Praslin

Praslin, with a population of 6,500 people, is Seychelles’ second largest island. It lies 45km to the northeast of Mahé and measures 10 km by 3.7 km. A leisurely tour around the island by car will take approximately 2 hours. Prior to settlement of the islands by the French in the mid-18th century, Praslin’s Côte d’Or was a favourite haunt of pirates.

The island was named Praslin after the Duc de Praslin, the French minister of marine in 1768 when the original ‘Stone of Possession’ was erected on the island in what is still known as Anse Possession. Almost a century and a half later the visiting General Gordon (of Khartoum fame) became convinced that the Vallée de Mai was the original site of the Garden of Eden. This is where the legendary Coco-de-Mer, the world’s heaviest nut, grows high on ancient palms in a primeval forest. The Vallée is host to six species of palm to be found only in the Seychelles.

Praslin stands at the forefront of Seychelles’ tourism industry with a strong tradition of hospitality and wide range of accommodation facilities. It also provides a base for excursions to neighbouring islands, some of which are important sanctuaries nurturing rare species of endemic flora and fauna.

Snorkelling and diving opportunities abound with Curieuse Marine National Park bordering the island’s north coast and a number of popular aquatic day trips are available. Praslin’s peace and beauty make it one of the favourite islands in the Seychelles.

Praslin has 10 fabulous beaches including some of the BEST beaches in the world, with Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette both appearing on the Top-10 list of the world’s best beaches in recent years.

The beach from which Côte D’Or takes its name is Anse Volbert, a 2.5 km stretch of fine golden sand which sweeps along Praslin’s north coast. This is home to a number of restaurants, small hotels and water sports centres, yet it retains a very casual, low-impact air. Swimming from the beach is good all year round, with the calmest waters between October and May.

Anse Lazio is the most famous beach on Praslin, and rightly so. Well worth the long winding drive from Côte d’Or, Anse Lazio can claim to be the perfect tropical paradise beach and is often listed among the world’s top ten beaches. Beautifully framed by granite rocks, this dream beach has soft white sands leading gently down to calm clear waters with a gentle gradient absolutely perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The Bon Bon Plume and Le Chevalier restaurants are nearby and can provide lunch and refreshments.

Anse Georgette is widely regarded as one of the most stunning beaches in Seychelles, framed by granite boulders, it offers powder soft sand and magnificent swimming and snorkelling. Access to Anse Georgette is from the sea by boat, or with special permission from Lémuria Resort.

Discover Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette on foot and pass through the incredible landscapes of Praslin’s north point. Park near the Lemuria hotel and walk toward the Newcome forest house on a paved path. Length: 7 km out and back/Time: Approx. 3 hours/Difficulty: Moderate/Total ascent & descent 200 m.

Seychelles’ second UNESCO World Heritage Site is the legendary Vallée de Mai, administered by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. So remarkable that it was once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, this hauntingly beautiful primeval forest is home to some 6 000 Coco-de-mer trees, considered to be among the botanical wonders of the world. The Vallée boasts six endemic palm species as well as many other indigenous trees and is also the last habitat of the endangered Black Parrot.

Excursions to Praslin’s neighbouring islands and marine wonders are also easily arranged during your stay. Some of the more popular places to visit include:

• La Digue: Only 30 minutes on the ferry and yet a step back in time to a far slower pace of island life.
• Curieuse Marine National Park: The diversity of this marine park, which boasts Coco-de-mer palms on the hillside as well as diving at Pointe Rouge and snorkelling around St Pierre, make for a great day out in close proximity.
• Coco Marine National Park: Another easy boat trip, Coco offers gentle, fish-filled snorkelling around a trio of small islets fringed by a coral reef.
• Cousin Island: Only 2 km from Praslin, this small granitic island is significant for sea birds, endemic land birds and breeding hawksbill turtles.
• Aride National Park: Uninhabited bar a few conservation workers, Aride combines a colourful coral reef with native woodland, two scenic beaches and over 1.25-million breeding sea birds.

Island Hopping possibilities from Praslin include:  Aride, Chauve Souris, Cousin, Cousine, Curieuse, Félicité, Grande Soeur, Ile Cocos , La Digue, Mahé and St. Pierre.

When the sun goes down, a new world comes alive at Praslin’s Oxygen Nightclub, providing you with an intense party atmosphere. Come and spend the night it will be one you would not forget. Minimum age for admission is 18 years dress code is smart casual.

See our recommended accommodation options here including the fabulous Constance Lemuria Resort,  Paradise Sun and Deckenia Villa.