La Digue Island Holiday

Less than half the size of neighbouring Praslin Island, laid-back little La Digue is without doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles Archipelago. Lacking an airstrip, La Digue has thus retained a slightly off-the-beaten-track feel with less tourist development than you’ll find on Mahé or Praslin, and its residents have preserved much of the traditional Seychellois way of life.

There are very few cars on La Digue – the island is small enough to do without them. You can take a tour on one of the ox taxis but by far the best way to get around is to hire a bicycle: paths are flat, distances are relatively short and if you need a break, you can stop at a roadside stall for a delicious local fruit smoothie. Little wonder then that a La Digue Island holiday is ideal for those who want to take off their watches and slow things down.

But it’s also a place of exploration and adventure. The island has no shortage of pretty palm-fringed shores perfect for an Africa beach holiday while below the water’s surface you’ll discover coral reefs rich in tropical marine life. Find your own quiet cove or head for popular Anse Source d’Argent where caster-sugar sand, towering granite boulders and a shallow turquoise sea conspire to deliver a movie set appearance rather than reality – hardly surprising then that Anse Source d’Argent is said to be the most photographed beach in the world!

La Digue has a couple of lovely beach lodges including the Balinese-style bungalows at Le Domaine de l’Orangerie, but if you’re looking for a no-holds-barred luxurious resort, then we’d advise staying on nearby Praslin and catching one of the frequent ferries across – it’s just a 15-minute journey between the two islands.

What travellers most enjoyed about La Digue Island

Beaches

Diving and snorkelling

Food and wine

Scenery

Sunset cruises and boating