There are few better beach destinations than Seychelles, with endless talc-white crescents and stretches hemmed by granite boulders seemingly dropped by giants. This is one of the world's smallest countries, with a population of just 100,000 across its 115 remote islands, so expect peace and space, but adventure also awaits those who seek it.

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles offer a sanctuary for unique flora and fauna. Spot giant tortoises and the indigenous Coco de Mer palm on the many walking trails around the islands. Picture perfect beaches are in abundance, many encircled by coral reefs teeming with marine life.

When to visit
There's a tropical year-round climate with sunny temperatures averaging between 24C and 30C. Rain, sometimes heavy, is common December-February. During the drier months between May and September, the southeast trade winds can bring breezy relief, but will also mean rougher seas.

What to pack
Not much: lazy days on beaches or snorkeling require little thought wardrobe-wise and Seychelles is a very relaxed country, so just dress simply and comfortably, but do cover up at night to avoid potential bug bites. Located just below the equator, it's always hot here, so pack plenty of sunscreen and hats. Hiking shoes or similar would be useful for the country's more mountainous terrain if out sightseeing.

Areas of Seychelles
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.

Cuisine
As with everything else, it's no surprise the cuisine has also been influenced by African, Chinese, French and Indian traditions over the years. Expect local dishes to be on the spicy side, with plenty of chilies (10 varieties are favoured) and coconut milk while breadfruit, is another staple often used instead of rice. Fish is delicious – whether roasted, grilled, curried or raw – and you'll see more lobster, octopus, pork and chicken than beef or lamb, which are not cultivated.

History
These remote uninhabited islands were known by Persian traders centuries ago, but the first recorded landing was in 1609 by an expedition of the British East India Company. Frenchman Lazare Picault explored in 1742 and 1744, with the land being formally annexed to France in 1756 and named Sechelles (the British added the 'y'), bringing slaves with them to start their agricultural exploits. The islands remained French for 44 years until Napoleon was defeated and they ceded to the British under the Treaty of Paris in 1814. The British ended slavery on the island, and it became a Crown colony in 1903, later gaining independence in 1976. #seychelles

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