The north is where most people stay and there are reasons: the water is flat and warm, the beaches are shaded, the restaurants are here, and the boat trips to the islets leave from Grand Baie. It is also the busiest coast, so the trick is knowing which beach on which day.
01 · North
The red-roofed church at the island's northern tip, with Coin de Mire across the water. Walk past the church to the fishermen's slipway and eat the catch at the picnic tables.
Culture & historyViewpointsFoodFreeSunsets
02 · North
The wedge-shaped islet off the north coast, a nature reserve you circle by boat. Diving and snorkelling in its lee, tropicbirds on the cliffs, and the view that fills every north-coast photo.
NatureSnorkellingWildlifeViewpoints
03 · North
A small, deep, sheltered cove between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux: the best swimming beach in the north, good snorkelling off the rocks, and food vans on the road.
BeachesSnorkellingWith childrenFoodFree
04 · North
The north's resort town: the base for boat trips, the bazaar, the bars and most of the island's nightlife. Not a beach you come for, but the place everything leaves from.
FoodMarketsSunsetsWith children
05 · North
The longest beach in the north, a crescent of white sand under casuarina trees between Trou aux Biches and Grand Baie. Calm, shaded, and best in the late afternoon.
BeachesSunsetsFreeWith children
06 · North
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, founded in 1770: giant Victoria water lilies, a palm that flowers once and dies, and 300 years of the island's plant history.
NatureCulture & historyWith childrenRainy days