The Seychelles are a scattered constellation of 115 granitic and coral islands in the Indian Ocean, long prized by mariners and dreamers for their boulder-framed beaches and gin-clear lagoons. Once a hideout for pirates, these islands later became a crossroads for African, Asian, and European influences—reflected today in Creole language, cuisine, and music.

Beyond the postcard-perfect shores, you’ll find mountain trails scented with cinnamon, markets piled with breadfruit and tuna, and ironwood forests sheltering rare wildlife like the black parrot. The rhythm is gentle: swim, snorkel, savor grilled fish, then watch the sky melt into pink at sunset. It’s tailor-made for romance.

Practical notes: Most travelers fly into Mahé (SEZ), then hop ferries to Praslin and La Digue. ATMs are common on the main islands; cards widely accepted at hotels and restaurants. Tap into Creole flavors—octopus curry, smoked fish salad, fresh mango—and remember reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile corals you’ll be snorkeling above.

Mahé

Mahé is the largest and liveliest island—home to the capital, Victoria; a string of beaches like Beau Vallon; and forested peaks with thrilling viewpoints. It’s your launchpad for marine parks, rum tasting, and market-grazing.

Top sights include the Sir Selwyn Selwyn‑Clarke Market, the tiny Victoria Clocktower, the colorful Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu temple, and scenic lookouts like Mission Lodge and Morne Blanc. Food-wise, expect grilled red snapper, octopus curry, cassava chips, and tropical fruit smoothies.

• Where to stay (mid-range, romantic picks): Base near Beau Vallon for swimmable seas and dining. Browse stays on VRBO and Hotels.com.
• Getting there: Fly into SEZ (Mahé). Compare fares and routing (often via Dubai, Doha, Nairobi) on Kiwi.com and Trip.com Flights. Typical economy roundtrip: $800–$1,300 from Europe or the Middle East; $1,100–$1,700 from North America (11–20+ hours depending on connections).

Mahé tours we love (align with snorkeling, boating, sightseeing):

• Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island — snorkel coral gardens, picnic on powdery beaches, and meet giant tortoises on Moyenne.

  

• Semi Submarine Tour in Saint Anne Marine National Park — an easy, 1‑hour reef peek for non-swimmers; great visibility and photos.

  

• Private Mahe Island Full day Tour with Pickup — a customizable loop of beaches and viewpoints, ideal for couples wanting a relaxed pace.

  

• Rock Pool, dreamlike & unique experience | Private hike — a short coastal walk to a secret tidal pool for a romantic dip.

  

Day 1: Arrival in Mahé (Beau Vallon Sunset)

Afternoon: Land at SEZ and transfer 25–30 minutes to Beau Vallon. Check in, kick off shoes, and take your first swim. Coffee and a fresh passionfruit smoothie at Chatterbox Café (Eden Plaza) en route sets the island mood.

Evening: Sunset walk along Beau Vallon, then dinner at La Plage Restaurant (beachfront; grilled red snapper with lemon butter; mains $20–$35). Nightcap at The Boat House bar—often buzzing with travelers and low-key live sets.

Day 2: Old Victoria and Easy Reefs

Morning: Breakfast at your hotel or stop by Marie Antoinette’s for a late-morning Creole tasting platter in a heritage house. Explore the Sir Selwyn Market (spices, vanilla, tuna), the Clocktower (1903), and the Hindu temple’s colorful gopuram.

Afternoon: Go reef-spotting without getting wet on the Semi Submarine Tour in Saint Anne Marine Park (1 hour; great primer for the marine life you’ll snorkel later). Snack on tuna samosas at Victoria’s takeaways.

Evening: Dinner at Del Place (Port Glaud; lagoon views, octopus curry is excellent; mains $22–$38). If it’s Wednesday, head to Beau Vallon’s Bazar Labrin—street grills, coconut cocktails, and sega drum rhythms.

Day 3: Full-Day Marine Park Boat Day

Join the Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island trip for snorkeling over coral gardens, fish feeding, and beach time with giant tortoises. Expect hotel pickup, equipment, and a Creole-style lunch included. End with a gentle swim back at Beau Vallon and a simple dinner at La Perle Noire (house-made pasta and seafood; mains $18–$30).

Day 4: Peaks, Rum, and South-Coast Beaches

Morning: Hike Copolia (1.5–2 hours roundtrip). Granite domes, pitcher plants, and panoramic views over Eden Island. Bring water and grippy shoes.

Afternoon: Taste local spirit at Takamaka Rum (La Plaine St André; guided tour and tasting; cocktails $8–$12). Continue to Anse Intendance for dramatic surf and soft sand; lounge under takamaka shade.

Evening: Dinner at Maison Marengo (near Anse Royal; Creole classics, grilled lobster when in season; mains $18–$35). Nightlife option: Katiolo—an open-air dance spot with Creole beats.

Praslin Island

Praslin slows the tempo, trading city bustle for powder-soft arcs of sand and jungle valleys. It’s home to UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, where the rare coco de mer palms cradle the world’s largest seed.

Base near Cote d’Or (Anse Volbert) for easy swimming and boat pickups. Spend your days hopping to Curieuse Island to meet Aldabra tortoises, snorkeling St Pierre’s aquarium-clear waters, and lingering over grilled fish at feet-in-sand restaurants.

• Where to stay: Search beach cottages and small hotels around Cote d’Or on VRBO or Hotels.com.
• Getting from Mahé: Morning ferry on Cat Cocos, ~1 hour, economy $65–$85 one-way. Book via Cat Cocos: Mahe to Praslin Island Fast Ferry.

  

Praslin tours (snorkeling and boating):

• Curieuse, St Pierre & Anse Lafarine full-day with Creole BBQ — turtles, mangroves, snorkeling, and a beach cookout.

  

• Half day Curieuse and St Pierre island — a shorter outing perfect for a relaxed romantic pace.

  

Day 5: Ferry to Praslin, Anse Lazio Afternoon

Morning: Depart Mahé on the Cat Cocos (1 hour). Taxi or bus 20–30 minutes to your Cote d’Or stay. Check in and grab a light lunch at La Goulue (grilled fish plate; $12–$18).

Afternoon: Beach time at Anse Lazio—often ranked among the world’s best. Swim the bay’s calm edges and take photos among the granite boulders.

Evening: Dinner at Pirogue Restaurant (Creole specialties; grilled octopus and papaya salad; mains $18–$30). Gelato stroll at La Dolce Vita.

Day 6: Vallée de Mai and Half-Day Snorkel

Morning: Explore Vallée de Mai (self-guided 1.5–2 hours). Hear coco de mer palms whisper overhead and keep an eye out for the Seychelles black parrot. Coffee afterward at the visitor center café.

Afternoon: Hop a boat for the Half day Curieuse and St Pierre island snorkeling trip—meet giant tortoises and float over reefs teeming with sergeant majors.

Evening: Sunset cocktails at PK’s @ Pasquiere (hilltop view), then dinner at Les Lauriers (often a refined Creole buffet; check nightly menu; ~$30–$45 pp).

Day 7: Island-Hopping Feast or Beach Day

Option A (full-day): Join the Curieuse, St Pierre & Anse Lafarine full-day with beach BBQ—prime snorkeling and a classic Creole grill on the sand.

Option B (slower): Bike along Cote d’Or, paddleboard the lagoon, and laze away hours at Anse Volbert. Lunch at Café des Arts (feet-in-sand dining; tuna tartare, prawn curry; mains $22–$40).

Evening: Try Coco Rouge Takeaway for a value-friendly feast (grilled fish with chutneys $8–$12). If there’s live music in season, Oasis Restaurant occasionally hosts bands—ask your hotel for what’s on.

La Digue

La Digue is the Seychelles at its most romantic: coconut groves, ox-carts puttering by, and bikes leaning against breadfruit trees. The pace is by pedal and tide, and beaches like Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse glow at golden hour.

Hire bicycles at the jetty and roam: L’Union Estate’s vanilla planters’ house, the tortoise pen, and the sculpted granite of Source d’Argent. Up for adventure? The guided trek to hidden Anse Marron rewards you with natural rock pools and solitude.

• Where to stay: Intimate guesthouses near La Passe or Source d’Argent. Browse options on VRBO or Hotels.com.
• Getting from Praslin: 15–20 minutes on Cat Rose, ~$15–$25 each way. Book via Cat Rose: Praslin / La Digue Fast Ferry.

  

La Digue tours (hiking and hidden beaches):

• Anse Marron Tour — a guided scramble to secluded pools and a secret crescent of sand; unforgettable photos.

  

Day 8: To La Digue and Bicycle Romance

Morning: Sail across on Cat Rose (15–20 minutes). Rent bikes at the jetty ($8–$12/day) and ride to your guesthouse.

Afternoon: Explore L’Union Estate (vanilla house, tortoises), then pedal to Anse Source d’Argent for that film-set shimmer. Picnic with fresh fruit and samosas from Rey & Josh Café Takeaway.

Evening: Dinner at Le Nautique Waterfront (reef views; grilled lobster when available; mains $22–$45). Finish with a moonlit ride along the coastal path—pure island poetry.

Day 9: Secret Pools and Southern Shores

Day tour: Join the guided Anse Marron Tour to reach tidal rock pools and a secluded beach few visitors find alone. Bring reef shoes, water, and your sense of wonder.

Evening: Toast the day at Belle Vue (Nid d’Aigle) with a ridge-top sunset and simple Creole plates (book in advance; they arrange transfers). Or dine beachside at Fish Trap—often with live acoustic sets.

Day 10: Farewell Seychelles

Morning: Early ferry back to Mahé for your flight. If traveling directly from La Digue, book Cat Cocos: La Digue to Mahe Island Fast Ferry (about 1h15 with a brief Praslin stop).

Compare onward flights on Kiwi.com and Trip.com Flights.

Afternoon departure: If time allows, detour for one last grilled fish lunch at Eden Island’s Bravo! (wood-fired pizzas and seafood; mains $16–$28) before heading to SEZ.

Dining Shortlist (save for later)

• Mahé: La Plage (beachfront, Beau Vallon), Del Place (sunset lagoon), La Perle Noire (pasta and seafood), Maison Marengo (south coast, Creole), The Boat House (casual, lively).
• Praslin: Café des Arts (romantic feet-in-sand), Pirogue (classic Creole), Les Lauriers (refined buffet), PK’s @ Pasquiere (view bar), Coco Rouge (value takeaway).
• La Digue: Le Nautique Waterfront (romance factor), Fish Trap (beachy, occasional live music), Chez Jules (laid-back north coast), Belle Vue (sunset on high).

Budget & Practical Tips

• Budget (48/100): Mix takeaways ($8–$12) with one romantic dinner nightly ($20–$45 mains). Choose mid-range guesthouses near beaches and use buses/taxis on Mahé, bikes on La Digue.
• Transport: Mahé–Praslin ferry ~1 hour ($65–$85); Praslin–La Digue ~20 minutes ($15–$25). Pre-book ferries, especially on weekends.
• Romance boosters: Pack a small picnic kit for sunset beaches, book at least one private boat or guided hike, and plan a midweek Bazar Labrin night for live music and street-grilled fish.

Optional upgrades (if you want to splurge): Swap Day 7 for a private island-hopping charter from Praslin such as the Full Day Sister, Coco, Felicite, Curieuse and St Pierre for secluded snorkel sites and flexible timing.

For trains in Asia or Europe portions of your journey, use Trip.com Trains (not applicable within Seychelles), and for European flights or surface links consider Omio Flights when routing to your long-haul gateway.

Wrap your days around the tide and each other: dawn swims, shaded siestas, and glowing sunsets. Between giant tortoises, coral gardens, market spices, and candlelit dinners, this 10-day Seychelles itinerary balances beach bliss, gentle adventure, and local flavor—crafted for two.