Discovering the Hidden Gems of Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, yet most visitors base themselves on just three: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. The handful of famous beaches — Anse Source d’Argent, Beau Vallon, Anse Lazio — draw the crowds for good reason, but the islands hold quiet corners that rarely make the postcards. This article rounds up six of those overlooked spots, from a hike-in cove on La Digue to a nature reserve on Praslin that sees a fraction of the visitors its UNESCO neighbour gets.

Each of these six experiences sits far enough off the main tourist circuit that you’ll likely share the view with only a handful of other people — sometimes none at all.

Anse Cocos, La Digue

The journey to Anse Cocos starts with a 6 km bike ride from the La Digue jetty to Grand Anse. The route includes a gentle uphill stretch and isn’t well signposted, so a phone map or a quick ask at a guesthouse helps. From Grand Anse, a 10-minute walk through lush forest reaches Petite Anse, and from there a 30-minute rocky, sometimes slippery trail leads to Anse Cocos itself. Proper closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable — flip-flops won’t cut it on the granite sections.

The beach rewards the effort: golden sand, clear water, and often nearly private. A small bar called Anse Cocos Bar sells drinks after the hike, which is welcome on a hot day. The trail isn’t suitable for very young children or anyone with limited mobility, but for active travellers who don’t mind earning their swim, this is one of La Digue’s best-kept secrets.

Note: Rent a bike near the ferry terminal — expect to pay around 150 SCR (roughly €10/$10) per day. Bikes are basic but functional, and staff can point you toward Grand Anse. For longer stays, arrange door delivery through your hotel or guesthouse.

Anse Georgette, Praslin

What does it take to reach one of Praslin’s most beautiful beaches without a resort booking? Anse Georgette sits within the grounds of the Constance Lemuria Resort, and the resort requires at least one day’s advance notice for access. The process is straightforward: call or email the resort, give them your name and intended visit time, and they’ll log it. No charge, but no walk-ins either.

Once cleared, you take a 5-minute walk from the nearest bus stop to the resort’s main gate, then a 20–25 minute scenic walk through the property to the beach. The beach itself is framed by massive granite boulders, with powdery white sand and turquoise water. There are no restaurants or shops on the sand — bring food and drinks. A local vendor sometimes sells fresh fruit and coconut water near the access path. A viewpoint along the walk offers a panoramic look at the coastline and is worth a pause even if you’re eager to hit the water.

Curieuse Island

While most visitors head straight for the postcard beaches of Praslin, a short boat ride delivers something completely different. Curieuse Island, a 15-minute ferry from Praslin’s coast, is a marine national park where giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely. A guided nature trail crosses the island past mangrove forests and granite outcrops, and the beach here is pristine — fewer people, softer sand, and water that’s perfect for snorkeling.

Boat tours from Praslin typically include a 45-minute snorkeling stop at St. Pierre Island on the way, where colourful fish, coral, and turtles are common. On Curieuse itself, the tortoises are the main draw — some are over a century old — and the Creole BBQ lunch served on the beach is a highlight of the day. The tour usually wraps up with a final snorkel at Anse La Farine or Anse Georgette, depending on conditions, before a sunset return with Takamaka rum cocktails.

Ferry tickets from Praslin to Curieuse cost around €20–€30 per person. A guided tour that includes transport, lunch, and snorkeling gear is a practical option if you don’t want to coordinate the pieces yourself.

Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé

Mahé’s highest point sits at 905 metres above sea level, and getting there requires a proper hike. Morne Seychellois National Park covers much of the island’s interior, with trails that range from a moderate 1.5-hour round-trip (Copolia Trail) to a full-day 5-hour climb to the summit (Morne Seychellois Trail). The Les Trois Frères Trail offers a middle ground — around 5 hours round-trip with views of Victoria and the east coast that are among the best on the island.

For non-hikers, the Tea Plantation House on Sans Souci Road offers a free factory tour with a short walk through the tea fields and bay views from the terrace. The park’s trails start from Sans Souci Road, which cuts through the jungle and climbs into misty mountain air. Early morning is the best time to go — the heat builds fast, and afternoon clouds can obscure the viewpoints.

The Copolia Trail is the most accessible proper hike in the park. It’s moderately challenging — some steep sections, but well-marked and manageable for anyone with a reasonable fitness level. The summit opens onto a granite platform with a 360-degree view of Victoria, the east coast, and the surrounding islands on a clear day.

Local Food Stops

You’ll find takeaway stands across all three main islands — modest counters with handwritten menus that change daily based on the catch and the cook’s mood. They’re super affordable compared to resort restaurants, and they serve the Creole food that Seychellois families eat at home: grilled fish, curry, stews, fried noodles with rice, salad, and chips. Most are closed on Sundays and packed during peak lunch hours (12:30–1:30 p.m.), so plan accordingly.

Three standouts come up consistently. On La Digue, Gala Takeaway serves lamb, chicken, fish, stews, curries, and fries, plus fresh juices and shakes, with outdoor tables under cover. On Praslin, Coco Rouge sits near the ferry port — family-run, reasonable prices, and the grilled fish of the day, mango salad, and smoked fish salad are the dishes to order. Dinner here requires a reservation. On Mahé, Ole Take Away & Pizzeria in Victoria gives generous portions of chow mein, curry, pizza, fish and chips, burgers, and grilled fish. The fish of the day at Ole is consistently good.

Fond Ferdinand, Praslin

Vallée de Mai gets the UNESCO spotlight and the crowds that come with it. Fond Ferdinand, a nature reserve on Praslin’s south coast, offers a nearly identical experience with a fraction of the visitors. The reserve protects endemic Coco de Mer palms — the same giant-seeded trees that make Vallée de Mai famous — and the trails here are well-marked and quiet. A viewpoint near the top of the reserve gives panoramic views over the south coast that rival anything on the island.

The walk takes about two hours at a relaxed pace. Along the way you’ll see the same wildlife that Vallée de Mai is known for — black parrots, blue pigeons, fruit bats, and geckos — but without the shoulder-to-shoulder shuffle of the UNESCO site. Entry costs less than Vallée de Mai, and the reserve rarely feels busy. If you only have time for one Coco de Mer experience on Praslin, this is the one that feels like a discovery rather than a checklist item.

Fond Ferdinand is about a 10-minute drive from the main ferry terminal. The road is paved most of the way, and parking is available at the entrance. There’s a small shop at the gate selling water and snacks.

Getting Around the Islands

The biggest practical challenge in Seychelles isn’t finding hidden gems — it’s getting to them efficiently. Mahé and Praslin are large enough that a rental car unlocks the quiet beaches and viewpoints that bus routes skip. Car rental on both islands is surprisingly affordable — expect around €20–€50 per day — and the freedom to stop at a viewpoint or change plans when you spot a beach from the road is worth the cost. One odd risk: coconuts fall from trees and can dent parked cars, so park in open areas or designated spots rather than under palm fronds.

On La Digue, bikes are the main transport. Rent one near the ferry terminal for around 150 SCR per day. The island is small enough that you can cover most of it in a day on two wheels, including the ride to Grand Anse for the Anse Cocos hike. Blue TATA buses on Mahé and Praslin are cheap and reliable — a good backup if you don’t want to drive, but they don’t reach every hidden corner.

Boat tours are the most efficient way to reach Curieuse, St. Pierre, and the smaller islands. A half-day speedboat tour from Praslin to Curieuse and St. Pierre typically costs around €60–€80 per person including lunch and snorkeling gear. The full-day version adds a stop at Anse Lazio or Anse Georgette and a BBQ lunch on Curieuse. For the Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio combination, a guided tour from Praslin handles transport and timing so you don’t have to coordinate two separate trips.

Before You Go — Seychelles Hidden Gems

Do I need to book Anse Georgette in advance?

Yes — the Constance Lemuria Resort requires at least one day’s notice. Email or call the resort directly with your preferred time. Same-day requests are almost always turned away. There’s no charge for access.

Is the hike to Anse Cocos okay for kids?

The 6 km bike ride and the 30-minute rocky, slippery trail make it tough for young children and anyone with limited mobility. The trail has uneven granite sections where a fall could mean a cut or a twisted ankle. Save this one for confident older kids and adults.

What’s the fastest way between Mahé and Praslin?

The 20-minute Air Seychelles Twin Otter flight is significantly quicker than the 1-hour ferry, and the aerial views of turquoise water and scattered islands are spectacular. During the southeast monsoon (May–September), the ferry can be rough — the flight is worth the extra cost on those days.

Where can I eat local food without resort prices?

Gala Takeaway on La Digue, Coco Rouge near the Praslin ferry port, and Ole Take Away & Pizzeria in Victoria all serve fresh Creole dishes at takeaway prices. Expect to spend around 100–200 SCR per plate. Most close on Sundays.

Beyond the Postcards

The hidden gems of Seychelles don’t require a private yacht or a guidebook that doesn’t exist in English. They require a bike, a pair of sturdy shoes, or a boat ticket booked a day in advance. What they give back is the version of the islands that most visitors glimpse only from a distance — a nearly empty beach, a tortoise crossing your path, a plate of grilled fish that cost less than a cocktail at the resort bar. That version of Seychelles is still there, and it’s easier to reach than the glossy brochures suggest.

For more on hiking trails across the islands, see our guide to hiking trails with unrivaled views in Seychelles.

References

GetYourGuide. “From Praslin: Curieuse & St. Pierre Boat Trip w/ Snorkeling.” 2025. ↗

Viator. “Full-Day Discovery Tour of Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio on Praslin Island.” 2025. ↗

GetYourGuide. “From Praslin: Cocos, Félicité & La Digue Islands Tour.” 2025. ↗

For more on what to do across the archipelago, check out our island-hopping guide, the best snorkeling spots, and the most Instagram-worthy locations — each digs deeper into a specific corner of Seychelles that this roundup only touches on.