Tourists who visit the Seychelles can plunge into the stunning world of the pristine nature of the region. Many travelers consider Praslin to be the most beautiful of the entire archipelago. No wonder it is called the "Garden of Eden". You will never get tired of relaxing on the island's stunning beaches.
A little 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, it is home to no more than five thousand people. You can get to the island in 15 minutes by plane from Mahe or 2.5 hours by boat.
The island is composed of rocks resembling granite. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches with stunningly clear water. They never have waves due to the fact that the island is covered by coral reefs. Here, large beaches and coves alternate with small bays, so even in season you can find a secluded place here.
Despite the fact that Praslin is called the second largest island in the archipelago, it is incredibly cozy and compact,You can walk around it in just an hour. A piece of paradise worth visiting.
Culinary preferences
The cuisine of Praslin Island (Seychelles) is a kind of symbiosis. It is based on traditional recipes of local natives, which have been significantly influenced by European and French cuisine. 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 no less important for residents. The island grows a rare sea coconut, which is a source of pride.
Tourists arriving on Praslin Island should definitely try fish dishes, which are the basis of nutrition. What is not on the menu of local establishments: lobsters, s alted fish in sauce, crabs, shark shatini, tech-tech shells and much more. Fish dishes on the island are prepared amazingly delicious. They feel a certain lightness and sophistication, which was borrowed from French cuisine.
Meat is cooked less often in local establishments. Among the dishes worth paying attention to are kebabs with fruit sauce and chicken curry. If you want something exotic, be sure to try bat stew. Very tasty cooks cook pork in banana leaves.
From drinks, you should pay attention to the local beer "Sabrew", which is prepared on the basis of fermented coconut juice. Seychellois prefer to drink coffee, vanilla and black tea.
Beaches
The main pride of Praslin Island are the beaches. Here for themmany tourists come. Experts believe that the coast of Praslin is the best in the Seychelles. The splendor of pristine nature and quality service are wonderfully combined here.
The whole island is surrounded by white sandy beaches that are washed by turquoise waters. Anse Lazio and Côte d'Or are considered the best places to stay.
The first of these regularly ranks among the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. The coast is adorned with tall palm trees and takamaka trees. A photo shoot 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 watching 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 shade on the beach. Therefore, resting here is not only pleasant, but also comfortable. On the one hand, the beach is limited by natural boulders, and on the other hand, a smooth transition to another part of the coast.
Anse Lazio is very convenient for families with children, because it has a gentle and shallow entry into the sea. Adult tourists have the opportunity to go snorkeling 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 promotional brochures. Tour groups from other islands also bring to admire this part of the coast.
Cote d'Or
Côte d'Or - the main beach of Praslin Island (Seychelles) with a hugethe 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 is translated as "Golden Coast". A variety of hotel complexes have been built along it, including fashionable five-star establishments and more modest apartments.
It is worth noting that all the beaches of Praslin Island 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 amaze with their natural beauty. Here you can go snorkeling or take a ride on one of the yachts that are anchored in the bay.
Anse Kerlan
Anse Kerlan is one of the longest beaches on Praslin Island (Seychelles).
This stretch of coastline was heavily eroded, so special breakwaters were built to reduce the impact of the waves. Thanks to the efforts, problem areas of the beach were restored.
Sights of the island
The sights of Praslin Island (Seychelles) are natural. The most important of them is the May Valley Nature Reserve, which has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1983. In this stunning 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, as well as a unique palm tree, its fruitsare considered a symbol of the country.
Another outstanding attraction of Praslin Island (photo is given in the article) is the Black Pearl farm. Its very name characterizes the type of activity. On the territory of the farm, they breed high-quality black pearls and mollusks. Tours are organized on the farm for tourists, during which you can learn how shellfish are grown, how pearls are processed. The final stage of the tour is the opportunity to purchase beautiful jewelry. What woman would turn down 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 excursion, guests are introduced to the culture of the local population, as well as traditions. There are two galleries on the island, within the walls of which the best creations 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 natural reserve.
If you want to buy gifts, you can buy spices, straw hats, T-shirts, fragrant tea.
All the big shops and shopping centers of the Seychelles are located on the island of Mahe. But on Praslin, as on other islands, there are only small shops and street tents. And despite this, he is popular among shopaholics. And the thing is that a unique coconut palm grows on the island. Its fruits are the most popular souvenir. The cost of one suchcoconut is 200 dollars. In addition, local liqueurs, furniture and tableware 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, which is located in the Côte 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 endemic and rare plants that grow in the Seychelles.
Excursion to the institution is interesting because during it guests are offered to grill breadfruit, taste a coconut drink and take part in traditional activities. The museum has a small shop where you can buy interesting souvenirs.
Curiosity Island
Local guides offer to visit the island of Curiosity, 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 Aldabra Atoll, live on its coast. The island has a hiking trail, walking along which you can get acquainted with the marine flora and fauna. Curieuse has many picturesque lagoons, which are inhabited by real reef sharks and large green turtles.
Cousin Island
No less attractive is Cousin Island, located two kilometers from Praslin. On its territory there is a birdreserve. Trips to Cousin are organized from Praslin Island in the Seychelles (photo is given in the article). True, you can visit the reserve only on certain days. The island is home to the local organization Seychelles Nature. Numerous birds live in the protected area, among which there are the rarest representatives. The best time to visit the island is from April to November. It is at this time that more than 250 thousand birds flock to the reserve for nesting. Rare species of lizards and giant tortoises are found on the island. For guests, Kuzin is open only once a week.
St. Anne's Bay
There are many picturesque places on Praslin. One of them is St. Anne's Bay. It attracts tourists with turquoise water, a variety of flora and fauna, and 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 a remote place, which can only be reached by water.
The main attraction of this place is a sunken ship, the remains of which are located near the coast. It is he who attracts numerous divers from all over 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, separate fragments of the popular Mexican series "The Rescuers" were filmed here. By the way, the bay offers a unique view of the neighboring islands of La Digue and Mahe. Every year on its territory are helddiving and surfing competitions and other cultural events.
Bay of Lazio
Lazio is one of the most beautiful bays in the north of the island. It resembles a crescent-shaped bay, bordered on all sides by picturesque rocks. By the way, Lazio is the only place on Praslin where guests can admire small waves. At this point, the island is not protected by coral reefs.
Where to stay on Praslin?
The choice of hotels on Praslin Island is quite large. Here you can find accommodation for different budgets. 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 resort's popular hotels. It is located 300 meters from the beach. From its territory there is a stunning view of the 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-fridges, kitchens, TVs, coffee and tea sets.
No less attractive on the island of Praslin Chez Bea Luxury Villa 4. This luxurious villa is surrounded by a garden next to Côte d'Or Beach. The territory of the institution is equipped with a barbecue area.
The apartment has a dining area, living room, terrace, air conditioning. Kitchens are equipped with all necessary appliances. Guests of the institution have the opportunity to use all the services. On the territory isrestaurant.
Among the island's hotels, you can even find five-star resorts with their own beach. If you are looking for more budget 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-level hotels on the island where you can choose. Since Praslin is modest in size, where you live doesn't really matter. Getting to any part of the island is not difficult.
Janet Island is private. It is located just 200 meters from the famous Cote d'Or beach. You can even get to it during low water 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 rocks, surrounded by lush vegetation. This stunning location offers good conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Climatic conditions
Praslin Island is one of the top ten beaches in the world. The beauty of the region is not the only pride. The wonderful climate is another factor that attracts tourists from all over the world. Praslin is located in the zone of humid tropical climate. There is practically no seasonality in the region. Throughout the year, the air temperature is in the range of +24 … +29 degrees. From December to May, frequent showers occur on the island. However, they are usually short-term and warm. Rains usually do not cause inconvenience to holidaymakers.
Also around the islandthere is a coral reef that encircles it. It is he who provides a calm bathing in the sea throughout the year. There are no storms on Praslin, only a slight 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 on Praslin. The main settlement is the village of Grand Anse. This place attracts with landscapes, sandy coast, 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 population has fun.
Praslin Island: reviews of tourists
Reviews of tourists about the island are very diverse. It amazes some with its natural beauties, while others are unpleasantly surprised by the absence of noisy entertainment and clubs. Praslin is perfect for a wild getaway. If you like untouched nature, the ocean and endless sandy beaches, then this place is perfect for you. And numerous attractions will make it interesting to spend time.
