Fly from Cardiff to Seychelles with a one stop connection

Just off the East African coast, the 115 islands making up the Seychelles reside in the Indian Ocean, housing a unique blend of cultures, ranging from Indian, African, and Chinese to British and Arab. Whether tourists are looking to enjoy some of the local food and drink, or explore the great outdoors, the picturesque series of islands has something to offer everyone.

Despite still being somewhat of a low key exotic beach destination, the Seychelles has some of the world’s best beaches. Packed full of blindingly white sand, most of the beaches are surrounded by turquoise waters and completely untouched, with lush vegetation and palm trees providing shade for beach goers. In addition to a great escape from the crowds, the Seychelles’ beaches offer prime snorkelling spots, massive granite boulders great for hiking and a plethora of photo opportunities.

The Seychelles are also populated by some truly unique flora and fauna, in fact, the islands are home to thousands of plant species and fish, alongside many endangered and critically endangered animals such as the green and hawksbill turtles. The Seychelles also house the world’s largest population of Aldabra giant tortoises, who can be found roaming free on some of the islands. If that’s not enough for animal-loving travellers, at sunset flying foxes (the largest bat in the world) can be seen above the forest.

For those tourists who prefer experiencing exotic destinations through local cuisine, the Seychelles has a selection of Creole food to offer. A delicious blend of French, Indian, Chinese and African influences, Seychellois cuisine promises an unforgettable flavour and is a must-try for island visitors. True to island cuisine form, Creole food satiates the taste buds with fish straight from the Indian Ocean, as well as unique dishes such as octopus curry and the local delicacy, fruit bat curry. You may also want to try real island rum, which is widely available on the Seychelles.

Have a quick safari in Africa. If you’ve always wanted to experience both the gorgeous beaches of the Seychelles and go for a game drive in Southern Africa, you are in luck! The series of islands is located in perfect proximity to the continent, so your island retreat can easily be paired with a safari. This way you’ll also get a nice contrast of landscapes and experiences all in one holiday!
Venture under the sea. The Seychelles are a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers with their stunningly diverse sea life. There are six marine national parks scattered between the islands, each offering a unique underwater experience, including diving with puffer fish, stingrays and colourful corals.
Brush up your World Heritage list. Not just one, but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located on the Seychelles. An absolute must-visit is The Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island, which is easily accessible for tourists and by far the best place to see the peculiar local plant Coco de Mer. The Aldabra Atoll, on the other hand, is harder to reach and is only accessible to researchers, but those lucky enough to visit would find it worthwhile!
Behold the naughty nut. The nut of the endemic Coco de Mer holds the title of the biggest nut in the world; however, this is not the main reason for its fame. Most of the nut’s notoriety stems from its distinct bottom shape – an unmissable fact which has inspired a myriad of myths and legends.
Join the festivities. Immerse yourself in the smells, sounds and flavours of the Seychelles through the annual festivities taking place on the islands. As of 2017, the colourful Carnaval International de Victoria falls at the same time as the annual Festival Kreol at the end of October, allowing visitors from around the world to discover more about Creole history and culture in a spectacular party atmosphere, complete with parades, processions and cultural dances.