La Digue Holidays

With so many beaches to visit, you’d be forgiven for not moving far from the Indian Ocean in La Digue. But, if you are tempted to wander, you’ll find the island’s attractions extend well beyond the coast.

Visit L’Union Estate and tour the French colonial plantation house, flawlessly restored right up to its traditional thatched roof. Spend some time trekking around wild Veuve Reserve, where it’s possible to spot anything from turtles to rare paradise flycatchers, particularly if you’re in the company of friendly local guides. And don’t miss a hike up the Granite Boulder, a 750-year-old monolith that’s practically the symbol of La Digue.

Make sure you take at least one ride in an oxen-drawn cart, particularly if you’re travelling with kids. Or hire bikes and cycle to Eustace Sarde’s House and marvel at the precision skills of the island artisans and artists involved in creating this delicate architectural gem, over 100 years ago.

Island hopping is almost a national sport in the Seychelles – and it’s so easy to do from La Digue, that it’s impossible to resist. Sail to nearby Praslin for the day and discover why early visitors thought Vallée de Mai was the Garden of Eden. Head to Mahé to explore the bustling Seychellois capital, Victoria, as well as Morne Seychellois National Park.

Or set your sights on the Seychelles’ lesser known isles. Untamed Aride is known as the ‘Seabird Citadel’ of the Indian Ocean, and it also has the largest lizard population on Earth. In Ile Cocos, meanwhile, you can dive and snorkel in one of the Seychelles’ protected marine parks. For sensational views and romantic picnic spots, cruise to Grand Soeur. Or to see giant Aldabra tortoises, speedy geckoes and flocks of unusual birds, don’t miss a day out on conservation-rich Cousin.

Beaches on La Digue vie for attention, mainly because each one is a beauty in its own right. They’re all brushed by the clear Indian Ocean, almost always trimmed with dense tropical palms, and there isn’t one which doesn’t come with jaw-dropping views.

The most famous beach in La Digue is Anse Source d’Argent, on the south-east coast. But, as photogenic as this legend is, it has stiff competition from the rest of the island. Visit Grand Anse for surfing, and then stroll to more secret Petit Anse to sunbathe. Novice snorkellers and keen kayakers will love the safe, shallow seas at Anse Union. And Anse La Réunion is the La Digue all-rounder, adored by families and couples alike – and it’s wonderfully peaceful considering it’s just minutes from cafés, shops, bars and restaurants on the west coast. But for coral reef snorkelling by day and unsurpassed sunsets in the evening, set aside some time to visit otherworldly Anse Severe.

Encircled by a long ribbon of gleaming beaches, brilliantly green La Digue couldn’t look more typically tropical. And that’s exactly what the weather’s like, too. Rain isn’t unusual, although it’s mostly restricted to short evening storms during the dry season, which runs from June to early October. Between November and February you can expect the highest rainfall, matching humidity and drenching tropical downpours, often in the afternoon – so this time of year is best avoided.

March to May is when La Digue is at its hottest, with highs of 30°C most days, moderate rainfall, and lovely warm seas for swimming and snorkelling. If you fancy a beach holiday in La Digue, it’s best to visit between June and late September, when it’s dry and temperatures hover between 27°C and 30°C. But, that said, La Digue is seldom cooler than 26°C any time of year, and the Indian Ocean almost always feels balmy, even when it’s raining.