PETIT ANSE (LA DIGUE)
A breathtaking, unspoilt beach on the wild east coast of La Digue, reached on foot over the hill from Grand Anse. Vast white sand, powerful surf and the raw beauty of an island at its best.
Worth every step
Petite Anse is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of the Seychelles, and part of its magic is that you have to walk to it. There is no road, so you reach it on foot, a short but rewarding scramble over the headland from neighbouring Grand Anse, and that little effort keeps it wild, quiet and wonderfully unspoilt. Round the last rocks and a huge sweep of blinding white sand opens up, framed by granite and green hills.
It is bigger and often emptier than you expect, a place to feel small against the ocean and the sky. For many travellers it is the beach that defines La Digue, the reward at the end of a hot, happy walk along the island’s untamed eastern shore.
Beauty with real caution
The same open ocean that makes Petite Anse so dramatic also makes it dangerous for swimming. There is no reef here to calm the water, and strong waves and powerful currents are common, especially during the south-east trade wind season, so it is not a place for a casual dip. Come for the beauty, the space and the walk, paddle with care in the shallows on calm days only, and always respect the sea.
Bring water, sun protection and everything you need, as there are no facilities, and time your walk to avoid the fiercest midday heat. The reward is one of the great beaches of the islands, almost entirely to yourself.
Know before you go
| Where | East coast of La Digue, over the hill from Grand Anse |
| Access | On foot only, a short walk from Grand Anse |
| Swimming | Strong surf and currents, not safe for casual swimming |
| Facilities | None, bring water, food and sun protection |
| Good for | Beauty, space, walking, a beach almost to yourself |
| Best time | The calmer season, and cooler morning or late-afternoon hours |
What visitors say
★ 4.8 · 499 Google reviews★★★★★one of the mose beautiful beaches in this planet. Take care not a lot of shadowed area here. The water is more rough but just awesome. The sand is insane. Can recommend it to everyone. Just grad enough drinks with you guys!
Sayajin Yashar · via Google
★★★★★My favourite beach 🏝️ on La Digue. Almost no people there. Sometimes big waves can hit the shoreline. Need to take a short hike from Grand Anse but it’s not difficult. Bike ride to that part of the island is also nice an…
OhbeeOne · via Google
★★★★★One of the best beaches of La Digue, with big waves. There is a small refreshment on the beach. Not suitable for small children, you should be carefull while entering the sea. The road to the beach is a little bit harder…
Jana M. · via Google
★★★★★Beautiful beach accessible via Grand Anse or Anse Cocos through hiking trails – you’ll sweat but it is worth it. There a kiosk on the beach that serves the best grilled fish of the island at the best price (only 150scr p…
jnistic · via Google
Petite Anse is the wild reward of a day exploring La Digue’s east coast, an easy walk on from Grand Anse. Stay on the island to reach it in the cool of the day, or visit on a La Digue island tour.
Island day tripLa Digue island day tourfrom €200 per groupBook this tripTours via Viator, stays via Booking.com. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Grand Anse (La Digue) · Anse Cocos · Anse Source d’Argent
Walk over from Grand Anse and go early. Petite Anse is stunning but has no shade, no facilities and dangerous surf, so bring water, come in the cooler hours, keep out of the deeper water and simply drink in the view.
