Why is Seychelles Different?
Maldives white sand + low coral islet + flat water. Seychelles granite boulders + drama + island hopping. Masses of 750-million-year-old pink-gray granite jut into the water — a sight unlike any other tropical destination in the world. Seychelles is always the choice of photographers.
Of the 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, only 33 are inhabited. Mandatory hopping from three main islands: Mahé (capital + airport + widest service), Praslin (Vallée de Mai + Anse Lazio + boutique resort density), La Digue (cars prohibited, bikes and ox carts + Anse Source d'Argent). Each island has its own character — you haven't seen Seychelles without one.
Coco de Mer — Only Here in the World
Praslin's Vallée de Mai forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coco de mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica) here grows on only two Seychelles islands in the world. Its seed, which weighs up to 60 kilos, is the largest in the plant kingdom and its shape, let's say it, is quite self-explanatory. As you walk along the forest paths, you may hear the endemic Seychelles black parrot — a bird found only on Praslin.
La Digue — The Island Without the Sound of an Engine
There are almost no cars on La Digue. Transportation is by bicycle or ox cart. Get off the pier, rent a bike, and tour the whole island. Anse Source d'Argent (the world's most photographed beach), Grand Anse, Petite Anse, Anse Cocos — all lined up on the same path. Head to Anse Source d'Argent early in the morning, as wider sands emerge at low tide; Go to the eastern beaches in the afternoon.
Three Island Strategy
Ideal breakdown for 7 days: 3 days Mahé (arrival + Victoria + Beau Vallon + St. Anne boat tour + Morne Seychellois walk) + 2 days Praslin (Vallée de Mai + Anse Lazio + Curieuse/Cousin day trip) + 1 day La Digue (beach tour by bike) + 1 day final Mahé (diving or spa + return). Inter-island ferries are provided by Cat Cocos (Mahé-Praslin) and Cat Rose (Praslin-La Digue).
When to Go?
April-May and September-November are ideal — transition months, seas are calm, rainfall is low. December to March north-west monsoon (hot but humid, with occasional showers). June-August south-east monsoon (cool, windy, wavy — especially shaky passages to La Digue). The temperature is between 24-31°C throughout the year, the entrance to the sea is always around 27°C.
Visa and TASS Application
Turkish passport visa-free for 90 days — Visitor's Permit given at the door. But since 2023, TASS pre-approval is mandatory before flight: Seychelles.govtas.com, 10 USD fee, confirmation email arrives in 24-72 hours. When boarding the flight, the airline asks for TASS confirmation. Apply at least 3 days in advance, do not leave it to the last minute.
How to get there from Türkiye?
THY does not have direct flights to SEZ. Shortest routes: Etihad (Istanbul → Abu Dhabi → SEZ, ~14 hours), Emirates (Istanbul → Dubai → SEZ, ~14 hours), Qatar Airways (Istanbul → Doha → SEZ, ~13 hours). One transfer, total journey 13-15 hours. Prices during the honeymoon season are 800-1,200 EUR; It decreases to 600-800 EUR in the interim period. There is no solution without transfer.
Food — Creole Identity
Seychelles cuisine is a mixture of Africa + India + France + China. Classics: kari koko (coconut milk curry), grilled bourgeois (grilled red snapper), octopus curry (octopus curry), breadfruit fries (breadfruit chips), ladob (sweet potato + coconut dessert). Takamaka rum and SeyBrew beer are local signatures. No Turkish food — never mind, you won't get bored of eating Creole for three weeks.
FAQ
Mahé, Praslin, La Digue — which one to stay in? All three are mandatory. 3+2+1+1 for 7 days (return to Mahé on the last day). 2+2+1 for 5 days. If you stay short, 3 days Mahé + 1 day Praslin/La Digue. Those who stay only in Mahé are not considered to have seen Seychelles.
Maldives, Mauritius or Seychelles? Maldives = privacy + flat water + single resort island. Mauritius = luxury resort + golf + Indian culture + cheap. Seychelles = granite rocks + island hopping + most authentic + most expensive. Seychelles for photographers and nature lovers; Maldives for those who just want to relax.
Which is the most romantic beach? Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue) — small lagoons among the rocks, sunset scene. In second place is Anse Lazio (Praslin), third is Anse Intendance (Mahé).
Water sports and diving? Beau Vallon (Mahé) and Côte d'Or (Praslin) dive centers are clustered. Whale Shark season is September-November, Manta all year. For snorkeling, Anse Lazio, Anse Source d'Argent and St. Anne Marine Park is adequate — no diving certificate required.
Is vaccination required? Generally not necessary. But passengers transiting through yellow fever risk areas (inner Africa, Brazil, etc.) are required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. There is no problem on the direct Türkiye → Gulf → SEZ route.
How much is the budget? Low: 1,800-2,500 EUR per person for 7 days (flights + 3* hotel + some tours). Medium: 3,000-4,500 EUR (4* hotel + island tours). Luxury honeymoon: 6,000-15,000 EUR (5* resort + private transfer). Seychelles is the Indian Ocean's most expensive destination — 40-60% more expensive than Mauritius.
Currency and card usage? Official currency SCR (Seychellois Rupee), 1 EUR ≈ 14-15 SCR. Resorts and large restaurants also accept EUR, cards are common. SCR is required for markets, taxis, small shops — withdraw from airport ATM.