Mountain, Lookout

Mount Le Morne Brabant is an absolute icon of the island of Mauritius and has a huge cultural significance for the locals. The view of the monumental rock massif is one of the world's most famous and a visit to Le Morne is a definite "must-do" during a stay in Mauritius. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-le-morne-brabant] Symbol of freedom and UNESCO World…

Natural formation

The Land of the Seven Colours (or Seven Coloured Land) in the Chamarel Nature Reserve is one of the most famous attractions in Mauritius and although it is a very touristy place that you can only get to for a fee, we definitely recommend a visit. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-7-colours] The Seven Coloured Lands unit covers a relatively small area of 0.75…

National Park

Covering over 67 square kilometres, the Black River Gorges is the largest national park in Mauritius and a great place for hiking. It has a highly valued habitat mix - dry forests with monumental trees in the valleys along the river, swampy heaths filling the middle passages and humid tropical forests in the upland areas. [btn "Find the cheapest hotel in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius…

Sandy beach, The Cove, For kids

The Blue Bay Marine Reserve is one of the most popular bays in southern Mauritius, with beautiful beaches and great conditions for snorkelling without having to pay for boat trips. [btn "Book a hotel in southern Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-blue-bay] Blue Bay Public Beach Much of Blue Bay is occupied by apartments and private houses, but right in the centre of Blue Bay town you'll find…

Waterfall, Hiking trail

One of the most visited natural attractions in Mauritius are the Tamarind Falls, often referred to as the 7 cascades, 7 waterfalls or Sept Cascades. It is actually a set of 9 waterfalls, but two of them are not open to the public, hence the more familiar name "7 Cascades". The official name refers to the name of the Tamarind River, which creates the deep forested canyon with the falls. [btn "Find the cheapest hotel in Mauritius" https://www…

Resort, Sandy beach, For kids

Trou-aux-Biches is the most popular resort in northern Mauritius and is home to the most resorts and truly beautiful long beaches ideal for relaxing. Trou-aux-Biches is often visited by tour operators from Europe, but the resort is also popular with individual travellers. The town itself is very small, but you will still find plenty of restaurants, shops and services. [btn "Top resorts in Trou-aux-Biches" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/trou…

Resort, Sandy beach

Flic en Flac is the largest and most popular resort for seaside holidays. The local area is one of the most extensive in Mauritius and the facilities in the form of shopping centres, restaurants and hotels are the best of any resort. [btn "Top resorts in Flic en Flac" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/flic-en-flacq.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-flicflac] Long white beaches The beach system in Flic en Flac is more than 8 km long. All…

Sandy beach

The peninsula on which the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain stands is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Mauritius. Over 3 km of fine white sand beach stretches along the entire western coast of the peninsula. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-le-morne-beach] The entrance to the water is very gradual and safe. The waters around Le Morne Peninsula…

Sandy beach, Promenade

The famous Le Morne Kitesurfing Beach is located directly below the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain. It is from this beach that the best views of the rock massif can be enjoyed. Surprisingly, though, Le Morne Kitesurfing Beach is very little frequented and you will always find plenty of space to yourself. [btn "View the cheapest hotels in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-kitesurfing-beach] …

Island, Sandy beach

The fairytale island of Ile aux Cerfs covers 87 hectares just a few minutes by boat from Trou d'Eau Douce. Ile aux Cerfs is a regular stop on day cruises, but you can also take the public ferry and spend a relaxing day on its beautiful beaches or golf course. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-cerfs] Beaches and water sports Ile aux Cerfs consists of several…

Island, Lighthouse

Lighthouse Island, officially named Ile aux Fouquets, is one of my favourite places off the east coast of Mauritius. The atmosphere on the island, with its abandoned lighthouse battered by the great waves of the Indian Ocean, is absolutely magical. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-phare] An abandoned lighthouse and breathtaking views Tourists head to Ile au…

City, Museum, Market, Aquarium, For kids

Port Louis is the capital and, with more than 145,000 inhabitants, the largest city of Mauritius. It is located in the northern part of the island and although it is not one of the top tourist destinations on the island, you will find many attractions here and it is definitely worth stopping in Port Louis for at least half a day. [btn "Top rated hotels in Port Louis" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/port-louis.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p…

Temple, Lake

The Grand Bassin volcanic lake, also known as Ganga Talao, is located 550 metres above sea level and is considered the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius. There are several Hindu temples around the lake and the place is also very popular among tourists. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-grand-bassin] Giant statues and Hindu temples The unmistakable…

Lookout

The most beautiful vantage point of the densely forested valley of the Black River Gorges National Park is located just off the main road through the upper part of this national park. This viewpoint is not just a convenient stop if you are driving by, but one of the "must-see" places in Mauritius. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-gorges] A large…

Natural formation, Amusement park, Forest, Waterfall, Hiking trail

Chamarel is a village in the south-western part of Mauritius, located below the highest mountains of the island between the Black River Gorges NP and Le Morne Brabant. The famous geopark containing many tourist attractions is named after this small village of only a few dozen inhabitants. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-chamarel] The village itself is not very…

Sandy beach, Resort, Mountain, Salt Plain

Tamarin is a popular resort on the west coast, and in addition to the beaches, you can climb the famous Tourelle de Tamarin mountain or discover the still-functioning salt flats. The town is relatively small, but you'll still find a full range of facilities in the form of restaurants, street food stalls, beach equipment shops and there's even a large Super U supermarket. [btn "Top resorts in Tamarin" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/tamarin.en…

Zoo, For kids

Casela is the largest zoo in Mauritius, covering an area of 250 hectares near the resort of Flic en Flac. The zoo is an ideal choice for a half-day trip with children, but adults will definitely have fun here too. It's best to set aside at least 2-3 hours for a visit to Casela Zoo. [btn "Top resorts in Flic en Flac" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/flic-en-flacq.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-casela] 5 parks, countless activities …

Amusement park, For kids

The largest theme park in Mauritius is located on the southern slope of the central mountains 3 km north of the town of Chemin Grenier and about 10 km from the Hindu temple of Ganga Talao. [btn "Book your Mauritius hotel in advance" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-valle] Vallé Park has by far the most attractions of any similar theme park in Mauritius, the only slightly comparable one being within the…

Zoo, For kids

La Vanille Nature Park is the largest captive Aldabra tortoise reserve in the world. The local restaurant also offers a crocodile-on-a-plate dining experience. Try the crocodile steak or another of the specialties. There are also bats, crocodiles, monkeys, macaques and many other animals to see. [btn "Book your Mauritius hotel in advance" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-la-vanille] Nearby is the…

Sandy beach, For kids

La Cambuse, not very well known among tourists, has become my favourite beach. The beach is located very close to the airport (about 3 km) and I visited it by accident, when I had unplanned enough time before my flight and was trying to figure out where to go. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-la-cambuse] The look and facilities of the beach La Cambuse is covered…

Sandy beach, The Cove

Le Bouchon is an area on the southern coast of Mauritius still unspoilt by mass tourism. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-le-bouchon] A beach with a village idyll It contains one small, neat village, a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water coves ideal for amateur snorkelling and an idyllic landscape of sugar cane fields. The public beach of Le…

Botanical garden, Museum, Garden, Restaurant, For kids

Domaine Saint Aubin is a former colonial mansion that has lost none of its former splendour. The complex of several plantations and buildings is located in the south of Mauritius and is a very popular tourist destination. If you want to explore the whole complex, including the tours, set aside at least 2.5 hours. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-aubin] You can…

Museum

Domaine de Bois Cheri is a tea plantation and tea factory. The site is part of Domaine Saint Aubin, which also operates a vanilla plantation, a rhumeria and a luxury restaurant 17 km away near the village of Souillac. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-bois-cheri] Museum and tea plantation tour Visit the small museum and take a one-hour guided tour of the tea…

Sandy beach, Cliff

The beautiful beach of Gris Gris is unique thanks to the black rocks that are crashed by the violent waves of the Indian Ocean. It is the strong sea currents and large waves that make it unsuitable for swimming. [btn "Find the cheapest hotel in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-grisgris] After a short walk along the coast, continue to the cliffs of La Roche Qui Pleure, translated as the Weeping…

Sandy beach, For kids

Mon Choisy is, in our opinion, the best public beach on the north coast of Mauritius. The wide beach is surrounded by a dense pine forest and is also popular for walking or jogging as the sand is nice and hard. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-monchoisy] The longest public beach in Mauritius Mon Choisy is the longest public beach in Mauritius at almost 3 km…

Botanical garden, For kids

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction and a surprisingly large beautifully maintained park. It is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, founded in 1770. The garden covers an area of 37 hectares. [btn "Compare Mauritius car rental prices" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-botanicka] Set aside at least 1 hour to visit the SSR Botanical…

Mountain

The highest mountain in Mauritius, Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire, rises to a height of 828 metres and is often referred to in English (even on official signs) as Black River Peak. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-piton] There are footpaths leading up to the iconic peak on three sides, with one side being relatively comfortable and manageable for…

Waterfall

The highest waterfall in Mauritius is located on the Baie du Cap River, measuring almost 100 metres and falling from a densely forested basalt cliff into a gorge. It is located in the Chamarel Geopark just a 10-minute drive from the famous Land of the Seven Colours. [btn "View the top hotels in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-chamarel-fall] There is no trail directly to the waterfall, but a…

Forest, Hiking trail, Mountain

The Ebony Forest Nature Reserve protects Mauritius' endemic plant and animal species in a restored native forest in the Chamarel area. Within the area of several dozen hectares, you will find semi-arid forest, dense tropical forest, as well as non-native plantations. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-ebony-forest] As the name of the reserve suggests, the main part…

Hiking trail, Valley

The Ferney Valley is a private nature reserve on the south-east coast of the island and a great place for easy walking routes through peaceful meadows and woodland. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-ferney] La Vallée de Ferney is one of the few areas in Mauritius where native forests and endemic species of plants and birds (such as the Mauritian…

Market

The market in Central Flacq is the largest market in Mauritius and a very popular destination for locals and tourists alike. In the partially covered area you will find more than 1,000 stalls selling all kinds of goods. [btn "Book your Mauritius hotel in advance" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-flacq] Fruit, hot food and clothing Fresh fruit and vegetables, fish products and meat take up most of the…

City, Promenade, Market

Mahébourg is the largest city in southern Mauritius and we recommend a stop here for at least an hour during your road-trip around the island. Being a major transport hub, Mahébourg can also serve as a base for accommodation if you want to get around Mauritius by bus. [btn "Find a cheap hotel in Mahébourg" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/mahebourg.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-mahebourg] What to see and visit in Mahébourg? Mahébourg…

National Park

One of the three national parks in Mauritius is called Bras d'Eau and covers 500 hectares in the north-eastern part of the island. The other national parks are the more famous Black River Gorges and Islets National Park, comprising 8 islands including the famous Ile aux Cerfs or Ile aux Fouquets. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-bras-eau] The…

Garden

The vanilla plantation in the town of Saint Julien d'Hotman in the northern half of the island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Despite the fact that I am not very interested in plants and botany, I really liked the vanilla plantation and can definitely recommend it as a stop during a road-trip around the island. If you're heading more south, visit the Domaine Saint Aubin plantation and rum distillery, which I liked even more! …

Sandy beach

The beautiful public beach of Belle Mare is one of the best on the east coast and is located near the town of Quatre Cocos. To the south, it is directly connected to the beaches of the small resort of Palmar. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-belle-mare] The narrow strip of fine white sand is shaded by palm trees and a large park, which is very…

Sandy beach

Palmar is a small village and part of the municipality of Quatre Cocos. It boasts a beautiful sandy beach which is one of the most accessible and beautiful on the entire east coast. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-palmar] Public beach and luxury resorts Palmar has a beautiful and quite large public beach of about 0.5 km with free toilets and a large grassy…

Resort, Sandy beach

Grand Baie is one of the largest resorts in the northern half of Mauritius and a major centre for tourist services or cruises. The town is particularly ideal for those travelling around Mauritius on their own, as there are plenty of cheap apartments, plenty of shops and a large bus station. [btn "Find hotels in Grand Baie" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/grande-baie.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-grandbaie] Beaches and swimming There…

Resort, Sandy beach

Grand Gaube is a peaceful fishing town that is gradually turning into a resort with several luxury hotels, but also several public beaches in quiet, photogenic bays. Within the northern coast, Grand Gaube is one of the most peaceful resorts with the most authentic local atmosphere. [btn "Find hotels in Grand Gaube" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/grande-gaube.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-grandegaube] The town has several local…

Sandy beach

Bain Boeuf is a popular public beach on the northernmost tip of Mauritius and close to the lively resort of Grand Baie. How did I like the beach and is it worth a trip here? [btn "Find hotels in Grand Gaube" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/grande-gaube.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-bainboeuf] Swimming and beach facilities A wide belt of trees, grass and benches lines the beach from the busy road full of restaurants and shops. From…

Museum, Village

Vieux Grand Port (often referred to in English as Old Grand Port) was historically the first surviving settlement in Mauritius. It was on this site that Mauritius was discovered in 1598 by the Dutch, who established the first village and fort there. Also during the French rule in the early 18th century, Vieux Grand Port was for a while the most important town on the island, but later in 1722 the capital was moved to Port Louis. [btn "Find a…

Fortification

Pointe du Diable is a historic monument located just off the main road near the village of Grand Sable on the east coast. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-diable] The beautifully landscaped site contains several historic cannons and restored fortifications along approximately 250 metres of coastline. From Pointe du Diable northwards, a popular…

Lookout, Coast

Maconde Point is an iconic rock promontory on the south coast between Le Morne and Baie du Cap. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-maconde] From the viewpoint, accessed by a short staircase, you'll get a breathtaking view of the rocky and very rugged coastline, the road winding along the sea and even see the Mauritian icon, Le Morne Mountain, in the…

Sandy beach

The public beach of Saint Felix is located on the south coast in the town of Riviere des Galets and is, in my opinion, one of the best in this part of Mauritius. Like the other beaches, it is shaded by many mature trees, among which you will find various vendors selling snacks, ice cream or coconuts. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-stfelix] Great swimming, running…

Waterfall

Alexandra Falls is a pair of roughly 35-metre high waterfalls at an altitude of over 700 metres amidst dense green vegetation. Unlike the very strenuous trek to the more famous 7 Cascades, Alexandra Falls is an ideal quick stop. In fact, you can drive almost right up to the cliff's edge - there's only a 3-minute leisurely trail from the parking lot. [btn "The best car rental companies in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru…

Island

A small island and nature reserve in one, it seeks to recreate the original Mauritius before the arrival of the first settlers. You will have the unique opportunity to see native animal and plant species such as the pink pigeon or the ebony trees. The island is also home to the Aldabra tortoise. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-aigrettes] Currently, it is not…

Cave

While planning a road-trip around Mauritius, I was interested in the maps about lava tunnels in the town of Roches Noires on the northeast coast. The town is right on the main road, so it was a natural stop on the way from Bras d'Eau National Park to the resort of Grand Baie. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-lava] Although many maps indicate the…