Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island, cultural and economic hub of the Inner Islands and gateway to Seychelles. With a backdrop of towering 1000m granite peaks it is home to the International Airport and the nation’s capital, Victoria.

The island is home to almost 90% of the total population (or approximately 72,200 people) reflecting Seychelles' diverse ethnicity and descent from African, Indian, Chinese and European populations and is the seat of government and the chief centre of commerce.

A leisurely tour of the island by car will take 2 to 2 1/2 hours and reveal the lion’s share of Seychelles’ accommodation facilities, places of cultural interest and other attractions.

Mahé is the transportation hub for island-hops and day excursions to neighbouring islands and all other islands within Seychelles. All scheduled domestic flights by Air Seychelles originate from Mahé to the serviced islands.

History and Culture

First visited by the British in 1609, Mahé was not visited again until Lazare Picault's expedition of 1742 when the gradual process of settling the island began, first by the French whose direct influence continued until 1814 and then as a British colony until Seychelles gained independence in 1976.

The physical administration of Mahé as Seychelles' principal island as well as its cultural orientation has been greatly influenced by French and British customs, traditions cuisine and architectural styles. This process has been further enriched by the steady influx of foreign people, particularly those of Chinese and Indian descent, who together form the basis of today's vibrant and multi-cultural society.