Seychelles sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

The archipelago simply amazes visitors with its stunning nature - it's a true piece of paradise. Every island here is a beautiful and unique place, so travelers are recommended not only to enjoy beach rest, but also get acquainted with the history and culture of local people.

Mahe Island is considered the economic and political center of the Seychelles. Travelers will find much entertainment in Victoria, the capital of the country. Besides numerous galleries, exhibitions and museums there are several interesting architectural landmarks in the city. The main street of Victoria, Market Street, is the location of such sights as the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and the Victoria Clocktower. All buildings here were constructed in the beginning of the 20th century and are of a great historic and architectural importance. Visitors are also always welcome in the Museum of Natural History, the Victoria National Museum of History and the Botanic Garden. One more peculiar fact about Market Street - this is the only street in the country that has traffic lights. Car traffic is almost non-existent in other streets, so there is no need in traffic lights there.

There are several interesting places in Victoria suburbs, for example, the village of Craftsmen, where travelers can purchase memorable souvenirs and get acquainted with lifestyle of local people. There are several large nature reserves and parks not far away from that capital, such as the Royal Garden, the National Marine Park and Morne Blanc piedmont region. When describing nature attractions of the islands, it's simply impossible to fail to mention Silhouette Island. This island is famous for its magnificent equatorial forest - the largest and richest forest in the country. Despite that fact that this island is not very populated, it has everything needed for great rest. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Praslin Island is a wonderful piece of nature, where tourists can walk in spacious parks and see various exotic birds. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve ("May Valley") is known as one of the most beautiful parks in the country. There are more than 7,000 palm trees and breadfruit trees, and many rare species of parrots in the park. You will also find several fishing centers, restaurants and entertainment complexes on the island. La Digue Island is considered the most charming island of the archipelago. Here travelers can enjoy private rest in secluded bays, walks in picturesque groves and fields. The island has become very popular with fans of scuba diving as water is very clean here and visual range reaches 20 metres. Continue your travel by visiting such islands as Cousine, Bird and Denis, which are perfect for fishing, diving and excursions to nature landmarks.

History and Entertainment

The discoverer of the archipelago is Vasco da Gama. In 1502, he was first to sail near these islands and call them the Admiralty Islands. However, in the course of multiple archeological researches, it was found out that the first people visiting the archipelago were Arab navigators in the 9-10th centuries. Burials of this period were found on the island of Silhouette. On the Fregate Island, you can see thousand-year rock drawings. In the 10th century, it was absolutely deserted. Only pirates visited it at that time,

The first people who managed to board the archipelago were English navigators. This significant event took place in 1609. English discoverers did not try to colonize islands. The first settlements were established by Frenchmen in 1756. The French colonizers used fertile lands for cultivating cloves, cinnamon and vanilla. Seychelles was also large slave trade centers. In 1814, the archipelago was under Great Britain. At the beginning of the 20th century, people from the Arabian Peninsula started to move to the islands. Seychelles has become completely independent of Great Britain relatively recently, in 1976.

Every year on 29 June, local residents celebrate the Independence Day. Lush national festivities are organized on this important public holiday. The first summer month is especially rich in symbolic public holidays, so fans of event tourism should visit the islands exactly at this time. They can witness festive parades, flower exhibitions and music concerts. In the capital, there are the most fascinating and most interesting entertainments.

Besides amazing beaches, Seychelles attracts tourists with excellent conditions for diving. One of the most interesting places for diving is Ennerdale Rocks. Its main attraction is an old English tanker. It has lain at a depth of 30 m and became home to many sea animals. Near it, you can always see eels, barracudas, groupers and other rare sea animals. Seychelles is the perfect place for romantic recreation. Special marriage ceremonies are organized here.