The Inner Islands

The Seychelles inner islands, comprising of Mahe, Praslin, La Digue and 40 others are easily distinguished by the unique towers of granite rocks that line their warm, sandy beaches; this is the only place in the world that you’ll find islands like these.

Whilst you enjoy a swoon-worthy stroll along the beach below your luxury hotel, you may well be interested to know that these gorgeous granitic structures are the peaks of the submarine Mascarene Plateau that formed when Africa and Asia separated approximately fifty million years ago. In some areas the granite forms hills and mountains that rise, often quiet suddenly, up to 940m from the sea.

The inner islands form the beating heart of the Seychelles, as almost the entire population live here and most of the country’s tourism revenue is generated across these iconic ocean jewels. They are also host to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, including the Four Seasons Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon and North Island and famous beaches like Anse Source d’Argent, which many believe to be the most photographed beach in the world.

As well as being the country’s cultural and economic hub, a peak luxury holiday destination and a picturesque backdrop for your travel photographs, the Seychelles inner islands are also an important conservation area. They are home to protected threatened species that include the Seychelles black parrot, colonies of seabirds and giant tortoises. Well managed tourism enterprises have allowed for bleached coral reefs to be nurtured back to life, and big-game fish to thrive in these waters once again.

With such a range of accommodation options, a rich culture and so much to do and see and explore you’ll find that there’s something for everyone in the Seychelles inner islands. Families, friends, and honeymooners are all charmed by this unique, spectacular part of the world.