Tourists visiting Seychelles can plunge into the stunning world of pristine nature of the region. Many travelers believe that the island of Praslin is the most beautiful of the whole archipelago. No wonder it is called the "Garden of Eden." Holidays on the stunning beaches of the island will never get bored.
A bit about the island
Praslin Island is located 36 kilometers from Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. Its area reaches 26 km. sq. The island is the second largest in the archipelago, no more than five thousand people live on it. You can get to the island in 15 minutes by plane from Mahe or in 2.5 hours by boat.
The island is composed of rocks resembling granite. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches with amazingly clear water. There are never waves on them due to the fact that the island is covered by coral reefs. Here, large beaches and bays alternate with small bays, so even in the season you can find a secluded place.
Despite the fact that Praslin is called the second largest island of the archipelago, it is incredibly comfortable and compact, you can get around it in just an hour. A corner of paradise is worth a visit.
Culinary preferences
The cuisine of the island of Praslin (Seychelles) is a kind of symbiosis. It is based on traditional recipes of local Aboriginal people, which were significantly influenced by European and French cuisines. A favorite dish of the local population is rice with fish. It is worth noting that rice is the main product on the island. It is usually served with lemon sauce. Vegetables are equally important for residents. A rare sea coconut is growing on the island, which is a source of pride.
Tourists arriving on the island of Praslin should definitely try fish dishes, which are the basis of food. What is not in the menu of local institutions: lobsters, salted fish in sauce, crabs, shatini from shark, tec-tech shells and much more. The fish dishes on the island are deliciously prepared. They feel a certain lightness and sophistication, which was borrowed from French cuisine.
Meat is less often cooked at local establishments. Among the dishes worth paying attention to barbecue with fruit sauce and chicken curry. If you want exotic, certainly try a bat stew. Very tasty culinary specialists cook pork in banana leaves.
Of the drinks, you should pay attention to the local Saber beer, which is prepared on the basis of fermented coconut juice. Seychelles prefer to drink coffee, vanilla and black tea.
Beaches
The main pride of the island of Praslin is the beaches. It is for their sake that numerous tourists come here. Experts believe that the coast of Praslin is the best in the Seychelles. Here wonderfully combines the splendor of pristine nature and quality service.
The whole island is surrounded by white sandy beaches that are washed by turquoise waters. The best places to stay are Anse Lazio and Cote D'Or.
The first of them regularly falls into the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Tall palm trees and takamaka trees adorn the coast. A photoshoot on Anse Lazio is the dream of any photographer. The beach is located on the coast of Chevalier Bay in the northwestern part of the island. Tourists recommend admiring the sunset at Anse Lazio. You have never seen such a stunning landscape. Thanks to the lush tropical vegetation along the coast, there is always a shadow on the beach. Therefore, relaxing here is not only pleasant, but also comfortable. On the one hand, the beach is limited by natural boulders, and on the other, a smooth transition to another part of the coast.
Anse Lazio is very convenient for families with children, as it has a shallow and shallow go into the sea. Adult tourists have the opportunity to snorkel and appreciate the beauty of the underwater world. According to tourists, Anse Lazio is really beautiful. In life, the beach and nature are even more impressive than the photos on advertising booklets. Excursion groups from other islands also bring this section of the coast to enjoy.
Cote D'Or
Cote D'Or - the main beach of the island of Praslin (Seychelles) with a huge number of hotels. The local coast is a dazzling white sandy strip with crystal clear sea. Its length reaches 2.5 kilometers. The name of the beach translates as "Golden Coast". A variety of hotel complexes were built along it, among which there are fashionable five-star establishments and more modest apartments.
It is worth noting that all the beaches of the island of Praslin have one thing in common. They do not have the usual tourist paraphernalia characteristic of such places. In the Seychelles, it is customary to leave untouched natural landscapes. Despite the fact that you can find fashionable resorts on the coast, the beaches of the island are striking in their natural beauty. Here you can go snorkeling or take a ride on one of the yachts, which are anchored in the bay.
Anse Curlan
Anse Curlan is one of the longest beaches on the island of Praslin (Seychelles).
This section of the coast was highly prone to erosion, so special breakwaters were built to reduce the influence of waves. Thanks to the efforts, it was possible to restore the problem areas of the beach.
Island Attractions
Sights of the island of Praslin (Seychelles) are natural in nature. The most important of these is the May Valley Reserve, which has been under UNESCO protection since 1983. In this amazing place, a virgin tropical world has been preserved. The reserve is known for the fact that an incredibly rare black parrot lives on its territory, and a unique palm tree grows, its fruits are considered a symbol of the country.
Another outstanding attraction of the island of Praslin (photo is given in the article) is the Black Pearl farm. Its very name characterizes the type of activity. On the farm are engaged in the cultivation of high-quality black pearls and mollusks. The farm provides guided tours for tourists, during which you can learn how to grow shellfish, how to process pearls. The final stage of the tour is the opportunity to purchase beautiful jewelry. What woman will refuse such an exciting event, especially when it comes to jewelry?
In addition, tourists can visit the local villages of Grand Anse and Bai Sant. On a fascinating tour, guests are introduced to the culture of the local population, as well as traditions. There are two galleries on the island, in the walls of which the best works of artists are collected, and the George Camille Gallery.
Not far from Praslin is the island of Arid, which is considered the second most important nature reserve.
If you want to buy gifts, then you can buy spices, straw hats, T-shirts, fragrant tea.
All the great shops and shopping centers of Seychelles are located on Mahe Island. But on Praslin, as on other islands, there are only small shops and street tents. And despite this, it is popular among shopaholics. And the thing is that a unique coconut tree grows on the island. Its fruits are the most popular souvenir. The cost of one such coconut is $ 200. In addition, local liquors, furniture and utensils made from coconut wood are in demand.
The pearl farm is no less attractive in terms of shopping. You can buy very beautiful jewelry on it.
The island has the only museum that is located in the Cote D'Or beach area. The institution will appeal to those who want to get acquainted with the traditions and culture of the entire archipelago. In the museum’s garden you can see the endemic and rare plants that grow in the Seychelles.
The excursion to the restaurant is interesting because during it guests are offered to grill breadfruit, taste a coconut drink and take a direct part in traditional activities. The museum has a small shop where you can buy entertaining souvenirs.
Curieuse Island
Local guides offer to visit the Curieuse island, which is located just a kilometer from Praslin. Its length is only three kilometers. It is of interest because 250 huge turtles, brought ten years ago from the Aldabra Atoll, live on its coast. There is a hiking trail on the island, walking along which you can get acquainted with marine life. There is a lot of picturesque lagoons on Curieuse, on the territory of which real reef sharks and large green turtles live.
Cousin island
No less attractive is the island of Cousin, located two kilometers from Praslin. On its territory is a bird sanctuary. From the island of Praslin in the Seychelles (photo is given in the article), trips to Cousin are organized. True, you can visit the reserve only on certain days. On the island is the local organization, Seychelles Nature. Numerous birds inhabit the protected area, among which there are rare representatives. The best time to visit the island is from April to November. It was at this time that more than 250 thousand birds flock to the reserve to nest. Rare species of lizards and giant turtles are found on the island. For guests, Cousin is open only once a week.
St. Anne's Cove
There are many picturesque places in Praslin. One of them is St. Anne's Bay. It attracts tourists with turquoise water, a variety of flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes. There is a small port in the bay that accepts modest cruise ships. It is worth noting that the bay is located in an inaccessible place, which can only be reached by water.
The main attraction of this place is the sunken ship, the remains of which are located near the coast. It is he who attracts here many divers from different parts of the world. By the way, this amazing place is very loved by photographers. Photos from the bay can be seen on calendars and in famous travel magazines. And in 2000, there were shots of individual fragments of the popular Mexican series “Rescuers”. By the way, a unique view of the neighboring islands of La Digue and Mahe opens from the bay. Every year on its territory diving and surfing competitions, and other cultural events are held.
Lazio Bay
Lazio is one of the most beautiful bays in the north of the island. It resembles a crescent bay, bordered on all sides by picturesque cliffs. By the way, Lazio is the only place in Praslin where guests can admire the small waves. At this point, the island is not protected by coral reefs.
Where to stay in Praslin?
The choice of hotels on the island of Praslin is quite large. Here you can find housing for a different budget. The island is highly developed in terms of tourism. On its territory there are a large number of hotels that offer a variety of rooms and a high level of service.
Mango Lodge 4 * on Praslin Island is one of the popular resort hotels. It is located 300 meters from the beach. It offers stunning views of neighboring islands and the coast. The mini-hotel consists of only eight wooden chalets, near which there is a diving center and restaurants. Hotel rooms are equipped with ceiling fans, mini-refrigerators, kitchens, TVs, coffee and tea sets.
No less attractive on the island of Praslin is Chez Bea Luxury Villa 4 *. The luxurious villa is surrounded by a garden near the beach of Côte d'Or. The territory of the institution is equipped with a barbecue area.
The apartments have a dining area, living room, terrace, air conditioning. The kitchens are equipped with all necessary appliances. The guests of the establishment have the opportunity to use all the services. There is a restaurant on site.
Among the hotels on the island you can even find five-star resorts with their own beach. If you are looking for more affordable accommodation, then you can give preference to small villas or cheap hotels. By the way, there are hostels on the island. According to tourists, there are a lot of mid-range hotels on the island where you can choose. Since Praslin is modest in size, the place of residence does not matter much. Getting to any part of the island is easy.
Janet Island is private. It is located just 200 meters from the famous Cote D'Or Beach. You can get to it during low water even on foot. The Chauve Souris Club is a wonderful place for a quiet and secluded holiday. There are five luxurious rooms located on the coast among granite cliffs surrounded by lush vegetation. This amazing place offers good swimming and snorkeling conditions.
Climatic conditions
Praslin Island is among the ten best beaches in the world. The beauty of the region is not the only pride. A wonderful climate is another factor that attracts tourists from all over the world. Praslin is located in a humid tropical climate. Seasonality in the region is practically absent. Throughout the year, the air temperature is in the range + 24 ... + 29 degrees. From December to May, frequent rains occur on the island. However, they are usually short-term and warm. Rains usually do not cause inconvenience to vacationers.
In addition, there is a coral reef around the island that encircles it. It is he who provides a calm swim in the sea throughout the year. There are no storms in Praslin, only a small disturbance of coastal waters is possible. But strong winds happen from May to October.
Grand Anse
Inexperienced tourists will be interested to know that there are no cities in Praslin. The main village is the village of Grand Anse. This place attracts with landscapes, sandy coast, a variety of fauna and flora. The area of the village does not exceed two km. sq., and the population is hardly a thousand people. On its territory is the administration of the island, two ancient temples, a football field and many souvenir shops.
Locals live in modest wooden houses, the roofs of which are made from palm leaves. There is no infrastructure in the village, so tourists are very surprised at where the people have fun.
Praslin island: reviews of tourists
Reviews of tourists about the island are very diverse. It strikes some with natural beauties, while others are unpleasantly surprised by the lack of noisy entertainment and clubs. Praslin is perfect for a wild vacation. If you like nature untouched by civilization, the ocean and endless sandy beaches, then this place is ideal for you. And numerous attractions will allow you to have fun.