Praslin packs incredible scenery into just 38 square kilometers. Granite cliffs drop into turquoise water. Palm forests cover hillsides. Hidden beaches appear around every corner. But you’ll miss most of it stuck on a tour bus or waiting for taxis.
Driving yourself opens up the island’s best views and secret spots. This guide maps out the routes that deliver the most spectacular scenery and tells you exactly where to stop.
The Coastal Loop: Anse Volbert to Anse Lazio
This 12-kilometer stretch offers non-stop ocean views. Start at Cote d’Or (Anse Volbert) and head north on the coastal road. The route hugs the shoreline with the Indian Ocean on your right.
Key stops along this route:
- Anse Possession viewpoint: Pull over at the small parking area for photos of the bay and neighboring islands
- Chateau de Feuilles: A historic plantation house with gardens (small entrance fee)
- Anse Boudin: Quiet beach with local fishermen and authentic island life
- Anse Lazio viewpoint: Stop at the hilltop before descending to the beach for the classic postcard shot
Drive time is 25 minutes, but plan 2-3 hours with stops. Early morning (7-9 AM) gives you the best light for photography and fewer crowds at Anse Lazio.
The Mountain Pass: Baie Ste Anne to Grand Anse
This cross-island route climbs into Praslin’s interior. You’ll gain elevation quickly, passing through palm plantations and native forest. The road winds through tight curves with steep drop-offs.
The payoff comes at the summit. Pull into the viewpoint parking area and you’ll see both coasts of Praslin spread below you. On clear days, La Digue and other islands appear on the horizon.
Don’t rush this 8-kilometer stretch. The scenery changes every few hundred meters as you climb and descend.
Must-Stop Viewpoints and Photo Spots
| Location | What You’ll See | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Anse Lazio hilltop | Full beach panorama with granite boulders | Morning (8-10 AM) |
| Mountain pass summit | Both coastlines, neighboring islands | Late afternoon (4-6 PM) |
| Grand Anse overlook | Long beach curve, palm groves | Midday (11 AM – 1 PM) |
| Anse Possession bay | Protected harbor, fishing boats | Early morning (7-9 AM) |
Hidden Beaches Accessible by Car
Most tourists crowd Anse Lazio and Cote d’Or. Smart drivers discover quieter spots just minutes away.
Anse Consolation sits at the end of a bumpy access road on the southeast coast. The track is rough but manageable in most vehicles. You’ll likely have this small beach to yourself, especially on weekdays.
Anse Citron on the west coast offers calm water and shade from takamaka trees. The turnoff is easy to miss, look for the small sign near Grande Anse.
Anse Takamaka requires a short walk from the parking area but rewards you with a pristine cove framed by massive granite rocks.
The South Coast Circuit
The southern route from Grand Anse to Baie Ste Anne runs along calmer waters. This side of the island faces away from prevailing winds, creating mirror-smooth bays.
Stop at these spots:
- Anse Marie-Louise: Shallow water perfect for photos of reflected clouds and palms
- Anse La Blague: Working fishing village with colorful boats
- Baie Ste Anne jetty: Watch ferries arrive from La Digue and Mahe
This 15-kilometer drive takes 30 minutes straight through but deserves at least 90 minutes with stops.
Vallee de Mai Access Route
The UNESCO World Heritage site sits in Praslin’s center. The approach road from either coast cuts through changing vegetation zones. Watch how cultivated palms give way to wild jungle as you near the park.
Park at the official lot (small fee) and walk the trails. The famous coco de mer palms grow only here and on one other Seychelles island.
Practical Driving Tips for Scenic Routes
Roads in Praslin are narrow. When you spot a good viewpoint, make sure you can pull completely off the road. Other drivers won’t expect sudden stops on blind curves.
Bring water and snacks. Shops are sparse once you leave main settlements. A cooler in the car keeps drinks cold in the tropical heat.
Download offline maps before you start. Cell coverage drops in mountainous areas and along remote stretches of coast.
Renting Without the Hassle
Exploring these routes requires a reliable vehicle. Traditional rental companies tie up 500-1000 euros in deposits and demand credit cards. That’s money you can’t spend on your trip.
Services like Car Rental in Praslin skip the deposit entirely. No blocked funds, no credit card needed. You pick up the car and start driving. This simpler approach lets you focus on the scenery instead of paperwork.
Sunrise and Sunset Driving
Different routes shine at different times. East-facing beaches like Anse Volbert and Anse Possession catch beautiful morning light. Western spots like Grand Anse and Anse Kerlan are made for sunset viewing.
Plan your drives around the sun:
- Morning: Drive the Anse Volbert to Anse Lazio route
- Midday: Cross the mountain pass when overhead sun reduces glare
- Afternoon: Head to west coast beaches for sunset
Combining Routes Into Day Trips
You can complete the entire coastal loop in a single day. Start early at Cote d’Or, work your way north to Anse Lazio, then cut across the mountain pass to the south coast. Return to your starting point along the southern shoreline.
This full circuit covers about 40 kilometers and takes 4-5 hours with stops. Pack lunch or plan to eat at one of the beachside restaurants.
Alternatively, split the island into two half-day drives. North and east coast one day, west and south coast another. This relaxed pace lets you linger at spots that catch your interest.
What Makes These Routes Special
Praslin’s roads weren’t built for tourism. They connect villages and beaches locals use daily. This means you’ll see authentic island life alongside stunning nature.
Every route offers something different. Rocky coastlines give way to smooth sand beaches. Dense jungle opens to ocean vistas. Small-scale farms and fishing villages show you how Seychellois people actually live.
The freedom to stop whenever you want transforms a simple drive into real exploration. Spot an interesting trail? Park and investigate. See a perfect beach? Spend an hour there. This spontaneity is impossible on guided tours.
Get behind the wheel and discover why Praslin looks better from the road than from a tour bus window.