34 Best Sights in Seychelles

Built in the 1840s in glorious early-Victorian style (and renovated in 1999), this national landmark, which is also Victoria's main market, is the place to buy the freshest fruit and fish and the most pungent spices. The market is a colorful place to browse for souvenirs and is particularly lively on Saturday mornings (closed Sundays).

For great swimming and snorkeling, head to this small beach in the northwest, where turtle sightings are common and sunsets are breathtaking. Enjoy a sundowner at the Sunset Beach Hotel bar, where drinks come with mouth-watering baked coconut and plantain chips, as well as a perfect sea view. A good fringe of palms and trees makes this a lovely place to spend a day. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; snorkelling; sunsets.

La Digue is the last refuge of the rare black paradise flycatcher, of which there are only about 100 still in existence. Once on the brink of extinction, these rare birds, which the locals call the veuve, or widow, are now protected in this reserve, which is also home to two extremely rare species of terrapin. The Veuve Information Centre is also La Digue's only environment office, managing the Reserve, and providing the majority of information on the island's unique flora and fauna. Staff there can take visitors on short guided tours upon request, but arangements must be made in advance.

The clock tower, known to the locals as Lorloz, is the symbolic heart of the city. Now surrounded by the high-rise signs of modern Mahé, this diminutive Big Ben replica was erected in 1903 to memorialize Queen Victoria; locals have been using it to set their own watches ever since.