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