Where are the Seychelles islands on the map. Seychelles on the world map: where are the Seychelles Islands located. Entertainment and relaxation

On Seychelles Lately, a lot of tourists from Russia have begun to travel, and this is not surprising, because there is so much exotic stuff there that you won’t find everywhere on the mainland.

These islands are located in the Indian Ocean and are not very close, or rather, very far from the mainland.

These islands are poorly visible on the map and are therefore outlined in red.

Seychelles How geographical feature are located in the Indian Ocean. To be more precise, northeast of the island Madagascar. By geographical concept it is considered East Africa. This island archipelago is often simply called Seychelles.

It should be noted that on these islands there is also a state with the same name - the Republic of Seychelles / Republic of Seychelles.

View from space, from satellite -



We can find the Seychelles islands on the world map by the following characteristics: they are located in the western part Indian Ocean, slightly south of the equator, north of Madagascar and approximately 1600 km east of the African mainland.

They are famous for their unique nature, in particular the Seychelles palm tree, which grows only on these islands, as well as the island of birds, where many migratory birds fly.

The Seychelles Islands are located in the Indian Ocean. If you see the traditional map of March, where the American continent is on the left and the Eurasian continent on the right, then the Indian Ocean is in the lower right quarter. Can you find the African continent? To the right of it, the landmark is the island of Madagascar, all the dots above it are the Seychelles Islands.

The Seychelles Islands are located in the northern Indian Ocean. The red dot indicates their approximate position on the world map.



Here detailed description and coordinates of the islands:

It is always warm here, thanks to the special climatic conditions. Nature is rich and diverse. Plants grow there and birds live, which are found only here. Another difference between Seychelles is that the coastal beaches have the whitest sand and the most crystal clear water, striking in its transparency. Many people want to visit here.



You need to look for islands in the Indian Ocean, more precisely in the western part, south of the equator, east of Africa. At first, it is easier to find the island of Madagascar on the map, because it is much larger than any of all 115 Seychelles islands combined. So the Seychelles on the map will be located north of this island, that is, you need to look for them on the map above Madagascar.

The Seychelles Islands on the world map are a resort area located in the Indian Ocean. This is one of the most small countries, consisting of more than 100 islands.

The paradise archipelago, called the Seychelles, is located in the third largest ocean by area - the Indian Ocean.

Seychelles on the world map

It is located near Madagascar in East Africa.

Capital of Seychelles and main airport

The capital of the Republic is the city of Victoria, which is located on the largest of the 115 islands - the island of Mahe. There is also an international airport, which began operating in 1971. There are several other domestic airports on the islands, but it is Pointe Larue that meets all international requirements.

When is the best time to vacation in the Seychelles: weather by month

The Seychelles are located near the equator, so it is always summer here, which can only be overshadowed by rain.

Weather on the islands by month:

Popular cities and resorts

The Seychelles Islands are easy to find on the world map. But cities, in their classical form, are much more complex.

The most visited cities in Seychelles

Cozy streets with shops and colonial-style architecture greet tourists only in the capital of the state on the island of Mahe.

Takamaka and Cascade are wonderful cities located on the same island. Next door to them are no less important settlements– Anse Boileau, La Reunion, Anse Royale and Port Sainte-Rita.

Main beaches of Seychelles

On the main island of the archipelago there are more than 50 beaches that are never empty. One of the most visited is the Beau Vallon resort. Praslin is an island that has many small beaches suitable for families and good hotels. La Digue Island is a place where nature has gathered all its best colors. There are pink beaches framed by granite rocks.

Top hotels

The Seychelles is rich in many hotels, which, regardless of size and location, provide full service, in accordance with the world standards of other hotels anywhere on the world map.

Hotels with the best performance:

Hotels in the archipelago vary in comfort. Therefore, you can always find an option for accommodation at the lowest possible cost. The cheapest houses are located far from the beaches and do not have entertainment facilities on their territory.

The best beaches in Seychelles

Seychelles on the world map is a place where there are many beaches suitable for both have a relaxing holiday, and for active time forwarding.

You need to choose a beach for relaxation based on your preferences for recreational activity. Families with children should not choose places where there is strong wind and waves, and there is a strong undercurrent.

How long to fly to Seychelles

There are several airports in the Seychelles. International traffic is available only through Pointe Larue Airport, located on the island of Mahe.

Flight time depends on the number of transfers:

1. Sheremetyevo (Moscow) – Belgrade – Abu Dhabi – Mahe – 25.5 hours.
2. Vnukovo – St. Petersburg – Istanbul – Mahe – 25.5 hours.
3. Domodedovo – Doha – Mahe – 19.5 hours.
4. Domodedovo – Istanbul – Mahe – 13.5 hours.
5. Domodedovo – Abu Dhabi – Mahe – 24 hours.
6. St. Petersburg – Istanbul – Mahe – 18.5 hours.
7. St. Petersburg – Dubai – Mahe – 12 hours 45 minutes.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets

How many days to vacation in Seychelles

Many tourists, trying to escape the bustle of the city, believe that they can spend their entire vacation in the Seychelles. But even the most active travelers will become bored on the islands after 10-14 days.

Cost of tours to the Seychelles in an all-inclusive package (average prices in Moscow)

The average price for an All Inclusive package for 2 adults depends on the hotel chosen. Most cheap option– from 300 thousand rubles. The most expensive is approximately 800-900 thousand rubles.

How much do last minute tours to the Seychelles cost?

The cost of last-minute tours to Seychelles also depends on the carrier, hotel and month of flight. It varies from 44,000 rubles. up to 130,000 per week for 2 adults.

Is it possible to buy tickets yourself (how much do they cost)

Many airlines offer all kinds of promotions on tickets to the islands. Therefore, sometimes buying a ticket directly from the carrier can be quite profitable. A one-way flight can cost about 20,000 rubles.

Prices for tours to the Seychelles without flights

The cost of a tour to the islands without airfare for 2 adults is about 130 thousand rubles.

Cost of hotel accommodation

The Seychelles islands stand out on the world map not only because of their beauty and isolation; the cost of hotel accommodation is also impressive. The cheapest apartments will cost 20 thousand rubles. for 1 person for 3 nights.

More comfortable housing can reach a cost of 60,000 rubles. If we consider accommodation in small houses, then the price for 3 nights per person will be 10,000 rubles.

Is it worth going to the Seychelles as a wild person?

A trip to the islands as a “savage” may not be as joyful as it seems in your dreams. Many Russian residents do not know about the intricacies of the legislative side of the archipelago. Therefore, planning independent trip, you need to know that pitching tents in the Seychelles is prohibited. And if you don’t rent housing, you’ll have to live in the jungle.

It is also worth noting that a snack in a cafe is also not a cheap pleasure. And if you don’t have the finances to book a hotel and eat normal food, you’ll have to eat fruit, which, fortunately, is abundant on the islands.

Required list of documents to obtain a voucher

Citizens Russian Federation Those planning to spend no more than 30 days on the islands do not require a visa. To fly to the Seychelles, an international passport is enough.

What is the currency in Seychelles

The country has a currency called the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). 1 rupees costs approximately 4.5 rubles.

Attractions and cost of excursions

The main attraction of the islands is the natural and pristine nature. Therefore, tourists crave professional excursions, the cost of which starts from 20 euros.

In addition, you can travel around the islands on your own by creating an individual excursion program with or without a guide.

Cost of lunch in a restaurant

The Seychelles Islands stand out on the world map not only amazing landscapes, but also an abundance of all kinds of restaurants. The cost of lunch there depends on several factors - the status of the establishment, the cuisine, and the visitor’s appetite.

Cheaper food in cafes. Seafood, fish, vegetables, pasta and rice are the main components of dishes in such establishments. The cost of dinner in a cafe will be 300-500 rupees.

How much do food cost?

There is only one supermarket in Victoria, which offers a varied range of food products. Local stores sell only a standard set of products needed by every resident of the island.

Average cost of products in the STC supermarket:

1. Fish – 60 rupees per kg.
2. Drinking water – 50 rupees per liter.
3. Beer - 20-30 rupees per 0.3 liter.
4. Coffee – 100 rupees per 200 g.
5. Condensed milk – 25 rupees per can.
6. Ice cream – 15 rupees per piece.
7. Bread – 15-20 rupees.
8. Eggs – 40 rupees for 10 pieces.
9. Sausages - more than 40 rupees for 10 pieces.

Entertainment: what to do in Seychelles

Among the entertainment in the archipelago are the following:

Transport and car rental in Seychelles

To look at the Seychelles from all sides, you need to be mobile. To do this, you can rent a car. Documents you will need are a national or international driver's license, driving experience of 3 or more years, and age of at least 22 years.

But this service is not in very active demand. After all, many mountain roads and left-hand traffic frighten compatriots. Many people prefer to rent a taxi rather than risk their lives driving a rented car through the mountains.

For those who are determined to drive independently, it is recommended to opt for a car with a high seating position - an SUV. You can travel around the city at a speed of no more than 45 km/h, and the number of gas stations on the island does not exceed 10.

Most tourists prefer bicycles, on which they can comfortably explore nearby attractions. The demand for this transport is so great that bicycle rental offices often do not have enough for everyone.

How much money to take to Seychelles

Holidays on the islands cannot be called cheap. Entertainment, food and shopping will cost a tourist at least $150 per person per day. These are the most conservative estimates, without dinners in expensive restaurants and yacht rentals.

Seychelles on the world map is a country that annually attracts thousands of tourists, despite the expensive accommodation and entertainment.

Article format: Mila Friedan

Video about Seychelles

Seychelles in the TV show Heads and Tails:

Today I am opening a new and long-awaited column about the Seychelles - a truly heavenly place on Earth and a tropical resort located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles is one of the prestigious destinations of beach tourism, a place that will be appreciated not only by sunbathers, but also by fans of active recreation. Unique beauty Seychelles resorts attract tourists from all over the world and travelers from Russia who are happy to spend their long-awaited vacation in the Seychelles. So I’ll share everything I know about these incomparable islands: what kind of state the Seychelles is, where it is located, do you need a visa to visit, what language do they speak there, what kind of money is used, how long does it take to fly there and what are the prices? for air tickets, when is the best time to vacation there and what islands and hotels are in the Seychelles. In general, my article is about how best to prepare for a trip to the Seychelles and what is worth seeing there to make your holiday in the Seychelles memorable for a long time.

I will begin my story, of course, with a definition and brief description Seychelles, where they are located on the world map and what a vacation there is like.

Seychelles is an island state (its full name is the Republic of Seychelles), located below the equator in the southern hemisphere in East Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, with a population of about 90 thousand people and a territory of only 455 km 2. According to the form of government, the country of Seychelles is a presidential republic, which gained independence from Great Britain on June 29, 1976. The flag of Seychelles has 5 colors radiating from the lower left corner and was adopted on June 18, 1996.

basic information

Judging by where the Seychelles Islands are located on the map - slightly south of the equator, approximately 1600 km east of the African mainland, their belonging to Africa can be called very conditional, especially considering the unique animal world these islands. However, geographically the Seychelles is located closest to Africa, next to another famous island- Madagascar.

Seychelles on the map

Capital of Seychelles is the city of Victoria, the largest city in this country. It is located on the largest island of the Seychelles archipelago - Mahe (its area is 142 km 2). Seychelles International Airport is also located there, the runway of which is only 3 meters above sea level.

The territory of the Seychelles is formed by islands rising 4-8 meters above the ocean, which in the Seychelles are of two types: granite and coral. It is very easy to distinguish between them: people live and relax on granite (inhabited) ones, but coral ones, similar to, are mostly uninhabited and can only be visited as part of excursions.

Do you want to know how many islands there are in the Seychelles? Compared to other island states, there are not so many, only 115 islands. However, only 33 of them are inhabited. Moreover most of tourists relax in the best hotels, such as Four Seasons And Hilton Seychelles on the largest Seychelles islands - Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette - or on small and private islands with exclusive hotels - North, Fregate, Felicite, Denis and a number of other resorts.

The flora and fauna of the Seychelles includes a large percentage of endemics - birds, reptiles and plants that are found only on this archipelago of islands and nowhere else in the world. Seychelles palm trees grow here, the fruit of which weighs up to 20 kg and is considered the largest in the plant world. And also live rare species birds - Seychelles small black parrot and bulbul nightingale.

Here is an interesting overview video about Seychelles:

It is important to know: detailed background information about Seychelles, look at Wikipedia, and I will continue to share with you practical information about this country and holidays in it.

I would compare the Seychelles with Hawaii: there are also several large islands, each unique in its own way. Therefore, when preparing trips to Seychelles the most important thing is to choose the right island on which you will relax. If we compare it with the Maldives, then everything will be completely different, because it is not so important (in essence they are almost all the same) how to decide whether you want to relax.

Here are three of the best hotels in Seychelles:

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles 5* - a real paradise lagoon and stunning views of the ocean. The hotel is conveniently located in the southwest of Mahe island in a separate cove of Petite Anse. From the airport it can be reached in just half an hour. Accommodation in spacious villas with expensive interiors and a swimming pool. It features two restaurants serving Creole and international cuisine, a hillside spa with panoramic views and the best yoga center in the Seychelles. Price per room – from $1000 per day. Book Four Seasons 5*

Raffles Seychelles 5*- relatively new hotel with a magnificent design of the rooms, an excellent sandy Takamaka beach without pebbles and an incredible level of staff. This truly fabulous place is located on the island of Praslin. It offers romantic and family villas and apartments with superb interiors and a private pool, yoga room and children's club. For the convenience of guests, there are as many as 3 restaurants on site, which often host themed evenings. Ideal locations for a holiday in the Seychelles. They speak Russian at the hotel, there is a Russian manager. Price per room – from $1100 per day. Book Raffles 5* hotel

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa 5* is the only hotel on Silhouette Island. He's in the top best hotels in the Seychelles and is the wildest, which will especially appeal to nature and ocean lovers. The well-groomed hotel grounds are suitable for romantic and family vacation or a retreat in comfortable solitude. Everything is blooming all around, as if in paradise, and the birds are singing, and the convenient beach is well suited for children. Among the staff there are very competent Russian-speaking people, not everyone will tell you about the island - a real nature reserve with a pure atmosphere and beautiful landscape. Complete relaxation is guaranteed! Price per room – from $450 per day. Book Hilton 5* hotel

Seychelles on the map

Legend on the map:

• Burgundy color - airports and ferry piers of Seychelles;
• Blue color - islands in the Seychelles;
• Yellow color - the most famous beaches of Seychelles;
• Green color - Seychelles national parks.

Holidays in Seychelles

So, I told you the basic information about the Seychelles, and now let’s talk about what the Seychelles is like the best place for beach and romantic getaway. It is no secret that the Seychelles constantly compete with the Maldives in these two prestigious categories, and tourists choose where it is better to relax - in the Seychelles or in the Maldives. And at the same time, the Seychelles is slightly ahead of its competitor as the best wedding destination for a vacation and honeymoon. general impressions and price for two.

If you don't know what the language is in Seychelles, then keep in mind that Seychelles has three official languages ​​- Seychellois Creole, French and English. All residents speak mainly Creole, which is a variety French. However, the staff in Seychelles hotels and the majority of those employed in the tourism sector speak English, because tourism accounts for about 30% of the country's GDP.

Why go to Seychelles

• Romantic getaway and wedding. If you want to have a wedding there with Seychellois flair and live music, a honeymoon in luxurious surroundings, renew your vows for a family anniversary, spend a relaxing and expensive beach holiday with your loved one and do a lot at the same time beautiful photos. In general, every category of romantic getaway is available in the Seychelles;
• Vacation with children . Families with children also love holidays in the Seychelles. Many hotels have children's clubs where your child will be engaged in interesting games with other little travelers, and will also be able to explore the Seychelles in an educational way with experienced mentors;
• Go diving. Since the Seychelles has many coral islands and rich underwater life, the diving here is as five-star as in the Maldives. In addition, do not forget that everything in the Seychelles is unique: there are fish, birds and animals that are not found anywhere else on Earth. It is for this reason that experienced and novice divers come to the Seychelles and go scuba diving in one of the best places on the planet for this;
• Trekking in nature and active recreation. This category works best for me. I don't like to just relax on the beach and do nothing. At least for a long time. And I definitely need to go somewhere, see the beauty of the world around me, climb higher on the mountain. So, the Seychelles are just ideal in this regard: you come and relax for a couple of days on the beach, and then you can go trekking into the jungle, visit tea plantations, study the local flora and fauna, and visit small towns and villages. And when he was tired of exploring the world, he returned to the beach again. Moreover, the beaches here are truly heavenly!
• Beach holiday. And finally, if you’re just tired of everything and want to have a great rest on secluded beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and you’ve already been to the Maldives, then why not visit the Seychelles this time?

Tour to the Seychelles or a trip on your own?

There are two simple ways, how to relax in Seychelles:

• Buy a ready-made tour to the Seychelles;
• Organize your own vacation.

Both are expensive. But going to the Seychelles, nevertheless, is the best gift you can give. Unlike the Maldives, where today there is a large selection, budget holidays in the Seychelles are not yet sufficiently developed. Yes and direct flight there is no flight from Moscow to the Seychelles yet, even the ubiquitous one does not fly there. So you will have to get there with a transfer, but it will be much more exotic and interesting, won’t it?

• So, if you prefer to entrust your vacation to trusted travel companies and pay more for it, you can familiarize yourself with their offers and look at tours to the Seychelles for the dates you are interested in on the website.
• And if you are like me, solo traveler, then you just need to buy inexpensive air tickets (on the Aviasales website), book hotels that suit you on Booking and check out online. That's all you need to go to the Seychelles yourself!

Map of Seychelles (from seychellesbookings.com)

Direct flights to the Seychelles from Russia have not yet been opened. Therefore, the best way to fly to the Seychelles from Moscow is to buy tickets with a transfer in one of Arab countries, for example, in the UAE or Turkey. Tourists also often choose a flight from Moscow to Seychelles with a short connection in Europe (usually via Serbia).

How long is the flight to Seychelles? It all depends on the choice of airline and the number of transfers. If you take inexpensive tickets Moscow - Seychelles at a price of 500-600 dollars, then the travel time will be from 18 to 24 hours. But air tickets to the Seychelles from Russia with a short connection in Dubai will cost more, $600-800 per person, and the entire flight will take only 13 hours.

It is important to know: If you want to fly to the Seychelles, keep in mind that the time difference with Moscow is only +1 hour, which is not so much. Remember to set your watch forward after landing in Seychelles so that it shows exact time in the Seychelles.

Upon arrival in the Seychelles, you arrive on the island of Mahe, in the center of which the Seychelles International Airport is located. Then tourists need to think about transfer to the hotel:

• Vacationers on the island of Mahe can simply order a transfer: anywhere on the island can be reached in 30-40 minutes by bus from the hotel.
• To Praslin Island You can fly from Mahe using domestic airlines - Air Seychelles or take a ferry. Many high-end five-star hotels offer private helicopter transfers from the airport directly to the hotel - usually starting from $600.
• You can get to La Digue island by ferry from Mahe; the journey takes about 3 hours. Or use a combined method: first get to Praslin (by plane or ferry), and then take a ferry to La Digue (it takes only 20 minutes). This is convenient if you choose both islands for your vacation and live on each of them in turn.
• To Silhouette Island tourists are brought exclusively by helicopter, since there are only two hotels there, one of which, Hilton, organizes this transfer.

To get to other private islands, like Providence, where Seychelles House 2 is filmed, hotel guests usually book a helicopter transfer. But some of them, for example, Fregate Island, can be reached by ferry. This is due to the fact that Fregate is an important tourist destination and is of interest to many travelers from a historical point of view.

As I said, to have a great holiday in the Seychelles, first you need to choose an island, and then a hotel and a beach on it. For the most curious travelers, I recommend visiting all three main islands, especially if the number of days on your vacation allows it.

So how are they different? islands in Seychelles?

• Mahe- this is the central and most big Island in the Seychelles, where the international airport and the capital Victoria are located. The city of Victoria itself is a small copy of London (after all, the Seychelles used to be an English colony) and at the same time competes with for the title of the smallest capital in the world. There are amazing beaches along the shores of Mahe, there are a lot of them - about 70 in total! Despite the fact that Mahe is a busy island, its western part is very quiet, and this is where the most prestigious and expensive hotels are located. Also on Mahe there is nature reserve — national park Seychelles Morne (Morne Seychellois National Park), in the middle of which there is the most high mountain in the Seychelles - Morne Blance (height 907 meters) and the jungle around. Among other things, Mahe also has tea plantations - a heritage of the British. Almost an ideal island for relaxation - both beach and active, right?
• Praslin — beautiful island, which is unique for its unusual palm trees, for which a national park was even organized here. It’s not for nothing that Seychelles was called a leader among honeymoon trips, because the coconuts of local palm trees look like a heart! So Praslin is the island of love in the Seychelles. The beaches here are as beautiful as those on Mahe, but on Praslin they are quieter. At the same time, in small towns you can find nightlife- bars and discos. Divers also come to Praslin who dream of exploring undersea world in local waters. So if you also dream of diving, be sure to include Praslin Island in your Seychelles itinerary.
• La Digue- This is the smallest among the granite islands, and at the same time it has the largest rocks. If we continue to compare the islands, and call Mahe an island-city, and Praslin a small town, then La Digue is undoubtedly a village. At the same time, the village is cozy and fantastically beautiful. This is a way to get away from everything and everyone, live among tropical beauty, relax on snow-white beaches and relax in silence. It also has its own attractions, such as Eagle's Nest Mountain and Union Estate Park. It was also on the island of La Digue that the iconic film “Goodbye Emmanuel” was once filmed, and there you can even see the preserved house of the planter from this movie. By the way, it will be important for budget travelers to know that on the island of La Digue hotel prices are significantly lower compared to other Seychelles islands, both the most expensive room categories and simpler accommodation.
• Silhouette- This wild island in the Seychelles. Yes, after a village, you can call an island with only two hotels in the middle of the jungle wild. So if even the village atmosphere is too crowded, welcome to Silhouette, where there are very few people.

Sand and beautiful beaches in Seychelles

All beaches in Seychelles sandy and located in small coves (you will immediately notice their names in French - anse, which means bay). That is, if the name contains the words Anse, it means a bay, and therefore a beach. Another feature of the beaches in the Seychelles is that they are all municipal. That is, everyone can come and relax, even if you are staying in a five-star hotel.

Tourists who come to the Seychelles inexpensively are quite happy with this arrangement. Since sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach are free, you can book a cheaper hotel on the second line, and go to the beach of expensive hotels and not deny yourself anything.

Helpful advice: What to do if you want to relax on a beach where there are few people? There is a solution - choose a hotel away from populated areas, then there will be no one to come to the beach except tourists.

Many beaches in the Seychelles are without waves, as the bays are surrounded by breakwaters and special fortifications. One of these beaches is the most popular and party place Beau Vallon Beach, which is located near the capital of Victoria. This means that the Seychelles is ready for the arrival of families with children and those tourists who are not very good swimmers. But also places with good waves There are also surfing and diving spots - especially on the islands of Denis, Felicite, Alphonse and Silhouette.

Intendance Beach - the most beautiful in the Seychelles

Which beach to choose in Seychelles?

Do you need insurance in Seychelles?

Insurance in Seychelles will be needed, especially if you plan to engage in active sports. And for everyone else who just wants to relax on the beach, just in case, it’s better to take care of their health and not leave it to chance. I also recommend purchasing health insurance if you are going on vacation with children.

Compared to the total cost of a holiday in the Seychelles, insurance is not at all expensive. However, if you need to use medicine in the Seychelles, it will greatly help in saving on medical care costs.

Don’t forget, Seychelles is Africa after all! But at the same time, you do not need to do any special vaccinations before the trip.

Visa to Seychelles

For tourists visa to Seychelles not required if the period of stay in the Seychelles does not exceed 30 days (as well as).

So if you are flying for two or three weeks, feel free to take your international passport and tickets, and at Pointe Larue International Airport (Mahe Island) upon arrival you will be given an entry stamp and - welcome to the Seychelles! All you have to do is go through customs.

By the way, before your flight, read the list of what you cannot bring to the Seychelles and what you cannot take out, as well as how much cash you can bring and take with you to the Seychelles.

Currency in Seychelles and what money to take with you

Official currency in Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). There are 100 cents in 1 rupee. Banknotes in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 rupees and coins of 1 and 5 rupees, as well as cents - 1, 5, 10 and 25 are in circulation.

Despite the fact that prices in the Seychelles are indicated in rupees, in the Seychelles you can officially pay with other money - American dollars and euros, which are used here on a par with the rupee. So you can take both dollars and euros with you to the Seychelles, but cash rubles must first be exchanged for foreign currency.

• The exchange rate of the Seychelles rupee to the dollar is quite stable and does not change significantly. It averages 14 rupees per 1 US dollar. 1 rupee = 4 rubles, 1 euro = 16.5 rupees.
• It is not difficult to exchange dollars for local currency. This can be done at the airport, in many ways. exchange offices in the city, bank branches or directly at your hotel.
• It is important to know that the reverse exchange of money - from rupees to dollars or euros - is possible only if you have the original currency exchange receipt. So don't throw it away unless you plan to leave with Rs. Moreover, it is generally prohibited to export more than 2 thousand rupees per person from the country.
• In hotels and restaurants it is better to pay for services by bank card. And in transport, small shops and cafes, cash is preferred - local rupees, dollars or euros.
• Tipping in Seychelles is usually 10% and is already included in the bill. Unlike and, all taxes that must be paid for accommodation are usually already immediately included in the prices shown in the hotel booking system. That is, this is the final price and there is no need to calculate anything additional and estimate how much more you will have to add.

When is the best time to fly to Seychelles - weather and seasons for holidays

Climate in Seychelles- tropical, but very soft. Temperatures fluctuate slightly between months throughout the year. We can say that the weather in the Seychelles is approximately the same all year round: the average air temperature during the day is +26..29°C, and the water temperature is +25..28°C. There are no strong winds, and rains occur much more often in winter than in summer.

Seasons in Seychelles not as pronounced as in Maldives. This is not to say that there is a time when you shouldn’t even think about flying to the Seychelles. You just have to keep in mind that during winter period From December to February there is more precipitation. Moreover, the rainiest month in the Seychelles is January, and in December and February there is also quite a lot of rainfall. Therefore, it is better not to travel to the Seychelles in winter. Although you can take a risk if you are not a big fan of going into the jungle or going on excursions to see nature. It rains in the mountainous regions of Mahe and Silhouette islands. In this, the Seychelles are similar to Hawaii. It may rain in the mountains, but the sun is on the beach. The rest of the year - spring, summer and autumn - the Seychelles is a great holiday!

Conventionally, the seasons in the Seychelles are usually divided into two:

• hot from December to May, with rain from December to February;
• cool - from June to November, when the air temperature is quite pleasant and there is little rain.

Thus, When is the best time to fly to Seychelles?? That's right, summer! But it is also possible in spring and autumn.

You may ask, but how? new year holidays, and is it really not worth going to the Seychelles in winter? You can take a chance and try to go, because the weather in the Seychelles at this time is generally not bad, but if you still want to guarantee yourself a 100% sunny vacation on the beach, then it is better to choose from December to March.

Transport and car rental in Seychelles

The Seychelles is an island nation, but it is developed enough to cleverly arrange transport links between its islands.

There are several ways to travel between the Seychelles islands using different transport:

• By plane domestic airlines Air Seychelles can fly between the two largest islands in the Seychelles - Mahe and Praslin. In addition, this company connects Seychelles with other islands and countries in the Indian Ocean - Madagascar and Mauritius, as well as mainland Africa - Tanzania, Kenya and others.
• Public ferries They also go between the islands, and this type of transport is the cheapest in the Seychelles. In just an hour you can get from Mahe to Praslin. It will take another twenty minutes to swim between Praslin and La Digue. And in two hours you can get from Mahe to Fregate.
• Helicopter is the most convenient way to get not only to private islands or Silhouette, but also right on the territory of the most prestigious hotels on all islands, including Mahe, there are equipped helipads.

Ground transportation on the islands:

• Mahe and Praslin also have good local transport. There are clear and convenient routes ground transport with the option to buy an all-day pass for just 5 rupees (about 40 US cents). Buses run from early morning until the evening. There are also minibuses (minibuses) that connect Mahe International Airport with the capital Victoria.
• A taxi in the Seychelles is also a great way to get to your hotel, go to the store or visit attractions, and it’s very inexpensive. Taxi pays according to the meter. Landing (or rather the first kilometer) costs 15 rupees, and then another 5 rupees are added for each subsequent one. For example, during the day you can get from the airport to the capital for only 75 rupees (at night it will be more expensive).

Car rent- this is the most convenient way to see the island of Mahe or Praslin on your own. If you are planning to see nature or go to the mountains, then it is better to immediately take a four-wheel drive vehicle and be an experienced driver. Road traffic in the Seychelles is on the left, and the roads in the mountains are narrow and in some places look like serpentines.

• To rent a car in the Seychelles, you will need an international driving license (IDP), and your driving experience must be more than 3 years.
• There are not many gas stations in the Seychelles: only 6 gas stations on the island of Mahe and 2 more on Praslin. It is better to know their location in advance so as not to be left without gasoline when you rent a car in the Seychelles.
• It is also worth remembering that the maximum permissible speed in the Seychelles is 65 km/h, and in the city it is generally only 45 km/h.

Bicycle rental will be most useful on La Digue Island. But on other islands you can also try to travel by bike, if you have experience and desire.

Diving, surfing - what to do in the Seychelles

- this is interesting not only for those who already master this skill, but also for beginners who just want to try underwater diving. The Indian Ocean is very a nice place for scuba diving. In addition, near the Seychelles there are various unique fish and giant Aldabra turtles.

• Visibility in the water near the Seychelles is up to 30 meters;
• The best time for diving in the Seychelles is from September to October and April to May.

The best places for snorkeling are along the coast of the islands (the boat ride takes about 10-40 minutes). Don't miss the UNESCO-protected Aldabra Island and the site of the English tanker Ennerdale Rocks, where turtles and a variety of deep-sea fish now live. Other recommended dive spots are Mammel Island and Tropheus Rocks.

Surfing It is also popular in the Seychelles, especially on the islands of Mahe and Praslin.

Where to surf in Seychelles:

• On the island of Mahe, the best beaches are Grand Anse, Beau Vallon and Anse Bougueville. In the west of the island the waves are more unpredictable, while in the east they are calmer;
• On the island of Praslin, Anse Lazio beach is ideal;
• On the island of Silhouette - Anse Lascar.

Beaches in the Seychelles for surfing by skill level:

• Beaches for beginners in surfing: Beau Vallon and Carana (Mahe);
• Beaches only for pros: Anse Bougainville, Anse Royale, Barbaron and Misfit Bay (Mahe);
• Beaches for people of all skill levels: Anse Goulette (La Digue), Bel Ombre and Anse Intendance (Mahe).

Brief history and culture of Seychelles

History of the Seychelles closely related to European discoveries. There is practically no information left about the time that existed before the Europeans first landed in the Seychelles. Except that the Arab pirates used some islands (Silhouette, Frigate) for their base. Also, the Malays from Borneo could replenish their supplies of water and provisions in the Seychelles on their way to Madagascar.

But as for the written history of the Seychelles, it begins from the moment when the great navigator Vasco da Gama sailed past them at the very beginning of the 16th century (in 1502) on his way to India. For some time these were no man's lands, but the British first declared their territory of the Seychelles when, following in the footsteps of Vasco da Gama more than a century later (in 1609), they sailed to India and were caught in a storm. Seeing the land, the British landed in the Seychelles and immediately decided that this piece of paradise was now in the possession of the English crown. However, since resort islands were not in fashion then, it was not entirely clear how these lands in the middle of the ocean could be useful. And the British left them alone, but first they described them in detail.

Then, a little more than a century later, the French became interested in the islands and founded the first settlements there. They arrived in the Seychelles in 1756, looked around, and decided that, together with Mauritius, the Seychelles would make an excellent base for them (Mauritius is a source of sugar cane). Then they brought people here from Madagascar and East Africa, turning them into slaves. The name Seychelles did not appear immediately. The Seychelles Islands began to be called this way in the second half of the 18th century in honor of the French Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Sechelles.

During the wars with Napoleon, which took place not only on land, but also at sea (many remember Nelson’s victory), battles also took place in the distant Indian Ocean. In 1794, Britain drove the French out of the Seychelles and began cultivating huge coconut palm plantations there with the help of slaves.

In 1814, the Seychelles became a colony of England under the Treaty of Paris. Life became better under the British. At least in the sense that in 1835 they finally abolished slavery. But at the same time, they began to encourage the import of hired workers - Arabs and Indians. It was necessary to work, and someone also had to conduct trade.

The independence of the Seychelles was declared quite late (compared to India), only in 1976, when the Seychelles became a Republic ruled by a president.

Interesting facts about Seychelles:

The history of the Seychelles is quite short compared to world history. Nevertheless, a tangle of events has formed an unusual historical cocktail here.

• Despite the fact that most of the time the islands were owned by the British, the name of the country itself and all its objects is French.
• The brought slaves mastered French culture. Now it is called Creole - that is, African and French, born from mixed marriages and a common household. Now here the language is Creole, that is, it seems to be similar to French, but not quite, the cuisine is Creole, the religion is Creole: all are Catholics, but with their own African flavor.
• The fact that the British brought Arabs and Indians did not greatly affect the situation. Hindus, Arabs and other peoples in the Seychelles are in the minority. Their culture is officially recognized, but does not greatly influence the general state of affairs; Creoles still remain the absolute majority.

Attractions in Seychelles

The main attraction of the Seychelles is their fantastic nature, which is definitely worth watching. Since most tourists come here for beach holiday, then the picturesque beaches on the islands are the best thing in the Seychelles for them. In general, the beaches here are also important attractions, and they are all different - rocky or sandy, with white sand or pink sand, with a calm sea or high waves, suitable for surfing. In general, if you have time and desire, you can personally visit many Seychelles beaches and see their unique diversity.

In the meantime, I will briefly tell you about the most interesting sights of the Seychelles:

• Source d'Argent is the most photographed beach in the Seychelles. To be more precise, this is the most photographed beach in the whole world! It is located on the island of La Digue and is famous for its granite boulders. You've probably seen this photo on the Internet. It was precisely because of this photo that I learned about the Seychelles and wanted to go there.
• Aldabra Island is one of the most famous outer Seychelles islands, which is located in a UNESCO protected region. It does not consist of granite, but coral, and is located geographically closer to Africa, next to the Comoros. The peculiarity of this island, in addition to its extraordinary lagoon where divers come to dive, is that Seychellois giant turtles- unique Marine life. All in all, it's worth paying a pretty penny to see them in their natural habitat and get to know them.
• Bird Island, which is a half-hour flight from Mahe, is especially popular from May to September. From the name it is immediately clear that this island is the habitat of birds, black terns. In the summer (winter for the Southern Hemisphere) there are so many of them that you can become deaf from their conversations.
• Curious Island, which is part national park in the Seychelles, has also become home to giant tortoises. But, as far as I understand, they were transported there from Aldabra.
• Cousin Island near Praslin is home to some endangered animals. The Seychelles is a unique place, and the animals here are endemic. And some of them, unfortunately, are on the verge of extinction.
• Vallee de Mai is another Seychelles national park on the island of Praslin where you can admire sea palms and their coco de mer nuts. I love all palm trees very much and always find time to visit such unique places as the garden of Californian palm trees in Joshua Tree Park. I’ll definitely set aside an hour or two for sea palms in the Seychelles.
• Victoria is the largest city and capital of Seychelles. Compared to world capitals, this town is quite small, but here you can see in detail how the British settled on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, far from rainy London.

Here's what else you can do in the Seychelles, besides sightseeing:

• Diving
• Surfing
• Fishing
• Island tours
• Trekking on Mahe and Silhouette. Why not?
• Beaching is undoubtedly the most important point of the vacation program
• Getting to know the local cuisine.

Holidays

Seychelles is a Catholic country. Therefore, the main holidays here are also Catholic, and their celebration is not much different from the usual European holidays.

Generally, holidays in Seychelles can be divided into two types:

1. Religious
2. Related to the independence of the Seychelles Republic from Great Britain (all of them occur in June).

Here are the days declared public holidays (national holidays) in the Seychelles:

• New Year(January 1-2)
• Good Friday
• Easter
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (June 3)
• Liberation Day (June 5)
• national day(June 18) - this is main holiday in the Seychelles.
• Independence Day (June 29)
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15)
• All Saints' Day (November 1)
• Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (December 8)
• Christmas (December 25)

Cuisine and restaurants

The cuisine in the Seychelles is special - Creole. What does it mean? Creole cuisine in the Seychelles took its island location and traditions as a basis, added European culinary delights (mostly French) on top and mixed it all with Indian spices. The result is an original tropical mix that all tourists should definitely try.

The basis of Creole cuisine is, of course, seafood. Rice, curry and coconuts are also constantly used. What do you think is the most common dish in the Seychelles? Of course, rice with fish. Not just, but with spices and coconut sauce.

And since there is quite a lot of fish caught in the Seychelles, there is also an abundance of fish dishes here. Anyone who loves seafood will not get bored in the Seychelles either - octopus, crabs, lobsters and so on. In addition, expensive hotels always have European or other Asian restaurants. So it’s impossible to stay without pizza and sushi.

As for inexpensive food, the Indians always come to the rescue. If you want something local and colorful, you can always go to an Indian restaurant or buy food right on the street. It's inexpensive and adds interesting variety to your diet.

The locals like to drink different types fermented coconuts, sugar cane, mint infusions. And of course, they bring in wines - French and South African.

Tours to Seychelles and prices

Trip to Seychelles tour– this is a rather expensive pleasure, but almost every tourist can go there. The price of the tour depends on the cost of the flight, the luxury of the hotel and the distance of the island from the airport (transfer fee), as well as on your special preferences. Since there are practically no experienced tour operators in the Seychelles, it will take a very long time to book a trip to the Seychelles with them. It is much more convenient to organize your trip yourself, especially since it is not at all difficult. In this case Seychelles tour for two will cost much less since you will not pay a large commission to the travel agent.

Tour price to Seychelles strongly depends on the season (in the summer from June to August - high season and the highest prices, and on New Year it can be very expensive), as well as on your ability to save and desire to understand the features of a holiday in the Seychelles before starting your trip. Because you can immediately book the most expensive hotel and quickly spend all the money in a few days on expensive entertainment, as in the Heads and Tails Seychelles program. But it would be much more rational to calculate in advance the approximate budget for a tour to the Seychelles, taking into account your own wishes, choose a good hotel on the beach or in nature, plan cultural program and visiting attractions to see as much as possible.

As an example, I will provide information about Seychelles price for two— the cost of air tickets and double rooms in hotels, if you book a room yourself on the website Booking.com:

But how much do ready-made tours to the Seychelles cost with a flight from Moscow - the price for two, taking into account fuel surcharges and all surcharges (without meals, only breakfast or all inclusive):

What else you need to know about the Seychelles

The best hotels in the Seychelles, where Russians most often go, are the following:

• On the island of Mahe - Kempinski Seychelles 5* and also Savoy Seychelles 5*
• On the island of Praslin – Raffles Seychelles 5*
• On the island of La Digue – Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort & Spa 4*
• On Silhouette Island - Hilton Seychelles 5*

In general, Russians are not often found in the Seychelles, but some rich people here have their own villa, registered in a Seychelles offshore. A few years ago, when local authorities did not disclose information about company owners, many preferred to buy property in the Seychelles in order to optimize the payment of their taxes. However, now that all data has become open, keeping money in the Seychelles has ceased to be as profitable as it was before.

1) group of islands in the Indian Ocean S.-V. from O. Madagascar; territory of the state of Seychelles. Open Portuguese seafarers at the beginning of the 16th century V. and called the Seven Sisters, - "sisters" because Portuguese ilha "island" wives genus, and seven is used to designate a set and does not indicate a specific number of islands (there are now 85 of them) . In 1742 G. Captain L. Pico by order French Governor Bertrand F. Maheu, Comte de la Bourdonnais examined islands and named them in honor of the governor of La Bourdonnais. However, already in 1756 G. they were renamed to islands Sechelle (Sechelles) in honor of the Minister of War and Navy. Maurois de Sechelle's fleet (the name of the governor was retained for the main island of the Mahe archipelago) . In 1794 G. arch. captured by Great Britain and the name was given to English, the form of Sepshela (Seychelles) , Russian traditional Seychelles Islands.

2) Republic of Seychelles, state V zap. parts of the Indian Ocean, on the Seychelles, Amirante and etc. smaller ones. Named after the Seychelles, which are approx. 75% of the territory of the state.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.

Seychelles

(Seychelles), state on the islands in Indian Ocean – Seychelles, Amirante, Cosmoledo, Praslin, Providence, etc., a total of 115 islands, total area. 405 km² (including the largest Mahe - 142 km²). Capital Victoria . Discovered by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th century, the islands remained until the end of the 18th century. served as a base for pirates. Since 1756, architect. belonged to France (named after the Minister of Finance M. de Seychelles); in 1774 they were transferred to Great Britain. The USA has on about. Mahe station for tracking artificial earth satellites. Since June 28 (national holiday) 1976 independent Republic of Seychelles ; the head of the state is the president, the legislative power is vested in the National. meeting. Member of the British Commonwealth. The climate is subequatorial, maritime. In internal Evergreen tropical forests have been preserved in the areas. There are many endemics, including the relict Seychelles palm coco de mer ("sea coconut") on the island. Praslin (the world's largest nuts weighing up to 20 kg and leaves up to 3 m wide); giant turtles weighing up to 250 kg on the island. Aldabra, bird colonies on the island. Cousin and others. Population 90 thousand people. (2001); in the main Creoles. Official language - Creole, or Krio (French with an admixture of English, Swahili and Malagasy); English and French are also used; 90% of the population are Catholic Christians. OK. 60% of processed sq. occupied by coconut palm plantations. The main export product is copra (45% of exports). Vanilla and essential oils such as patchouli, cinnamon (cinnamon), cloves and other spices are also exported. Sah. are grown. cane, tobacco, fruits (mangoes, bananas, pineapples), vegetables, breadfruit, tea. Basic food product rice is imported. Alive: large horn. cattle, pigs. Fish (tuna). Tourism provides 90% of foreign exchange earnings. Small production lines for processing. village-household raw materials; production of furniture, boats. Manufacturing of products from palm fibers, turtle shells, etc. Int. airport. Cash unit – Seychelles rupee.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Seychelles

a group of 85 islands and rocks in the Indian Ocean, northeast of the island of Madagascar. The earliest name for the Seychelles is “Seven Sisters,” presumably Portuguese. Total area OK. 444 km². It is part of the state of Seychelles. Composed of granites and coral limestones. The largest: o. Mahe and Fr. Praslin. Three types of origin of the islands have been established: high granite, low rift, raised reefs. High islands have a dissected topography with the greatest abs. mark on o. Mahe (905 m). Low islands are fringed by coral reefs, sometimes wide. up to 2 km. The climate is subequatorial marine. Average month temperatures 26–28 °C. Precipitation up to 5000 mm per year. On large islands there are tropical forests, on the peaks they turn into crooked forests. National parks in the Morne Seixuellua mountain range and around the islands. The islands were discovered by the Portuguese F. Soares in 1502.

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Edited by prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .

SEYCHELLES

REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
A state located on 115 islands scattered in the western Indian Ocean northeast of the island of Madagascar. The area of ​​the country is 455 km2. The state consists of two island groups: Mahe in the north and the coral islands in the south. The 32 islands of the Mahe group are granite rocks, and their height above sea level sometimes exceeds 900 m. The main islands of the country are located in this group. These are the islands of Mahe, Platte, Silhouette, Coetivie. 83 coral islands have practically no water resources and most of them are uninhabited.
The country's population (estimated for 1998) is about 78,650 people, with an average population density of about 173 people per km2. About 90% of the population lives on the island of Mahe. Ethnic groups: Creoles - 95%, Indians, Chinese. Language: Creole (dialect based on French), English, French (all state). Religion: Catholics - 90%, Protestants - 8%. The capital and largest city is Victoria (35,000 people). The government system is a republic. The head of state is President France Albert Rene (in office since June 5, 1977, re-elected for another term in 1993). AND Currency unit- Seychelles rupee. Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 67 years for men, 74 years for women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 19.7. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 6.6.
The first Europeans on the islands were the Portuguese in 1502. However, they did not colonize the territory. In 1756, the islands, at that time still uninhabited, came under French control and in 1768 the first settlers appeared on them - planters and slaves. The islands were annexed by Britain in 1794 and were administered from Mauritius for the next century. In 1903, the islands became a separate dependent territory. On June 29, 1976, the country gained independence. In 1978, the activities of all political parties except the ruling ones were banned, which was enshrined in the 1979 constitution. In 1991, the ban on multi-party politics was lifted. Seychelles is a member of the UN, the Organization of African Unity, and the British Commonwealth of Nations.
The famous Seychelles palm tree, discovered in 1742, grows in the Seychelles. The height of the palm is 30 m, the crown of 30 leaves, the length of the leaves is 3-5 m, the width is 2-2.5 m. The palm blooms at the age of 20 to 40 years and the flower lives for 8-10 years. The main attraction of the country are the beaches.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

Seychelles (Republic of Seychelles) is a state on the Seychelles and Amirante Islands, on the Aldabra and Farquhar Islands in the Indian Ocean. Area 405 sq. km. The population (81.8 thousand people) consists of Creoles. official languages- English and French. The believers are mainly Catholics.
Seychelles - 115 paradise islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The islands owe their name to the French expedition of 1756, whose commander renamed the islands, giving them the name of the French Minister of Finance of that time - Viscount Moret de Sechelles. Later, the new owners of the islands, the British, began to call them in the English manner - Seychelles. The Republic of Seychelles gained independence in 1976. As a former colony of Great Britain (cm. Great Britain) it is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The head of state is the president. Legislative power in the country belongs to the President and the National Assembly. The basis of modern society is made up of Creoles - descendants of French settlers and African slaves. There are also many Indians, Chinese, Malagasy and English.
The interweaving of races and ethnic groups has formed the unique culture of the Seychellois. About 85% of the total population lives on the main island of Mahe, 30% of them live in the capital of the state and the only city in the state, Victoria. Of the 115 islands, only 33 are inhabited. The mixing of the population affected the diversity of religions. The vast majority of residents are Catholics, but there are also Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, and even Confucians.
Seychelles love music and dancing, and often organize festivals and folk celebrations. The dance halls are crowded with representatives of all nations and ages. Local music is often played: old French tunes with a local interpretation. In mountain villages you can still watch African dances to the beat of tom-toms. Seychelles women are known for their sociability, friendliness and hospitality. As a result, all over the world, where men who have visited the Seychelles meet in bars and nightclubs, rumors about a “paradise for bachelors” are spreading. Every year the islands are visited by a number of tourists equal to the total population of the state, and in last years- even more.

Geography
To find the Seychelles Islands on the map, you need to count from east coast Africa (from coastline Kenya (cm. Kenya) or Tanzania (cm. Tanzania)) 1500 km to the east. All 115 islands barely cover 0.4 thousand square meters. km, of which 142 sq. km accounts for main island Seychelles - Mahe. The Seychelles contains several groups of islands: the Seychelles proper, the so-called Inner Islands (Mahe, Praslin, Bird, La Digue, Fregate, Curieuse) and the so-called Outer (remote from the island of Mahe) Amirant Islands, Aldabra Islands and Farquhar Islands. The islands, although small, are scattered over a huge area and the distance between some of them exceeds 1000 km.
The uniqueness of the Inner Islands lies in the fact that their structure is similar to the African continent and the Indian subcontinent (all of them, together with Madagascar, once formed a single continent). That is why the Seychelles is often called fragments of a continent, and sometimes even a microcontinent. In contrast, the Outer Islands are composed of corals and are typical atolls. The most high point on the mountainous island of Mahe reaches 905 m above sea level. Coral islands barely rise above the ocean expanses by 4–8 m. The long-term isolation of the islands ensured the safety of a completely unique animal and flora on the islands themselves, and the warm and gentle sea guarantees everyone who wants to dive into its depths the richest fantastic world of coral reefs.

Climate
It never gets cold in the Seychelles. Average annual temperatures range from 26–28 °C. There is a lot of precipitation (from 1900 to 3500 mm), and it usually falls in the summer. The “hottest” season occurs in March–April, but this is very conditional, since the difference with other months is barely 2–3 °C. The heat is usually moderated by constant winds from the sea. The seasons differ mainly in the number of rainy days. It is somewhat drier in May–November. The local population is always interested in the direction and strength of the winds, which affects the ability to go out into the ocean to fish. However, there are no really strong hurricanes in the Seychelles; cyclones pass to the side, closer to the island of Mauritius.

Story
The first inhabitants of the islands in the Middle Ages (13–15 centuries) were in the sphere of influence of the East African state of Zanzibar, and at the beginning of the 16th century they were discovered by the Portuguese. Decline of Portugal (cm. Portugal) in the 17th–18th centuries contributed to the capture of the archipelago by France (cm. France). The naval war between Great Britain and Napoleonic France that flared up at the beginning of the 19th century led to a change of masters. From 1810 until the 20th century, power on the islands was firmly held by the British Crown.
In 1814, the Seychelles united with the island of Mauritius into a single administrative-colonial unit, and in 1880–1890 the British government granted them the right to create local authorities, including executive and legislative councils. The small size of the island population for a long time did not allow the national liberation struggle to be waged, and only after the Second World War did popular discontent take on the character of open social protest, which also resulted in mass strikes in 1966 and 1972. In 1970, Great Britain granted the islands the right of broad internal autonomy. On June 28, 1976, the Seychelles were declared an independent republic.
Natural attractions
Nature is the main asset of the country. Its originality is associated with a unique history of development, which made these islands a kind of natural reserve, where species of plants and animals have been preserved that have long disappeared in the adjacent territories of the African continent. The Seychelles became a paradise for birds much earlier than for tourists. Almost the entire feathered world is represented here - from the inhabitants of the thicket of the tropical forest to lovers of the ocean spaces; There are many unique endemic species listed in the World Red Book, whose populations number only two to three dozen individuals. In total, the Seychelles is home to 14 endemic bird species (when the islands began to be settled by Europeans, there were 16). It is worth visiting the huge bird market on the tiny island of Bird, 100 km north of Mahe Island. The spectacle is truly impressive, and if you go during the season, you will be lucky enough to try dishes made from the eggs of sooty terns.
A colony of frigatebirds (one of the largest birds) can be seen on Aldabra Island. Their colony numbers several hundred thousand and is considered the largest in the Indian Ocean. The tropical forests are inhabited by parrots (black wasa parrots and “cato noir”, a dwarf green parrot), weaver birds, Seychelles doves, Seychelles falcons, Seychelles owl, etc. On the island of La Digue the only small colony in the world has been preserved (about 40 in total). individuals) of paradise flycatchers.
Cousin Island was purchased by Bird Conservation International and turned into a bird sanctuary. Terns (several species), petrels, white-tailed birds and other birds inhabit this island. Some bird species are found only on the islands of the Indian Ocean. Under the name "coco de mer" are known double coconuts of huge size (on average they weigh 15 kg), which grow only on the island of Praslin (25 miles from the island of Mahe). For many centuries and even millennia, these bizarrely shaped nuts remained a mystery to the whole world. They were washed ashore by storms in India (cm. India), Sri Lanka (cm. Sri Lanka) and even Indonesia (cm. Indonesia) That's why they got the name "sea coconuts". No one knew exactly what it was or what the origin of these objects was. As a result, the most amazing legends were formed. Until the mid-18th century, even small pieces of these nuts were highly valued.
They were credited with amazing healing properties for many diseases. Versions have been put forward that the island on which the amazing Seychelles palm tree grows was the place where the Garden of Eden was located, and that the tree itself is the famous “tree of knowledge,” and its fruit is precisely that forbidden one. The most famous grove of these amazing plants, which you will not see anywhere else, is located in the Vallée de Maye, the only reserve where excursions are provided for tourists.
Ancient representatives of amphibians, turtles, can be considered one of business cards Seychelles. These islands are one of the few places on earth where giant turtles have been preserved (some specimens reach a length of 125 cm). The largest colony of these amphibians is famous for the island of Aldabra. There are few turtles left on other islands due to extermination over the last 200 years.
Almost all the Seychelles islands have coral reefs. Thanks to the transparency and shallowness of the ocean and shores, the underwater world of the reefs is fantastically rich and diverse. You can participate in sea ​​trip on a glass-bottom boat, or snorkel or scuba dive, or simply walk along the reefs exposed at low tide. You need to walk on the reefs in shoes (preferably with thick soles), and dive in a wetsuit. The Seychelles provides the opportunity to go on fishing trips that will last a lifetime. You can catch tuna or shark, and if you’re lucky, you can also catch huge sailfish or marlin, about 200 kilograms!

Holidays in Seychelles
Tourists are attracted to the Seychelles by the opportunity to soak up the luxurious beaches, sunbathe, live in comfortable conditions, swim among the coastal corals and simply relax in a calm and friendly atmosphere. The sea around Seychelles is considered shark-free. However, swimmers and those who like to swim far need to remember the danger of coastal currents. All the islands have many beautiful beaches.
The most famous, “civilized” beach of Beau Vallon is a strip of fine sand and is located on the main island of Mahe. Here you can indulge in any of the main types of entertainment - sailing boats, windsurfing, canoes, water skiing. Clean water and bottom provide ideal conditions for swimming, and the presence of restaurants and bars nearby eliminates the need to return to the hotel during the day. A lot of small islands, such as Praslin or La Digue, offer the opportunity to spend a completely quiet and relaxing day on the shore away from people.
Perhaps the only danger for swimmers is sea ​​urchins and some poisonous fish. You can avoid unpleasant encounters by swimming in a safe place and using some caution. Each island has comfortable hotels, campsites and bungalows. You can always hire a boat to travel to other islands.
Wandering along the shore and diving in the coastal waters, you can find a lot of wonderful shells (more than 300 species of shellfish live around Mahe Island alone) and corals, but you cannot export them. For exported “natural” souvenirs, it is necessary to obtain a special permit, which, as a rule, is issued if there is a certificate of their official acquisition (a receipt confirming that the item was officially purchased).

National parks
There are several national parks on the islands. They allow you to get acquainted with the main natural attractions and just have a good time. The National Marine Park is organized around several coastal areas and waters of the islands of Sainte-Anne, Cerf and Moyenne; Underwater coral landscapes are protected here. The mentioned huge Aldabra atoll has been turned into a reserve for the conservation of giant sea turtles, as well as a colony of frigate birds. The May Valley on Praslin Island has been declared a national park; it is here that the famous protected grove of amazing Seychelles palm trees is located. An ornithological reserve has been established on Cousin Island to preserve the endemic feathered inhabitants of the islands.

Islands
There is only one city in the Seychelles - the capital Victoria on the main island of Mahe. In addition to Mahe Island, the main, “large” islands are Praslin, Aldabara, La Digue, Berd, and Moyenne.

Mahe
The main island is home to the bulk of the population, and it is this island that serves as the base for tourists arriving at the modern international airport. Comfortable hotels to suit all tastes and budgets are scattered throughout Mahe. Most of them are brought from the depths of the island and from the city closer to the ocean, to the beaches. There are practically no buildings higher than three floors. There is a ban on the construction of structures higher than palm trees, so as not to spoil the landscape.
It is interesting to visit the local bazaar, the village of crafts, go to the shops with spices and herbs, look into the mosque and Hindu temple, visit the port, watching the arrival of fishermen with a varied catch. The city has a lot of bars, restaurants and discos. Life in Victoria flows calmly and slowly, quite like a resort, which helps create the image of an ideal relaxing holiday. You can climb the slopes of the mountains surrounding the capital, walk along tropical forest, view from above the main wealth of the islands - fantastic beaches of coral sand. It is interesting to travel around the island by car; the mountain roads offer amazing views.

Praslin
The second most important island is famous for its extraordinary groves of Seychelles palm trees. In fact, the entire island is one rock up to 300 m high. Its slopes, destroyed by erosion, are cut through by picturesque green valleys. There are only two villages on the island, but small, cozy, completely homely hotels with all amenities have been built for tourists.

Aldabra
The world's largest coral atoll miraculously avoided the fate of becoming a British military base, but it became a place of pilgrimage for tourists, and most importantly, biologists and ecologists from all over the world. The inner lagoon occupies almost 200 km 2. Narrow straits divide the atoll into four segments. Aldabra has become a refuge for huge turtles (land and sea) and many thousands of birds.

La Digue
On the island you can find a quiet Robinson-like holiday, a completely clean seabed, and clear water. The only transport here is ox carts. National Museum under open air will introduce you to the traditions of copra mining. Many consider this island the most cozy corner of Seychelles.

Bird
You can get to this “bird paradise” (as evidenced by the name of the island) by plane, and stay in a fairly comfortable family hotel. Lovers fishing will not remain indifferent to the possibilities of grand ocean fishing.

Moyen
The island belongs to a private individual, but is fully equipped for receiving guests. What attracts people to this tiny piece of land is not only the opportunity to soak up the beach in silence and solitude, but also the hope of finding pirate treasures allegedly left on this island. Everyone is given the opportunity to try their luck.

Encyclopedia of tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .

Seychelles is an archipelago that is an island nation. Palm trees with the largest fruits in the world grow here.

Locals believe that this is the very forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge that Adam and Eve ate. But anything can happen! Many people call these islands the real Eden.

Seychelles is located in East Africa. They are quite easy to find on the world map. The reference points can be Africa, the Indian Ocean, Madagascar and the equator. It is necessary to find the African segment of the Indian Ocean. Not far from the shores of this continent, Madagascar is immediately noticeable, and a little higher on the map, that is, to the north, are the Seychelles.

You need to look just south of the equator. You can also find quite prominent Kenya and draw a line from its shores. Its length will depend on the scale of the map. In reality, the distance corresponds to approximately 1600 km.

History with geography

The Seychelles archipelago consists of 155 granite islands. The latter are practically unsuitable for living. The first are the main settlements. The largest of the granite group - Mahe, where the capital of Seychelles is located - Victoria. It is on this island that about 80% of the state’s inhabitants live, approximately 72 thousand people.

For comparison, on one of the largest islands in the country - Silhouette, is home to about 200 people. It is on it that the graves of the first travelers - Arab sailors, dating back to the 9th–10th centuries, have been preserved.

In 1502, admiral Vasco da Gama, during the second voyage to, designated the Seychelles as the Admiral Islands. The French began to create the first settlements here in 1756. And in 1814, according to the Treaty of Paris, they transferred their possessions to the British. But only 41 years ago the Seychelles became an independent state.

From that time until 1991, socialism reigned in the country. It was replaced by a market economy. Now the locals are making money from their history, but from a completely different part of it - the pirate part. Brave corsairs hid here themselves and hid their treasures.

Capital of Seychelles and main airport

Main city Seychelles is small - about 20 square kilometers. The name Victoria was given in honor of the English queen. Previously, the first French settlement existed on this site. Port Royal.

A tour of one of the smallest capitals in the world will take a traveler no more than an hour.. You can see a small copy here Big Ben, see the only street in this country that is equipped with traffic lights and try Creole cuisine.

There are two terminals near Victoria international airport Seychelles - Airport de La Pointe la Rue. The first terminal accepts flights from other countries: Kenya, Ethiopia, UAE, Qatar, as well as charters from Germany and the Netherlands. The second terminal is located nearby and sends planes with travelers to the islands of the state. To get to the Seychelles, it is more convenient to choose flights with a transfer in Doha or.

Having found out where the Seychelles Islands are located on the world map, all that remains is to plan your trip. After all, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see paradise with your own eyes: the purest snow-white beaches, the bright blue of the ocean and the lush emerald green of lush vegetation!