However, that’s not all this granite and coral archipelago has to offer. One of the most important treasures is on Praslin, the second largest of the inner isles, where a primordial forest, the Vallée de Mai, is a world heritage site.

A 15-minute flight from Mahé’s international airport or an hour on the Cat Coco ferry and you’re in the sleepy island of Praslin. Although it’s the second most populated island in the Seychelles archipelago, there are no real towns, just strings of houses and resorts along the winding coastal road.

The ferry and schooners to Mahé and La Digue arrive and depart from the port at Baie Ste Anne, which is also a popular yachting harbour. Praslin is easy to drive around so, as on Mahé, car hire is a good option. There’s also a cheap and reliable bus service.

The best beaches are along the east coast the Côte d’Or — and at Anse Lazio in the north. Anse Volbert, on the Côte d’Or, is the island’s major beach centre. Here you’ll find boat operators, dive shops, watersports centres and, of course, hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.

Grand’ Anse, the largest settlement on the island, is close to the airport and is the commercial centre of the island. It too has the full range of tourist facilities, but the beach infrastructure is less developed than in the east.

Best beaches

The most famous of Praslin’s beaches is the much photographed Anse Lazio in the north. It deserves its reputation; the setting is idyllic, with palm trees providing shade, dramatic granite boulders, unbelievably blue water and great swimming and snorkelling.

Not surprisingly, the crescent of fine, white sand is very popular with day-trippers — on land and boat excursions — so go early or late if you want some peace. There are a couple of restaurants where you can have a meal; but, whatever you do, bring water for the day, as you’re a long way from the shops.

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Published courtesy of the Out There Travel Guide

Anse la Blague, in the far east near the port, is secluded, great for snorkelling and you can walk along the shore past Petite Anse and up the hill towards Anse la Farine (on the other side of the headland) for stunning views over Îe Ronde and to La Digue.

Vallée de Mai

One of the biggest attractions of the inner isles is Praslin’s exotic Vallée de Mai, a world heritage site. Praslin’s original name of 'Isle de Palme' indicates the importance of the palms found there — Praslin is one of only two places in the world where the famous coco de mer grows wild.

So impressive is this reserve — some of the palms are 40m tall and some 200 years old — that General Gordon (of Khartoum) famously stated his conviction that this was the site of the original Garden of Eden.

The primeval forest is home to numerous beautiful and rare palms, including the coco de mer, the erotically shaped nut and national emblem of the Seychelles. Much controversy surrounds the interpretation of the shapely fruit. The outline is indisputably of the female pelvis, but is it viewed from the back or the front? You’ll be able to judge for yourself by studying the conveniently located exhibit in the reserve, or the immigration stamp in your passport! Either way, history records the excitement that the early sailors experienced when stumbling upon the coco de mer nut after enduring months at sea!

The reserve is cool and peaceful, with various nature trails leading to viewpoints and significant plants. To get the most out of a trail, pick up a brochure listing the plants, birds and animals you’re likely to encounter from the shop at the entrance. Star attractions, in addition to the coco de mer, include the palmiste (the central shoot that was originally the main ingredient in 'millionaire’s salad', so called because the tree died after its removal), the millipede, Cinderella and thief palms, vanilla orchids, lizards and some of the world’s most rare birds, such as the black parrot.

Wining and dining

Bonbon Plumes, at Anse Lazio, is an excellent lunch spot. This is a real 'barefoot elegance', 'feet in the sand' restaurant, which serves excellent Creole food. Plan a full day out to visit the beach and restaurant.

The Berjaya Hotel has a great pizzeria right on the beach, which serves a range of other dishes as well as its speciality pizzas.

It’s not everyday that I recommend an airport restaurant, but the quality of food and service at Amitié Praslin Airport surprised us all.

If you want some pre- or post-meal entertainment, check out the elegant Tante Mimi restaurant at the Casino des Isles or the Paradise Sun Hotel at Anse Volbert, which has good food and various theme evenings, including a soirée on the beach with traditional local dancing around the bonfire. Top adventures

• Take a hike: Vallée de Mai is the top spot, but there are good walks along the beaches of the east coast.
• Go for a paddle: Most of the resorts have kayaks for hire, as well as an assortment of windsurfers and other fun toys.
• Snorkel the coves: Don your mask and head for any of the semi-submerged granite boulders. You’ll be amazed at the number of colourful tropical fish.
• Play a round of golf: The five-star Lemuria Resort at Anse Kerlan has an 18-hole golf course in the most superb setting.
• Dive the ocean depths: Praslin’s underwater world is magnificent. My favourite spot is off South Marianne Island, where you’re pretty much guaranteed sightings of turtles, humphead parrot fish and sharks.
• Hook the big one: As in Mauritius and Madagascar, the waters around the Seychelles are home to marlin, shark and tuna, which attract big-game fishermen from all over the world.
• Sail to La Digue: La Digue, the third largest of the inner isles, is a wonderful place to visit for a few days, and the boat trip is simply glorious.