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Victoria
One of the world’s smallest capitals, with a lively market, a clock tower and mountains behind
One of the world’s smallest capitals, with a lively market, a clock tower and mountains behind
The covered market sells fresh fish, fruit, spices and souvenirs. It is busiest on Saturday mornings.
Go early for the fish stalls.
Photo: Fabio Achilli, CC BY 2.0
Around the market, streets have small shops and cafés. Nearby, the brightly painted Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu temple and the Catholic cathedral are both worth a look.
Photo: Radosław Botev, CC BY-SA 4.0
On the edge of town, the garden has native palms including the coco de mer, fruit bats in the trees and a pen of giant Aldabra tortoises.
Photo: Yulia Kolosova, CC BY 4.0
The national park rising behind Victoria covers about a fifth of Mahé. Trails such as Copolia lead to viewpoints over the capital and islands.
Start hikes early, before the heat and clouds.
Photo: Anass Sedrati, CC BY-SA 4.0
Just offshore, this marine park has small islands such as Moyenne and good snorkelling. Glass-bottom boat trips leave from near Victoria.
Photo: NorbertNagel, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try Creole fish curry, grilled fish with sauce chien, octopus curry and fresh tropical fruit.
Takeaways in town are much cheaper than resort restaurants.
Seychelles International Airport is about 15–20 minutes south of Victoria. Buses and taxis link the capital with the rest of Mahé.
Ferries to Praslin and La Digue leave from the Inter Island Quay in Victoria.
Seychelles uses the rupee (SCR). Many tourist prices are quoted in euros. It is an expensive destination.
Town, garden and sea.
Visit the market, the clock tower and the Hindu temple.
See the Botanical Garden, then take a boat trip to Sainte Anne Marine Park.
Local buses are cheap; carry small change.
Most shops close on Sunday.
The sun is strong all year; use sunscreen and drink water.
Visitors must apply online for travel authorisation before arriving in Seychelles; check the current requirements and fee.
Quick answers for planning time in Victoria.
Yes, for a half day of markets, gardens and history.
About 15–20 minutes by road.
The Inter Island Quay in Victoria.
April to May and October to November, between the trade winds.
Yes, at the Botanical Garden.
English and French are widely spoken alongside Seychellois Creole.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Seychelles travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.