About Mahé, Seychelles:
The major (and largest) island in the Seychelles, Mahé is named after Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, a French governor of Mauritius (Île de France). Earlier, it was called “Île d’Abondance” (Island of Abundance) by French explorers. French settlement began in the mid-18th century; it later became a British colony in 1811 until Seychelles gained independence in 1976. It serves as the country’s main hub, home to the capital Victoria and the international airport.
Mahé features a rugged, granitic landscape with steep mountains, lush tropical vegetation, and a narrow coastal plain. Morne Seychellois, at 2,969 ft (905 meters), is the tallest part of the island. Seychellois National Park covers a significant portion of the island along with other protected areas including Port Launay Marine National Park and Sainte-Anne Marine National Park. Its granite origins contribute to iconic boulder-strewn beaches and diverse ecosystems.
Tourism is the dominant industry, supported by beautiful beaches, diving, and nature. Other activities include tuna fishing/canning, copra, cinnamon, vanilla, tea, and patchouli. The island has a vibrant Creole culture blending African, European, and Asian influences. An international airport opened in 1971, boosting tourism.
Mahé has over 70 beaches, including popular ones like Beau Vallon , Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka, and more secluded spots with white sand and granite boulders. Other activities include hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park, where you will find endemic plants such as Jellyfish Tree and rare orchids) plus marine parks for snorkeling/diving.
Mahé combines natural beauty with convenient infrastructure, making it ideal for both short stops and longer stays. It’s a paradise for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a glimpse of Seychelles’ Creole island life.
The only city of the island is Victoria, on the northeastern coast of Mahé. It is the smallest capital city in the world and the only significant urban area, serving as the economic, cultural, and administrative center. The city’s population is around 77,000–78,000 (as of 2010–2011 data), accounting for about 86–90% of Seychelles’ total population. Most residents live on the coastal areas, with a significant portion in Victoria.
Catholic places of interest in Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles:
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
9FJ2+3JW, Olivier Maradan St · +248 4 322 652
St Francis D’Assise Baie Lazare RC Church
+248 4 361 258
Catholic Places of interest in other towns on Mache:
Aux en Pins
Paroisse St Michel Archangel
Baie Lazare
St. Francis of Assisi Church
Bel Ombre
Saint Joseph Travailleur
+248 4 371 312
Saint Roch Roman Catholic Church
5th June Ave
+248 4 247 193
St Michel Catholic Church
Pointe La Rue Catholic Church
Sainte Thérèse Plaisance
+248 4 344 499
Notre Dame Catholic Church
7GFF+JX9, E Coast Rd
Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church
CF55+J29 · +248 4 241 264
Good Shepherd Church
9F95+52H
Basilica of St Teresa of Avila, Mahé
PG3M+2R9, I K Kumaran Master Rd
St Anne’s Catholic Church
MQ45+GP8 · +248 4 232 231
Saint-Andre Church
Notre Dame de L’Assomption Church
Missionaries of Charity Sisters
CF54+JM4 · +248 4 242 006
Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church
6GC6+F7Q ·
+248 2 824 698
Eglise de Sainte Famille (Church of the Holy Family)
7FPM+69R
“Good trilingual mass from 9.30am to 11.00am”
Praslin: Famous for Vallée de Mai (UNESCO site with Coco de Mer forests) and Anse Lazio beach.
La Digue: Iconic for Anse Source d’Argent (often called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches), with granite boulders and ox-cart transport.
Traveling to Mahé, Seychelles:
Mahé lies in the northeast of the Seychelles, in the Somali Sea (part of the Indian Ocean)
By air: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is on Mahé, making it the entry point for most visitors.
By ship: many cruises go to the Seychelles, ranging from luxury, small-ship island-hoppers to longer, Indian Ocean grand voyages. The main cruise port and capital is Port Victoria here on Mahé Island.