Island Group: Inner Islands Group Population : 80,000 Area: 154.7 sq.km

Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island and cultural and economic hub of the Inner Islands, and the international gateway to Seychelles. 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 80,000 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.

With a backdrop of towering 1000m granite peaks, Mahé is an extraordinary treasure trove of flora that has evolved over centuries of splendid isolation. Mahé's tallest peak is Morne Seychellois at 905 m, which is located in the Morne Seychellois National Park.Rare endemic plants found nowhere else in the world adorn Mahé's mist forests in mountain strongholds, such as the Jellyfish Tree, the carnivorous Seychelles Pitcher Plant and the Seychelles Vanilla Orchid.

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.

Mahé is the transportation hub for island-hops and day excursions to neighbouring islands and all other islands within Seychelles.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.This fertile, granite island with verdant forests, soaring peaks and over 65 beaches enjoys a rich diversity of flora and fauna to be discovered by organised excursions as well as on walks and trails through lush countryside.

North Mahé, home to famous Beau Vallon beach, tends to be more populous than other regions of the island, and discreetly features a range of hotels of all sizes, guesthouses and villas.

South Mahé presents, in contrast, a wonderfully pastoral aspect and is home to some of the island´s prettiest beaches and villages too, all made accessable by an efficient network of roads.

Victoria, one of the tiniest capitals in the world, has managed to retain much of its original charm and character. With outstanding examples of traditional architecture, a busy market, shops, boutiques and service providers.