DISCOVERING LA DIGUE

This charming little island in the Indian Ocean is a true paradise, home to countless deserted beaches where solitude feels almost surreal. At times, you might feel like you're the only person on Earth. And don’t be surprised—there are far more crabs than people here! But no worries, these tiny locals are completely harmless and won’t bother a soul.

THE TOP HIGHLIGHTS OF LA DIGUE

1. Hike from Grande Anse to Anse Cocos

On the southeastern coast of La Digue lies the stunning sandy beach of Grande Anse. It’s easily accessible by bike, though the journey takes you over a few small hills through lush jungle—making the ride itself a scenic adventure. Once you reach the beach, it’s time to park your bike and continue on foot.

The trail first leads you to Petite Anse, another beautiful and secluded beach, but don’t stop there—your final destination is still ahead! After a short climb, you’ll arrive at Anse Cocos, one of the island’s true gems. This dazzling white-sand beach is framed by dramatic granite rocks, offering a picture-perfect slice of paradise. And to top it off, there’s a small beach bar where you can enjoy fresh, delicious smoothies. Highly recommended!

After enjoying a refreshing smoothie and soaking in the beauty of Anse Cocos, it’s time to retrace your steps—there’s no circular route, so you’ll return the same way you came. But don’t worry, the walk back is just as enchanting.

Keep your eyes open as you wander through the lush greenery. If you take your time and look closely, you might spot colorful salamanders, tiny snakes, and other fascinating creatures that call this tropical paradise home. The trail is a quiet haven for wildlife, making the journey not just scenic but also full of delightful surprises for nature lovers.

2. Book a Snorkeling Trip to Coco and Félicité

The Seychelles boast a breathtaking underwater world, making a snorkeling trip an absolute must during your visit to this island paradise. From La Digue, we embarked on a half-day excursion to the islands of Coco and Félicité.

Guided by experienced locals, you’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters about two meters deep. Get ready to encounter vibrant starfish, exotic fish, graceful sea turtles, and even small reef sharks gliding through the water.

After your underwater adventure, the boat sails past Coco Island—perhaps the tiniest and most exotic island you’ll ever lay eyes on. If the sea is calm, you’ll anchor here for a short stop to soak in its untouched beauty.

The final stop is just off the coast of Félicité Island, home to the luxurious Six Senses resort. Look closely and you’ll spot massive villas tucked away in the dense jungle. You can swim ashore and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the beach. However, venturing further inland isn’t possible, as resort security ensures the privacy of its guests.

This trip offers a perfect blend of marine wonder and tropical charm—an unforgettable highlight of any Seychelles adventure.

3. Spend a day at l'Union Estate

L’Union Estate is arguably the most iconic attraction on the island. Upon arrival, you’ll need to purchase a day pass to access the estate—but don’t let that stop you. It’s absolutely worth it, as you can easily spend an entire day exploring this beautiful domain.

After a short bike ride through the plantation, we reached the beach. From there, it’s just a brief walk to Anse Source d’Argent—the most famous beach in the Seychelles. You’ve likely seen it online already, with its dramatic granite boulders and turquoise waters. We spent the whole morning here, relaxing, snorkeling, and enjoying drinks at the nearby beach bar.

You can also book the popular Crystal Kayak Tour from this spot. We decided to skip it, as the tour involves being pulled in a line of ten kayaks behind a motorized boat along the coast—which didn’t quite appeal to us.

At midday, we had lunch at The Old Pier Café, a cozy little restaurant within the estate.

Afterwards, we explored the rest of the domain. You’ll come across a small cemetery, colonial-style houses, and an enclosure with over 100 giant tortoises. The perfect way to end the day? Watching the sun set from one of the estate’s stunning beaches. Truly unforgettable.

4. Explore the Island by Bike

One thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your visit is a bike ride around the island. You can rent a bicycle for about €10 per day—an unbeatable deal for the experience you’ll get!

Start your ride in the village center, passing by the local school and church. As you follow the coastal road, you’ll encounter one stunning beach after another. Be sure to stop often to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of these deserted shores.

The furthest point of the ride is Anse Fourmis. From there, you’ll need to turn around and follow the same quiet road back. Keep your eyes peeled along the way—those boulders beside the path might just turn out to be giant tortoises lounging in the sun!

5. Spend an Afternoon at Anse Severe

Anse Severe may not be the most breathtaking beach you’ll encounter, but just offshore lies a vibrant reef that’s perfect for hours of snorkeling among exotic fish. It’s a peaceful spot to float, explore, and unwind in the warm waters.

Feeling thirsty after your underwater adventure? No worries—there’s a charming beach bar right on the sand where you can sip a refreshing “Slow Turtle” cocktail. And if you’re craving a bite, head next door to Bikini Bottom, a quirky snack shack inspired by SpongeBob’s pineapple house. Yes, you guessed it right!

Stick around until evening, because Anse Severe offers one of the coziest sunset views on the island. With golden light reflecting off the water and a laid-back vibe all around, it’s the perfect way to end your day in paradise.

RESTO TIPS

Tried and tasted: Restaurant tips

When it comes to food recommendations, I like to keep things real. The restaurants listed below aren’t just random picks—they’re places we actually visited and genuinely enjoyed. Each one offered something special, whether it was the atmosphere, the flavors, or the warm hospitality.

So if you’re looking for spots that are truly worth your time (and appetite), these are our personal favorites—and absolute must-tries.

The Old Pier Café Located within L’Union Estate, this cozy spot offers a surprisingly broad menu—ranging from a simple grilled sandwich to hearty pastas and juicy burgers. It’s a great place to refuel after a morning at Anse Source d’Argent.
Bikini Bottom This was hands down the most laid-back place we found for a bite. Don’t expect anything fancy—the menu sticks to burgers, grilled sandwiches, and fries—but the atmosphere is unbeatable. Plus, you’ll catch a gorgeous sunset while you eat. And yes, the name is a nod to SpongeBob’s pineapple house!
Lo Lans Beach Bar Here, pizza is the only dish on the menu—but the setting makes it special. You’ll dine at low tables right on the sand, with sweeping views of the ocean. As you sip your cocktail, you might even spot crabs scuttling across the beach. It’s a relaxed, tropical experience that’s hard to beat.