The Seychelles: Better than just paradise

I had heard the name Seychelles Islands many times. But it was not until I considered to travel there that I actually learned the most basic things about them. I knew that they were an independent country formed by a group of islands in the Indian Ocean and that they were famous for their beaches.

All of it is true. But there is so much more about this little island country. The Seychelles are home to only 100.000 people! (which I find fascinating considering that my small hometown of Mataro is larger). We spent 6 days and calculated that we probably crossed paths with a high percentage of those holding a Seychellois passport. The small country is the richest in Africa (yes, it is considered to be part of Africa). Even if most people live a simple life without many luxuries, one can feel that the lucky inhabitants of the islands are far away from poverty. The main reason is their political stability and the generous income from tourism. 

American tourists started visiting the islands some decades ago, and thus the Seychelles became world famous for its paradisiac beaches and its dreamy honey moon bungalows. I have to say that this place has the best beaches that I have ever seen. The colours of the blue ocean, the sand, the palm trees and the strange looking rocks make the coastline almost unbeatable. However, there is much more than that. Visiting the islands, you will be in contact with the laid back life of locals, the small settlements, the wild rainforests and the mountains. I found it a perfect place to relax and explore.

The big island of Mahe has everything you need from crowded beaches, to hotels and resorts, the small and funny capital city, the jungle that hosts ancient and huge turtles and a lot more. However, a ferry trip to La Digue is a must. Travelling from Mahe to La Digue felt like going from paradise to paradise^2. Rent a bike and get lost, you will lose sense of time.

The interaction with the locals was mostly positive. It was interesting to realize that they are all fluent in Creole, French and English and that as usual, our hometown is mainly famous for FC Barcelona and Messi.

If you expect luxury, you will most like be disappointed by your trip to the Seychelles. Hotels and restaurants are more than fine, but they are also sometimes relatively wild and rusty. This is a place for people that enjoy nature, the tropical rain, swimming in the ocean, driving through endless roads and catching sunsets. 

I cannot end this post without mentioning the real reason behind this trip: I am really obsessed with flags of the world, and this one always caught my eye.