Anse Lazio

Anse Lazio is the beach that turns up on every world's-best list, and unusually for such lists, it earns the ranking on arrival: a broad curve of pale sand at the northern tip of Praslin, bracketed by the smooth pink-grey granite boulders that are the Seychelles' signature, with takamaka trees leaning over the sand for shade and water that shelves gently into clear turquoise. It is one of the few famous Seychellois beaches with no reef directly offshore, which makes swimming easy and the water notably clear, and the granite outcrops at either end give snorkellers something to explore.

What you actually see

• The granite boulders - the sculpted rock formations at both ends of the bay.
• Swimming and snorkelling - clear water and rocky ends with reef fish.
• The takamaka shade line - the natural tree cover along the back of the sand.
• Sunset from the northern rocks - the beach's quiet finish to the day.

When to go

The transition months between monsoons - roughly April to May and October to November - bring the calmest seas and clearest water. The southeast trade season from May to September brings breeze and some seaweed; the northwest season from December to March is hotter with brief heavy showers.

Honest expectations

There is no reef break offshore, so on windy days waves and currents can be stronger than the calm photographs suggest - swim within your ability and watch conditions. Facilities are minimal: a couple of small restaurants behind the beach and little else, so bring water and sunscreen. It gets busy midday when tour groups arrive; early morning and late afternoon are close to empty. There is no public transport directly to the sand - the bus stops a walk away uphill.

Nearby

Vallee de Mai, Anse Georgette and the ferry link to La Digue are all on or from Praslin.