Mahé is the main and largest island of the Seychelles. Most of the Seychelles’ population lives here on the north and east coasts of the island.

Many visitors arrive here only to carry straight on to their hotels on one of the other islands, but Mahé is certainly worth a look if you have the time and inclination. Away from the beaches, the landscape climbs up hills covered in dense rainforests frequently shrouded in mist.

On the east coast of Mahé is Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. It well worth a wander around to get a feel for everyday life in the Seychelles.

Mahé’s main tourism centre is at Beau Vallon, on the west coast just opposite Victoria. Beau Vallon has a great bathing beach and there are also good facilities for sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, parascending and banana rides. Other places to visit include Baie Lazare with its long expanse of beach, and the artists’ studios in Anse a la Mouche and Anse aux Poules Bleues in the south.

Mahé is surrounded by a string of satellite islands, six of which are found just off the east coast and help to create Victoria’s natural harbour.

Sainte Anne is the largest of the six and is the site of the five star Sainte Anne Resort. Ile au Cerf used to be the home of Wilbur Smith, the novelist. Ile Moyenne shelters a double mystery – a pirate treasure and the ghost of an old woman who lived there with her dogs. Ile Longue used to be a quarantine station and is now a prison. Ile Cachee is just a tiny dot in the ocean and Ile Ronde’s main attraction is its excellent restaurant, Chez Gaby, set in an old leper’s camp.