What Makes This Beach Special
The debate over which beach holds the title of most beautiful in the Seychelles is vigorously contested, but Anse Lazio on Praslin Island is one of the most consistent frontrunners — and with good reason. Located on the northwestern tip of the Seychelles’ second-largest island, this sheltered cove delivers a combination of visual elements that is genuinely difficult to surpass: enormous granite boulders, smooth and warm and ancient, frame a beach of fine white sand that curves gently between two rocky headlands. The water in the bay ranges from palest turquoise in the shallows to a deep cobalt blue where the sea floor drops off at the headlands. Behind the beach, ancient takamaka and casuarina trees provide natural shade of a kind that umbrella manufacturers cannot replicate.
The Seychelles granite boulders that define Anse Lazio’s character are among the most distinctive geological features of any beach in the world. Unlike the volcanic basalt typical of most Indian Ocean islands, the Seychelles granites are ancient continental crust — fragments of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana — that have been eroded into rounded, sculptural forms over hundreds of millions of years. They glow amber and gold in the late afternoon light, provide natural climbing and diving platforms for the adventurous, and create sheltered microenvironments between them that trap warm water and provide excellent snorkelling habitat.
The island of Praslin itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Vallée de Mai nature reserve at the center of the island protects the only wild forest of Coco de Mer palms in the world. These extraordinary palms produce the largest seed in the plant kingdom — a double coconut that can weigh up to 25 kilograms — and are endemic to Praslin and the smaller island of Curieuse. Visiting Anse Lazio without spending a morning in the Vallée de Mai is to leave Praslin without experiencing its most profound natural wonder.
Beach Character and Conditions
Anse Lazio is best described as a sheltered cove rather than an exposed beach. The two headlands create a bay that is protected from the worst of the southeast trade winds that blow strongly across the Indian Ocean from May to October. However, protection is partial, and during the southeast monsoon the bay can have significant swells and the water can be rough enough to make swimming inadvisable. The snorkelling during this period, though, can be excellent on the rocky reef of the eastern headland.
The sand is very fine, white to pale cream, and clean. It is neither the blinding white of pure quartz nor the pink of coral — it is the warm ivory tone characteristic of beaches on granite islands, composed of finely weathered granite and shell fragments. It is exceptionally soft underfoot.
The bay has no permanent shade structures, sunlounger facilities, or beach vendors on the beach itself. What little commercial activity exists is concentrated at the restaurants immediately behind the beach, which have developed the considerate practice of providing beach access to diners and often to non-diners who purchase a drink or snack.
Access and Transport
Getting to the Seychelles
All visitors arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé island, the largest island in the archipelago. The airport receives direct flights from key hubs including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Paris (Air France and Air Seychelles), Nairobi, Johannesburg, Singapore, and Bangalore. London (Heathrow) is served by Air Seychelles and connecting routes via Dubai and Doha.
Mahé to Praslin
The journey from Mahé to Praslin requires either a domestic flight or a ferry.
- Domestic flights (Air Seychelles, Zil Air): The 15-minute propeller aircraft flight from Mahé’s domestic terminal to Praslin Airport (PRI) is the most convenient option. Several flights operate daily. Book in advance during peak season. Views of the islands from above are spectacular.
- Cat Cocos Ferry: A high-speed catamaran ferry service runs between Victoria (Mahé) and Baie Sainte Anne (Praslin). The journey takes approximately 1 hour. It is cheaper than flying but significantly slower, and can be uncomfortable in rough seas during the southeast monsoon.
Praslin to Anse Lazio
Anse Lazio is at the northwest of Praslin, approximately 12 kilometers from the main ferry arrival point at Baie Sainte Anne.
- Taxi: The most reliable option. Taxis are available at the airport and the ferry terminal. Agree on the fare beforehand; the ride takes 20-30 minutes.
- Rental car or buggy: Car rental is available on Praslin and gives maximum flexibility for exploring multiple beaches.
- Bus: The Praslin bus service does run through the western side of the island and can be flagged down near Anse Lazio, but frequency is limited and the service is not well-suited to a beach day visit with luggage.
When to Go
The Seychelles has two distinct monsoon seasons.
- April–May and October–November (the transition months — optimal): These inter-monsoon periods offer the calmest seas, the finest weather, and the clearest water at Anse Lazio. The sea is like glass, the sky is predominantly blue, and the light is extraordinary. These are the best months for snorkelling and for photography.
- December to March (northwest monsoon): Warm, with possible rain showers but also many clear, calm days. The northwest swell is generally gentler than the southeast, and Anse Lazio (facing northwest) is well-positioned in this season. Good for swimming, potentially rough on occasional days.
- May to October (southeast monsoon): This is the period of the strong southeast trade wind, which drives significant swell into Anse Lazio from the northwest-facing direction during the strongest months (July–August). Swimming can be rough or inadvisable. However, the wind keeps temperatures extremely comfortable, clouds add drama to the photography, and the stronger conditions attract surfers and kitesurfers to other Praslin beaches.
Accommodation
On or Near Anse Lazio
Accommodation directly on Anse Lazio is very limited — the beach has been largely protected from intensive development.
- Anse Lazio Restaurant and Chalets: Simple chalets associated with the beach restaurants offer genuine beachfront access for a small number of rooms.
- Villa de Mer: A small, well-regarded property near the beach.
Grand Anse (Praslin)
The main accommodation zone on Praslin is concentrated around Grand Anse on the western coast. Properties here range from the ultra-luxury Constance Lemuria (with its own private beach and an exceptional 18-hole golf course) to mid-range boutique hotels.
La Réserve (Côte d’Or)
The long beach of Côte d’Or (Anse Volbert) on Praslin’s northeastern side is another significant accommodation zone, with several good hotels and a beach village character. It is further from Anse Lazio but has its own excellent beach.
Exploring the Area
Snorkelling
The rocky reefs at both headlands of Anse Lazio are excellent snorkelling environments. Hawksbill sea turtles are regularly encountered — the Seychelles is a significant nesting territory for this species. Large fish including grouper, parrotfish, and triggerfish are common. Bring your own mask and fins or ask at the beach restaurants if equipment is available.
Vallée de Mai (UNESCO World Heritage)
The single most important attraction on Praslin and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai is a 20-hectare forest of ancient Coco de Mer palms that is the only place in the world to see this species growing wild. The massive double coconuts, the dappled forest light filtering through enormous palm fronds, the call of the endemic Black Parrot (found only in Praslin), and the general atmosphere of primeval forest combine into an experience that is genuinely moving. Allow 2-3 hours and book a guide for the full context.
Day Trip to Curieuse Island
Curieuse, a short boat trip from Praslin, is a protected marine park with important Coco de Mer palm forest, a sea turtle rearing station, and a significant wild population of giant Aldabra tortoises that roam freely through the island. The beach at Baie Laraie on Curieuse is another beautiful granite-boulder bay and makes an excellent picnic stop.
Sister Islands (Cousin and Cousine)
The small islands of Cousin (a BirdLife International reserve) and Cousine (a private luxury eco-resort island) are accessible from Praslin by boat tour and represent extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries. Cousin Island is home to enormous nesting concentrations of wedge-tailed shearwaters, Seychelles warblers, and hawksbill turtle nest sites.
Good to Know
Is Anse Lazio really the best beach in the Seychelles? The Seychelles is blessed with numerous world-class beaches, and the question of which is “best” is ultimately subjective. Anse Lazio’s consistent appearance at the top of global beach rankings reflects its combination of natural elements — the granite boulders, the varied water colour, the natural shade trees, and the sheltered cove. Other contenders include Anse Georgette on Praslin, Anse Cocos on La Digue, and Grand Anse Kerlan (also Praslin). Visit more than one and form your own opinion.
Is there an entrance fee for Anse Lazio? No. The beach is public and free to access. The restaurants behind the beach are private and will expect you to make a purchase if you use their facilities (shade, tables, etc.).
What is the water quality like at Anse Lazio? Excellent. The Seychelles has very strict environmental laws protecting its marine environment, and Praslin’s waters are clean, clear, and unpolluted. The corals at the headlands, while not as healthy as they were before the 1998 bleaching event, have recovered substantially and support good marine life diversity.
Do I need to book restaurants at Anse Lazio? During peak season (December–January and April), the two or three restaurants behind the beach can become busy at lunchtime. Calling ahead or arriving by 11:30 a.m. secures a table. The restaurants serve fresh grilled fish, salads, and cold drinks — the quality is good and the setting is extraordinary.