Seychelles Fast Facts

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Seychelles Fast Facts

The African archipelago of the Seychelles lies northeast of Madagascar. Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are the largest islands in the country. Dreamy beaches and paradisiacal nature cast a spell over travelers from all over the world. See Andyeducation for education in Seychelles.

Capital City Victoria
Size 455 km²
Resident 93.186
Official Language Seychelles Creole, English, French
Currency Seychelles rupee
Time Zone UTC+4
Telephone Area Code +248

Fast facts to know

  • The Seychelles have an average crime rate. Usual security measures should be observed.
  • There is a risk of pirate attacks and hijackings off the coasts of Somalia and its neighboring countries and in adjacent waters.
  • Tap water is often not of drinking quality and tastes of chlorine. It is better to use carbonated bottled water.
  • Protection and preservation of sea turtles is a top priority in the Seychelles.
  • Topless is not allowed. Nudist bathing is prohibited by law.
  • Most Seychellois are Catholic.
  • The Seychelles are not a malaria area, but there are still mosquitoes. There is a risk of dengue fever.
  • German tourists do not need a visa, a passport is sufficient.
  • A passport, return flight ticket, hotel booking and sufficient financial means are required for entry (approx. 150 USD per day).
  • Sun protection and sunglasses are mandatory.
  • Buses and ferries are easy to get around.
  • The Seychelles have the most beautiful beaches in the world.
  • The Seychellois are very hospitable and open people.
  • US Dollars and Euros are accepted on all islands.

Exciting cities in the Seychelles

  • Victoria

That’s it! All the fantastically beautiful beaches are much more exciting!

History of the Seychelles

  • Probably originally discovered by Arab traders.
  • Claimed by the Portuguese in the early 16th century.
  • Settlement by the French in the middle of the 18th century.
  • 1794 British occupation.
  • Declared an independent colony in 1903 after the Seychelles were initially part of the Mauritius colony.
  • 1970 right to self-government.
  • 1976 Declaration of Independence (First Republic), but remaining in the Commonwealth.
  • 1979 Second Republic.
  • 1993 Third Republic.
  • 2008 Temporary insolvency.

Climate & travel weather on the Seychelles

  • Tropical-maritime climate.
  • Humid and warm from December to March.
  • Dry and mild from May to October.
  • No danger from tropical cyclones.
  • Recommended travel time:
    • May – October.
    • Swimming: possible all year round.
    • Bird Watching: May – September.
    • Diving: March-May.

Ideas for trips in the Seychelles

  • Explore Mahé by car.
  • Hike on the Trois Frères Nature Trail.
  • Snorkeling in beautiful underwater worlds.
  • Watch sea turtles.
  • Visit Victoria Market.
  • go island hopping.
  • Swimming on dream beaches.
  • Hike Morne Blanc and enjoy the view.
  • Mission Lodge, Mahé.
  • Takamaka Rum Distillery, Mahé.

Eating & drinking in the Seychelles

  • Down-to-earth cuisine.
  • Various rice and fish dishes.
  • Asian, Indian, African and European influences.
  • Subtly spiced – especially with turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, mint, peppers, cardamom and nutmeg, mustard seeds, chilli.
  • Very popular: curries.
  • In addition to fish, chicken and beef are often processed.
  • Special delicacies form: swordfish, octopus, king mackerel, bourzwa (red snapper), grouper, lobster, crayfish and crayfish.
  • Popular side dishes in addition to rice and potatoes are: cassava, sweet potatoes, breadfruit or green bananas.
  • Seasoned sauces are often very spicy.
  • Fruit and coconut are often used in desserts, often cooked in coconut milk.
  • Imported alcoholic beverages quite expensive, popular with locals: Calou (semi-fermented unripe coconut juice) and Seybrew beer.
  • Citronelle – tea brewed from fresh lemongrass is a popular drink, as are locally made sodas, cola, tonic water, ginger ale and bitter lemon.
  • Water is usually drunk with food.
  • Breakfast usually very simple.
  • On the 3 main islands of the Seychelles – Mahé, Praslin and La Digue – particularly large gastronomic variety.
  • In addition to good restaurants, inns and small hotels usually offer very good cuisine.
  • Also very popular: take-away snacks.
  • Typical dishes:
    • Bouyon Bred (Chinese cabbage soup with spices).
    • Kari Pwason (slightly sour fish curry).
    • Kari Zourit (creamy Oktopuscurry).
    • Fish soup (Fischsuppe).
    • Lasoup Tektek (Mussel soup).
    • Stek Ton (fresh tuna).
    • Pwason Sale (salted dried fish).
    • Samosas (dumplings filled with potatoes, fish or meat).

Particularly scenic

  • Sauzier Waterfall
  • Morne Seychellois National Park
  • granite islands and coral islands
  • Nationalpark Vallee de Mai
  • St Anne Marine Park nature reserve
  • Cousin Island
  • Naturpark L’Union Estate
  • dream beaches:
    • Anse Marron, La Digue
    • Anse Cocos, La Digue
    • Little Anse, La Digue
    • Anse Intendance, Mahé
    • Grand Anse, La Digue
    • Anse Georgette, Praslin
    • Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue
    • West Beach, Bird Island
    • Anse Takamaka, Mahé
    • Anse Royale, Mahé
    • Anse Lazio, Praslin
    • Anse St. José, Curious
    • Beau Vallon, Mahé

Seychelles Fast Facts

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