Hidden Gems in Praslin, Seychelles
Praslin Island, the second largest in the Seychelles archipelago, is known for its beautiful beaches and greenery. Although popular spots such as Anse Lazio are crowded with tourists, the island retains some of its hidden treasures that one can reach with ease by hiring a car from Bliss Car Hire.
Five Hidden Gems to Find via Car Rental
1. Anse Gouvernement
Situated on the far side of Anse Volbert, Anse Gouvernement is a serene location with crystal-clear waters and less crowded beaches, ideal for relaxation and snorkelling. The bay is characterised by its shallow waters and smaller waves, which are usually calm and serene. There aren’t many visitors either, except in front of the Hotel L’Archipel, which is located right on the beach. This is the reason why Anse Gouvernement is particularly a favourite among this hotel’s guests, but in reality, there are several reasons to travel from even further away just to see this bay. Thankfully, it is not hard to get to the beach with a rental car since the road is so close. There is also parking near the road and at the hotels, so stopping here for some time will be a breeze.
2. Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
Fond Ferdinand boasts rich biodiversity and is home to the renowned Coco de Mer palms. While Vallée de Mai, naturally, is Praslin’s main attraction, an exciting alternative well worth visiting is the Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve. The starting point can be found by a small, red/white signboard at Anse Marie-Louise car park, accessible by vehicle. Do note that the road there is quite broad with sharp bends. We would recommend renting a compact SUV such as the Suzuki Brezza or Toyota Urban Cruiser which would be perfect for exploring the island safely and comfortably.
3. Anse La Blague
Tucked away on the east coast of Praslin lies the peaceful Anse La Blague beach, perfect for those seeking seclusion. With its peaceful atmosphere and serene water, it’s a decent haven from crowded tourist spots. Anse la Blague shares the same stretch of coastline as Grande and Petite Anse. Although the beach is lined with a coral reef, high tide sees the water very deep, and the currents are significantly stronger.
During low tide, the water is shallow and much more peaceful. This peaceful ambience is carried over to the surroundings, which are away from the more populated areas of the island so that tourists to Anse la Blague can have a secluded area to relax and unwind. It is easy to access the beach by car. After you arrive at one of the guesthouses on the Grand Anse side, the beach is within walking distance.
4. Cote d’Or Beach
Although this spot is more popular than the other locations on this list, Cote d’Or Beach is occasionally less crowded and features unspoiled sands and clear waters, as pleasant a location as any to while away a sunny day at the beach. When driving here with your rental car you can take pleasure in swimming, snorkelling or enjoy a leisurely lunch, or even dinner, at a beachside restaurant. With kilometres of powdery white sand lying bare at low tide, the Cote d’Or beach is among the Seychelles island archipelago’s most stunning and longest stretches of sand. Granite boulders scatter the beach to the west, vibrant tropical gardens are to the south, and the shimmering turquoise sea along with the nearby smaller islands can be found to the north.
5. Anse Volbert Village
Besides its stunning beach, Anse Volbert Village gives visitors a glimpse of the Seychellois way of life. The village is the island’s central tourist hub along the world-famous Cote d’Or Beach. It is a charming beach village and gateway to some of the island’s premier attractions, with a combination of relaxed island ambience and convenient amenities for island visitors. Anse Volbert Beach on Praslin is a beautiful stretch of pure white sand along the edge of Cote d’Or Bay. Running along the beach are some accommodations, including large high-end hotels such as the Paradise Sun Hotel or the Duc De Praslin.
Exploring these hidden areas in a car allows for flexibility and an opportunity to learn about Praslin Island beyond its best-known attractions. Reserve a car with Bliss Car Hire and set out to explore the island of Praslin’s best-kept secrets.
