11 Best Sights in Seychelles

If you're near Anse Source d'Argent but want more privacy, the neighboring beach of Anse Bonnet Carré has the same white sand and shallow warm waters, but fewer rocks and people. It requires a short walk, and thus is often deserted, but it's great if you want a dip rather than a proper swim. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming, walking, solitude.

A bit longer than Anse Patates, which makes it perfect for walking, this beach on the island's northern end has soft, white sand and calm seas. However, dangerous currents make it unsuitable for swimming or snorkeling. Amenities: none. Best for: walking.

Closer to La Passe, this long, beautiful beach has fine views of neighboring Praslin Island. La Digue's most built-up beach in terms of surrounding hotels and restaurants, it's also great for snorkeling and swimming. Amenities: Food and drink; toilet. Best for: Snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Next to the longer Anse Gaulettes, this smaller beach on the island's northernmost end has soft, white sand and calm seas, making it well suited for swimming and snorkeling. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming, snorkeling.

If you're near Anse Source d'Argent but want more privacy, the neighboring beach of Anse Pierrot has the same white sand and shallow warm waters, but fewer rocks and people. It requires a short walk, and thus is often deserted. It's great if you want some privacy and a dip rather than a proper swim. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming, walking, solitude.

If you're feeling adventurous, hire a guide (you can ask at the Loutier Coco restaurant, or organize one in advance) to take you to the beautiful, wild beaches at the island's southern tip. About a 20- to 40-minute walk from Grand Anse, Anse Songe is lovely and surrounded by trees so you can enjoy some shade. Another 20–40 minutes along from Anse Songe, Grand Marron's empty beach is a stunning and worthy reward for the adventurous.

The hike from Anse Songe to Grand Marron involves climbing over some seriously rocky outcrops and is only for the fit and well prepared (good water shoes are advised).

La Digue is home to some of the world's best beaches, including one of the most photographed, Anse Source d'Argent (the film Cast Away was filmed here). With its soft, white sand, clear turquoise water, and huge granite boulders, it's easy to see why this would be the case. However, the crowds it attracts could outweigh the beach's stunning natural attributes. In either case, it's worth visiting and deciding for yourself. The beach is accessible only through L'Union Estate, for which you must pay the normal entry fee of Rs100. Amenities: Food and drink; toilet. Best for: Snorkeling; swimming; walking.

On La Digue's eastern side, this picturesque beach is known for its huge waves. The sea may look inviting, but there is an extremely strong undertow, so beware. Strong surfers may find a ride, but picnics and sunbathing are the recommended activities here. Grand Anse is home to the Loutier Coco restaurant. Petite Anse, just across the rocks from Grand Anse, is more private and great for picnics, but shares the same rough conditions as its big sister. Amenities: food and drink; toilet (at restaurant). Best for: solitude; surfing; walking; sunrise.

Visit a traditional copra mill (once used to produce coconut oil from the dried flesh of the nut) at this grand plantation house. Stroll around the outside of the majestic old buildings framed by giant granite boulders, or go horseback riding. The grounds also house a small shipyard where displays (intermittently) show how craftsmen used to build pirogues and fishing boats. The estate is also home to the cemetery of the original settlers of La Digue and provides access to one of the most pristine beaches in Seychelles—the legendary Source d'Argent—among the most photographed beaches on earth.

This architectural gem is among the plantation houses remaining in Seychelles. Said to be one of the oldest, it is the focal point of L'Union Estate. Unfortunately at the time of writing, admission into the house was prohibited.

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.