On Praslin, Cote d'Or, also called Anse Volbert, is the most popular base, with calm safe swimming, the widest choice of places to stay and restaurants, and the boats to Curieuse and St Pierre. The Anse Lazio end in the north is quieter and more secluded, ideal for couples. Baie Sainte Anne and Grand Anse are best for ferry connections and local value. A hire car helps anywhere outside walkable Cote d'Or. Book vetted stays direct through a local directory.
Praslin is the second island of Seychelles and, for many visitors, the favourite, greener and slower than Mahe with two of the world’s most admired beaches and the ancient Vallee de Mai forest at its heart. It is small enough that nowhere is far, but the island does have distinct corners, and choosing the right one shapes your stay. Here is where to base yourself on Praslin.
Cote d’Or, the calm and convenient heart
The long, sheltered bay of Cote d’Or, also called Anse Volbert, on the northeast coast, is the most popular base on Praslin, and the natural choice for most visitors. The water is calm and safe for swimming for much of the year, the beach is long and walkable, and this is where you find the widest range of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, plus the boats out to St Pierre and Curieuse. It is the comfortable, easy all-rounder, ideal for families and first-timers.
The Anse Lazio end, for seclusion
Towards the north and northwest, near the world-famous Anse Lazio, the island grows quieter and more secluded. There are fewer places to stay here, but those that exist reward you with peace and proximity to one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. This is the choice for couples and anyone chasing tranquillity over amenities, ideally with a hire car to get around.
Baie Sainte Anne and Grand Anse, for connections and value
Around Baie Sainte Anne, where the ferries arrive, and Grand Anse on the south coast, you are closest to the island’s transport links and some of its more local, better-value places to stay. Grand Anse beach itself is broad and pleasant, and this side suits travellers who plan to island-hop to La Digue or who want a more local, less resort-focused base.
| You want | Stay around |
|---|---|
| Calm swimming, amenities, boat trips | Cote d’Or (Anse Volbert) |
| Seclusion near a world-class beach | The Anse Lazio end, north |
| Ferry connections and local value | Baie Sainte Anne and Grand Anse |
Getting around Praslin
A hire car gives you the freedom of the island, from the Vallee de Mai in the centre to Anse Lazio in the north, and it is the easiest way to reach the quieter beaches and the Lemuria gate for Anse Georgette. A limited bus service and taxis exist, but they tie you to their timetable. If you are staying anywhere other than walkable Cote d’Or, a car is well worth it.
How to choose and book
Praslin makes a superb base for the inner islands, with La Digue a short ferry away and the nature reserves of Curieuse and Cousin within boat-trip reach. Decide whether you want the calm convenience of Cote d’Or or the seclusion of the Anse Lazio end, then browse a curated local directory of vetted Praslin stays and book directly for the best rate and a personal welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay on Praslin?
Cote d'Or, or Anse Volbert, for most visitors, with calm swimming, the widest choice of stays and restaurants, and boat trips. The Anse Lazio end is quieter and more secluded, and Baie Sainte Anne is handiest for ferries.
Is Cote d'Or a good base on Praslin?
Yes. It is the island's most popular base, a long sheltered bay with calm, safe swimming, plenty of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, and the departure point for boat trips to St Pierre and Curieuse.
Do you need a car on Praslin?
A hire car helps a lot, reaching Anse Lazio, the Vallee de Mai and the far beaches easily. If you stay outside walkable Cote d'Or, a car is well worth it, as buses and taxis tie you to their timetable.
Is Praslin a good base for island hopping?
Yes, it is the best base for the inner islands, with La Digue a short ferry away and the nature reserves of Curieuse and Cousin within easy boat-trip reach.
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