Victoria

Surrounded by turquoise swells of the quietly rippling Indian Ocean, and sprinkled with dense forests and tall hills offering breath-taking views, Victoria, on the Seychelles island of Mahé, is the epitome of paradise.

The port is one of the smallest capitals in the world and offers visitors a number of highlights to discover.[ReadMoreMob] The colourful Sir Selwyn Clarke Market sells spices, fruit, art and souvenirs. Near the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the imposing La Domus, built in 1934 to house Catholic missionaries, while the quaint old courthouse has a clock tower that is a replica of Big Ben.

The island’s pristine, golden sands are best seen from the top of Morne Blanc, which delivers breath-taking panoramic views across the lush landscape. Seychelles National Botanical Gardens showcases endemic palms and orchids, as well as giant tortoises and fruit bats, and is worth a visit.