by bus.

This way you won’t be as flexible, but at least it’s very cheap.

You can find the bus schedules for Mahé here.

The main bus station in Victoria
The main bus station in Victoria.

Private airport transfer

If you wish to travel in comfort on a private transfer between Seychelles International Airport and any hotel on Mahé, you can book your transfer here (adlink).

When to visit Mahé

The weather on Mahé is very similar to that on Praslin and La Digue.

Seychelles is a year-round destination, but there are some seasonal weather variations which might be worth knowing about.

The sun almost always shines, and the temperatures consistently hover between 24°C and the low 30s (it very rarely gets hotter than 32°C).

The best time to visit is generally considered the shoulder months of April to May and October to November, when the weather is at its best and the seas are calmest.

High season falls in the summer months of July and August, plus Christmas and New Year in December and January. Autumn is also a popular time to visit.

The warmest months are March, April and May.

The sea stays choppiest from May to October, which isn’t ideal for snorkelling or diving. The best visibility is found during April, May, October and November.

It rains all year (it’s the tropics, after all), but often just in short bursts. The average humidity is 80%.

The southeast trade wind picks up between May and September, while the northwest monsoon blows between November and March. April and October fall in between, with almost no wind.

Mahé very rarely gets hit by tropical storms because the granitic islands lie outside the usual cyclone belt.

The ocean temperature stays between a very comfortable 26 and 30°C year-round.

Average min and max temperatures on Mahé, Seychelles
Average monthly sunshine hours on Mahé, Seychelles
Average monthly rainfall on Mahé, Seychelles
Palm trees and turquoise water on Mahé
The weather is generally lovely in Seychelles even though it can sometimes be unpredictable.

Tips for visiting Mahé

  • There is free wifi in many hotels, but it’s usually not as fast as 4G.
  • We can easily recommend buying a SIM card with data. We bought ours from Airtel. They have shops all over the country.
  • Downloading or carrying an offline map is a good idea, especially when hiking.
  • The standard electrical plugs in Seychelles are type G (like in the UK). Many hotels have adapters, and some even have standard European plugs (type C) and/or USB chargers installed.
  • Checking the tides is crucial for visiting many beaches and natural pools at their best.
  • The tap water is drinkable (on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue as far as we could tell) but doesn’t taste good. Consider bringing a water filter or buying water in 5-litre containers to save money and plastic. A few hotels offer free water refills.
  • Bring euros or dollars to easily exchange for Seychellois rupees once you’re in the country. There are many banks where you can exchange money, but they might be closed at weekends, so check the opening hours.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants, but some smaller businesses, like takeaway shops, prefer cash.
  • Bring a torch or at least a phone with a torch. If you come back from a hike late or leave the beach after sunset, it can come in handy.
You might be interested in:Seychelles Travel Tips: 42 Things to Know Before You Go

Practical advice on entry requirements, island-hopping, costs, transport, beaches, safety and more

Read more

What to bring to Mahé

You might be interested in:What’s in Our Camera Bag? Lightweight Photography Gear for High-Quality Travel Content

What camera, drone and accessories we use to capture life on the road

Read more
Sustainable travel tips

A few ways to keep your impact down while you are there:

  • Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
  • Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
  • Dispose of waste properly. While putting your rubbish in the nearest bin is convenient, wrappers and other small items are easily taken by the wind and end up in the ocean.
  • Check your sunscreen before going in the water. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful to the ocean.
  • Take only photos, leave only footprints. Leave everything in its natural place.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.
  • Respect wildlife.
You might be interested in:Ultimate Travel Guide to Seychelles: Best Things to Do, Where To Go & Itinerary Ideas

Everything you need to know including the best beaches, hikes & activities, which islands to visit, 1-2 week itineraries and where to stay in Seychelles

Thanks for reading our Mahé guide

We hope you’ve found this travel guide to Mahé in Seychelles helpful.

Make sure to also check out our ultimate travel guide to Seychelles with the best things to do, where to go and itinerary ideas.

Do you know what to do on Mahé now? What do you think about the island?

If you’ve been to Seychelles, it would be great to hear your thoughts (and tips) in the comments.

Pin for later:

Everything you need to know about Mahé Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay
Everything you need to know about Mahé Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay
Everything you need to know about Mahé Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay

Leave a Comment