Mauritius HOLIDAYS

Mauritius is one of the Indian Ocean's classic beach destinations. Sitting east of Madagascar and close to Reunion, this small island nation has built its reputation on white-sand beaches and blue lagoons.

Warm weather and friendly locals add to the appeal, with clear seas and turquoise lagoons that look just like the postcards.

Beyond the beaches, Mauritius has plenty to do for families, friends and couples. Divers will find some of the island's best sites in the north near Grand Baie and around Le Morne, with depths reaching around 30 metres and options for most skill levels.

There's more to Mauritius than swimming and scuba diving. Trek through lush landscapes, try the local cuisine and explore the island's history and cultural sites. Whether you want a peaceful retreat or an action-packed holiday, Mauritius has both.

Between white-sand beaches, clear water and mountain peaks, Mauritius has plenty to fill your days.

Mahebourg's local culture

Mahebourg, named after French governor Mahé de Labourdonnais, is a charming fishing town in the south-east. Wander its streets to try traditional Mauritian dishes and get a feel for local life. Don't miss the lively Monday market, ideal for fresh produce and souvenirs.

Blue Bay Scuba Diving

On Mauritius's south-east coast, Blue Bay is known for its white sand, turquoise water and coral reefs. It's a popular spot for scuba diving, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours, with boat trips out to nearby islets.

Hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park

Discover Black River Gorges National Park, in the hilly south-west. It suits trekkers, nature lovers and birdwatchers alike, with waterfalls, viewpoints and around 60 km of hiking trails.

Visit the Central Market in Port Louis

The beaches are beautiful, but the Central Market in Port Louis is well worth a detour too. Packed with fresh fruit, vegetables and local produce, it's a lively glimpse of daily life on the island.

Île aux Cerfs by catamaran

Set sail on a catamaran along the east coast, with a stop at Île aux Cerfs, for a day of sunshine, good food and relaxation. Cruises usually leave from Trou d'Eau Douce, and Île aux Cerfs is one of the most popular boat-trip destinations on the east coast.

Mauritius packs a lot into a small island: dramatic peaks, beautiful beaches and rich marine life, all waiting to be discovered.

Mauritian food blends African, Indian, Chinese and French influences, which is why it's often called a "melting pot of flavours". Over generations, these traditions have shaped the island's Creole cooking. Trying the local food is a big part of any visit.

Packing for Mauritius is simple: you won't need much.

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required to enter Mauritius. Check in advance, and make sure your passport is valid beyond your travel dates.

Mauritius, with its beautiful beaches and clear lagoons, offers a wide range of water sports and activities, from snorkelling to scuba diving.

There are plenty of ways to spend a great day here. The south has polished resorts and golf courses, the north has sugarcane fields and beautiful beaches, and the coastline from east to west is lined with white sand and lush vegetation. Renting a car lets you explore at your own pace: a beach morning, then new adventures in the afternoon.

Trou aux Biches is known for its white sand and turquoise water. Whether you stroll the sand, swim in the clear water or relax in the shade of the casuarina trees, it's a lovely place to spend a day. This beach on the north coast runs for about two kilometres.

What can you do in Mauritius? Plenty. Dive in Grand Baie, enjoy a beachside lunch at Mont Choisy, or try the activities along the west coast. Black River is the spot for big-game fishing, Le Morne for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and Le Morne Brabant for a sunrise hike in winter (May to October). The southern coast, including the well-known "weeping rock" at Souillac, has plenty of stops, while Mahebourg offers history through its Naval Museum, its Monday market and nearby Blue Bay beach.

Mauritius is a beach lover's island. Flic en Flac, one of the longest public beaches on the west coast, is a good place to start, and there are plenty more around the island.

For a relaxing stay, the east coast makes a great base. Its peaceful atmosphere suits water sports as well as simply unwinding.

Trou d'Eau Douce is a charming fishing village on the east coast, with turquoise water and white sand. It's the departure point for catamaran cruises to Île aux Cerfs, and glass-bottom boat trips run from here too.

Sugarcane has shaped the island's economy for centuries and still covers large stretches of the island. Beyond sugar and rum, it's also used to generate energy from bagasse, the fibrous plant remains. In the north, visit L'Aventure du Sucre, a 19th-century sugar factory turned museum in Pamplemousses, for a look at the island's sugarcane history. Rum distilleries are scattered across the island too.

For thrill-seekers, Mauritius has zip-line experiences in Chazal, and in Chamarel the Seven Coloured Earths are a striking sight. For something quieter, head to Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred lake in a volcanic crater, with a 33 m statue of Shiva at its entrance.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden in the north is another essential visit. Wander its green walkways among giant water lilies, palms and spice trees such as nutmeg, clove and cinnamon.

Once you land, build in a little rest before diving into the adventure. Buses are a convenient way to get around the island, with taxis and car rentals as easy alternatives.

Mauritius is also home to remarkable wildlife. In the south, La Vanille Nature Park has Aldabra giant tortoises, Nile crocodiles, an insectarium with tens of thousands of insect species and a pond of koi (Japanese carp). Afterwards, don't skip dholl puri, a beloved Mauritian street food: a savoury flatbread filled with spiced yellow split peas, great at any time of day.