In the heart of the Indian Ocean lies a paradise unlike any other, the Seychelles archipelago, a treasure trove of natural wonders. With its 115 scattered islands, only 33 inhabited, this remote haven captures the essence of untouched beauty
An Eden of Beaches
The Seychelles are renowned for their unspoiled, postcard-perfect beaches, each one a masterpiece of nature. The turquoise sea stretches out flat and serene, while the gentle waves lap at the shores. Here, the shallow, warm waters, at a comfortable 27 degrees Celsius, are as clear as crystal, inviting all to take a leisurely dip. Along the coastline, lush green forests of coconut and palm trees caress the pristine sands. It's as if nature painted a canvas of white and green, with the azure sea as the backdrop
Hammocks and swings sway from the branches of the coconut trees, inviting visitors to surrender to the island's tranquility. The harmonious symphony of the waves and the forest's chirping birds provides a soothing soundtrack to this idyllic setting
A Taste of Paradise
Beside these exquisite shores, local delights await. In the open air, visitors savor cocktails and fruit smoothies served in coconut shells or pineapples, while the salty sea breeze mingles with the sweet scent of exotic fruits and freshly grilled seafood. As the sun sets, the Seychellois bring traditional drums in the form of large frying pans to the beaches, captivating tourists with their Moutia and Sega dances, and the allure of authentic African songs. It's a dream turned reality
The tourism industry forms the lifeblood of the Seychellois economy, contributing half of its GDP. Renowned for their quality, the hotels and resorts beckon travelers. As a green and open sanctuary amidst the pandemic era, the Seychelles are seeing a surge in demand, particularly from Israeli visitors. Air Seychelles, followed by Arkia, has pioneered direct flights from Israel to the Seychelles
To truly immerse oneself in the Seychelles, one must prepare for a week-long journey. This allows for exploration of the three main islands: Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. While shorter packages cater to those seeking leisure, a full week unveils the essence of these enchanting islands
A Tapestry of History and Culture
Two hundred and fifty years ago, settlers arrived in the Seychelles, and the islands' history was forever woven into a tapestry of cultures. Originally colonized by the French, the Seychelles came under British rule in 1814. To this cultural melting pot, Tamil Indians, Chinese, Europeans, and Arab settlers added their unique flavors, alongside the forced arrival of African slaves. Today, the Seychellois proudly embrace their diverse heritage, welcoming travelers with courtesy and warm hospitality
Mahe Island: Where Dreams Begin
The journey commences on Mahe Island, a 26-kilometer-long gem, where the International Airport and the charming capital city, Victoria, are nestled. With 80,000 residents, Mahe thrives as the Seychelles' main hub
Arriving after an overnight flight from Ben Gurion Airport, travelers might opt for a serene day at their chosen hotel. By noon, the beckoning beaches promise an escape. The southern Anse Louis or 'Anse Intendance' for those residing in the south, and 'Beau Vallon' for those in the north, offer respite and vistas of breathtaking sunsets. Such as those from the terrace of the Hilton Northolm resort hotel, capturing the essence of paradise
In the heart of Victoria, the world's smallest capital city, charmingly devoid of skyscrapers, one finds the iconic clock tower, affectionately referred to as "Little Ben." i
Nearby, the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Indian Temple graces the landscape
For history and nature enthusiasts, the Museum of Nature and History and the colorful market stalls provide ample delights. Those who are interested in culinary should try local dishes. There is a colorful and fragrant market, as well as picturesque night markets
The Mahe Botanical Garden offers respite amid towering trees, and the resident giant tortoises invite visitors to walk amongst them and offer them leaves
A friend of mine said that next to the botanical garden there is a building "like a synagogue". The Star of David emblem is embossed in the front of the building, with the word "SHALOM" in Hebrew inside. What is the story behind this Jewish symbol? The lady living there explained that this house was built at the beginning of the last century by a Jewish doctor named Dr. Birinbaum, who died decades ago. Her parents bought the house, leaving the marks out of respect for the revered doctor
Exploring beyond Victoria, a journey into the mountains along the Sans Souci Road unfolds. Inside Morne National Park, hikers can traverse trails, including the Morne Blanc trail and the routes leading to Mount Coppola, offering a lofty perch over the Seychelles' unparalleled beauty
Descending from the heights, tea plantations and exquisite beaches like Grand Anse, Port Launay, and Baie Ternay await, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation
The southern Mahe region is a treasure trove of attractions. A visit to Plaine St. Andre, where the local Takamaka rum is produced, and a tour of the Craft Village, offering authentic souvenirs, complete the experience. Stunning southern beaches, like Anse Bazarca, Anse Petit Police, and Anse Grand Police, beckon as paradises of white sand
About a two-minute drive from there we will reach Craft Village, where artisans are seen making artifacts for sale to tourists. Here we can buy more authentic souvenirs, cheaper than in the tourist souvenir shops in the city center and in hotels. Then we continue south on Grand Police Road to the spectacular beaches at the southern end of the island- Anse Bazarca, Anse Petit Police and Anse Grand Police. It is a paradise of white beaches
Anse Porbanes Beach is known as "The Pirate Bay". According to local tradition, in the 18th century, a famous pirate named La Buss buried a treasure here, that is currently valued at $ 150 million. To this day the locals dig and try to discover the treasure, but still without success
Praslin Island: Nature's Playground
Praslin, the second-largest Seychellois island, beckons with an area of less than 40 square kilometers and a population of around 7,500. It is a realm of pristine beaches, nature reserves, and an enchanting atmosphere
Access to Praslin is a mere ferry ride from the port of Victoria, taking about an hour, or a short domestic flight with Air Seychelles, which offers stunning aerial views. For a grand entrance, chartering a ZilAir helicopter is an option, taking you on a scenic route over both Mahe and Praslin
The journey commences at the UNESCO-listed 'Vallee de Mai' nature reserve, where towering coconut trees, reaching heights akin to 10-story buildings, flourish. Here, 'Coco de Mer' fruits, weighing up to 30 kilograms, capture the imagination and are steeped in local lore as the "fruit of the tree of knowledge." i
Praslin's delectable offerings extend to local cuisine, including breadfruit French fries, rumored to leave a lasting impression. As the locals say, those who taste these chips are destined to return to Seychelles
When we peel the green bark of these coconuts, we discover the large seed, whose erotic shape excites the imagination
The island's beaches, including the world-famous Anse Lazio Beach, are alluring in their beauty, offering an array of water sports, such as jet ski, windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, fishing, and scuba diving
Amir Gur
For a broader exploration, a cruise from Baie St. Anne Pier in Praslin to nearby islands like Curieuse, Cousin, Felicité, Coco, Sister, and St. Pierre promises unique experiences. Some islands restrict visitors from the shores, but scuba diving enthusiasts have a chance to explore the underwater wonders
Each island holds its own allure. Cousine Island, known as "The Birds Island," is home to tens of thousands of rare birds' nests, in the company of giant turtles and countless seabirds. Due to visitor limits, booking a cruise in advance is advisable
La Digue Island: A Step Back in Time
La Digue, one of the Seychelles' earliest inhabited islands dating back to the 18th century, offers a serene haven for just 3,000 residents. This small gem can be traversed from end to end in a mere half-hour's stroll, with automobiles virtually absent from its tranquil streets, leaving the island's pathways bustling with bicycles and traditional oxcarts
The island's crowning jewel is undoubtedly 'Anse Source D’Argent' beach, boasting expansive granite and lava rock formations that stretch to the water's edge, cocooned within lush forested surroundings. The coastal strips, a mere ten meters wide or less, feature inviting white sands that make for an idyllic setting to witness mesmerizing sunsets
En route to this scenic beach, a visit to L’Union estate introduces visitors to vanilla trees, allowing them to delve into the various vanilla types and their production techniques. Meanwhile, surfing enthusiasts are drawn to the allure of Grande Anse Beach
Aldabra island
Aldabra Island, situated a thousand kilometers south of Mahe, is home to colossal turtles weighing up to 250 kilograms with lifespans of approximately 200 years. These gentle giants display curiosity when approached and relish banana leaves as treats, often enjoying gentle neck rubs under their mouths
Amir Gur
Aldabra Island, situated a thousand kilometers south of Mahe, is home to colossal turtles weighing up to 250 kilograms with lifespans of approximately 200 years. These gentle giants display curiosity when approached and relish banana leaves as treats, often enjoying gentle neck rubs under their mouths
This season on the island marks the remarkable turtle breeding and nesting period. Females venture ashore, dig nests in the soft sand, and deposit 50-200 eggs, which hatch after about 50 days. Witnessing these tiny, delicate hatchlings emerging and scurrying into the sea is an unforgettable spectacle for tourists
Amir Gur
Notably, the world's largest terrestrial crabs, measuring 60-70 centimeters in length and weighing around 5 kilograms, freely roam the island. They can often be spotted near hotel and restaurant trash cans in search of food, although they pose no danger to humans
Judaism in Seychelles
As I always do while traveling the world, I was looking for Jewish heritage sites in the Seychelles islands too. But I found that there are no local Jews here, no rabbi, no synagogue, and don't even think of a mikveh or Talmud Torah. Even a kosher restaurant is not available here
Among the many European immigrants who settled in Seychelles from the 18th century onwards, were probably also quite a few Jews. I was looking for a Jewish cemetery but didn't find any. The local Jews never got organized in a Jewish community and did not bother to establish a synagogue and a Talmud Torah. They were assimilated within the local population
Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope. With an increasing number of Jewish travelers discovering Seychelles, the establishment of a Chabad House and, perhaps, even a kosher restaurant may be justifiable in the future. In the meantime, kosher observers can readily satisfy their appetites with the bountiful offerings of coconuts, pineapples, papayas, dates, mangoes, and other tropical fruits available at incredibly reasonable prices in local markets and street stalls, ensuring a fulfilling and healthier alternative to the traditional Asado. Hunger will not be a concern in this lush paradise
Photo: Jacob Maor, Amir Gur, & STB
The author was a guest of Air Seychelles
and the STC Seychelles Tourism Board
