Praslin

Praslin sits about 44 kilometers northeast of Mahé and spreads across a mountainous landscape with elevations reaching 367 meters. The island contains both coastal villages and densely forested areas in its interior.

The island received its name in 1768 from French diplomat César Gabriel de Choiseul, Duke of Praslin, after previously being called Île de Palmes. This renaming marked a turning point in European presence on the island.

The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve shows visitors the rare coco de mer palms, whose enormous seeds are impossible to miss. For local people, these trees represent something deeply tied to the island's identity and natural heritage.

Visitors can reach the island with a 15-minute flight from Mahé or take a 50-minute ferry ride from the main ports. The best way to explore is to allow some time and remember that many places are reachable on foot.

The island is home to the rare Seychelles black parrot, found in very few other places in the world. This species shows the kind of wildlife that travelers can actually see here.

Capital city: Baie Sainte Anne

Elevation above the sea: 367 m

Part of: Seychelles

GPS coordinates: -4.32056,55.73222

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:06