Anse Source d’Argent

Anse Source d’Argent is often called one of the most photographed beaches in the world, and it is easy to see why. Huge granite boulders, smoothed and streaked by the weather, rise from white sand and clear shallows protected by an offshore reef.

The beach is reached through L’Union Estate, an old coconut and vanilla plantation with a copra mill, a colonial house and a pen of giant tortoises. Most visitors cycle there along La Digue’s quiet lanes, as the island has very few cars.

The water is very shallow at low tide, so check the tide times: mid to high tide is best for swimming, low tide for walking between the coves. Late-afternoon light is the most beautiful for photographs.