Sunday, February 23, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Praslin, Seychelles

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Praslin, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean.

PRASLIN, SEYCHELLES
The lush jungle
Loved by those who like their paradise just as nature intended, Praslin is one the Seychelles’ most beautiful islands. And why? Anse Lazio – the island’s beach is a repeated winner for the world’s best, making the island a pull for travelers who want to go the extra mile to find an unblemished island nirvana. Praslin might be the second largest of the Seychelles islands, but it is still tiny at just 11 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. The difficulty in getting to it (other than arrival by sea, there is a small airport that only flies to and from Mahe) means there are no modern attractions – on the contrary, entertainment comes very much in the flora and fauna of the land and surrounding sea.

The island’s original name is Isle de Palmes, and it’s not hard to see why. The lush jungle that makes up the island’s interior has it all: bubbling brooks, winding paths, and towering trees that provide a welcome respite from the sun. This is the true heart of the island; not only is the jungle home to the endemic Black Parrot (fewer than 1,000 of these birds exist), but also the famous Coco de Mer, the world’s heaviest nut, grows abundantly in the wild. The nut is the stuff of legends. Early beliefs were that the palm grew under the Indian Ocean and its fruit held healing powers. Even when it emerged that the tree did grow on dry land, it still held mystique; the new folklore was that for the 25-kilo nut to grow, male and female trees had to embrace on a stormy night.

SIGHTS
• Vallée de Mai
• Praslin National Park
• Côte d’Or Beach
• Anse Lazio Beach
• Praslin Island
• La Digue Island
• Praslin Museum

SHOPPING
Shoppers can find a variety of goods, from handcrafted jewelry and traditional artwork to locally made spices and clothing; there is something for everyone to discover.
Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, famous for its fresh seafood and handcrafted items, is another must-visit for authentic Seychelles souvenirs. Praslin Island offers a more laid-back shopping scene.

Today’s Excursion – La Digue Highlights
We embraced the captivating Old World beauty and charm of La Digue, one of the prettiest islands in the Seychelles, during this
scenic, half-day sightseeing, and beach excursion.

Bair Ste. Anne Jetty, La Digue Island, La Passe Village, l’Union Estate, Plantation House
We departed the pier aboard a local ferry for the short crossing to La Digue Island, where oxcarts and a slower pace of life awaited us. We boarded a van for the short drive to the l’Union Estate upon arrival. From the picturesque harbor village of La Passe to l’Union Estate, this island has a special magic. With its fine, old Creole house and Coconut Factory, the estate harkens back to a bygone era. During our visit, we took a guided walking tour of the copra kiln, traditional coconut oil mill, and Colonial plantation house.

Anse Source D’Argent, Free Time, White-Sand Beach, Granite Boulders, Swimming, Bird-Watching

La Digue’s beaches are among the finest in the world, especially Anse Source D’Argent, a bather’s paradise and photographer’s dream. The soft, white sands and dramatic granite boulders have enchanted visitors to the island through the centuries. During our free time here, we soaked up the tropical sun, strolled the white-sand beach, and swam in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.