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Seychelles, the ultimate tropical paradise, is the perfect destination for island-hopping and experiencing the laid-back island life that its three main islands offer. If you're wondering how to plan a trip to the Seychelles, visiting Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, we’ve got you covered.
In this one-week Seychelles itinerary, we'll cover how long to spend on each island and what activities to do. You’ll discover Mahe’s vibrant capital, wander through Praslin’s UNESCO-listed forests and explore La Digue’s stunning beaches.
Day 1 & 2: Mahe Island
On day 1 you'll be arriving into Mahe, the largest and most populated island with the only International Airport. When we first arrive in a new destination, we always like to take that day slow, so for the first day we'd recommend exploring Victoria and the beautiful beaches.
Alternatively, if you prefer to get right into it, here's out guide to the top 10 adventure activities to do on Mahe 👇
Chloe Butcher
Day 1: Explore Victoria and Mahe's Beaches
Spend your first morning or afternoon in Victoria, the island’s vibrant capital. You can visit the Seychelles National Museum, wander around the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market and stop by the iconic Clock Tower, a landmark inspired by the one in London.
After exploring the city, head to Beau Vallon Beach, just a short drive from Victoria. This is one of Mahe’s most popular beaches, known for its calm, clear waters perfect for a swim or a walk along the shoreline. The beach is lined with cafes and bars, so it's a great spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the scenic views.
Chloe Butcher
This is a popular location to stay in Mahe, we stayed at Sables d'Or Luxury Apartments which was a few steps away from this beach!
End your first day in Seychelles with a delicious meal at a local Creole restaurant. Marie Antoinette is a must-try for authentic creole food, with traditional dishes like grilled fish and curry; they even have a garden with giant tortoises!
Day 2: Hiking, Mission Lodge & Tea Factory
Start your day with a hike in Morne Seychellois National Park, the largest nature reserve in Seychelles. There are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to moderate.
Some of the best hikes are the Copolia Trail and Morne Blanc Trail, which both reward you with stunning views over Mahe and the surrounding islands (check out this hiking tour).
After your hike, visit Mission Lodge, a historic site that was once a school for freed slave children; which is now one of the most scenic viewpoints on Mahe.
From Mission Lodge, it's a short drive to The Tea Factory, where you can learn about the island’s tea production, walk through the plantations and sample locally grown tea while taking in the beautiful view from the mountain.
Want to make the most of your time on Mahe? Check out our 2-3 day Mahe itinerary below for more travel tips, scenic spots and hidden gems to visit on the island 👇
Chloe Butcher
Where to stay in Mahe
We stayed at the Sables d'Or Luxury Apartments and Eden Bleu Hotel on Eden Island. Both apartments were beautiful and luxurious, so we'd highly recommend!
Some other great options include:
- Four Seasons Resort Seychelles for a luxury experience.
- Red Coconut Self-Catering for a mid-range jungle stay.
- Castaway Lodge for a cosy budget-friendly option.
Day 3 & 4: Praslin Island
On the morning of day 3, take the 1-hour ferry from Mahe to Praslin, the Seychelles' second largest island. You can also take a 15-minute domestic flight for a quicker journey. The flight is more expensive, but it's well worth it for the beautiful views you get of the islands and turquoise water below!
For more detailed travel tips on finding your way around the Seychelles, check out our guide to getting around the Seychelles here 👇
Chloe Butcher
Day 3: Vallée de Mai & Anse Lazio
An absolute must-do activity on Praslin is visiting the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve home to the famous Coco de Mer palm and the rare Seychelles Black Parrot. You can take a guided tour or just wander around the tranquil forest.
In the afternoon, head to Anse Lazio, often called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. With its soft white sand, turquoise waters and giant granite boulders, it’s the perfect spot to swim, snorkel, take photos or just relax under the palm trees.
Day 4: Beaches, Scuba Diving or Curieuse Island Boat Trip
For your second day on Praslin, you can choose to relax on the beaches, go scuba diving or do a scenic island-hopping trip.
If you're a diving enthusiast (or want to try it for the first time), Praslin has some of the best dive sites in the Seychelles. Head out with a local dive shop to explore nearby sites where you can see reef sharks, eagle rays, and vibrant coral reefs. If diving isn't your thing, you can also do snorkeling to discover marine life just below the surface.
Alternatively, take a boat trip to Curieuse Island, home to a population of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises. You can walk through the mangrove forests, visit the old leper colony ruins and relax on the island’s quiet beaches.
Many boat trips also include a stop at St. Pierre Islet, a tiny rocky island with teeming coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling.
You can check out our 2-3 day Praslin itinerary for an in-depth look at how to make the most of your time here 👇
Chloe Butcher
Where to stay in Praslin
We stayed at Paradise Sun Hotel which is a resort in Cote d’Or (Anse Volbert) with luxurious bungalows that were steps away from the beach.
Some other great options include:
- Raffles Seychelles for a luxury experience with private villas.
- Colibri Hotel for a mid-range option offering beautiful sea views.
- Palm Beach Hotel for a budget-friendly option located right on the shores of Grand Anse.
Day 5 & 6: La Digue Island
Our favourite island, La Digue, is the most laid-back and picturesque of Seychelles' three main islands. With no cars, the best way to explore is by bicycle or on foot; you can expect picture perfect beaches, scenic coastal trails and a relaxed island vibe.
To get here, you'll have to take a 15-minute ferry from Praslin. We'd recommend getting an early ferry from Praslin to maximise your time here, the ferries usually start at 7 AM.
Day 5: Explore L’Union Estate Park & Anse Source d’Argent
After arriving and settling into your accommodation, rent a bike (the best way to get around) and cycle to L'Union Estate, an old coconut and vanilla plantation where you can see giant tortoise and access Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
Chloe Butcher
Its granite boulders, shallow turquoise water and soft white sand make it an absolute must-visit. We spent hours here photographing the pristine beach and exploring the turquoise waters in a transparent kayak.
In the afternoon or evening, explore La Digue’s small village of La Passe, where you’ll find small cafes, Creole restaurants and local shops. We had dinner at Fish Trap Restaurant on the waterfront, which had delicious food and beautiful ocean views.
Day 6: Hiking & secluded beaches
On day 6, we'd recommend starting the day with a hike through lush jungle to reach secluded beaches. We did the Anse Marron Hiking Adventure Tour with Sunny Trail Guide, where you'll discover one of the island's most remote and wild beaches, Anse Marron.
It's only accessible by foot with the help of a guide, but we'd definitely suggest it if you love adventure and hiking.
If you're not up for a hike or you just want another activity to do, ride your bike to Anse Cocos, another one of La Digue’s secluded beaches. It takes around 20-30 minutes to cycle here from Le Passe, and is well worth it for the pristine white sand and crystal-clear water at the beach.
Spend your last evening on La Digue enjoying fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, soaking in the peaceful island atmosphere before heading back to Mahe the next day.
Don’t miss our 2-day La Digue itinerary for more tips and must-see spots to make the most of your time on our favourite island 👇
Chloe Butcher
Where to stay in La Digue
We stayed at Coco Luxury Apartments, which we highly recommend as it has modern amenities and is located close to the main town.
Some other great options:
- Etoile Labrine Guest House for a more relaxed feel.
- Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie for a luxury experience.
- Villa Source D'Argent for a budget friendly villa.
Day 7: Take the ferry back to Mahe
On Day 7, it’s time to return to Mahe. You can take a direct ferry with a short stop in Praslin or take a quick domestic flight from Praslin to Mahe.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some extra time to explore more of the island.
Optional Activities for Your Last Day in Mahe:
- 4x4 & Mangrove Kayaking Tour – Explore Mahe’s rugged landscapes on a 4x4 adventure, discovering hidden viewpoints and off-the-beaten-path spots. You'll then be taken on a kayaking tour in the wetlands where you can paddle through a serene landscape, spot unique wildlife and soak in the island’s beauty.
- Moyenne Island Boat Trip – Join a Sainte Anne Marine Park cruise to explore Moyenne Island, home to giant tortoises, nature trails and pristine beaches. You'll also be able to snorkel in the surrounding reefs and enjoy a BBQ lunch.
If you prefer a slower-paced last day, unwind at Beau Vallon Beach, enjoy a long seaside lunch, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Victoria before catching your flight home.
This wraps up your one-week Seychelles itinerary, filled with pristine beaches, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable island experiences.
How many days do you need in Seychelles?
A week in Seychelles is the perfect amount of time to explore its three main islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, without feeling rushed. If you have less than a week, you may want to focus on just one or two islands to make the most of your time.
We spent a week in Seychelles, with four nights in Mahe, two in Praslin and just one in La Digue. However, we felt that one night in La Digue wasn’t enough to fully experience the island, which is why this itinerary includes two nights to give you more time to explore!
How Much Does a Week in Seychelles Cost?
The cost of a one-week trip to Seychelles can vary significantly based on your travel style, whether you choose budget, mid-range or luxury options.
In general, it can range from £800 - £1500pp for a budget trip, £1500 - £3000pp for a mid-range trip and anywhere over £3000 pp for a luxury trip.
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