ESPLANADE CRAFT KIOSKS
A cluster of little craft kiosks on Mahé where local artisans sell their work. Souvenirs with a story, straight from the makers, and a friendly slice of everyday island enterprise.
Crafts from the makers
The Esplanade craft kiosks are a small row of stalls where Seychellois artisans sell their handiwork directly, supported by the national small-enterprise agency. It is the antidote to the identikit souvenir shop, a place to find genuinely local craft, from art and carvings to coco de mer products, jewellery and keepsakes, often sold by the very people who made them.
That direct connection is the appeal. Buying here puts money straight into the hands of local makers, and the pieces carry a sense of place that a factory souvenir never will. It is modest and unpolished in the best way, real island enterprise rather than a tourist showroom.
Browsing the stalls
Take a little time to wander between the kiosks, chat to the artisans and see what catches your eye. Prices are generally friendly, the range shifts with whoever is trading, and a bit of good-natured browsing is part of the fun. It is an easy, rewarding stop to fold into a walk nearby.
Know before you go
| Where | On the esplanade, Mahe, see the map for the exact location |
| What | Cluster of local artisan craft kiosks |
| Known for | Handmade souvenirs sold direct by the makers |
| Take home | Art, carvings, coco de mer products, jewellery |
| Good for | Meaningful souvenirs, supporting local artisans |
| Tip | Chat to the makers and browse a few kiosks before you buy |
What visitors say
★ 4.4 · 5 Google reviews★★★★★Very friendly people selling souvenirs. We even received a small souvenir for free after chatting with one of the sellers and telling him we were on our honeymoon, such a memorable gesture. Definitely worth stopping by!
Bram Wouters · via Google
★★★★★Lovely small kiosks selling souvenirs. Varying prices but they bargain so you can lower the price slightly. Friendly and helpful with information
Farhana Manekia · via Google
★★★★There is a series of kiosks here in central Victoria, most of which sell the same things. The pricescare exaggerated, and you need to haggle. Not all of them are open all the time, but that matters little because they wo…
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari · via Google
★★★★Nice selection of souvenirs with very friendly staff in every single small kiosk. Very good for a relaxing walk to get an overview on some of the local handcrafted stuff. There is also some of the usual tourist souvenir …
Harry’s Wanderlust · via Google
The craft kiosks are an easy stop while exploring Mahe, and the best place to find a souvenir straight from its maker. Stay on the island to fit a little browsing into a day of beaches and sights.
Tours via Viator, stays via Booking.com. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market · Victoria Clock Tower · Beau Vallon
Buy direct and buy local. The whole point of the kiosks is that your money goes straight to the artisan, so take a moment to find a piece with a story rather than a mass-made trinket.
