Seychelles Island

When you hear people wax lyrical about the Seychelles, you can be sure they are not exaggerating. This archipelago sparkles in the middle of the Indian Ocean exuding a timeless beauty, serenity and harmony that is truly unique. The 115 stunning islands of the Republic of Seychelles occupy a land area of 455 km² that lie between 480 km and 1,600 km off the East Coast of Africa, and 41 of these are historically important as the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth, while the remaining 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands.
Seychelles is a relatively young nation that was first settled by the French in 1770, who led a small group of Caucasians, Indians and Africans. The population had grown from these humble beginnings to 3,500 by the time Britain took control in 1814. Today, the sovereign nation has a population of 81,000 Seychellois that reflects its multi-ethnic roots that stem from the wide range of people that have been attracted to the islands from all over the globe, from freed slaves and European settlers to adventurers, Arab and Persian traders, and the Chinese and Indians also. This melting pot of cultures has created a special influence on the modern, vibrant and yet tranquil society, and with three official languages (French-based Creole, English and French), as well as many Seychellois also speaking fluent German or Italian, visitors are made to feel welcome and very much at ease.
These glistening islands are not only famous for its and a treasured sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna found on earth. Thanks to the forward thinking conservation policies of the Seychelles, almost 50% of its limited landmass is set aside as national parks and nature reserves, protecting the natural environment and its varied ecosystems for generations to come from the malevolent influences of commercialism.
Seychelles is the location of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin, so beautiful that it was once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, where the extraordinarily shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms, and the fabled Aldabra, the largest raised coral atoll in the world. Not only is the Seychelles the only home of the fabulous Coco-de-mer, the largest seed in the world, there are other unique endemic specimens to be found here, including the last eight surviving examples of the jellyfish tree, the Seychelles’ paradise flycatcher and the Seychelles warbler.
In the centre of the granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago lie the main island of Mahé, and its satellites Praslin and La Digue, which form the cultural and economic hub of the nation and offer the majority of Seychelles’ tourism facilities as well as its most spectacular beaches. The Seychelles is a tropical haven where you can always enjoy the sun, and the promise of adventure and awe-inspiring beauty in the natural, unspoilt environment.