The Seychelles are officially among the exotic destinations most chosen by Italians. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2025 almost 23,000 Italians chose this archipelago in the Indian Ocean, with a record growth of 18% compared to the previous year. A trend that shows no signs of stopping, given that growth remains at the same levels already in the first weeks of 2026. But what makes these islands so irresistible for those seeking an escape from the ordinary?
The paradise that goes beyond the postcard
Of course, the beaches of the Seychelles are the ones we all imagine: very fine white sand, palm trees swaying in the wind, crystal clear waters that fade from turquoise to deep blue. Coves that seem to have come straight from a glossy tourist brochure. But stopping at this image would be like visiting Florence and limiting yourself to photographing the Duomo from the outside.
This archipelago of 115 islands is a natural universe that defies all expectations. Some islands are framed by imposing granite outcrops sculpted by time and the sea, others are surrounded by magnificent coral gardens that are home to a kaleidoscope of marine life. From the colorful clownfish to the enormous and very docile whale sharks, every dive is a journey into a parallel world.
When nature becomes the protagonist
On land, the show continues with a biodiversity that leaves you breathless. You could find yourself face to face with giant turtles walking around undisturbed, like on Curieuse Island, an ancient leper colony that has now become a natural marine reserve with a unique and wild atmosphere. Or witness sea turtles nesting on remote coasts, or spot dozens of species of colorful birds hidden in the lush jungle foliage.
And then there is the coco de mer, the largest seed in the world, which grows only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. With its decidedly sensual shape and a weight that can reach 18 kilograms, it has become one of the most curious symbols of the archipelago, part of that Creole culture that intertwines nature and tradition in an inextricable way.
Treks that look like scenes from Avatar
Anyone who thinks of the Seychelles as an exclusively seaside destination is missing half the adventure. The hinterland of these islands hides spectacular paths that cross primeval forests, where the green is so intense that it seems unreal.
On Mahé, the main island, the Mare Aux Cochons trek is an experience that seems to transport you to another geological era. We start from the east coast and cross the entire island until we reach a pond hidden in the vegetation, passing ancient stone bridges built by the first missionaries, waterfalls that fall into natural pools and abandoned distilleries in the mountains. The final view of the Port Glaud waterfalls, where you can dive to regenerate after six hours of walking, repays every drop of sweat.
From the coast to the jungle, there and back
The great thing about trekking in the Seychelles is that they often take you from one side of the island to the other in just a few hours, giving you the feeling of crossing different worlds. On Praslin, the second island of the archipelago, you can start from Grand Anse and arrive at Anse Volbert, climbing over the central “peak” in less than two hours. Along the way you walk among mango, papaya, pandanus, coconut and vanilla trees, while the air fills with tropical scents. The final reward? A heavenly beach where you can finally relax.
And if you’re looking for something truly unique, there’s the path that connects Anse Lazio to Anse Georgette. It’s a real dive into prehistory, through an unexplored jungle that rarely sees tourists passing by. We start from one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago and arrive in a corner of paradise normally inaccessible by land, where the view literally takes the breath away of anyone who gets there.
Creole culture and ancient traditions
The Seychelles is not just wilderness. The Creole culture of the archipelago is a living heritage that can be felt everywhere, from the spicy cuisine to the rhythms of traditional music. The herbal practices of the islands, handed down from generation to generation, tell of an ancient and profound relationship with the land and its resources. It is this fusion between adventure, uncontaminated nature and cultural authenticity that is conquering more and more Italian travellers.
Why Italians chose the Seychelles
It is no coincidence that Italy has become the fourth largest market in the world for this destination, with the highest growth among all European countries. While other historic markets such as Germany and France even record a decline, Italians continue to discover and rediscover these islands, even outside the high season periods.
The reason is simple: the Seychelles offers exactly what the modern traveler is looking for. It’s not just relaxation under the palm trees, but a complete experience that combines crystal clear sea, adventure in nature, authentic culture and that excellent hospitality that makes every guest feel special. It is a destination that cares for the environment and visitors alike, where every day can hold an unexpected discovery.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon, an adventure trip or simply a place to reconnect with nature, the Seychelles knows how to surprise you. And the numbers show that more and more Italians have understood this.
