GLACIS LA RESERVE
A small granite-framed beach on the north coast of Mahé at Glacis, quiet and scenic. A calm little cove for a swim away from the crowds.
A quiet Glacis cove
Glacis La Reserve is one of the small, low-key beaches that punctuate the north coast of Mahé around Glacis, tucked between granite outcrops just off the coast road. It has none of the size or fame of Beau Vallon nearby, and that is precisely why it stays peaceful.
The scene is the familiar north-coast mix people fall for, smooth boulders, soft sand and clear water, on an intimate scale. It suits a quiet couple of hours rather than a full day, a place to slip into for a swim between the bigger sights.
Small, scenic and calm
Sheltered on this side of the island, the water is generally calm, good for an easy dip and a little snorkelling around the rocks. The small size keeps numbers down, so even in season it rarely feels busy.
There are no real facilities, so bring water and anything you want with you, and you are only minutes from Beau Vallon if you need shops or food. Come for the quiet and the granite scenery, not for amenities.
Know before you go
| Where | Glacis, north coast of Mahé, off the coast road |
| Swimming | Usually calm and sheltered, easy for a dip |
| Good for | A quiet swim, granite scenery, escaping the crowds |
| Size | Small, an intimate cove for a couple of hours |
| Facilities | None, bring water, Beau Vallon is close for food |
| Best time | Morning or late afternoon in calm weather |
What visitors say
Google reviews★★★★★Easy trail, brings you within 30 minutes to a nice viewpoint.
Koos B · via Google
★★★★★The entrance isn’t marked, but it’s easy to find with an internet search. An easy hike, completed in 20 minutes. The end point of this hike is magnificent, with views of the mountains and the sea. Highly recommended.
Mathieu Goetz · via Google
★★★★★Super trail. Short, easy, with a beautiful view (the wooden lookout itself is already in a dilapidated condition). I’m attaching a photo of where you need to park your car.
erika dado · via Google
★The route does not exist. I traveled specifically looking for it. There is no sign and no trail. 3.2026
Danielle Lang · via Google
Glacis La Reserve is a quiet cove minutes from Beau Vallon on the north coast of Mahé. Stay in the north to slip between the main beach and these smaller granite coves as the mood takes you.
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Nearby Sunset Beach · Carana Beach · Beau Vallon
Treat it as a quiet swim stop rather than a whole day out. It is small with no facilities, so bring water, and pair it with Sunset Beach just along the coast for a fuller north-coast afternoon.
