Situated in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa, the Seychelles are quickly becoming the next must-visit tropical destination. Why? Well, for starters, the islands that make up this nation are ideal for travelers searching for everything from ridiculously gorgeous beaches, to unique flora and fauna as well as lots of local culture. However, with over 100 islands to choose from, and a dizzying number of things to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start when planning your Seychelles vacation. With that in mind, we're breaking down everything from the best time to visit the Seychelles to the prettiest Seychelles beaches and the best activities once you're on the ground (or in the water). Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Seychelles and start planning your next adventure.

If you're wondering whether you should visit the Maldives or the Seychelles, check out our breakdown here.

Beach at Banyan Tree Seychelles; Liz Allocca/zzdtravel

Although the Seychelles has 115 islands in total, most visitors end up staying on one of three islands: Mahe, Praslin, or La Digue. Mahe is the main island and the heart of local life and industry. However, it also happens to have some of the prettiest beaches in the archipelago (including picture-perfect Anse Intendance and its boulder-strewn beaches). The capital city, Victoria, is also located on Mahe.

The second-largest island is Praslin, with beautiful beaches and its own unique flora and fauna, including the coco de mer palm, which produces the world’s largest nut (it only grows here and on Curiuese Island).

Another popular destination is La Digue, which packs plenty of beautiful beaches into only four square miles. You can also find those iconic Seychelles boulder beaches on Le Digue, especially pretty Anse Source d’Argent. There are dozens of other smaller islands in the Seychelles, many of which are home to exclusive private island resorts (like the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island).

View from Raffles Seychelles; Liz Allocca/zzdtravel

Seychelles has a year-round tropical climate, with wind patterns that create a rainy season and a dry season. There are pros and cons associated with visiting in either season, though of course hotel rates will be lower during the rainy season.

The dry season in the Seychelles runs from May through September, with occasional showers in May. This time of year is considered the most pleasant time to visit the islands. Things cool down a bit during these months, from June through September, though you can still expect warm to hot days. It can be windy and swimming conditions may be rough, but if you’re after a tan this is the time to go. You can expect a surge of summer vacation tourists from Europe at this time of year as well.

The Seychelles rainy season starts in October and lasts through April (and sometimes into May). The rainiest months are in December and January, which are nonetheless packed with tourists due to the holidays. However, like most tropical destinations, the rains are rarely all-day affairs, and tend to occur in short spurts in the afternoons. The seas are generally calmer at this time of year, making this prime snorkeling and diving time.

With over 100 islands, there is no shortage of beaches in the Seychelles. And while the vibe tends to be more Caribbean than Maldivean across all of them, the Seychelles does have some of its own unique beach real estate. That’s particularly true along the jungle-lined boulder beaches that are the hallmark of the Seychelles. Check out those and our other picks below. For our full list of the best Seychelles beaches, check out our list here.

Anse Intendance beach; Liz Allocca/zzdtravel

Arguably the prettiest beach on Mahe, this mostly undeveloped strip of sand is situated in the south of the island, right by the acclaimed Banyan Tree Seychelles resort. This mile-long white-sand beach is flanked by jungle and big boulders. It attracts surfers with its generous swells, though swimming here can be risky so check with locals before you take a dip.

Anse Lazio; Maksim Shutov/Unsplash

This Praslin jewel stretches for around a mile and a half, with powdery white sands in all directions. You’ll find numerous on-beach bars and restaurants — reason enough to visit — but it’s also one of the top spots on the island for swimming and snorkeling.

Silhouette Island; Fabio Achilli/Flickr

Situated on tiny Silhouette Island, just north of Mahe, you can reach this tucked-away beach by either taking a boat or embarking on a 90-minute trek through the jungle. Either way, getting there is a big part of the fun. If you choose to hike in, you can expect to see lush vegetation and beautiful viewpoints along the way. The beach itself is glorious, with shallow waters that are perfect for snorkeling, and a small sandy coastline lined with smooth boulders and tropical trees.

Anse Source d’Argent; Liz Allocca/zzdtravel

One of the most famous beaches in the entire Seychelles archipelago, this gorgeous white-sand beach is dotted with granite boulders and lush palm trees. However, the real draw for many travelers is its shallow waters — perfect for families or anyone who’s not into the big waves found at other Seychelles beaches.

Beach near Four Seasons Resort Seychelles/zzdtravel

Also known as Anse la Liberte, this tiny beach offers soft sand and generally agreeable swimming conditions. If you’re staying at the Four Seasons Seychelles you’ll be able to walk right out onto it. Otherwise, you can reach Petite Anse via a 20-minute walk from Anse Soleil Road.

Ferry to La Digue from Praslin; Liz Allocca/zzdtravel

The Seychelles is undeniably readymade for couples, and plenty of honeymooners come here every year to lounge on the beach and stay at fabulous hotels and resorts. Oh, and the snapshot-worthy setting doesn’t hurt either. Romantic sunset catamaran cruises are popular with couples, though exploring the less-accessible boulder-strewn beaches also comes with romantic rewards. If you and your partner are more active, consider embarking on one of the myriad local hikes available across the islands; Mahe’s Trois Frere Trail is a particularly popular choice, or opt to hike to Anse Mondon if you’re on Silhouette Island (and staying at the Hilton Seychelles Labriz, for instance). Diving, snorkeling, and water sports are also great active-couples options.

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