Attractions Nearby Seychelles, Day Trips and Excursions

(Seychelles, SC, Africa)



Photo of the Antananarivo cityscape, capital of MadagascarThe islands that make up the Seychelles are located in the Western Indian Ocean. The Seychelles is a member of the Mascarene Islands, along with Réunion (south) and Mauritius (south), while considerably larger and closer, Madagascar resides to the south-west.

Other nearby country attractions include the Maldives (south) and Zanzibar (west), both serious tropical holiday destinations in their own right, boasting seaside resorts and palm-fringed beaches galore. To the south-west are Comoros, Mayotte and the Glorioso Islands (Grande Glorieuse and Ile du Lys).


Further image of Antananarivo, Madagascar, showing the Municipal Stadium attraction

Madagascar

The Republic of Madagascar, to the south-west of the Seychelles, is rapidly becoming a popular place for tourists to visit. Madagascar has a rich history and consequently there are plenty of historic buildings to visit, including the Queen's Palace, the Prime Minister's Palace and the Royal Palace of Tsinjoarivo. Madagascar boasts, in total, over 100 monuments and landmarks, some of which have gained World Heritage status and are often located in and around its capital city, Antananarivo. Various national parks are scattered about the country, with the Parc National d'Andasibe Mantadia, the Parc National de l'Isalo and the Parc National de Ranomafana all not to be missed. Keen scuba divers holidaying in Madagascar will find that the coral reefs and underwater canyons around Ifaty will certainly be memorable.

View of the Caudan Waterfront at Port Louis, Mauritius

Mauritius

Mauritius is located to the far south of the Seychelles. Its capital city, Port Louis, is a leading tourist destination, with attractions that include Fort Adelaide, a bustling waterfront and a central market. Other popular places to visit include Grand Baie, Curepipe and its nearby volcanic crater, and the former capital of Mahebourg. Of course, the beaches of Mauritius are not to be missed, with particular highlights including Pointe d'Esny and Flic en Flac. You may also like to consider exploring the Black River Gorges National Park and spotting its plentiful fruit bats, and then perhaps enjoy a taste of plantation days gone by at the Eureka estate.

Maldives

Situated to the north-east of the Seychelles, the Maldives is best known for its beautiful beaches, coral islands and pristine azure waters, which lend themselves to scuba diving and snorkelling. The latter make the Maldives particularly popular with divers, keen to spot the thousands of fish species that can be found here. The capital of Malé has several tourist attractions, including its Presidential Palace, Sultan Park, Islamic Centre, Independence Square and National Museum, as well as Hulhumale Island, which is just a short boat trip away. Malé's markets are well worth a visit, selling fish, local fruits and preserved dishes.

Picture showing the Old Fort of Zanzibar

Zanzibar

The archipelago of Zanzibar lies within the United Republic of Tanzania, being around 25 km / 16 miles off the eastern coast of mainland Tanzania and to the far west of the Seychelles. Although Zanzibar is made up of a series of islands, most are relatively small, with the largest being Unguja and Pemba. Unguja Island is often known as Zanzibar Island, with its capital, Zanzibar Town, being the first port of call for many visitors. Lying on the western side of Unguja, this busy little town is centred around its historic Stone Town and comes with a maze of narrow alleys and some picture-postcard architecture. Attractions in Zanzibar Town include the National Museum of History and Culture, the former sultan's palace of Beit el-Sahel, the Anglican Cathedral, the old Hamamni Persian Baths (no longer in operation) and the frenetic Darajani Market. Of course, it is the scuba diving, snorkelling and beaches of Zanzibar that draw the tourists here, with the best beaches being based along the eastern coastline.

Réunion

The French island of Réunion is another island sited within the Indian Ocean, being some 200 km / 125 miles from Mauritius, which is to be found directly to the north-east. Whilst Réunion is tiny when compared to Mauritius, it does come with a population of more than 800,000 people. There are many worthy sights to see and tropical beaches to sample, as well as scenic hiking trails and exciting adventure sports. St. Denis functions as the island capital, while there are many other notable destinations here, such as Cilaos, Etang Salé, Mafate, Piton de la Fournaise, St. Benoit, St. Gilles, St. Leu, St. Pierre and Salazie.