Mahe is the main and largest island of the Seychelles. Most of the Seychelles’ population lives here on the north and east coasts of the island.

Many visitors arrive here only to carry straight on to their hotels on one of the other islands, but Mahe is certainly worth a look if you have the time and inclination. Away from the beaches, the landscape climbs up hills covered in dense rainforests frequently shrouded in mist. There are also plenty of art and cultural attractions. On the east coast of Mahe is Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. Mahe’s main tourism centre is at Beau Vallon, on the west coast just opposite Victoria.

Beau Vallon has a great bathing beach and there are also good facilities for sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, parascending and banana rides. Other places to visit include Baie Lazare with its long expanse of beach and the Seychelles’ largest hotel, the Plantation Club, and the artists' studios in Anse a la Mouche and Anse aux Poules Bleues in the south.

Mahe is surrounded by a string of satellite islands, six of which are found just off the east coast and help to create Victoria’s natural harbour.