Praslin
Praslin is quieter and slower than Mahé, shaped by soft beaches, shallow turquoise water, and a rhythm that invites you to linger. The island is best known for the Vallée de Mai, a dense palm forest where the rare coco de mer grows, but its appeal goes beyond a single landmark. Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette regularly rank among the most beautiful beaches in the world, with pale sand and granite boulders slipping into clear water.
The coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica), also known as the sea coconut, is a dioecious palm found only in the Seychelles. This means each tree is either male or female, and both are required for reproduction. Pollination can take years, and once fertilized, the fruit takes six to ten years to mature, making it one of the slowest-growing seeds in the plant world. Nowhere is the coco de mer more closely associated than on Praslin, particularly in the protected forest of the Vallée de Mai. Walking beneath these towering palms feels almost prehistoric.
Male Tree: Produces a long, phallic-shaped catkin (inflorescence) that can grow up to 1.5–2 meters (7 feet) long. These catkins produce small, fragrant yellow flowers and are the longest male flowers in the world.
Female Tree: Bears the iconic large fruit and seeds. The female flowers are the largest of any palm (up to 10 cm in diameter). The seeds are famous for their "double nut" shape, which strongly resembles female buttocks.
Côte d’Or Beach, also known as Anse Volbert, is one of Praslin’s most accessible and inviting beaches. A long sweep of soft white sand curves gently along calm, shallow water. Unlike more secluded beaches on the island, Côte d’Or has a lived-in feel. Small hotels, guesthouses, cafés, and dive shops sit just back from the sand, giving the area an easy, walkable rhythm.
Côte d’Or Beach
Anse Lazio is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it earns that reputation without effort. A wide arc of powder-soft sand meets clear turquoise water, framed by smooth granite boulders and takamaka trees that provide natural shade. The beach feels open and spacious, with just enough scale to absorb visitors without losing its sense of calm.
Anse Lazio
Anse Georgette is an adventure to reach. It is easy if you are staying at the Constance Lemuria Praslin Seychelles, or accessible via a more challenging hike from the other side of the island. The effort is well rewarded. The beach opens suddenly onto a perfect crescent of pale sand, backed by dense green hills and sculpted granite boulders. Its semi-secluded setting gives it a quieter, more intimate atmosphere than many of Praslin’s beaches.
