10 fascinating facts about the Seychelles you need to know

The Seychelles are the only granite islands in the world

200 million years ago, the Seychelles existed as one continent – Gondwana. The result of continuous tectonic movements then created what we know today as the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean that surrounds it.

The Seychelles is comprised of 73 coral islands and 42 inner islands, including Mahé and Praslin, which are formed by granite. These 42 additions to the archipelago are the only islands in the world that have no coral or volcanic elements. Granite rocks can be found clustered along many of the inner islands’ beaches, bringing with them a charm that gives the Seychelles its label as one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

The islands are home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Aldabra Atoll and Vallée de Mai are two locations that are widely protected by the UN division known as UNESCO. The gift of this title means that they are legally protected by international treaties to conserve the land.

The Vallée de Mai is protected from the hands of visitors and tourists due to its ancient reputation. Found in the park are endemic plants such as the Coco De Mer, as well as an array of unique wildlife and other flora. Due to the density of unique and rare life that lives within the forest, it is important that this life is preserved.

It is home to the Aldabra Atoll

This world-recognised ecosystem is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Seychelles, and is protected to promote conservation of the wildlife that inhabits it. It is one of the very few areas among the islands that is populated with such a diversity of wildlife. That is why only 1000 people have the opportunity to explore the Aldabra each year.

As the second-largest atoll in the world, visitors must receive permission from the Seychelles Islands Foundation to visit. Those who do have permission may explore the home of over 152,000 giant tortoises – the largest population of these amazing creatures in the world.

The world's largest seed

Found on only two of the islands in the archipelago, this fruit can live to weigh between 15 to 30 kgs, where the largest Coco de Mer fruit has been recorded at 42 kgs.

Vallée de Mai on Praslin island protects 400 of these Coco de Mer palms and is recognised as a highly treasured token by the Seychellois people. Where once they were valued at the same cost as spices, this giant fruit is priced at around 6000 Seychellois Rupees.

It is home to the iconic breadfruit

The breadfruit is recognised as an iconic fruit to the Seychellois people. During the colonial era, plantation workers enjoyed it as a vital source of energy to avoid starvation. Being as versatile as it is, the fruit is enjoyed in croquettes, mash, chips, and in many other culinary dishes.

What is amazing is that it can also be roasted, baked, boiled or fried. And once cooked, the breadfruit delivers tastes similar to that of a potato, or freshly-baked bread.

The Seychelles was once a hideout for pirates

After its discovery in 1502 by Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama, the two main islands became a hideout for nautical outlaws. One pirate in particular by the name of Olivier la Vasseur, or La Busse, was said to have left treasure stolen from a Portuguese ship in 1721.

The search began in 1949 but was taken over by John Cruise-Wilkins, son of Reginald Cruise-Wilkins in 1988. Today, the treasure that is still to be found has been valued at $1.4 billion.

St Anne Park is haunted by treasure-guarding spirits

Moyenne Island, located in the St Anne Marine National Park, is said to be haunted by spirits that are guarding important treasures. One ghostly story shares that an “eccentric Englishwoman” by the name of Mary Best, who moved to the island in 1910, roams the island at night.

Along with Mary Best, legend has it that pirates who buried their treasure on the island killed two of their own so that their spirits may protect it forever. When another British man bought the island in 1962, he believed that he could hear the voices and footsteps of these spirits, as well as knocking on windows and doors.

Enjoy a 6:30 pm sunset

Today, the island is one of the only African lands to offer free education. There was little education provided to the Seychellois people in its early years; however, in 1981, the government integrated improved learning opportunities into their education system.

By 2012, literacy among the people increased to 94%. Today, the Seychelles has successfully developed a compulsory learning system for children up to the age of 18.

The government is soon to introduce a ‘made in Seychelles’ product label

The Seychelles is known as a relatively expensive holiday destination due to the mass importation of food products. According to the Seychelles News Agency, adding a ‘made in Seychelles’ product label will promote greater support for locally manufactured goods both in the Seychelles and in international markets.

Whether it’s hidden underground or growing on the island’s trees, the Seychelles is a fusion of intriguing legends and fascinating facts that make this island what it is. Book your flights today with Air Seychelles and fall in love with one of the most visited destinations in the world.