Seychelles has perhaps 80 named beaches across its inhabited islands. Many are stunning. A handful are world-class. This is our editor-ranked list, with honest notes on each.
1. Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue)
The most photographed beach in the world. Granite boulders rising from shallow turquoise water, separated coves linked by paths between the rocks. You walk in through L’Union Estate (small fee). Late afternoon for the best light. Sometimes busy at midday. Go early or late.
2. Anse Lazio (Praslin)
Praslin’s signature beach, regularly on “world’s best” lists. Long crescent of pale sand, granite at both ends, water shading through six different blues. Two restaurants behind. Less crowded than Source d’Argent.
3. Anse Georgette (Praslin)
The “secret” beach you reach by walking through Constance Lemuria’s golf course (call ahead. They limit visitors). Often almost empty. Cleanest snorkelling water on Praslin.
4. Anse Intendance (Mahé)
Mahé’s grandest beach. A full kilometre of jungle-backed sand, real surf, dramatic mood. Banyan Tree at one end but most of it is open.
5. Petite Anse (La Digue)
The next bay south of Anse Source d’Argent. Reached by a 20-minute walk. Smaller, prettier, almost empty most days. Granite, palms, swimmable.
6. Anse Takamaka (Mahé)
South-Mahé’s prettiest. Powder sand, takamaka tree shade, granite at the south end. Quieter than the north-coast beaches.
7. Anse Major (Mahé)
A walk-in beach. One hour on a coastal trail from Bel Ombre. The reward is a granite-walled cove with maybe two other people on it. Filtered crowd.
8. Beau Vallon (Mahé)
The country’s most accessible beach. Three kilometres of safe swimming, hotels and restaurants along the back, Wednesday fish market. Not the prettiest, but the most loved by frequency.
9. Anse Cocos (La Digue)
The end of La Digue’s southern cycle-and-walk route. Tidal lagoons, granite boulders, more deserted than its famous neighbour. Bring water. There’s nothing on the beach.
10. Anse Patates (La Digue)
Small, north-coast La Digue beach with a single line of palms and turquoise inshore water. Quieter than Anse Severe next door.
Honourable mentions
Anse Soleil (Mahé), Port Launay (Mahé), Anse Volbert (Praslin), Anse Boudin (Praslin), Anse Severe (La Digue), Anse Marie-Louise (Mahé), Carana Beach (Mahé).
Frequently asked questions
Which Seychelles beach is best for snorkelling?
Anse Georgette (Praslin), Anse Lazio’s granite ends, Port Launay (Mahé), and Anse Severe (La Digue) all snorkel well in their respective calm seasons.
Are Seychelles beaches free?
Yes, by law. Every beach in Seychelles is public, including those in front of resorts. Some access routes pass through private land (Anse Georgette, Anse Major). Respect right-of-way conventions.
Which beach for the absolute fewest people?
Anse Major (filters by 1-hour walk), Petite Anse on La Digue (20-min walk), or any of the Outer-Islands’ beaches (filters by helicopter ticket).