Mahe is the largest and busiest island in the Seychelles, home to the airport, the capital Victoria and about ninety percent of the population. It has the widest choice of beaches, hotels and activities, from the calm Beau Vallon to the wild southern bays, plus mountain trails in the Morne Seychellois park. It is the natural base and arrival point, and most trips begin here before island-hopping to Praslin and La Digue.
Mahé
The island where it all begins.
Mahe is where almost every Seychelles trip begins, and it deserves more than a quick night on the way to the smaller islands. The largest of the granite islands holds the airport, the capital, the highest mountains and the greatest variety of beaches and things to do. Treat it as a full destination, not a transit stop.
Where it is and getting around
Mahe is the main island, with the international airport at its eastern side and the capital, Victoria, on the north-east coast. It is big and spread out by Seychelles standards, with a mountainous spine and beaches scattered around the whole coast. A hire car is the best way to see it, and there is a cheap, scenic public bus network for those happy to go slower.
The beaches
Mahe has the widest range of beaches in the country. Beau Vallon in the north-west is the long, calm, sociable main beach with easy swimming and water sports. The south holds the wild, cinematic Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka, beautiful but open to the ocean. Anse Royale in the south-east is reef-protected and gentler, and smaller coves like Anse Soleil and Petite Anse reward a little exploring.
Victoria, the capital
Victoria is one of the smallest capital cities in the world and easily seen in a morning. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market is the lively heart, selling fish, fruit and spices, and the little silver clock tower, the botanical gardens and a couple of temples and museums round out a gentle wander. It is the cultural and practical hub of the islands.
Mountains and trails
Inland, the Morne Seychellois National Park rises into forest and peaks, with walking trails like the Copolia trail and the coastal path to Anse Major. These give you the green, mountainous side of Mahe and wide views over the coast and out to other islands. The Jardin du Roi spice garden in the southern hills is an easy, pretty stop.
Things to do
Beyond the beaches, Mahe offers diving and snorkelling from Beau Vallon, the Ste Anne Marine Park just offshore, the Takamaka rum distillery, markets and good Creole restaurants. It is the island with the most choice for a varied few days.
Where to stay
Mahe has the widest spread of accommodation, from guesthouses and self-catering apartments to hotels and resorts, in every price range. Beau Vallon is the most convenient and sociable base, while the south is quieter and more scenic. Browse verified Mahe stays in our directory.
How to plan
Give Mahe at least two or three days at the start of a trip, hire a car to reach the spread-out beaches and the south, and combine it with Praslin and La Digue by ferry. Browse our directory for a base near your preferred coast and check the ferry schedule for onward hops.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mahe known for?
Being the main island of the Seychelles, home to the airport, the capital Victoria and most of the population, with the widest choice of beaches, hotels and activities and the mountain trails of the Morne Seychellois park.
Is Mahe worth visiting or just for the airport?
Worth a proper stay, not just transit. It has the most varied beaches, the capital Victoria, mountain trails and the best range of restaurants and activities. Give it two or three days.
What are the best beaches on Mahe?
Beau Vallon for calm, sociable swimming, the wild southern beaches of Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka for drama, reef-protected Anse Royale for gentler water, and smaller coves like Anse Soleil.
How do you get around Mahe?
A hire car is best, as the island is large and the beaches are spread around the coast. There is also a cheap, scenic public bus network for travellers happy to go slower.
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