2 weeks island hopping Seychelles: Mahé, La Digue & Praslin

About the destination: Located in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles archipelago has transitioned over four centuries from a pirate sanctuary to a dream destination for millions of travelers. Its 115 islands - with only thirty inhabited - have everything to adore: year-round sunshine, a tropical climate, coral beaches, unique flora, and a rich marine life. The must-see route through this paradise includes visits to Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, the islands that offer more services and a greater variety of attractions. The journey begins on the island of Mahé, the largest and only island in the Seychelles. Just seven miles from Victoria, the capital, you'll have your first interaction with the friendly locals, whose features reflect a blend of African, Chinese, Indian, and European heritage. This ethnic diversity has resulted in a rich culinary, musical, architectural, and artistic culture filled with nuances and abundant pirate legends. Locals love to share tales of the adventures of John Taylor, Jean François Hodoul - whose 1804 Château Mamelles was one of his two residences on Mahé - and other buccaneers who hid treasures of jewels and gold coins somewhere in the archipelago. The last known treasure is still believed to be near the beach of Bel Ombre in Mahé. Several bus lines traverse the island, with the small Victoria station serving as both the starting and ending point. Riding in these basic vehicles provides a great opportunity to share a seat with locals heading to the Victoria market, workers, and students returning home at the end of the day. After a few miles on the bus, travelers quickly learn that they must shout "devant!" for the driver to stop.

About the destination: La Digue Island is the fourth largest inhabited island of the Seychelles, with a surface area of about 10 square kilometers. It is situated to the east of Praslin and west of Felicite Island. The island is home to approximately 2,000 residents, most of whom live in villages along the west coast. Tourism is the primary economic activity on the island, with a focus on sun and beach tourism as its beaches draw a wide range of tourists seeking a stress-free getaway. Visitors can also learn more about the island's history at its museum, which reveals that copra and vanilla production were once the main local economic activities.

About the destination: Praslin Island is the second largest in Seychelles. It has a population of approximately 6,500 residents. Praslin is renowned as a sun and beach tourist destination. However, the island also boasts a tropical forest that is home to some endemic species such as the Bulbul bird and the Black Parrot, all of which can be found in the stunning Valle de Mai nature reserve.