Beau Vallon Beach

Beau Vallon is the liveliest beach on Mahé, a broad crescent of white sand backed by takamaka trees and hotels, with green mountains rising behind. The bay is generally sheltered and good for swimming, and it is a favourite with local families at weekends.

Dive centres, glass-bottom boats and water-sports operators line the beach, offering snorkelling trips to the reefs nearby. One evening a week, a street-food bazaar brings Creole curries, grilled fish and fresh juices to the beachfront.

Come for a swim and stay for sunset, which drops straight into the sea here. Beau Vallon is about 15 minutes by road from Victoria. Restaurants and cafés line the beach road, and several hotels sit right on the sand, making it a convenient base for a first night on Mahé.