Victoria and Mahé

Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles islands and home to the international airport, is the gateway and hub of the archipelago, a lush, mountainous island fringed by dozens of beautiful beaches. Its capital, Victoria, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, a compact and charming town centred on a silver clock tower modelled on London's, a bustling and colourful covered market, Hindu temples and a lovely botanical garden. Beyond the town, Mahé offers the stunning beaches of Beau Vallon and the peaks of Morne Seychellois National Park.

What you actually see

• Victoria's clock tower and market - the tiny capital's landmarks.
• The botanical garden - the tropical plants and giant tortoises.
• Beau Vallon - the main island's popular beach.
• Morne Seychellois - the mountainous national park and trails.

When to go

April to May and October to November, the calm months, for the best weather and sea conditions; Victoria's market is liveliest in the morning, and Mahe's beaches and mountain trails are enjoyable year-round. The island is the natural first stop before island-hopping to Praslin and La Digue.

Honest expectations

Victoria is tiny and quickly seen, more a pleasant, colourful stop than a major destination in itself, so the real draw of Mahe is its beaches and mountainous interior rather than its capital. The island is more developed and busier than Praslin or La Digue. As the lush, scenic gateway to the Seychelles, with lovely beaches, a charming little capital and good hiking, though, Mahe is a rewarding base.

Nearby

The beaches of Mahé and the islands of Praslin and La Digue are close by.