The world's most exclusive archipelago — 115 islands in the Indian Ocean where giant Aldabra tortoises roam free, La Digue's Anse Source d'Argent is the most photographed beach on Earth, and fish eagles still call across the lagoons.
- Capital
- Victoria
- Population
- 122,729
- Area
- 455 km²
- Languages
- Seychellois Creole, English, French
- Currency
- Seychelles Rupee (SCR)
- GDP
- $2,198M
Good to know
Driving side
Left
Annual visitors
124,500 (2020)
Safety
Moderate (7.97/100k)
Avg temp
27.1°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
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Travel guide
The Seychelles (Seychellois Creole: Sesel) is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and east of Kenya. It consists of 115 islands, of which the largest are Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. The capital and largest city is Victoria, located on the island of Mahe. Seychelles is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The economy is largely based on tourism and fishing, and the country has made significant progress in developing its infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. Seychelles is also home to a unique biodiversity, with many species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest raised coral atoll in the world and is home to over 150,000 giant tortoises.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Seychelles
Best time to visit
The Seychelles is year-round tropical (26–29°C). May–October is the cooler, drier season with calmer seas — best for diving and outer islands. November–April is the northwest monsoon — warmer, occasional rain. La Digue best year-round.
Visa
All nationalities receive a free visitor's permit on arrival for up to 30 days, extendable. The Seychelles has no visa requirements for any nationality.
Highlights
The absolutely breathtaking scenery is the real highlight of Anse Source d’Argent. The mixture of shallow, clear water, golden sand, and imposing granite formations make it one of the most picturesque beaches anywhere in the world, and one that’s well worth visiting for anyone taking a holiday to the Seychelles.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2)
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Major cities
Mahe
The Seychelles' main island with the capital Victoria, the Morne Seychellois jungle hikes, and stunning Beau Vallon beach.
Praslin
Home to the Vallee de Mai UNESCO reserve, the only place the coco de mer palm grows wild, and the exquisite Anse Lazio beach.
La Digue
A tiny island of ox-carts (no real roads), dramatic granite boulders, and Anse Source d'Argent — one of the world's most photographed beaches.