CARANA BEACH
A small, hidden cove at the far north of Mahé. Framed by dramatic granite and thick greenery, this pretty pocket of sand rewards the short effort it takes to find it with real seclusion.
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A tucked-away northern cove
Carana is one of the small, secret beaches at the northern tip of Mahe, beyond the Glacis district on the road that curls around the top of the island. It is compact and framed by big granite boulders and dense green hills, and its slightly tucked-away position keeps it far quieter than the busy beaches of Beau Vallon just down the coast.
The setting is classic northern Mahe, pale sand between sculpted rock, clear water and a wild green backdrop. For travellers exploring the scenic northern loop, it is a lovely, low-key place to stop and swim away from the crowds.
Swimming and finding it
On calm days the cove offers pleasant swimming in clear water, though as a smaller north-facing beach it can pick up surf and current when the sea is up, so judge the water before you go in. There is little in the way of facilities down at the sand, so bring what you need, and the reward is a quiet, scenic little beach that many visitors never find.
It sits within easy reach of Beau Vallon and Victoria, making it an easy detour on a drive around the north of the island.
Know before you go
| Where | Northern tip of Mahe, beyond Glacis |
| Type | Small, secluded granite cove |
| Swimming | Pleasant on calm days, take care when there is surf or current |
| Facilities | Few, come prepared |
| Good for | Seclusion and scenery away from Beau Vallon |
| Best time | Calm, settled days |
Little Carana is a scenic stop on the northern loop of Mahe, near Beau Vallon and Victoria. A guided island day takes in the north coast, and staying around Beau Vallon keeps this quiet cove close.
Traveller favouriteFull-day private Mahé island tourfrom €129 per groupBook this tourTours via Viator, stays via Booking.com. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Beau Vallon · Anse Major · Sunset Beach
Check the sea before you commit to a swim. This small north-facing cove is beautifully quiet on a calm day, but it can pick up surf, so it rewards settled weather and a little care in the water.
