The ideal 7-day Seychelles itinerary splits the week across the three inner islands. Spend days 1 to 3 on Mahe for Beau Vallon, the wild south and Victoria, days 3 to 5 on Praslin for the Vallee de Mai and Anse Lazio, and days 5 to 7 on La Digue for Anse Source d'Argent by bicycle. Fly into Mahe, move outward by fast ferry, and fly home from Mahe. Book ferries ahead, hire a car on Mahe and Praslin, switch to a bicycle on La Digue, and avoid over-packing the days.
Seven days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Seychelles. It is enough to see the three main islands properly without rushing, and to feel the distinct character of each. The trick is to split the week so you are not packing and unpacking constantly. Here is a relaxed, proven way to spend seven days across Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
How to split the week
The cleanest plan is to give yourself a few days on each of the inner islands, moving through them in one direction so you never double back. A common and well-balanced split is two to three days on Mahe at the start, two to three days on Praslin, and two days on La Digue, with the fast ferries linking them. Fly into Mahe, work your way out to La Digue, and fly home from Mahe at the end.
Days 1 to 3: Mahe
Start on the largest island. Settle in around Beau Vallon for easy swimming and amenities, then give yourself a self-drive day exploring the wild south, Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka, the spice garden in the hills, and the calm marine-park coast of the west. Spend a morning in the capital, Victoria, for the market and the clock tower. A hire car makes these days effortless.
Days 3 to 5: Praslin
Take the fast catamaran to Praslin and slow down. Base yourself around Cote d’Or for calm swimming, walk the ancient Vallee de Mai forest where the coco de mer grows, and spend time at Anse Lazio, regularly named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Praslin you can also take a boat trip to the nature reserve of Curieuse and its giant tortoises.
Days 5 to 7: La Digue
A short ferry brings you to La Digue, the slowest and most timeless of the three. Hire a bicycle, the island’s signature way to travel, and ride to Anse Source d’Argent, the famous beach of pink granite and shallow turquoise water. Explore the quieter east-coast beaches, visit the old plantation at L’Union Estate, and let the pace of the island wind you all the way down.
| Days | Island | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Mahe | Beau Vallon, the wild south, Victoria, spice garden |
| 3 to 5 | Praslin | Vallee de Mai, Anse Lazio, Curieuse boat trip |
| 5 to 7 | La Digue | Anse Source d’Argent, bicycles, L’Union Estate |
The practical pieces
- Book the ferries ahead. The fast catamarans link the islands several times a day, but the popular sailings fill up, so reserve your crossings early.
- Hire a car on Mahe and Praslin. It transforms both islands. On La Digue, switch to a bicycle.
- Don’t over-pack the days. Half the joy here is doing less. Leave room to linger on a beach.
Start planning
This one-week shape works for honeymooners, families and first-timers alike, and it scales easily if you have more or fewer days. Sort the moving parts early, check the ferry schedule for your island hops, book a hire car for Mahe and Praslin, and browse our directory for vetted places to stay on each island.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Seychelles?
Yes, seven days is the sweet spot for a first trip. It is enough to see Mahe, Praslin and La Digue properly without rushing, typically with two to three days on each of the larger islands and two on La Digue.
How should I split a week in Seychelles?
A balanced split is two to three days on Mahe, two to three on Praslin, and two on La Digue, moving in one direction so you never double back. Fly into Mahe, work outward by ferry, and fly home from Mahe.
How do you get between the islands in Seychelles?
Fast catamaran ferries link Mahe, Praslin and La Digue several times a day. The popular sailings fill up, so book your crossings ahead. Domestic flights also connect Mahe and Praslin quickly.
Do you need a car for a week in Seychelles?
A hire car transforms Mahe and Praslin, reaching the quiet beaches and hill sights easily. On La Digue you switch to a bicycle, the island's signature way to travel, as it is largely car-free.
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