Seychelles is made up of two island groups; the Mahé group of more than 40 mountainous granitic islands that includes Praslin and La Digue and forms the cultural, economic and tourism hub and the second group of more than 70 outlying, uninhabited flat coralline islands. You will find many resorts are located on private islands all to themselves, such as North, Bird, Denis, Desroches and Cousine and have strong eco-credentials, such as Fregate, the most isolated of the granitic islands, which has played a key role in conserving the critically endangered magpie robin, and Bird Island, breeding ground for millions of terns, turtle doves, shearwaters and frigate birds.

Victoria
The main island of Mahé is home to the capital Victoria, which is as bustling as Seychelles gets. Soak up the local atmosphere, including the central market, where stalls display fruit, vegetables and fish, while upstairs, tourist shops sell clothing and souvenirs. Try Kenwun House - one of the oldest and best examples of French colonial architecture on the island - for jewelry, art and crafts of a higher quality (and price). At the heart of the capital is the silver-coloured Victoria Clocktower, installed more than 100 years ago as a replica of a clock near Victoria Station in London.

Praslin
Seychelles’ second most populated island has around 6,500 locals and is 45km from Mahé. There are several hotels, but daytrippers come to this granitic island to visit Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve (see attractions), one of Seychelles’ most treasured habitats and a living laboratory. The island is also known for Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, heart-stopping gorgeous beaches, making it perfect for honeymoons. A ferry runs from Mahé to Praslin, but between May-September, it’s not so pleasant if seas are rough; it’s possible to fly between the two. It’s also handy for islandhopping around nearby Cousin, Cousine, Curieuse, Felicite, Grande Soeur, Ile Cocos, La Digue and St Pierre.

Silhouette
The Nature Protection Trust ensures Silhouette remains an untouched, living museum of natural history featuring many unique species of plants and trees and is also a good spot for hikers.

Aldabra
Closer to Madagascar and the Comoros than it is to the rest of Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll lies 1,150km from Mahé. This huge coralline was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in order to protect its delicate eco-system and huge population (thought to be more than 152,000) of endemic giant Aldabra tortoise, which are the world’s oldest living creatures but were nearly wiped out by colonial use of them for food and their shells. Tourists cannot visit, but it’s a key part of Seychelles story.

La Digue
This may be the third most populated island in Seychelles but most people here use just two wheels to get around, or ox-cart. Sleepy La Digue is easy to reach by boat from Praslin and local tour companies usually include bike hire and the boat trip. Cycle past vanilla plantations, the odd giant tortoise plodding along and charming traditional houses. Beaches here include little Anse Patates, Petit Anse, Grand Anse and of course, the showstopper – the blinding white sand of Anse Source d’Argent, one of Seychelles’ most famous beaches.