• North of Mauritius
• East of Mauritius
• West of Mauritius
• South and South-East of Mauritius
• Central Plateau of Mauritius

The north is a must-see place for visitors to the island. Full of energy and lots to see and do. Excellent beaches with dreamy white soft sands for relaxing and water-sports.

Pereybere’s public beach is a favourite hot-spot for tourists and locals with it’s beautiful sea, varied shopping facilities, internet-cafes, restaurants and pubs. It can get busy during bank holidays and weekends. Water sports are available.

Right next to Pereybere, Grand Bay is the place where Mauritians head for when they want a social night out (restaurants, bars and nightclubs). During the day, Grand Bay also offers a wide range of shops and shopping-centres (Sunset Boulevard, Grand Bay Bazaar, Super-U), where visitors can purchase anything from locally hand-crafted souvenirs to designer clothes.

It is also the main centre for yachting, water skiing, windsurfing, and many other water sports. La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.

Mont Choisy is very near to Grand Bay. It offers one of the longest natural beaches on the island, and a great place to practive your footballing or volley ball skills on the soft sand.

The 60-acre garden known to naturalists throughout the world dates back to 1735 boasts 500 different species of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria regia water lilies and many species of palm trees.

The talipot palm is of particular interest which is said to flower once every sixty years and thereafter dies.

In the 18th century, the famous French botanist, Pierre Poivre spent 5 years of his life to create the Pamplemousses Garden at the request of Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais. Mahé de Labourdonnais at one time even resided in the Chateau Mont Plaisir, which still exists at the heart of these magnificent gardens.

There is no entrance fee to enter the gardens. You can also take a tour guide for the garden for a small fee.

Close by, in Beau Plan, l'Aventure du Sucre, is an old sugar factory converted into a modern exhibition space featuring the birth and development of the sugar industry over the last 400 years (see our Tours and excursions page).

Starting in the highlands of Curepipe, one can follow the "Tea Route" with a visit to the colonial home of the original owners before discovering the Bois Cheri Tea Factory

The Aquarium Maurice at Pointe Aux Piments is an exciting place and offers enjoyment to the young and old alike. The Aquarium Maurice holds numerous tanks and pools. The various buildings contain examples of the rich aquatic life found on and around island of Mauritius.

The largest tank 'The Deep', is more than 15m long and holds a variety of deep sea creatures, including sharks and a giant moray eel. A "touch pool" allow visitors a chance to interact with a variety of species. Pointe aux Piments also offers stunning views of the natural sea cove. The shop provides special gifts and souvenirs.

The Aquarium is located on the Coastal Road of Pointe Aux Piments. Entry fee required.

A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.

The Labourdonnais orchards set up in 1858 holds a large variety of tropical fruit trees and perfumed flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

Along the intertwining roads of the north visitors can not miss the striking red-roofed church at Cap Maleureux. There is a large community of fishermen in the local area.

This area of the coast has the majority of large hotels and long stretches of white sandy beaches, ideal for water activities.

Have a memorable day out at the Water Park Leisure Village, with water slides and various fairground rides. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed. Entry fee required. The Water Park is located on Coastal road, Belle Mare.

Dating back in history Flacq is an important village in Mauritius. This is the country’s largest open air market. The extremely thriving market attracts a large number of people. Flacq also offers other tourist shops near-by to high quality Mauritian made jumpers.

Arguably the most beautiful beach in Mauritius, is an island that lies a mere 200m from the shore. A real gem set on turquoise and blue opal seas, and one you simply cannot afford to misss. Two of the major IRS projects, Anahita and Beau Rivage are to be built on the mainland right opposite on this little Island..

Ile aux Cerfs is 20 minutes by boat from Mauritius. The island is equipped with a bar, restaurant and shops, as well as water sport facilities from parasailing to windsurfing. Tickets for boat transfers are available on the spot.

In the south, La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes is owned by British expatriate, Paddy Rountree - of chocolate fame - and run by an Australian zoologist, Owen Griffiths. The reserve comprises 500 giant tortoises, Nile crocodiles and an insectarium with over 20,000 species.

Despite the numerous hotels on this coast, Belle Mare still offers some precious stretches of public beaches. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the warmness of the Mauritian waters in a tranquil environment.

The west-side of the island was probably the first to start of Mauritius tourism industry. There are lots to see and do. The west also has lengthy sandy beaches and is good for big game fishing.

Black River Gorges National Park is a 6,574 hectare park, protects much of the remaining native forests of Mauritius and provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy spectacular natural scenery and unique endemic plants and bird life.

Albion is situated between the capital Port Louis and the major tourist centre of the coast of Flic en Flac. The coastal main roads are an easy way to get there. It is an idyllic location for a tranquil setting away from the crowds of the city centre. Albion has well-preserved beaches, used by local fishermen each morning. Standing on the cliff-top, are amazing sunsets overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The Martello tower of La Preuneuse was restored in 1999 and is now accessible for guided visits. The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers. They are a milestone in the island’s history. The towers represent the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration. Mauritius has 5 Martello towers.

They were built by the British between 1810 and 1846 for defence purposes against their empirical enemies, the French navy.

A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel. Chamarel has landscape of different colours. The diverse shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The nearby waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life.

Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius. It has exceptional high level of sunshine allowing this district to manufacture salt.

Casela Bird park is situated between Bambous and Tamarin in the River Noire District. More than 140 birds from five continents may be seen there, but the main attraction is the Mauritian Pink Pigeon which is one of the rarest birds in the world.
Other attractions include tigers, monkeys, giant tortoises, fish ponds, orchids. The park is open everyday from Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. Entrance fee applies.

Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there are still lots to see. You will be able to see herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic stalls available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea.

Rocky coastal area, lush green scenery, versatile landscape, good for trekking.

Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaën. The recently completed Waterfront is an excellent place to visit with various shops, restaurants and entertainments.

Located also at Anse Jonchée, the Domaine L'Ylang Ylang is the neighbour of the Domaine du Chasseur. The Domaine L'Ylang Ylang has a unique plantation of some 15,000 ylang ylang trees. The island produces ylang ylang from which the yellow flowers are extracted and distilled in this unique distillation plant for the production perfumes. The Domaine produces pure essential oils, various types of perfumes including ylang ylang , perfumed gifts and accessories. The domain also has a panoramic view over the Bay of Vieux Grand Port and the neighbouring inlets.

Domaine du Chasseur is 20 minutes away from the SSR International Airport, located at Anse Jonchee, on the south-east coast of the island, at the heart of the Grand Bois Forest. Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares and altitude of 300 to 500 meters. Stags, monkeys and boars live along the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside. Visitors can watch various species of endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view.

Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Souillac is a small seaside resort along the rocky coast in the Savanne district. What makes Souillac interesting is its landscape, it is not a bathing spot. The prominent high cliffs are a back-drop to the rough sea below, it’s an area where the sea-breeze is strong. A charming feature is the garden overlooking the sea, named after Dr. Charles Telfair. The southern end of the village is the popular view-point of Gris-Gris, where the sea crashes against the dark rock face.

Near Rivière des Anguilles, in the wild South, is this farm breeding Nile crocodiles imported from Madagascar. This site offers a vast park offering nature walkways through the forest filled with freshwater springs. An insectarium holds 20,000 species of insects and butterflies from around the world.

Rochester Falls is well worth a visit. The road leading to the falls crosses a sugar estate. Spectacular joints have been formed by the contraction of the lava due to sudden cooling.

Busy towns and rising cities, distant visible mountain ranges while travelling around the inner cities and towns. The rich history of the Island is reflected in numerous museums.

Port Louis the mosaic capital and main port of Mauritius, was founded by the French governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, in 1735. Off the main square, palm-lined Place d' Armes, there are some particularly fine French colonial buildings, especially the Government House (the oldest building on the island, built by the French in the 17th century) and the Municipal Theatre, built around the same period.

La Citadelle, is situated high above Port Louis`with panoramic views of the city and the harbour. Port Louis also has the oldest working race course in the southern hemisphere.

In the city centre visitors can explore the bustling central market. It is advisable to visit the market early, before the heat of the day (it opens from 6 am every day including Sundays). There are also shops at The Caudan Waterfront from duty-free shopping, hand-made souvenirs and designer wear.

There are various museums to visit in Port Louis, including the Natural History Museum (houses a reconstructed Dodo), the Mikado Shell Museum (exhibits over 3,000 shells of the world), the Eureka Creole Museum Eureka (on a five-acre site in a typical colonial country house built in the 1830’s), the Blue Penny Museum.

The latter houses the unused One Penny orange red and the Two Pence indigo issued in 1847, and acquired by a consortium of local companies for U$D 2.2million in 1993. A newer attraction is the Musée de la Photographie.

With its array of vegetables set in orderly and colourful arrangements, the smell of spices pervading the air, the incessant callings of the vendors carrying you on an atmospheric wave, the tasteful condiments and the character trader selling his herbal remedies for every imaginable ailment.

No town is complete without it’s own version of Chinatown, where just about everything can be bought at affordable prices.

By the waterfront is Caudan and its galleries, food hall, restaurants, craft market and shops offering the best shopping for jewellery and designer clothing.

L’Aventure du sucre is a modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugar mill. Visitors can discover the history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5,000 square meters. There is a tropical boutique with gifts and souvenirs. The "Le Fangourin" restaurant also offers Mauritian cuisine.

This national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. It is the highest part of the central plateau of the island. Visitors can enjoy spectacular natural scenery with various plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area. The National Park is easily accessible from Vacoas or Curepipe via La Marie and Mare aux Vacoas.

The magnificent colonial house Le Saint Aubin built in 1819 offers a unique atmosphere and a 'table d'hôte' in the middle of an exotic garden. Visitors can discover a traditional and typical old Mauritius by visiting the tea factory and the museum at Bois Chéri.

The estate produces Vanilla plantations and anthurium greenhouses are also opened for visitors. Discover the traditional Mauritius by following the Tea route that starts from the Colonial house Les Aubineaux in Curepipe.

Bassin Blanc is well known for the scenic lake nested in a volcanic cone.

Curepipe is the one of the islands main urban town. It’s not as busy as the capital Port-Louis, but still offers an excellent place for shopping in factory outlets and many restaurants. The main attraction in Curepipe is Trou aux Cerfs. It’s a spectacular dormant volcano 85 metres deep and more than 200 metres wide. The extinct volcano has a well-defined cone and crater. Panoramic views of Mauritius can be seen from the rim of the dormant volcano.

From the centre of a huge pond, the Lily flower opens white one day and closes red the next. Other attractions include Golden Bamboo, Chewing Gum Trees, Fish Poison Trees, a 200-year-old Buddha Tree and for Christians - a Cross Tree with leaves shaped like crucifixes. There's also an art gallery and a cemetery, whichever way your tastes run. Pamplemousses is 11`kms (7 miles) north-east of Port Louis, and there are regular buses plying between the two.

Rose-hill is the second most commercial of all the towns. It has a number of shopping arcades and a market. An interesting feature of Rose Hill is its theatre, Le Plaza, which has become the most important landmark of the cultural life of the island. Plays, concerts and operas are regularly held within its walls.

Next to it is the Max Boullé art gallery where Mauritian artists regularly hold exhibitions.

Phoenix is a lively fast growing town, and offers a large variety of shops including the nearby Jumbo Store supermarket (perfumery, clothes, jewellery and eatery). Phoenix is well known for its famous Phoenix beer, produced locally.

The glass factory is also worth a visit. Visitors can see traditional methods of glass being recycled, it also has a showroom where stained-glass souvenir can be purchased.

Not far from Port Louis is Domaine Les Pailles, a nature park spreading over 3,000 acres at the foot of a mountain range where visitors can discover some old ways of living in an enchanting environment.

There are also possibilities of driving in Land Rovers in the mountains where deer, monkeys and rare birds live. Riding in a horse-drawn carriage or in a train is also possible. Other facilities are offered including restaurants and mini golf.

Le Val Nature Park is approximately 20 minutes from Union Park in Plaines Wilhems. Le Val is a natural reserve where giant fresh water prawns called Rosenbergis are bred in ponds and a rich flora consisting mainly of tropical trees, indigenous ferns, wide varieties of anthurium flowers (grown for export to Europe), tropical fruits and legumes.

Natural pools, fish, stags, monkeys and tortoises are among the varieties of the Mauritian fauna. The restaurant also offers Mauritian cuisines. Due to the sub-tropical area it is advised to have mosquito repellant cream to keep them away.

Quatre Bornes is a pleasant city. It has a various shopping centres and hotels. The best known being the Orchard Centre which has a supermarket, restaurants and many shops offering a whole variety of product. Another very popular shopping attraction in Quatre Bornes is its market, which it is held on every Thursdays and Sundays. It specialises in textile product that are sold at very attractive prices.