The Maldives represent in the collective imagination the definition of paradise on earth.

It’s true that we normally prefer destinations more varied in terms of vibes, landscape and cultural traditions. That said, there are moments in life, aka honeymoon or early parenting, which demand a well-deserved relaxing holiday.

And the Maldives splendidly deliver.

But if the ridiculously turquoise waters, the sinuous palms curling like brushstrokes over talcum-soft sand, and the genuine smiles that greet your arrival are guaranteed to warm your hearth, the journey to get there is more tortuous.

With over a thousands islands, all apparently looking the same, choosing one seems much of a muchness. But as you attempt to understand the differences (and there are ones), you’ll only end up confused and undecided. Navigating such a sheer number of options (even after a brutal selection by price range), becomes suddenly an impossible task.

When our mind laid upon Reethi Faru after abundant research, it wasn’t because we found the best island in the Maldives in absolute terms. It was the best one, for our particular needs.

It was the perfect middle ground, for us who wanted a romantic, family-friendly resort with a great house reef, a decent lagoon, an island grounded in natural beauty and with attention to suistainability practices. All of this, without spending a fortune.

This is our complete review of Reethi Faru resort, the perfect eco-luxury escape in the Maldives.

WHAT WE LOVED

• Natural Beauty | Lush tropical island, mostly in its natural state. Little to no sea walls or groynes, also preserve the island’s natural aesthetic.
• House Reef | Vibrant and teeming with sea life. Also very close to the shore.
• Food | Large selection of restaurant and bars with great attention to quality besides quantity
• Real Inclusivity | Truly family‑friendly yet still infused with romantic, Maldivian magic. A place right for families, couples, and adults alike.
• Activities | Multiple excursions, trips and other activities available. Ideal to fully unwind while keeping a bit of adventure in the mix.
• Price | A mid-to-upper luxury resort with great value for money.

WHAT WE DIDN’T LOVE

• Getting There | True travelling time between Velana International Airport in Malé and Reethi Faru may be longer than anticipated. Not ideal for short stays.
• Hotel Booking | Watch out for scammers (see note below).

Note: It feels unusual to discuss IT security in a Maldives travel post, but it’s an important topic. This isn’t unique to Reethi Faru, and similar scams are increasingly common, a trend only amplified by the rise of AI. Still, we want to be transparent so travellers know what to expect. When booking your stay, you may receive messages and emails from fraudsters impersonating the resort, claiming there’s a problem with your reservation and asking for credit‑card details to “fix” it. This can happen whether you book directly through the resort’s website or via platforms like Booking.com. Not everyone seems to be targeted, and it’s unclear how scammers choose their victims. The resort does include a brief warning on its homepage, but we feel they could be more proactive. In any case, always double‑check with the resort directly before making any payment.

Reethi Faru Resort is part of the Raa Atoll, known for its rich marine life, and for being less crowded than the more popular alternatives.

For those not familiar with the concept, Maldives atolls are ring-shaped coral reef structures whose perimeter is made of tons of coral islands.

With 26 natural atolls forming the entire country, choosing the right one already feels daunting, but there are basic filters to help you.

For example, if quick access is your priority, you might want to consider the North Male` Atoll. If snorkelling with whale sharks is at the top of your bucket list, the South Ari Atoll is your best bet.

For us, the deal‑breakers were excessive remoteness, having only speedboat transfers (not ideal with a baby), and seasonal winds. That ruled out the small distant atolls and the ones strongly exposed to wind in February (like North Malé), because no one flies to the Maldives dreaming of choppy seas.

That said, choosing the right atoll is only one piece of the puzzle and it needs to align with all the other island‑specific criteria (like budget, vibe, house reef, price and so on).

Reethi Faru is located on Filaidhoo private island, embracing the classic one resort – one island concept typical of the Maldives. Like a sprinkle of white salt in a glass of water, the resort is close to a few other islands scattered around its perimeter, providing a sense of seclusion without complete isolation.

We loved the location as we arrived, even if getting there turned out to be a bit more of an ordeal than expected.

About 204 km from Malé, this is not a resort you reach with a quick ride, as a full speedboat transfer isn’t possible.

The hotel offers two options as you book.

• Seaplane Transfer | Operated by Trans Maldivian Airways, this is the adventurous one. After landing in Malé, a resort representative escorts you to the seaplane terminal to check-in. Flight runs only during daylight hours (06:00-16:00). Luggage allowance is 20kg plus hand luggage. Cost: ~USD 450 per adult round-trip.
• Domestic Flights + Speedboat transfer | A 20-min domestic flight to Dharavandhoo followed by a 40-min speedboat, managed by a resort representative like above. Available also a few hours after seaplanes stop flying. Cost: ~USD 350 per adult round-trip.

We took the seaplane, while the in-laws that travelled with us chose the domestic-flight‑plus‑speedboat combo, so we can make a fair comparison. Although we enjoyed the seaplane, we’d choose the other option next time.

First, it’s cheaper and the views are equally fantastic.

Second, the seaplane “should” (in theory but hardly in practice) be faster. Reethi Faru mentions ~45 minutes versus a 25-min to Dharavandhoo plus 30-40 minutes speedboat. Considering also the time of disembarking before transfering on a boat, the seaplane looks like the clear winner.

But we now know that the 45-min transfer is a rare best-case scenario, as it’s only in case of direct flights. Because Reethi Faru’s distance from Malé, it’s very common for seaplanes to make multiple stops en route (ours had four!).

This creates another issue. You don’t board immediately but you’re grouped with passengers heading to other resorts, so departure depends on when their international flights land. We waited over three hours, and with all the stops, our travel time stretched past 1 hour and 30 minutes!

Responsible travelling and sustainability practices are incredibly important for us.

On the footstep of our fantastic experience at Denis Private Island in the Seychelles, we were eager to choose a place embracing a similar philosophy.

In a country were the effects of climate change and environmental controversies are increasingly at the centre of debate, paying a tad more attention to your carbon footprint becomes almost an ethical imperative.

But like for Denis, this does not mean renouncing to comfort, quite the opposite.

We believe that places like Reethi Faru can generate steady business by attracting customers who value environmental initiatives and genuinely prefer barefoot-luxury over abundant artificial intervention.

Unlike some overly built-up resorts, we were very pleased instead to find an incredibly lush, natural island. But aside from the aesthetics, the resorts pays a lot of attention to true sustainability initiatives.

Therefore you can expect to find awareness sessions with marine biologists, partnerships with turtle conservation charities and coral reef revitalization projects.

Energy production is almost entirely generated by fotovoltaic cells (makes sense…) and biofuel from food waste, while use of plastic is limited to the bare minimum.

A lot of the food is organically produced on the island or responsibly sourced from local farms. The resort even goes a step further by generating potable water from the sea through reverse osmosis.

All of this is incredibly important to minimize our impact on the planet but, in a very utilitaristic fashion, it also creates a richer, more authentic experience for the customers.

Learn More | Look at Reethi Faru sustainability initiatives here.

Craving for a seamless bed-to-beach flow, and knowing that our little one would inevitably launch himself into the sea from an overwater, we naturally gravitated towards a beach villa.

The result? The best choice we could have made.

We found a spacious (74 sq m), tastefully decorated, colonial-style room, seamlessly blended with the lush vegetation. All while being a stone’s throw away from the turquoise water.

On the inside, the room is equipped with all the comforts including king-size bed and couch, air conditioning, mini bar, safe and satellite tv. Sun loungers and cosy reading chairs are just outside, carefully shielded by the surrounding vegetation to ensure privacy.

The open air bathroom and shower perfectly complemented the above (like for Denis, we could spend hours under those showers!).

Note: Beach villas line most of the island’s shoreline, but the sweet spot is on the northeast side, between Vakaru Restaurant and Nala Bar. From here you get, in our view, the best stretch of reef and you’re only steps away from the most picturesque (while not the largest) part of the lagoon (by Nala Bar).

Nestled within lush tropical gardens, an oasis of privacy and tranquility, you’ll find cozy garden villas. Smaller than their beach counterparts (54 sq m), they share a similar design and amenities.

Our in-laws stayed there, which means that we can provide an honest comparison of the two.

Overall, we liked the relative proximity to the Nala Bar lagoon (the prettiest bit in our view) and the more competitive price point. However, not having direct access to sea makes the difference as this is what most people coming to the Maldives look for.

Note: While garden villas are a great option for couples or solo travellers, having direct access to the beach truly changes everything if you’re a family with small babies. While your little one naps inside, you can relax on the beach and take turns snorkelling with your partner. It’s a completely different experience than sitting on a chair in a garden!

At the risk of being dismissed as sour grapes, we have to state our controversial truth.

We do not like water villas!

This has less to do with Reethi Faru’s, despite theirs having a pronounced container design, and more with deturping the natural beauty of the area. If you also consider that water villas are normally placed on premium location, that feels like an eyesore.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. For those particularly fond of the style, you’ll have very spacious (95 sq m), warm and naturally lit rooms and a wooden private deck seamlessly blending into the turquoise Indian Ocean waters.

As for location, the water villas are understandably located within the biggest section of the lagoon, offering the ultimate Maldivian postcard. This is also the prime sunset spot, and we admit that chilling on your water villa sipping your sundowner looks pretty damn sweet.

For some, they represent the quintessential Maldivian experience, more legitimate and iconic than the island itself. If you fall in that category, this is where you’ll want to be. For those who don’t particularly care, and look for soothing shades of green as much as endless shades of blue, we recommend to look at beach villas instead.

For the rich and famous or those with a large party, a limited number of the above also come as a two-bedroom plus size villas. Those are much larger than their standard counterpart, and are up to 250 sq m for the two-bedrooom water villa.

The other independent category, is the deluxe beach pool villa, a larger (117 sq m) upgrade from the standard beach villa, complete with a private freshwater pool just outside the patio. Understandably, they come at a higher price, though we are not convinced the premium is fully justified (why would you need a pool when you’re two meters away from the sea?). Some of these villas sit close to the watersport centre, so factor the occasional vehicle traffic breaking the tranquillity. Also, we found a few ones to be along an eroded stretch of the beach, with bulky geobags placed on the sand.

More info here.

Book here.

The island’s main seafront restaurant, is set in a large open‑air wood pavilion. It is a buffet-style restaurant with live cooking stations, and the main gathering place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner at Vakaru is a themed buffet that rotates every two weeks, with themes covering international cuisines including Italian, Spanish, Maldivian, and Indian.

Personally, we found the food to be very good and consistent.

Dhiyavaru Restaurant | A beautiful restaurant on stilts sitting above the turquoise lagoon. The only restaurant open 24h. Info and menu here.

Huvandhu Garden | The romantic one, perfect for honeymooners longing for candlelit dinners with the soft hush of waves and the grounding feeling of silky sand beneath the feet. Offering tasting menus for dinner between $75 (all-inclusive customers) and $90. Info and menu here.

Reethi Grill | Great pick for both casual and more refined alfresco meals, centred around open‑fire cooking and grills. Info and menu here.

Veggie “N” Vegan | Casual vegetarian restaurant by the beach. Only open for dinner. Info and menu here.

Raalhu Cafe | Light snacks and a few proper dishes, located by the resort main swimming pool. Note: For half-board guests looking for sandwiches or other quick meals at lunchtime, this is the only real option.

Without the pretence of being exhaustive about every spot serving alcohol, you’ll find a selection of our favourites below.

Nala Bar | Overall our favorite spot on the island. Sitting on the east side, you’ll find a beautiful and uncrowded lagoon, the perfect place to swim and relax with a drink. Recommended between sunrise to afternoon, before the sun disappears to the other side.

Sunset Bar | The name says it all. This is the place to be for the perfect sunset cocktail. Also, the resort often organizes a “free sunset cocktail event” for the guests here.

Thari Bar | Quiter alternative to sunset bar for lazy afternoony cocktails. We also had our welcome drink here and was fantastic.

One of the reason we chose Reethi Faru was, in our opinion, the right balance between wide sandy lagoon and vibrant house reef for snorkelling.

The reef is easily accessible (ten meters from the shore to the drop-off in some areas), with dedicated water channels to facilitate access.

We also found it to be rich and full of life. While many corals show signs of past bleaching from rising sea temperatures and previous El Niño events, a surprising number are recovering and displaying vibrant colours. You’ll likely see large school of tropical fish and we also constantly spotted reef sharks, turtles and eagle rays.

Every morning at 11am, the marine centre offers a free guided snorkelling tour, which is a great way to get familiar with the reef and perhaps encounter species you might otherwise miss.

Still, our favourite spot remained the stretch right outside our beach villa on the northeast side of the island, where the reef was closest and consistently full of activity.

Basic snorkelling gear (fins, mask, snorkel) is complimentary.

You can view a comprehensive list with prices here.

Below you can find a summary of the ones we have done and enjoyed.

Dolphin Safari | Often discounted depending on your package and length of stay. It’s done on a traditional dhoni, and usually includes a stop at either a sandbank or an unhinabited island. Note: Despite what brochures say, sandbank stops are now rare as most nearby ones are submerged.

Sunset Cruise | The easy win. It’s free if you stay 5+ nights, so it would be silly not to do it. Lasts about 1 hour, circling the nearby 5-star resort Joali Being on Bodufushi island.

We also did various snorkelling trips organized by the resort SeaXplorer dive centre. Each of excursion runs only on specific days and fill up fast, so book early.

Below a list of the ones we recommend.

Manta Lagoon | Our all time favourite. Even out of season, we saw a large group of mantas right beneath us. Loved it.

Coral Garden | The excursion takes place in two different locations. First you’ll go to a vibrant coral area but with limited sea life (although we spot a turtle and a moray eel). Then they’ll bring you to a second site with a stronger focus on the fauna. Both places were exceptional in their own ways and much better than the alreay great house reef of the resort.

Sunny Side | We didn’t personally do this one as it was fully booked. However, multiple people that we spoke to referred to this as one of their favourite. There is also a chance of big encounters as you’ll snorkel at the edge of the Raa atoll.

Additional snorkelling trips include other type of reef-focused safaris, turtle watching spots and even night snorkelling excursions!

Learn More | You can look at Reethi Faru’s SeaXplorer price list here.

Tucked away towards the centre of the island, the Coconut Spa is the perfect place for nurturing the body and soul.

Cocooned beneath layers of lush tropical vegetation, the opening pavillion unfurls an oasis of tropical flowers, water features and wooden canopies to unwind as you wait for your massage.

We had a lovely late afternoon here, where we did the Spa base couple massage, and Tania also returned the day after for a foot reflexology treatment.

The Spa also offers complimentary sauna and jacuzzi, perfect for a little extra pampering before or after your treatment.

Learn More | For more information on the available packages, you can check here.

Reethi Faru watersport centre is considered one of the best-equipped centres in the Maldives.

We are not fanatics about this by any means, but for the excited ones you have a huge range of choices. Apart from the classic kayaks and paddleboards, you’ll find jet skies, underwater scooters and many more. If you’re up to adrenaline-pumping activities you can also do flyboarding, parasailing, tubing, kite and windsurfing (for hire or as private/group lessons). Various jet ski excursions are also organized here, reaching secluded spots like the Blue Lagoon.

Apart from the watersport centre, you also have a gym and tennis courts nearby, right by the island infinity pool. We had the best intentions of checking out those, but, well, island life got in the way!

As we travelled with our little one (16 months at the time of travel), a genuine family-friendly resort was essential.

At the same time, we didn’t want a place completely distorted and detached from the romantic experience you come to the Maldives for.

We think that Reethi Faru strikes the perfect balance.

Apart from the monetary advantages coming from their kids-stay-&-eat-free policy, we loved that our little one was treated like a superstar rather than a nuisance.

The resort doesn’t have massive kids facilities or in-house nannies, but frankly we were not looking for that anyway. What mattered to us were the genuine smiles, the care, and the freedom for children to roam, unlike certain resorts that divide the island into family and adult-only zones.

Looking back on our week at Reethi Faru, it’s easily one of our most memorable trips. What stood out most was the balance the resort strikes. Luxury with sustainability efforts, family-friendly with romance, a rich house reef and wide-open lagoons. If you’re deciding between resorts, Reethi Faru is a great choice to mix relaxation, activities, and a slightly more eco-conscious stay without sacrificing comfort.

A week gave us enough time to properly settle in, try multiple restaurants, and fit in several excursions without feeling rushed, though we could have happily stayed much longer!

The post Reethi Faru Resort Review: Best Maldives Eco-Luxury Escape appeared first on The Way We Travel.

Lake Skadar is one of Montenegro’s most atmospheric landscapes, and exploring it by boat is easily one of the best ways to experience the national park. But where you start your tour makes a big difference. Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića each offer a distinct style, pace, and perspective on the lake. Having taken boat tours from both, we feel that we can confidently break down the differences.

This guide compares boat tours from Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića in detail, helping you choose the best for your travel style.

Virpazar is the traditional gateway to Lake Skadar and the most popular place to join a boat tour.

This is also the village we chose as our base and the ideal place for those seeking convenience and accessibility.

Virpazar is a small settlement in the Crmnica region, at the confluence of the Orahovštica and Crmnica rivers into Lake Skadar.

The name comes from Vir (whirlpool) and pazar (market), and it was an importan trading post for the region over the history. Today, it’s still a marketplace of sorts, but with an obvious focus on boat tours and wine tasting.

It’s also the most popular base for travellers, and we understand it. It’s the easiest to reach, the only practical option if using public transport, and it provides the largest offering of boat tours.

Sitting right on the lakeshore, it offers easy access to both the open lake and some of the water channels branching off the main body.

Tours from Virpazar are slow-paced, scenic, and ideal for travellers who want a relaxing experience.

Most of the tours take place in traditional, wooden boat (čun), whose slim and shallow-based design is perfect for gliding across the lake’s calm waters. Apparently there are also some less-attractive, double-decked boats, but we haven’t personally seen any. We believe that those are used mainly in case of adverse weather conditions or to host large tours.

Boats are usually skippered by a local guide, who also shares the history of the key landmarks along the way. The capitan will also try to spot local birds (about 280 distinct species populate the lake), but unless you’re on a dedicated birdwatching tour, they won’t go into much detail about each species.

The pace of these tours is usually calm, with opportunities for photos, relaxation, swimming and generous glasses of wine.

From Virpazar, tours usually reach the open lake quickly, where wide stretches of water, island views and key birdwatching spots dominate the experience. Venturing into the northern section of the lake, most tours also weave through the water channels and broad lily‑pad fields near the mouth of the Morača River, though you’ll see fewer of these compared with the area closer to Rijeka Crnojevića.

Virpazar is essentially a single lively road lined with kiosks, each staffed by overenthusiastic vendors eager to sell you their tours. To keep the chaos manageable, you can follow two main strategies.

The first is booking ahead with operators that have a solid online presence.

Most blogs highlight Kingfisher, one of the oldest companies in town, with 20 years of experience and the largest number of reviews. We chose them for our 2h tour (€20 per person) and genuinely enjoyed it. They also run birdwatching, 3h and private tours.

Another well-rated option is Boat Milica, known for more intimate, personalised experiences. Their group tours broadly mirror Kingfisher’s offering, but with an emphasis on “tailor‑made” private trips.

Some operators have a smaller online footprint but compensate with variety. Boat Falcon, for example, offers an impressive range of tours (1–6 hours) and different boat types, from speedboats to traditional vessels.

Our hotel, De’Andros, also runs its own tour which you can check out here. Their public routes are similar to Kingfisher’s 2‑ and 3‑hour itineraries, but with the added perk of a quieter, more private feel that often comes with a 4‑star hotel.

All of these can be booked online, but many other kiosks offer comparable routes and prices. If you prefer choosing in person, arrive in Virpazar the day before, walk the main street, and compare operators by experience, price, duration, and departure times. For instance, Kingfisher’s first regular sailing is at 10am, while Boat Milica starts at 11am. If you want an earlier departure, scouting on the ground can help you find the perfect match.

If you really enjoyed your tours, you could also mix and match different options. For example, combining a classic 2h tour at 10am, with a 1h trip exploring the Grmožur or Lesendro fortresses at sunset, looks pretty cool.

Tours range from quick one hour loops to longer journeys that reach quieter corners of the national park. The variety means you can tailor the experience to your pace.

Most operators add their own small twist, but the classic Lake Skadar tour typically runs for about two hours, with a three‑hour version (boat trip plus fortress visit) being the next most popular choice.

• Classic 2‑hour tour | The most popular option. You’ll cross the lake’s open expanse with the Albanian Alps on the horizon, pass the historic Lesendro fortress, and navigate the bird-rich Morača river before drifting through vast fields of lily pads.
• Historic 3‑hour tour | Usually includes the above, or slight variations, plus a visit to an historic site. Most tours will stop at the 15th‑century Kom Monastery, perched on Odrin Hill and accessible only by boat. Other ones will instead focus on the Grmožur fort in the opposite direction.
• Longer 4–6 hour tours | These reach quieter corners, including Karuč and deep stretches of the Crnojevića River. Boat Falcon and Kingfisher offer these, together with a few other operators that we have seen in Virpazar. However, these areas sit much closer to Rijeka Crnojevića than to Virpazar. If you want to explore this section, a shorter tour from Rijeka Crnojevića is your best bet.
• Birdwatching tours | Lake Skadar is a birdwatching paradise, sheltering an incredible 280 different bird species. These include the dalmatian pelican, kingfisher, pygmy cormorant, egret and multiple others. Made for the twitchers, these tours usually start very early in the morning and last 2-3 hours.

As per 2026, most group tours cost around €20 per person (2h) with no significant variation between the different operators.

The cost for 3h tours is not significantly higher and it may be a good value-for-money alternative for some.

Costs rise quickly if you opt for a private tour. Depending on the boat type and duration, prices typically range from €60–€120 for a 2–3 hour trip for one person, with modest increases as more people join.

Regardless of which operator you choose, we appreciated that most of the main companies let you reserve your spot online but only pay on the day, which is a welcome flexibility if your plans shift closer to the tour.

In addition to the above, there is also a €5 National Park Fee payable as you start your tour.

The historic town of Rijeka Crnojevića is the ideal base for exploring the northern reaches of Lake Skadar.

Sitting at the end of a river which gradually opens into Lake Skadar, this traditional fishing village is ideal for those who prefer authenticity and tranquillity over convenience.

The iconic stone bridge, slow‑moving water, and surrounding hills create a postcard scene at every turn.

The town is definitely more atmospheric than Virpazar, and it offers a handful of restaurants and boat tours departing directly from the riverfront. Whilst most of the economy revolves around boat tourism, its remote setting drastically reduces the crowds compared to Virpazar.

Overall, it is a great place for those who want beauty and calm, without complete isolation.

Read this blog post for more info on the two villages and a complete guide on Lake Skadar!

The scenery in this part of the lake is beautiful, arguably better than the Virpazar side.

From Rijeka Crnojevića, tours typically begin by gliding through the Crnojevića River canyon before slipping into the maze of narrow channels flanked by water lilies. As you progress the navigation, you’ll enter the so-called Amazon Rainforest, which for some constitutes Lake Skadar most remarkable highlight. Here, you enter a layered ecosystem of tight, twisting channels where the forest canopy covers the water streams, with kingfishers often darting through the foliage. It’s a completely different vibe from the broad, open waters of the lake.

Having said that, the style of touring is very different.

All tours from Rijeka Crnojevića use small, fast speedboats. The pace is livelier, routes are shorter, and there is more emphasis on the destination rather than the journey. Due to the speed of navigation, there is also little to no opportunity to learn about your surroundings (except the Amazon section), as the skipper is usually focused on riding the boat.

Unlike Virpazar, it’s also harder to book these tours online in advance, as there simply isn’t much available. The best approach is to show up directly and arrange your tour in person. Fortunately, the town is far quieter than Virpazar, so arriving on the day and sorting everything out is usually easy.

Overall, the experience feels more adventurous compared to Virpazar and in our case, slightly less baby‑friendly (though still doable).

We looked for different boat tours before selecting ours, but most of them seem to offer pretty much the same routes.

• 30‑minute loops up to Pavlova Strana. These quick and cheap rides are ok if you’re short on time but considering the time and effort to get here, probably not the best ones in terms of value for money.
• 1–1.5 hour tours represent in our opinion the ideal sweet spot. These take you along the full Crnojevića River, take a turn to get through the so-called “Amazon rainforest” section, and some stretch as far as Karuč.
• 2‑hour tours include the above parts but often reach the open lake, the same area you’d see from Virpazar. If you’ve already toured from Virpazar, there is no point in choosing these.

Unlike Virpazar tours, speedboat trips from Rijeka Crnojevića are normally charged per boat, not per person.

Unless you’re a group of friends, in which case it may work out cheaper, it’s likely they will cost you more than taking a group tour from Virpazar. As per 2026, you can expect €40 for 30-min trips up to €80–€120 per boat for 1–1.5 hour tours. Prices don’t vary much between operators, so good bargaining skills can make a difference here.

To Know | To visit lake Skadar by boat you’ll have to pay a €5 / person national park fee. This applies whether you depart from Virpazar or Rijeka Crnojevića, and if you visit on separate days, you’ll need to pay the fee each time.

In our opinion, both offer fantastic experiences but they’re very different.

Where you stay will play a big role in your decision, especially since hopping on a boat becomes incredibly easy once you’re in these villages.

But apart from logistics, there are specific advantages and disadvantages as highlighted above.

Generally speaking, you should choose Virpazar if you want a slow, relaxing tour in traditional wooden boats. Virpazar tours also offer greater variety, from birdwatching to history‑focused routes, and they’re usually easier to book online. They also tend to be more informative, with guides who spend time storytelling and explaining the landscape around you.

Boat tours from Rijeka Crnojevića, by contrast, deliver shorter, punchier outings, emphasizing the area’s dramatic scenery. They draw fewer crowds which in turns may generate a more authentic feel, giving you an unfiltered sense of Lake Skadar’s most beautiful section.

Our Verdict | If you can, you should do both. If you must choose one, we think Virpazar has the edge thanks to its calmer pace. However, you should still visit Rijeka Crnojevića (and Pavlova Strana viewpoint) even if you don’t take a boat, as this is the most beautiful section of Lake Skadar.

Lake Skadar Travel Guide: The Ultimate Montenegro Hidden Gem

The post Lake Skadar Boat Tours: Virpazar vs. Rijeka Crnojevića appeared first on The Way We Travel.

As we crossed the mountain pass inland, leaving the glamour of Sveti Stefan behind, the landscape shifted.

The Adriatic Coast, with imposing cliffs plunging into azure waters wholly enjoyed by sunbathers, gives way to an unspoiled stretch of land. The silence louder than the waves crashing on shore, sunbeams swathing shrubs and trees in soft golden glow, revealing a swirling kaleidoscope of butterflies, a concerto of crickets and solitary tortoises at edge of the road.

Suddenly, a bend opened to deliver a spectacular vista from the top – the majestic Skadar Lake in front of our eyes. A vast basin stretching into the distance, dotted with lush green hills rising from the water like dormant volcanoes. Its surface carpeted with blooming water lilies, showing broad patches of green, blue and ochre, blending together like acrylics on an artist’s palette. Beyond them, snow-capped mountains towered on the horizon.

In an instant, we found ourselves in a place with the untamed energy of South America, but with softened edges and gently diffused colours, like if shaped by the dreamy touch of an Impressionist painter.

As the coin flipped, Montenegro showed us a different face. The Mediterranean vibe was a faded memory, paving the way for the lush and bucolic dream of Lake Skadar.

In this travel guide we’ll give you our first-hand experience on the top things to do in Lake Skadar. We’ll cover the best boat trips, top wine tasting experiences, our favourite places, accommodations and the ideal bases for your trip.

We’ll also provide you with our itinerary, perfect for slow travellers visiting solo, with friends or as a family. So that you can fall in love as much as we did.

Before going full on the best things to do and top places to stay, we should start with the basics.

Lake Skadar (Skadarsko jezero) lies on the border between Montenegro and Albania. While 65% of its surface belongs to Montenegro, the lake takes its name from Shkodër, the fourth-most-populous city in Albania.

With an area fluctuating between 370-530 km², lake Skadar is pretty big; more precisely, the largest lake in Southern Europe.

Due to its sheer size, it is fairly unrealistic to visit all the places around the lake.

From a traveller’s perspective, when someone refers to Lake Skadar, most commonly visits the Montenegrin side. And it’s convenient that the best part is within short driving, whether you come from Podgorica (20min), Sveti Stefan (45min), or even Kotor.

Montenegro packs an incredible amount into such a small country, but Lake Skadar is the place that stole our hearts.

However, it’s also important to go there with the right mindset and expectations. If you’re after buzz and a touch of glamour, then Lake Skadar is not for you. This is not Lake Como after all.

What you’ll find at Lake Skadar is instead untouched nature, secluded villages suspended in time, incredible birdlife, off-the-beaten-path wine routes and above all a serene, almost meditative tranquillity.

Perhaps it was the benefit of visiting off-season and lingering longer than a hit-and-run day trip, that won us over. Regardless, it managed to recharge our batteries like few other places before.

But it’s not all about chilling in a pretty landscape, while quietly contemplating the stillness of the water. A trip to Lake Skadar lets you unwind like a wellness retreat, yet still dive into some action.

Most of the attractions will revolve, understandably, around boat tours to explore different sections of the lake. But beyond that, it offers plenty more things to do, from scenic road trips and hiking, to wine tasting and history‑rich spots.

For these reasons, we think Lake Skadar is the perfect destination in Montenegro for a well-rounded, yet relaxing trip. And it is perfectly suitable for couples but also families (our baby boy loved his boat tours!).

Lake Skadar is praised as an oasis of tranquillity, but it’s also easily accessible.

Tour operators keep the lake firmly on their radar, and the proximity to Podgorica and the Adriatic coast means plug‑and‑play guided trips are easy to find.

This tour is a very popular Kotor day trip option for the lake, which also includes a stop at Biograd National Park.

This is by far the best way to travel around Lake Skadar, and the one we recommend for independent travellers.

Not only the driving is short (from Podgorica and even Kotor), but a car lets you explore the lake beyond the obvious points.

The road to Virpazar (Lake Skadar main hub) is well-paved, so even less confident drivers should manage it easily (the smaller roads around the lake are a different story). With your car, you can also reach Rijeka Crnojevića, which you can use as an alternative base to Virpazar.

The only drawback here is parking, which in this area could be a bit tricky. Not necessarily in Rijeka Crnojevića, which sees a significantly lower influx of tourists, but Virpazar could get notoriously busy if travelling in high season and/or weekends. An easy fix would be staying at Hotel De’Andros, which offers dedicated parking for guests, or alternatively using the parking areas just outside the centre here or here.

To find your rental car, you can use Discover Cars for some of the best deals, or Booking.com to reserve car and accommodation at the same time.

Getting to Lake Skadar using public transport is certainly more challenging, but not impossible. You just have to accept that most of your experience will revolve around Virpazar, with limited chances to move around.

From Podgorica | The best and easiest option will be the Podgorica-Bar route with a stop at Virpazar. This is a quick (15min) and economical option, and Virpazar station is only a short walk from the village centre. You can buy tickets directly at Podgorica Rail Station, onboard or online.

From Budva | At present (2026) there are no direct buses to Virpazar. Your best bet would be a bus to either Podgorica, Bar or Sutomore (€4-6) followed by train. You can check the bus schedule at busticket4.me

From Kotor | No direct public transport, and getting to Lake Skadar from Kotor would involve more creative thinking. Your best bet (depending on your schedule) would be either a bus to Budva (closer) or to Podgorica. For the next leg, you just have to follow the indications above.

We visited at the end of May and can confidently say that spring (especially May-June) is the best time to visit Lake Skadar.

Why?

The lake is at its most vibrant, perfect temperatures, lush greenery, water lilies in full bloom and peak birdlife activity. It’s perfect for boat tours and hiking, and the crowds are limited being only the beginning of the high season.

We haven’t experienced it ourselves, but September–October should make an excellent backup plan, with warm weather and quieter trails. Most people recommended them as great months to visit, even if they don’t bring the same life explosion as spring.

Summer is nice but can be hot and busy, and we rather spend it anywhere by the sea. Winter is wet and with limited activities, and not really recommended for a first-time visit.

As we started planning our Montenegro itinerary, we were adamant about spending the proper amount of time in Lake Skadar.

What we wanted to avoid, was rushing out from Kotor only to reach the lake at peak hour, crammed onto an overcrowded boat under the blazing sun.

While quick day trips have their place, it was the slow rhythm that made us really appreciate Lake Skadar. Taking time to wander, glide across the water in the early‑morning calm, sip local wine through lazy afternoons, and soak in the soft glow of sunset is what left us with such a great impression.

So, how long to spend at Lake Skadar? We recommend at least two nights, with a focus on morning (or sunset) boat trips. Independent travellers with their own car staying for that amount or longer, can also successfully divide their time between Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića for a better overview of the lake.

If you only have a day, we suggest that you head to Virpazar for a 10am (or earlier) boat trip and try to spend as much time on the water as you can.

Most travel blogs and other internet sources promote Virpazar as the only base existing in Lake Skadar.

From what we have seen, this is not true.

Unless you rely on public transport, there are several spots along the lake where you can base yourself, depending on the kind of experience you’re after.

Best for | Accessibility, convenience and extensive options for boat tours.

Cons | The village itself is not that pretty.

Virpazar is a small settlement in the Crmnica region, at the confluence of the Orahovštica and Crmnica rivers into Lake Skadar.

The name comes from Vir (whirlpool) and pazar (market), and it was an importan trading post for the region over the history. Today, it’s still a marketplace of sorts, but with an obvious focus on boat tours and wine tasting.

It’s also the most popular base for travellers, and we get it. It’s the easiest to reach, the only practical option if using public transport, and it provides the largest offering of boat tours.

This comes with the usual drawbacks though. Guided tours and day-trippers are abundant (especially in high season), and parking can be problematic.

Also, the village is not particularly “pretty”. It’s one of those places lined with kiosks on both sides of the road, with overenthusiastic vendors eagerly trying to sell you their tours.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. Visiting in spring means the crowds are manageable, and since you’ll likely spend half the day on a boat tour and the rest wandering nearby or wine tasting, you won’t be lingering in Virpazar much anyway.

Overall, if you want a straightforward, well-connected base with plenty of tour options, this is the place.

Here below you’ll find a few accommodation recommendations from us.

Hotel De’Andros | Where we stayed and the only real “luxury” option in town. We liked the prime position, onsite parking, restaurant and the rooftop bar and pool with great view over the lake. Note: The rooftop bar is operational in spring but the pool only starts functioning from June onwards.

Eco Resort Cermeniza | This resort has 13 beautiful villas, two swimming pools and it’s surrounded by vineyards, making it great for wine lovers. A bit outside Virpazar (20 min walk).

Lake Valley | Near Eco Resort Cermeniza, it offers a collection of stone chalets centred around an inviting swimming pool.

Panorama Stone Houses | Charming mountain retreat with the most spectacular view of Lake Skadar. More remote than other properties.

Best for | Photogenic location, fewer crowds, romantic stays, boat tours to northern section of the lake

Cons | Less accessible, boat tours could be more expensive

Rijeka Crnojevića is one of Montenegro’s most photogenic villages, set along a serene river that feeds into the lake. The iconic stone bridge, slow‑moving water, and surrounding hills create a postcard scene at every turn.

It’s quieter and more atmospheric than Virpazar, with a handful of restaurants and boat tours departing directly from the riverfront. It is a great place for those who want beauty and calm, without complete isolation.

Even if you’re staying in Virpazar, venturing here is still well worth it.

Here below you’ll find a few accommodation recommendations from us.

Hotel S Family Jovicevic | Simple but well‑located right on the river.

Casarogna Luxury Rooms | Modern and tasteful accommodation right in the centre.

Riječki grad Apartments | Another convenient option with great views over the village.

Best for | Solitude, swimming, nature immersion, off-the-grid travelling

Cons | Isolated, limited food / accommodation options

One step forward from Rijeka Crnojevića you’ll find Karuč, lake Skadar ultimate getaway for those seeking peace and quiet.

Once a seasonal village inhabited by fisherman, it has now turned into a tiny lakeside retreat for nature lovers. It has no shops and dining is limited to “reconverted family terraces”, but the tranquillity is unmatched.

For some it’s too remote, for others it’s Lake Skadar best hidden secret. Whether that fits your style, you’re the only one to know.

The access roads are narrow and demanding, and forget about staying here if you don’t have a car. But once you make it in, you’re rewarded with one of Lake Skadar’s most intimate, untouched corners.

Karuč Apartments | Simple lakeside rooms with amazing views.

Villa Skadar Lake | A beautifully restored stone house overlooking the water.

Skyline Skadar Lake | Modern, well-equipped house with a jacuzzi and unparallel views

Boat tours are undoubtedly one of the best things to do in lake Skadar.

Having taken boat trips from both Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića, we feel confident outlining the differences, pros, and cons of each.

Virpazar is the classic starting point, offering slow, scenic tours on traditional wooden boats. Routes are varied, birdwatching-focused trips are available, and prices are affordable.

Rijeka Crnojevića offers a completely different experience. Tours here use small speedboats and focus on the dramatic Crnojevića River, with bonus trips to Karuč or the “Amazon rainforest” section. They’re shorter, faster, and usually priced per boat.

If you can, try both. If you have to choose one, we feel that Virpazar is more relaxing and better for first‑timers, while Rijeka Crnojevića wins for scenery and a more adventurous feel.

This tour is a classic introduction to Lake Skadar and it has great reviews, while history buffs could opt for this instead.

To know | To visit lake Skadar by boat you’ll have to pay a €5 / person national park fee. This applies whether you depart from Virpazar or Rijeka Crnojevića, and if you visit on separate days, you’ll need to pay the fee each time.

Irrespective on whether you do a boat tour from Rijeka Crnojevića or not, one of the best reasons to visit the town is the proximity to Pavlova Strana, lake Skadar’s best viewpoint (here).

The drive from Rijeka Crnojevića is less than 10 minutes, but if you’re coming from Virpazar it will take about 1h via the panoramic route (we even spot tortoises!) or slightly less if going through Podgorica.

Pavlova Strana is Montenegro’s answer to the Horseshoe Bend in Arizona, except for the much lusher surroundings and the lower popularity, which makes things far more enjoyable. Once you arrive at the top of the viewpoint, you can simply admire the panorama, or if you want to stay longer, they have a restaurant (Konoba Ceklin) to take things to the next level. Although we can’t personally vouch for the food, we know that the view is to die for.

One of the cool things about Virpazar is the proximity to several wine estates. As you approach the village, you’ll spot signs pointing towards various hamlets known for their winemaking heritage.

Krnjice, Seoce, Boljevići, Limljani, Godinje.

By “villages” don’t expect lively town centres or busy streets. These are tiny clusters of crumbling stone houses perched on rocky outcrops overlooking small vineyards, with the lake in the distance. Places where the entire population might not exceed a hundred people even in summer.

Wine tasting in Lake Skadar is not the same as Napa Valley, Stellenbosch or Chianti, wonderful as these regions are. It’s a niche, yet incredibly relaxing and satisfying experience, emphasizing the “grannies’ secrets” of small producers over established expertise and expensive infrastructure.

You’ll taste wines from the local Vranac and Krstač grapes, but what elevates the experience is the setting. Nature all around, silence (except for the birds), and warm, attentive hosts who make you feel at home.

Our wine tasting took place in Godinje, just 5 kilometers from Virpazar via a narrow road.

We chose Winery Garnet (contacted in advance), which online was recommended as one of the best in the area. Note: There is no parking onsite, but you can park nearby here.

Tasting includes 4 glasses of wine (white, orange, rose and red) paired with cheese, cured ham, olive paste on homemade biscuits, salad as well as fruit liqueurs and rakia. At the time of visit (2026), the price was €40 / person or €20 just for wines and liqueurs.

If you prefer a more formal experience and don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can also check this.

Not a real “wine tasting”, but if you don’t want to move out of Virpazar, Besac Heritage Retreat has a wine museum and restaurant inside an historic fortress, with spectacular views on Lake Skadar!

This tiny lakeside hamlet was once a seasonal retreat for fisherman and it’s the definition of stillness. Tucked into the rocky shoreline, with wooden jetties and crumbling stone houses, its water are so calm it feels almost meditative.

There are no shops, cafés, and no real centre. Restaurants are primarily people’s terraces temporarily set up for the occasion. It’s perfect to disconnect completely, swim in the deep waters of Karučko Oko (The Eye of Karuč), and admire the stunning viewpoints. The access roads are tough, but if you’re willing to tackle the narrow bends, you’ll be rewarded with an intimate encounter with Lake Skadar’s untouched landscape.

Lake Skadar has a lot of peaceful swimming spots that feel worlds away from Montenegro’s busy Adriatic beaches.

While we don’t necessarily recommend going out of your way for those, they may be a valuable addition for slow travellers or anyone with time to spare.

Pješačac Beach (here) is one of the most accessible, with clear water and a relaxed vibe, while Murići Beach (here) offers a long stretch of shoreline backed by forest and views toward Albania. If you’re exploring by boat or car, you’ll find countless tiny coves where you can slip into the water completely alone.

As we travelled with our 2-year old little human, this was nowhere near baby-friendly.

However, for those exempt from parenting responsibilities, and who value sweat, labour and a touch of the unconventional as rewarding virtues, this will be their jam.

The beauty of it, is that you can closely mirror the boat routes at your own pace, or venture to the unexplored corners. Either way, you’ll likely to move between channels of reeds and oceans of lily pads, have close encounters with fluffy birds and enjoy spectacular views all over.

Virtually every tour company offers kayaks to rent, making things easy, with prices at about €5 per hour or €20-30 per day. If you’re interest in a paddle board, you can also reserve it here.

Two full days (and a car) set you on the right foot to explore Lake Skadar without the rush of a fully-managed day trip.

We describe below a sample 2-day itinerary using Virpazar as a base, but alternatively you could also choose Rijeka Crnojevića.

Kick-off your day in Virpazar, where you ideally arrived the night before, with a morning boat tour. Unless you’re really into birds, we suggest a start between 8-10am, choosing between the classic 2h or 3h (including Kom Monastery) tours.

After that, spend your time relaxing at your hotel before driving to Godinje while stopping at some of the great viewpoints along the way. You can then spend a lovely afternoon tasting wine at Winery Garnet, before wandering aimlessly in Godinje.

If you fancy, you can hit the nearby Pješačac beach as well, or head back to Virpazar stopping at Besac Heritage Retreat for a sunset drink and dinner with a spectacular view of the lake.

Accommodation | Hotel De’Andros

Boat Tour | Kingfisher or similar

Wine Tasting | Winery Garnet (Godinje)

Dinner | Besac Heritage Retreat

Take the panormic road from Virpazar to Rijeka Crnojevića (1h drive). Spend some time meandering through the idyillic small town before hopping on a boat to explore the Crnojevića river and the so-called Amazon rainforest.

As you get back to the town, a short drive will get you to Pavlova Strana, Lake Skadar best viewpoint, where you can eat at the local restaurant.

Drive further to Karuč to get another very picturesque view of Lake Skadar, before heading back to Virpazar or leave the lake entirely.

Boat Tour | Any from Rijeka Crnojevića

Highlights | Pavlova Strana, Karuč

Plan boat tours for early morning or sunset. Early departures also mean fewer boats, better birdwatching, and cooler temperatures.

Choose your base according to your travel style. Virpazar is convenient and practical, especially for boat tours and public transport. Rijeka Crnojevića is more atmospheric and romantic. Karuč is for travellers seeking solitude and nature immersion.

Book wine tastings in advance. Most wineries are tiny family operations, so a quick message or call helps ensure someone is available to host you. This is especially useful outside peak season, as many owners live in Podgorica.

Drive carefully on panoramic roads. The scenic routes around the lake are stunning but narrow, winding, and poorly maintained. Take your time, avoid rushing, and be prepared to stop for tortoises crossing the road!

Bring cash. Many small wineries, local restaurants, and boat operators prefer cash payments. ATMs are limited once you leave Virpazar.

Expect simplicity and embrace it. Lake Skadar isn’t polished or curated. Villages are tiny, restaurants are often family terraces, and tours feel homemade.

Lake Skadar Boat Tours: Virpazar vs Rijeka Crnojevića

The post Lake Skadar Travel Guide: The Ultimate Montenegro Hidden Gem appeared first on The Way We Travel.

When we planned our 4-day Kakadu adventure, we often wondered whether Litchfield was worth squeezing in. After all, as great advocates of quality vs quantity, we didn’t want to rush for the sake of ticking another item off a bucket list.

Our sneak peek of Litchfield was completely spur-of-the-moment and decided at the last minute. Luckily, coming from Kakadu, the park sits conveniently on the way back to Darwin, aside from a 1h diversion as you get close to the city.

In this pocket guide, we share our opinion on whether you should add Litchfield to your NT itinerary and how to make the most out of it if you have limited time.

It depends.

Litchfield is not a place to rush through.

With a full day you’ll only skim its surface, and giving yourself more time lets you slip into its quieter corners. Anything less than a day can feel like a strain on time and energy. But if your route naturally takes you past Litchfield, it’s still well worth considering.

On our way back to Darwin, after spending four full days in Kakadu, Litchfield became an unexpected bonus. Because of that, we felt no pressure to “do it all”. We simply explored at our own pace and enjoyed whatever came our way.

With that mindset, Litchfield becomes an easy, worthwhile addition to any Northern Territory itinerary, even for just a few hours.

The critical dividing line between Kakadu and Litchfield is time.

Litchfield can, at least in theory, be squeezed into a half‑day dash. Kakadu simply can’t — the scale, distance, and pace of the park make a rushed visit unrealistic.

A big part of this comes down to geography. Litchfield sits roughly an hour from Darwin, while Kakadu demands a three‑plus‑hour drive just to reach the boundary. And if, like us, you’re returning to Darwin after exploring Kakadu, you’ll find that the road to Litchfield overlaps most of the same route, branching off only near Humpty Doo, not far from the city.

The respective size of the two parks is also important. Kakadu is roughly 14 times larger than Litchfield, and Litchfield is hardly small.

In Kakadu the major sites are far more spread out. In Litchfield, you can tick off several highlights within a short drive between each other.

Beyond scale, the parks also have distinct personalities and strenghts.

Kakadu is a sprawling, world-class national park, remarkable for both its natural landscapes and its cultural significance. You’ll find far more Aboriginal heritage sites, rock art, and cultural experiences here than in Litchfield. To do Kakadu justice, you need at least three days, and many of its most rewarding spots require a 4WD.

Read our 4-day Kakadu itinerary to know how to get the most out of it!

Litchfield, by comparison, is compact, easygoing and instantly gratifying. Its waterfalls, swimming holes, and short walks are close together, making it perfect for spontaneous exploration and refreshing dips without the logistical planning Kakadu requires. And if swimming in natural pools is your priority, Litchfield is also the better (and safer) option.

Unlike Kakadu, where buying an entry pass is straightforward and well‑signposted, Litchfield is far more ambiguous.

We spent a lot of time digging the internet and traveller forums, only to find conflicting information. We think this stems from a few factors:

• Litchfield used to be completely free, so many people still assume no pass is required.
• There’s no checkpoint at the entrance, which makes the requirement feel optional or unclear.
• It’s poorly advertised, so visitors often don’t realise a pass exists at all.

To err on the side of caution (and the right side of the rules), we purchased a day pass for $10 per adult, available here.

Crowds – Try to be there early to minimize the crowds as the natural pools tend to fill up very quickly. Unlike Kakadu, Litchfield is more crowded due to its smaller size and easier accessibility.

Most major sites are close together – Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, and the Magnetic Termite Mounds are all within short drives.

2WD – Enough for half a day or 1 full day visit. 4WD is needed for secluded spots (Lost City or Tjaynera Falls) which should be skipped if you have limited time.

Visit – Dry season (May-Sep) is the best time to go.

Swimming – Litchfield’s pools are generally safer and more accessible than Kakadu’s. Waterholes occasionally close for maintenance or safety checks — always verify before you go.

Bring – Sunscreen, gopro, snacks, insect repellent, swimwear, towels, reef shoes

Wildlife – Our experience is that wildlife spotting is better at Kakadu. However, less / no crocs means better opportunity for swimming!

Facilities – While less relevant if you’re only visiting for the day, it’s still useful to know what’s available. Toilets can be found at the major sites, but not everywhere, so plan accordingly. As for food, come prepared. Aside from the seasonal café at Wangi Falls, there are no places to buy meals inside the park. Pack snacks, lunch, and plenty of water because once you’re in Litchfield, you’re essentially self‑sufficient.

Petrol – No stations available inside the park, so fill up before you go.

You can find a map of the park with the main facilities here.

Ok so you have a few hours to spend in Litchfield. Your itinerary needs to be smart, strategic and realistic, emphasizing quality over quantity.

If you come from Kakadu, you already had your share of satisfaction and everything else should be an added bonus.

Luckily, Litchfield main attractions are well concentrated and you can pack a few together without too much strain.

Map of most popular attractions in Litchfield (circled)

The first stop after entering the park, should be by the iconic Magnetic Termite Mounds.

They’re one of Litchfield’s most intriguing sights, but also one that doesn’t require too much time, especially considering the boiling heat and limited shade.

The field looks almost extraterrestrial, with hundreds of thin headstone-like towers aligned in the same direction like a natural compass. These mounds are engineered with remarkable precision: their long, flat faces point east–west, allowing the termites to regulate internal temperature by catching the morning sun and avoiding the harsh midday heat. Some of them are over 2 meters high and up to 100 years old!

Nearby you’ll also see the more familiar cathedral termite mounds, created by a different species. These are the same that you spot in the Kakadu, but the Litchfield ones could be up to 7 meters high!

Tip | Spend about 20 min here before heading to Florence Falls!

About 10 min drive from the Magnetic Termite Mounds will lead you to one of Litchfield signature stops: Florence Falls.

Featuring a double waterfall plunging into a deep pool surrounded by monsoon forest, it’s the perfect mix of scenic and refreshing. You can admire the falls from the viewing platform above (perfect for photos), before following the short trail down to the water for a swim.

The falls are beautiful even though, understandably, could be quite busy. This is a constant in most swimming spots at Litchfield, which unlike the ones in Kakadu, are much more accessible (and safer from a croc point of view!)

The area also has a car park and a campground with showers and toilet facilities.

Tip | Swimming in beautiful plunge pools is what you came to Litchfield for. We recommend you spend a few hours here, taking all in without rushing to visit your next spot. If like us you want to avoid climbing up the stairs, you can take the Shady Creek walk (1.7 km), a lovely loop bringing you back to the car park through monsoon lush forest. The walk is very easy and gentle, but factor an extra 30 min to help you staying on track.

From Florence Falls you can hike (3.5 km round trip) to Buley Rockhole, but as time is of essence you should opt for the short drive instead. There is plenty of parking space once you get there, so accessibility shouldn’t be an issue.

Buley Rockhole features a series of small waterfalls and rockholes, and is the perfect place to cool off and relax. The water is crystal clear and (like Florence Falls) it is safe to swim here, as you’ll see plenty of people enjoying the natural pools.

To be honest, it is less spectacular than Florence Falls but as the two are so close to each other, it would be silly to skip it. Just tread carefully around the pools though. The rocks could be VERY slippery and we saw various people (including ourselves) unintentionally audition for an ice skating routine on the wet stone!

Tip | Make Florence Falls the main attraction and stop at Buley Rockhole for the last quick swim.

We arrived to Litchfield at about 11am and by the time we got to Florence Falls it was quite busy.

We felt that this is pretty much inevitable though. Litchfield is popular for a reason: it’s close to Darwin and delivers maximum beauty with minimal effort. Even though should try to beat the rush as much as you can, there’s only so much you can do.

That said, it never felt overwhelming or disruptive. Even though attractions like Florence Falls tend to be busy, we felt that is was never to a point to negatively impact our experience. We had plenty of “escape it all” moments in Kakadu, but replicating that in Litchfield would have meant leaving Jabiru before dawn to reach the falls before 8:30am.

To be frank we weren’t quite that committed, and honestly, arriving around 10am seems like a nice sweet spot.

Crowds also concentrate mainly at Florence Falls. The Magnetic Termite Mounds were almost empty, Buley Rockhole was perfectly manageable, and venturing a bit further (like taking the Shady Creek Walk), gives you peaceful pockets away from everyone else.

If you’re driving from Jabiru (Kakadu’s main township) or Darwin, enter the park via Litchfield Park Road past Batchelor (about 3h drive).

If, like us, you’re constrained by the time you have to return your car, you’ll want to be laser-focused on how you spend your day.

The drive by the edge of the park to the Magnetic Termite Mounds takes about 20 minutes, and apart from a few photos and moments to appreciate the uniqueness of the place, you shouldn’t spend to much time here.

Florence Falls is next, just 10 minutes away and you should aim to spend at least 2-3 hours here, including the 1.7 km Shady Creek walk if you have time.

The driving distance between Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole is negligible, and once you arrive, we suggest you spend up to 1h to enjoy the pools.

You read read online about two other key spots at Litchfield: Tolmer Falls and Wangi Falls.

Tolmer is one of the parks’s most striking waterfalls, dropping over two separate escarpments into a distant plunge pool where several colonies of Ghost Bats and Horseshoe Bats live. You can’t swim here, but the apparently the viewpoint is one of the best in Litchfield.

A little further along, Wangi Falls is one of the Litchfield’s most popular attraction thanks to its huge freshwater pool (where you can swim) fed by two high falls and easy access.

They are the perfect addition if you have a full day, but we’d recommend skipping them on a half-day visit, as you’ll end up rushing and won’t fully enjoy the other attractions in the park. Driving from Buley Rockhole to Tolmer Falls takes about 20 minutes, then other 15 min to Wangi, followed by 1.30h drive to Darwin. Unless you just want to pass by to say “I have been there”, we don’t think it is worth it.

A half‑day in Litchfield isn’t enough to see all the highlights, but it’s enough to enjoy some of park’s greatest hits.

With its compact layout, easy accessibility, and refreshing swimming spots, Litchfield lends itself surprisingly well to a short, well‑planned visit.

We recommend you go and focus on a few key highlights, taking your time at Florence Falls, and treating everything else as a bonus. With the right expectations, even a brief stop here delivers a rewarding slice of the Northern Territory’s beauty without the pressure of a full‑day or multi-day itineraries.

The post Half-Day Litchfield: The Perfect Add-on to Your Kakadu Adventure appeared first on The Way We Travel.

Despite its impressive growth in visitors over the last few years, Uzbekistan is one of those places that still feels quite obscure to many.

But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find one of the most rewarding destinations on the Silk Road. This is a land of turquoise domes, desert fortresses, bustling bazaars, and cities that have existed for over 2,700 years.

It all sounds exciting, but we know it can still trigger that uncomfortable flutter you feel when you’re pushed past your comfort zone. This is understandable but quite frankly not grounded in reality.

Despite its remote location and absence of mainstream tourism, this is a country that is safe, very easy to navigate, and suitable for shorter or longer visits alike.

This 8‑day Uzbekistan itinerary follows our own journey and is perfect for first‑timers who want to cover the country’s greatest hits. It includes Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and nearby day trips, with a pace that lets you enjoy the experience without rushing.

• Day 1 – Arrive in Tashkent and visit of the city
• Day 2 – Morning in Tashkent and then transfer to Samarkand – Stay at Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel or Hotel Platan (bit further)
• Day 3-4 – Samarkand and half-day trip to Shahrisabz
• Day 5-6 – Bukhara – Stay at Kukaldosh or Rayyan Hotel
• Day 7 – Transfer to Khiva and Khorezm Fortresses
• Day 8 – Khiva – Stay at Ulli Oy Boutique Hotel & Terrace or Polvon Qoriy Boutique Hotel
• Day 9 – Departure via Urgench

Uzbekistan was a bit of a wild card for us. We knew we wanted to go, but it came more from a spontaneous whim than a carefully planned bucket‑list choice.

However, we found that nowhere else blends monumental Islamic architecture, Silk Road romance, Soviet quirks, and warm hospitality quite like this. Uzbekistan is safe, surprisingly easy to navigate, and still feels refreshingly unspoiled by mass tourism.

You can expect:

• Epic architecture rivalling Iran and Türkiye, giving you a sense of stepping into a living history book
• A culture shaped by Persians, Mongols, Russians, and nomads
• Genuinely friendly and hospitable people. Expect locals wanting to pose for a photo with you and sending you a “follow” request on Instagram
• Walkable old towns and atmospheric bazaars
• High‑speed trains connecting major cities
• Affordable prices

Planning an Uzbekistan travel itinerary has never been easier, and if there’s ever been a perfect moment to visit, it’s right now (2026 at the time of writing).

The country is pouring serious investment into its tourism sector, opening the doors wider than ever so more travellers can experience what makes this place extraordinary.

Even the annual Uzbekistan Festival we attend at the foot of Tower Bridge in London grows busier each year, a small but telling sign of the country’s rising profile.

Travel has become dramatically easier, too. Many nationalities can now enter visa‑free for short stays, credit cards are increasingly accepted, and the quirky old rituals, like exchanging money on the black market or collecting stamped slips from every hotel, are firmly in the past.

And yet, despite this surge in accessibility, Uzbekistan remains wonderfully under the radar. It hasn’t been polished into a theme‑park version of itself or overwhelmed by mass tourism.

How long this balance will last is impossible to predict, but it shows that the best time to go is now.

The sweets spots are either March–May for mild(ish) temperatures and blooming trees or September–October for golden light, warm days and cooler evenings.

Winter (Nov-Feb) can be atmospheric, but expect shorter days and temperatures that can very well go below zero. Full summer (July-August) is for the masochists who want brutal heat with no sea to cool off.

The “Classic Uzbekistan” itinerary is a simple one.

It covers Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, with the potential of a few days trips along the way.

The minimum to enjoy it is a week, but it could be stretched across 10 days for slow travellers.

For longer trips, we recommend that you either add more “off the beaten path” stops along the way (like Nukus, the Aral Sea and/or the Fergana Valley) or you branch off to some of the neighbouring countries.

When we planned our Uzbekistan itinerary, we were unsure at first on how to divide our time. This depends on how many days you have, but overall we recommend 1 day in Tashkent and 1 in Khiva.

Tashkent is interesting but quite honestly not the main reason someone would travel to Uzbekistan. Unless you want to dig deeper into museums, 24 hours are usually enough.

Khiva is probably the pretties city in Uzbekistan, but it’s also very small and easy to cover in a day. Unless you venture into the Aral see, 1 full day is also enough.

If we then exclude travelling days (e.g. Khiva-Bukhara with stops at the Khorezm fortresses), the rest of the days should be split between Bukhara and Samarkand.

We recommend a minimum of two days in each, ideally three. If you need to prioritize, we suggest giving the “extra” day to Bukhara (simply because we preferred the vibe).

Uzbekistan is easier to navigate than most expect, if you exclude off-the-beaten-path places like the Aral Sea and Fergana Valley.

If you stick to the classic Uzbekistan route covered in this post, travelling is simple and you have various options.

Fast, clear, reliable and cost-effective, this is the best way to travel between all the major cities (Tashkent – Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva). You can book tickets directly here, but we found the website to be a bit un-cooperative when booking from abroad.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party agency. We used Advantour to book us the Afrosiyob (Tashkent to Samarkand and Samarkand to Bukhara) and were very satisfied.

Private transfers are still relevant for day trips (like the Khorezm fortresses from Khiva or Shahrisabz from Samarkand), or if you like flexibility on your journey between Bukhara and Khiva (expect $60-80 one way).

This is what we have done (via our Bukhara hotel and stopping to the Khorezm desert fortresses along the way), even though the whole journey is quite long.

However, a new high-speed rail line is connecting Bukhara and Khiva from 2026, making the journey a lot easier.

For all the other destinations, including Tashkent-Samarkand and Samarkand-Bukhara, the high-speed train is by far the best option.

Useful for Khiva to Tashkent via Urgench Airport.

Cheap, chaotic, and very local. Can be a way to travel between cities, but only if you have a taste for real adventure.

In short: yes, very.

Uzbekistan is one of the safest countries in Central Asia, with low crime rates and a strong tourism infrastructure.

We had zero problems along the journey and never felt unsafe at any point.

• Money –  Cash is king, but a few places (hotels, some restaurants) started to accept cards
• Language – Except for hotels, English is not widely spoken
• Booking Trains – Reserve Afrosiyob tickets soon after they go on sale (typically 60 days before departure)
• Dress Code – Modest clothing is appreciated in religious sites, but they’re quite relaxed elsewhere
• Connectivity – Local SIM cards (Ucell, UZ Mobile) are cheap and reliable. We got Ucell SIMs at Tashkent airport
• Download – Yandex Go App (local Uber) before arriving and link it to your local SIM card. You can pay cash or attach a credit card to pay for each ride

Below is the complete day‑by‑day plan, based on our direct experience.

It starts in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s modern capital, and moves westward along ancient trade routes to monumental Samarkand, Silk Road’s heart Bukhara and Khiva, a perfectly preserved desert citadel that looks almost too beautiful to be real.

While it is possible to approach the journey in the opposite direction, we recommend starting in Tashkent and ending in Khiva, possibly flying out from nearby Urgench Airport.

This itinerary is designed for first‑timers who want a balance of iconic sights, atmospheric neighbourhoods, and a few hidden corners. It works well if you’re travelling as a family, with friends or solo.

Your introduction to Uzbekistan will be through Tashkent, the country’s modern capital.

Shaped by Soviet reconstruction, yet still distinctly Central Asian, the city mixes leafy boulevards, brutalist blocks, Islamic architecture and an almost eerie sense of order.

The time of your arrival will probably dictate the pace of the sightseeing. After a well‑earned rest, start exploring the city centre around Amir Timur Square, where you’ll likely stumble upon several monumental sights, including the enigmatic Hotel Uzbekistan, an heritage of the bygone KGB era.

Head northwest (Gafur Gulom metro stop) to the Hazrati Imam Complex, your first real taste of Islamic Uzbekistan. It’s quieter and less dramatic than the ones in Samarkand or Bukhara, but still beautiful and pleasantly uncrowded. When we visited, it housed a 7th‑century Uthman Quran (one of the oldest in the world), now displayed next door at the Center of Islamic Civilization.

About 20 min walk brings you to Chorsu Bazaar, the city’s most atmospheric market and our favourite in Uzbekistan. Wander, get lost and if you’re up for it – bargain!

You can either eat here or, if you don’t mind the ride, cross the city to reach Besh Qozon to eat authentic plov.

After a long day and plenty of steps, head back to your hotel, unwind and stay local.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS | Hazrati Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar

Tashkent is interesting, but the real magic in any Uzbekistan itinerary lies west.

One full day is usually enough, but with jet lag in the mix, it’s fair to use the morning to fill any gaps.

As weird as it sounds, one of Tashkent’s best attraction is…drum roll…the metro.

Few places outside Moscow have turned their stations into striking works of art. Visit Alisher Navoiy, Kosmonavtlar, Mustaqillik Maydoni and Bodomzor, which now you can freely photograph after a ban was lifted.

Stroll the leafy boulevards (a blessing in hot days) before heading to Tashkent Central Station for the fast train to Samarkand.

The ride takes about 2h, and despite the beautiful Tajik mountains in the distance, is not particularly eventful. On arrival, expect a swarm of fierce taxi drivers, eager to offer you an overpriced fare disguised as a great deal.

Now you have three options:

• Pay (still talking about £10 here…)
• Negotiate (it’ll probably still be above market value)
• Download Yandex Go before arriving and link it to a local SIM for the best prices

After checking-in (we stayed at Platan), head to one of Samarkand’s greatest highlights: the Shah-I-Zinda necropolis.

Climbing the first staircase leads you to a narrow corridor lined with radiant turquoise mausoleums, some from the 11^th century.

The whole complex is breathtaking and we suggest to stay until closure.

STAY | Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel, Hotel Platan, L’Argamak Boutique Hotel

KEY HIGHLIGHTS | Alisher Navoiy, Shah-I-Zinda

Samarkand is the city that most defines Uzbekistan’s cultural identity, and where the past still shapes its soul.

Start your day by visiting Gur-i-Amir (tomb of the most famous Uzbek historical figure, Amir Timur) and the nearby Aksaray Mausoleums.

Continue with Samarkand most iconic site: the Registan. Spend a few hours exploring the wonders of the Tilya-Kori, Ulugh Beg and Sherdor madrasahs. The golden, purple‑hued interior of Tilya‑Kori alone is worth the trip, and remains the best we’ve seen in Uzbekistan.

Have lunch at the traditional Bibi Khanum Teahouse before visiting the homonymous mosque. Not far from the Registan, the Bibi-Khanum mosque is another of Samarkand’s greatest hits, remarkable for its colossal scale, slightly crumbling architecture and fascinating history. You can also briefly stop by the Siyob Bazaar next door, the city’s main market for nuts, spices, sweets and people-watching.

Spend the rest of the afternoon by strolling around the “Russian Quarter” for a completely different, but not any less authentic, perspective of the city. This is a refreshing contrast to Timur’s ancient world and the perfect place for some breeze under the leafy trees, and booze from some of its lively cafés and bars.

Read here for more info on the best things to do in Samarkand!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS | Registan, Bibi-Khanum Mosque

TOP TIP | Gur‑i‑Amir isn’t large inside and fills up fast. If you want to avoid elbow‑to‑elbow crowds come early!

If you’re in Samarkand for more than 2 days, making a (half) day trip to Shahrisabz is a good option.

We organized this through our hotel, but you can find various tours using Get Your Guide.

Shahrisabz is famous for being the birthplace of Amir Timur. It is not an essential stop in our opinion, but it can be a nice (heat permitting) detour.

The key highlights are the ruins of the Ak-Saray Palace, the Kok‑Gumbaz Mosque and Dorut‑Tilovat complex, all relatively close to each other.

As you go back to Samarkand, (depending on your stamina), you can either (i) stop at the Ulug Beg Observatory and/or the ancient Afrasiyab settlement and museum, (ii) or go back to your hotel to relax.

As the evening approaches, return to the Registan to admire it one last time. We loved it so much that we bought another ticket to soak it all in the softer light. This is when the Registan looks unreal!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS | Ak-Saray Palace, Registan (at night)

TOP TIP | Driving back from Shahrisabz, stop for lunch at the restaurant at the top of the mountain (here). The view and the unbelievably good kebabs, definitely make up for it!

Take an early high-speed train to Bukhara (1.5 hours).

The railway station is 15km from the city centre, so you have to take a cab or use Yandex Go.

We recommend staying around Lyabi Khauz square, the perfect hub for people-watching and to unwind in some of the cafés and local teahouses.

Bukhara is much more compact than Samarkand, it capture the essence of the Silk Road and it strikes, in our opinion, the perfect balance between curated and authentic.

Head to the unique Chor Minor before strolling the labyrinthine alleys behind Lyabi Khauz as they come to life. Take a moment to admire the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah (1622), visit a old Jewish house nearby, and slow down your pace by sitting at some of the teahouses in Lyabi Khauz.

As you wander around, stop by the nearby trading domes, strong reminders of Bukhara’s Silk Road heritage, before visiting the beautiful Ulug Beg (1417) and Abdulaziz Khan (1652) madrasas.

But the heart of the city is without a doubt the Po-I-Kalyan Complex, Bukhara’s equivalent of the Registan in Samarkand (except that it’s unfenced).

Spend a couple of hours here, then return at golden hour and stay until dark.

STAY | Traditional – Rayyan Hotel, Minzifa, Bibi-Khanym, Madrasah – Amulet, High-end – Duston, Kukaldosh

KEY HIGHLIGHTS | Po-I-Kalyan Complex (golden hour), Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, Chor Minor

You can see most of Bukhara in a single day, but the real charm lies in slowing down and letting the city reveal itself.

Unlike Samarkand, where sightseeing follows a more linear path, Bukhara unfolds as a seamless blend of obvious highlights and hidden corners, polished monuments beside half‑ruined relics, and it is best explored in a random-walk fashion.

Some essential stops to round out your visit:

• The Ark Citadel – Impressive from the outside, historically fascinating but a bit flat on the inside
• Bolo Hauz Mosque – Iconic landmark with dozens of finely carved wooden columns
• Ismail Samani Mausoleum – For ancient, perfectly preserved architecture
• …

Read here for more info on the best things to do in Bukhara!

KEY HIGHLIGHTS | Bolo Hauz Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum

This is the travelling day between Bukhara and Khiva.

When we visited, the only options for transport were either a private transfer (approx. $70) or a slow night train. Since then, a new high-speed railway has opened making the journey much easier.

Irrespectively, this is a long and dull journey so you should combine it with something interesting, like the Khorezm fortresses.

We admit our expectations were modest at first. From afar, they look like little more than crumbling mud‑brick heaps lost in the desert. But once we arrived, we realised that what initially looked like their biggest flaw was actually their greatest charm.

Located in the arid Karakalpak Desert, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some of them over 2,000 years old. Standing among the ancient ruins, with nothing but desert stretching to the horizon and not another soul in sight, you can’t help but feel a little like Indiana Jones stumbling upon a forgotten kingdom.

There are more than 50 fortresses around the desert, but the one you absolutely should visit is Ayaz Qala. Toprak Qala and Kyzyl Qala are also worth visiting if you have more time.

Arrive in Khiva by evening and relax at your hotel.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS | Ayaz Qala Fortress

Khiva is the most visually perfect city in Uzbekistan, compact and incredibly cinematic.

Itchan Kala is the most picturesque part of the city. It’s a walled “city within a city” and includes most of the highlights, including the iconic Kalta Minor, Kuhna-Ark and the unique Juma Mosque.

We wrote a dedicated guide on how to spend one perfect day in Khiva, for more details!

STAY | Ulli Oy Boutique Hotel & Terrace, New Star Boutique Hotel, Polvon Qoriy Boutique Hotel

Uzbekistan is one of those rare countries that still feels authentic without overwhelming first‑timers.

It’s atmospheric, culturally-rich, welcoming, and a destination that doesn’t require a long trip to experience it fully.

Read our posts below if you were intrigued by our Uzbekistan itinerary and want to learn more!

• How to spend a memorable day in Khiva
• The best things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
• 14 best things to do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

The post Uzbekistan Itinerary: Ultimate 8‑Day Route in the Silk Road appeared first on The Way We Travel.

For those who are not travel-addicted, culture-vultures or oriental aficionados, the “Stans” represent an unidentified, homogeneous blob somewhere in Central Asia.

Turkmenistan? Tajikistan? Uzbekistan? All the same.

And let’s be honest: we bet that most of you can’t name a famous local place without consulting uncle Google, nevermind differentiating between the countries.

But if you’ve found your way here, chances are that you’ve heard at least of Samarkand. Among all the cities in Uzbekistan, none captures the country’s cultural identity quite as powerfully. This is a place where the past still shapes the soul of the nation.

Like all legendary places, Samarkand feels mysterious and almost untouchable. With more than 2,700 years of history, it has seen empires rise and fall, from the Achaemenids to Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Amir Timur. Yet despite its mythical aura, the city isn’t Atlantis or El Dorado. Its ancient roots anchor a vibrant living city rather than an open-air museum.

If you’re travelling to Uzbekistan from abroad, you likely start getting a feeling of the country before arriving to Samarkand. In our Uzbekistan Trip Guide, we cover the logistics of reaching Samarkand and explain why we think it should be your first stop after Tashkent.

Not as picturesque as Khiva or Bukhara, Samarkand stands out for its sheer monumental impact, with some of the grandest landmarks in Central Asia. After the Soviet brutalism (with a Persian touch), that characterises Tashkent, arriving here feels even more spectacular.

In this guide we’ll share all our Samarkand favourites, optimized for a 3 day stay.

Welcome to The Best Things to do in Samarkand.

Ok you’re in Samarkand now, where you’re staying for a few days. You probably heard of the Registan and a bunch of other must-sees, but the rest feels like an obscure list of madrasas and mausoleums.

Below we cover the best things to do in Samarkand, covering both the classics and the hidden treasures.

There is no shortage of stunning architecture in Samarkand, but it’s important to approach it gradually. If you start with the Registan, your bar is too high and you’re left wondering what else could match it.

Gur-i-Amir and the quieter Aksaray Mausoleum, are the perfect introduction to Samarkand’s grandeur without being overwhelming.

Start with Gur-i-Amir, the tomb of the impavid conquerer and most famous Uzbek historical figure: Amir Timur (Tamerlane). Completed in 1404, it is the perfect introduction to Samarkand dazzling architecture. Originally intended as a khanaka (a place where scholars congregate), it was converted into a mausoleum where Timur’s grandson body could lay to rest. However, it ended up also being Timur’s own tomb after he died in China, as the heavy winter snows made it impossible to bring the body back to his hometown.

The mausoleum has an imposing azure dome at the centre, only overshadowed by a dazzling interior, where gold-plated and onyx-covered walls leave you awe-struck.

In contrast, the nearby Aksaray mausoleum feels much quieter and intimate, while not any less beautiful on the inside.

Insider Tip: Gur-i-amir mausoleum is not very big on the inside and can attract large crowds. If you don’t like elbowing each other for your five-second photo opportunity, come early in the morning!

About 5 min walk from Gur-i-Amir, you’ll find what is without a doubt Samarkand’s most iconic landmark: the Registan.

You can take photos from the viewing platform in front of the square, but you’ll need a ticket to enter because the entire complex is fenced off.

As you get in, the imposing Tilya-Kori stands in front of you, with the Ulugh Beg and Sherdor madrasahs on the left and right hand side respectively.

The Ulugh Beg madrasah is the oldest of the three. Built in 1420 by Timur’s grandson Ulugh Beg, it features geometrical motives resembling shining stars, reflecting his interest in mathematics and astronomy. Opposite to it, Sherdor madrasah was only built around 1630 but is not any less beautiful, with its distinct tiger mosaics on the front facade.

Finally, Tilya-Kori represents the latest addition, completed in 1660. It’s impressive from the outside, but remarkable on the inside. The golden and purple-hued interiors alone are worth the trip, being the most memorable we have seen in Uzbekistan.

The whole complex is so imposing and beautifully decorated that we spent hours simply admiring the architecture and taking photos from multiple angles.

Simply put, the Registan is one of the most spectacular complexes we have ever seen, and you can’t miss it.

We’re going to be honest here. We loved the Registan so much that we came back multiple times a day.

The ticket only allows a single entry, so we bought a second one to admire the complex up close in the softer light.

This is when the Registan looks unreal. As the sun sets and the lights begin to illuminate the facades, the whole atmosphere turns magical!

We lingered for a while soaking it all in, before wandering off to eat at a little restaurant nearby. When we returned, the Registan had switched into its 8pm light show and honestly, it wasn’t for us.

The whole thing felt a bit kitsch, almost like watching a UNESCO site get dressed up for a theme park. But everything leading up to that moment, the atmosphere, the architecture, the way the square glows at sunset, was absolutely worth the visit.

Arriving to Samarkand in the late afternoon, there was one place we were really eager to see: the Shah‑i‑Zinda necropolis.

After the Registan, it’s arguably the city’s most iconic sight, and it’s at its most atmospheric in the early morning or at sunset. Climbing the first staircase leads you into a narrow corridor lined with radiant turquoise mausoleums, some from the 11th century. Most are grand and imposing, built for prominent figures and aristocrats, including members of Timur’s own family.

Like many of Samarkand’s monuments, Shah‑i‑Zinda has undergone extensive restoration to revive its original splendour.

We usually gravitate toward places that are rough on the edges, a testament of authenticity and having passed the “baptism of time”. But here the careful restoration felt justified. It honoured the ancient craftsmanship and allowed the complex’s full beauty to shine through.

Shah‑i‑Zinda is still an active pilgrimage site, which gives it a quiet, reverent energy despite its stunning visual impact. This doesn’t stop you from taking plenty of photos, but it’s worth remembering that locals come here to mourn and pray, so a respectful approach goes a long way.

We stayed until closure, watching the sun dip behind the silhouette of the vast Bibi‑Khanym Mosque in the distance.

Not far from the Registan rises another of Samarkand’s great showstoppers: the colossal Bibi‑Khanym Mosque.

In an age when we’re used to oversized buildings (religious or not), it’s easy to forget how extraordinary such scale would have been in the 14th century. As we arrived in front of the main gate, we couldn’t comprehend how big the opening arch was!

The mosque was commissioned by Timur’s favourite wife, Bibi‑Khanym, as a tribute while he was away campaigning in India. Naturally, it was meant to be the most magnificent structure ever built.

But its creation wasn’t without drama.

The ambitious design pushed the limits of the era’s engineering, and legend has it that the chief architect fell hopelessly in love with the queen (how cliche). When she urged him to hurry, he supposedly demanded a kiss in exchange (on the cheek apparently). Needless to say that the poor architect was granted an immediate ticket to heaven once Timur found out…

Despite extensive Soviet‑era restoration, the mosque still bears cracks, leaning walls, and crumbling details. These imperfections add character in our opinion. This giant has weathered earthquakes, neglect, centuries of history and an impudent architect.

But it’s still standing with remarkable grace.

A short stroll from Bibi‑Khanym brings you to Siyob Bozori, Samarkand’s main agricultural market.

We always make time for local markets, as we feel they’re such a vivid window into everyday culture. Our favourite one was in Tashkent, but this one was still worth visiting. We spent a while drifting between stalls piled high with fresh produce, nuts, spices, and sweets, soaking in the bustle and getting a small glimpse of daily life in the city.

If you’re on a hunt for antiques, we heard that nearby Choychana Mubarak is a great place to stop by, although we didn’t personally had the pleasure to visit.

If you’re in Samarkand for more than 2 days, making a day trip to Shahrisabz is a good option.

We organized this directly through our hotel, but alternatively you can find various tours using Get Your Guide.

Shahrisabz is famous for being the birthplace of Amir Timur. The colossal Ak‑Saray Palace, Timur’s former summer palace now stands in dramatic ruin, with only two giant towering brick pylons remaining. By now, you’ve probably realized that small and quaint, was never really Timur’s style.

As you keep exploring the city, pay also a visit to the Kok‑Gumbaz Mosque (1430) and Dorut‑Tilovat complex (14-15th centuries) with its soft blue domes, and peaceful courtyards where locals linger.

Shahrisabz makes for a pleasant (heat permitting) detour and definitely worth going if you have a day to spare, but we wouldn’t call it an absolute must.

What we really enjoyed was the mountain drive to reach it and the small restaurant at the top of the pass (here), serving unbelievably good kebabs. Honestly, that meal alone justified the excursion.

If you’re heading to Shahrisabz, don’t skip that stop!

Focusing only on the headline monuments when you arrive in a new city can feel a bit limiting.

All the major sights above are impressive and absolutely deserve to be at the top of your list. But moving through them the way you’d tick items off a shopping list, you risk missing the richer cultural and historical layers that give a place its soul. The danger is that these landmarks start to feel like isolated tourist attractions rather than living pieces of a city still shaped by the people who call it home.

For a glimpse of everyday life removed from Timur’s ancient splendours, head to what locals call “Russian quarter”. This part of Samarkand is distinguished by broad avenues, leafy parks, and elegant European-influenced architecture, in striking contrast with the most well-known monuments.

The area is best explored in late afternoon and evening, when it fully comes to life.

Begin around University Boulevard (or affectionately Bul’var) a leafy walkway flanked by mulberry trees, branching into Alisher Navoi Central Park. The adjacent streets are filled with Tsarist-era buildings, some of them repurposed as cafés, bars, and restaurants. Nestled in what is known as “beer street”, Blues Bar and Green Bear Bar are lively places known for its live music and buzzy atmosphere.

The restaurant at Platan Hotel (where we stayed) is also very good with its mix of traditional and Western-inspired dishes and very well-regarded by locals.

On the same Russian Fever vein, take a moment admiring some of the Soviet-inspired mosaics in the city.

Mosaic Wall ‘Girlyanda Vekov’ (‘Garland of the Ages‘) is one particularly worth mentioning. While the wall itself is only from 2009, its kaleidoscopic design is visually impressive.

As a bonus, you don’t really have to go far. It’s just behind the Registan.

After Amir Timur, Ulug Beg is probably the city’s most notable figure. Far less gifted than Timur in government affairs, his legacy lies in art, maths and most famously, astronomy.

A prominent example is the Ulug Beg Observatory (1429), once one of the finest and largest in the Islamic world.

It sits a bit outside the city, and many travellers only consider it once they’ve run out of major sights.

We didn’t make it there ourselves; three days in Samarkand felt tight, and after the long excursion to Shahrisabz we preferred to slow down rather than rush just to tick another box.

Most travel blogs describe it as an interesting but not essential stop. If you have extra time, it’s certainly worth a look, but don’t go out of your way for it.

A bit like the Ulug Beg Observatory, Afrasiyab is one of those places to visit if you have extra time.

Spread across a vast archaeological area on the northern edge of the city, it preserves what remains of ancient Maracanda, the capital of the Sogdian empire, which thrived more than a thousand years before Timur. The Mongols eventually destroyed it, and today the site is mostly earth mounds and scattered ruins.

Right beside it, sits the Afrasiyab Museum. It hosts 7th century frescoes uncovered during the excavations, depicting royal processions, hunting parties, and diplomatic encounters. Most of them, were exhibited at the Louvre when we were there.

Hotel Platan – Lovely hotel in the Russian Quarter, including spacious rooms, an idyllic garden and one of the most highly rated restaurants in Samarkand. Not far from the main landmarks and a step away from various bars and restaurants

Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel – Beautiful modern hotel in prime location, just between Registan and Shah-I-Zinda

L’Argamak Boutique Hotel – Classic uzbek style right in the city centre

Hotel Minor – Unbeatable views of Registan square at very good price

Continental Hotel Samarkand – Large hotel by University Boulevard. Halfway between all the historical landmarks and the more lively Russian Quarter

The Regency – For those who can’t renounce to high-end luxury and don’t mind being far out the city centre

Emirhan Restaurant – Part of Emirhan Hotel, this is a prime option for traditional uzbek food combined with a spectacular view of Registan Square (if you sit in the terrace)

Bibi Khanum Teahouse – We ended up here after wandering around far longer than we meant to, only to realise just how hungry we were, and it turned out to be such a good call. The setting feels wonderfully traditional, especially if you settle onto one of the tapchans, those typical raised outdoor sofas. The food hit the spot too, especially shashlik and the classic soups.

Samarkand Osh Markazi – A classic spot for plov, especially at lunchtime when the dish is freshest. It’s lively, local, and unapologetically authentic (the name translates as Plov Centre)

Platan – The restaurant of our hotel is also one of the most popular places in town, and we couldn’t exempt ourselves from trying it. It blends Uzbek classics with some European dishes in a leafy courtyard that feels like an oasis on hot days. Food is great, the setting is elegant, and the vibe is nothing but comforting.

Blues Bar – Quirky spot for some booze and live music for a mix of Central Asian hospitality and Western influence

Green Bear Bar – For “Amir Timur meets Oktoberfest” type of vibe

• How to spend a memorable day in Khiva
• 14 best things to do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

The post The Best Things to Do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan appeared first on The Way We Travel.

We reached Bukhara at dusk having left Samarkand behind. At first glance, Bukhara looks like a smaller Samarkand or, to those arriving from west, a larger Khiva.

The familiar sights are there. You have madrasas, mausoleums, and intricately-crafted patterns of tiles bedecking the facades of most buildings. Yet the city carries a different spirit, a distinct rhythm. What at first appear as subtle contrasts, soon reveal themselves as unmistakable Bukhara.

A thriving hub for trade, craftsmanship and the finest treasures of the East, no city captures the Silk Road like Bukhara. Some of the artisanal workshops, carpet-weaving studios and bric-a-brac-filled caravanserais have been inevitably adjusted to cater to tourists as opposed to ancient merchants. Yet as long as the purpose endures, the change in audience feels incidental, as the original spirit still lingers, alive and tangible.

Bukhara doesn’t scream grandeur as much as monumental Samarkand, and it is not as quaint or Insta-perfect as cozy Khiva. Yet in medio stat virtus (or virtue sits in the middle), and for us Bukhara strikes the perfect balance between the curated and the authentic, the polished and the rough. It feels like the ultimate frontier keeping the spirit of the ancient Silk Road alive. It may seems like an unlikely comparison, but think about the classic trio of Rome, Florence and Venice. If Rome is imposing and monumental and Venice is unique and romantic, Bukhara is, mutatis mutandis, Central Asia’s answer to Florence. And, quite literally, sitting between Samarkand and Khiva, it’s not a place you can simply pass by.

We confidently put Bukhara at the top of our Uzbekistan’s trip, and a must for any traveller in the area.

Getting into the heart of the matter, what are the best things to see and do in Bukhara?

We organized this listicle to help you navigating the key highlights, assuming a 2-3 day stay in the city. We’ve also included a few extra sites at the end for longer stays, though we haven’t visited them ourselves.

Let’s start with a bang, and dive straight into the heart of Bukhara. Without a doubt this is the city’s most striking and historically significant site and you can’t miss it.

As you arrive to the complex, you’ll see the Kalan Mosque (1514) and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (1536) facing each other, with the Kalan Minaret (1127) directly ahead. Together, the three structures form a central square, with a bazaar closing on the northern end.

The Kalan Mosque is one of the largest in Central Asia, alongside Bibi-Khanym in Samarkand, and holds about 12,000 people. It has a very large courtyard on the inside which includes 288 domes held by 208 pillars. The history surrounding the Minaret is also an interesting one. According to the legend, when the Mongols invaded in 1220, Genghis Khan was so flabbergasted by its magnificence that decided to spare it from destruction.

The complex is accessible like a public square, unlike the Registan in Samarkand, which is enclosed by a surrounding fence. You just can’t enter the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (unless you are a future imam), and you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to get inside the Kalan Mosque.

Spend a couple of hours here, then return at golden hour and stay until dark (more of this later).

As much as we loved visiting the complex by day, sunset and night is when it looks the best.

As the sun sets, the intricate majolica and terracotta tiles are bathed in gold hue, before artificial lights illuminate the facades in a colourful display. This is the best time for photo opportunities!

As dinner approaches, head across the street to Zargaron Restaurant for authentic food and panoramic views of the complex.

In the historic center not far from Po-I-Kalyan, you’ll see two ancient madrasahs facing each other. Together, they form a “before-and-after” snapshot of Central Asian architecture, one emphasizing clarity and simplicity, the other artistic flourish and splendour.

Ulug’Bek madrasah (1417) is the oldest preserved madrasah in Central Asia. Its design is relatively restrained, with elegant geometric tilework and a strong focus on proportion and symmetry. It was commisioned by Ulugh Beg, the Timurid astronomer-sultan, and reflects the ruler’s scientific mindset and its commitment to mathematics and astronomy education.

Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah (1652) on the opposite side of the square is far more ornate. It showcases richly detailed mosaics, floral motifs, and even unusual decorative elements like mythical creatures, which are rare in Islamic architecture. The interior is especially elaborate, with intricate carvings and vibrant colours that signal a shift toward more expressive design. The madrasah includes a small winter and summer mosques (you need a ticket), showcasing some of the most exquisite interiors in its original state.

Rising like a sandy fortress above the old city, the Ark symbolized power in Bukhara for centuries. Dating back over a thousand years, the citadel used to house the Emirs, courts, soldiers, and servants until it fell to the Soviets in 1920.

Behind its massive walls stood palaces, mosques, courtyards, and a prison, forming the region’s political and cultural heart.

Today, much of it is in ruins, and the structure is more impressive from the outside than on the inside. If you have time, it’s worth spending a few hours visiting the complex and some of the museums inside. Otherwise, you can just admire the structure from the outside, on the way to other landmarks. You might even spot a camel or two along the way…

Near the Ark citadel, the Bolo Hauz Mosque is another of the iconic landmarks of Bukhara. Dating back to the early 18th century, it once served as the emir’s Friday Mosque and royal place of worship.

It has a finely carved wooden portico, upheld by a cluster of slender columns shimmering in the reflection of the adjacent pool (or “hauz”). The interplay of intricate woodwork, painted ceilings, and still water creates a peaceful setting, and different than other mosques in Bukhara.

When we visited, they were having a funeral onsite which was incredibly touching to see from the outside. But that also meant that we couldn’t go inside the mosque out of respect for the families. Regardless, the mosque was very beautiful from the outside, and you can easily pair it with the nearby Ark and Ismail Samani Mausoleum.

Lyabi-Khauz is one of the city’s most inviting and lively gathering spots. Centred around a historic 17th-century pool, one of the few reservoirs in the city still containing water, it is the perfect social hub for people-watching and to unwind in some of the cafés and local teahouses lining along the water’s edges.

Madrasahs, mulberry trees, and traditional buildings frame the square, giving the area a relaxed and picturesque feel. Of particular relevance, the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah (1622) is the square’s most memorable monument, with its intricate mosaic depicting a pair of mythological birds facing a central solar disk with a human face.

It is also an ideal area to stay in the city due to multiple ancient buildings and houses reconverted into boutique hotels.

We have a very different shopping tolerance between the two of us, but we set it aside when we travel. And as the epicentre of the Silk Road, you can’t really get away with shopping (or bargaining) here!

As you walk between Po-I-Kalyan and Lyabi Khauz square you’ll pass through various trading domes, giving you an idea of the city’s rich Silk Road heritage.

These historic vaulted markets, once busy trading hubs for silk, spices, and precious goods, still preserve their architectural charm and cultural significance. Today, most of the stalls host touristy shops, but you can still soak in the original atmosphere.

Bukhara also earns its reputation for beautiful carpets and most of the ones sold at the domes are, allegedly, claimed to be hand-made. We found most of them to be quite pricey and considering that you’re taking a leap of faith on authenticity, we suggest you do your research before purchasing.

A 15-minute walk from Lyabi-Khauz in a quiet neighborhood, Chor Minor is one of the city’s most unusual landmarks. Built in the early 19th century, its name means “Four Minarets”, referring to the distinctive turquoise-domed towers that frame the structure.

Unique and full of character from the outside, but bare and essential on the inside, it is a “not-so-hidden” gem just beyond the usual tourist trails. Beside it, an open-air antique stall filled with Soviet-era memorabilia adds a quirky touch. Well worth a pause if you’re hunting for a distinctive souvenir to take home!

A stone’s throw away from Lyabi-Khauz square you’ll find the original Jewish neighbourhood. Bukhara hosted a small Jewish community from at least the 12th century. Most of them were active merchants, at the time where the Silk Road was a flourishing trading hub.

A few Jewish houses maintained their original state. We found one by chance just next to the Bukhara synagogue, completely unmentioned in any Bukhara travel guides. Currently serving as a museum set inside a beautifully preserved traditional home, it showcases how families once lived, with ornate rooms, carved wood details, and vibrant textiles. It felt like an intimate and personal experience, like stepping into someone’s personal space rather than a formal gallery. A true hidden gem!

Bukhara is the city in Uzbekistan that mostly preserved the spirit of the silk road. As part of the city historical heritage, you’ll see multiple traditional merchant houses, displaying beautifully-carved wooden doors and ornate interiors.

Most have since been renovated and converted into boutique hotels and B&Bs, while preserving the original appearance and charm.

We stayed at the Rayyan Hotel Bukhara, which we loved. The hotel is centrally located and the staff was very kind and going above and beyond to help you. The central courtyard, where staff serve breakfast, also displays beautifully-tiled walls, offering an authentic look into wealthy merchant life.

Set within a leafy park not far from the Ark, Ismail Samani Mausoleum is one of Uzbekistan’s oldest architectural treasures. Built in the 9th–10th century as the resting place of the king Ismail Samani, it is constructed entirely of baked bricks set up to form intricate geometrical patterns.

What makes it even more remarkable is that the mausoleum was once completely buried under sand after a natural disaster. Hidden from view, it survived both the Mongol invasions and Amir Timur’s campaigns, remaining untouched for centuries! It was only serendipitously discovered in the 1930s, to the astonishment of the Soviets, virtually intact and with barely a scratch.

It’s a quick and easy stop, and the entrance fee is pretty small but honestly, it’s totally worth it. Once you step inside, you immediately see how old and well-preserved the monument is!

Set right in the city centre but overlooked by most, the Khoja Gaukushon Ensemble is one of the city’s most impressive architectural complexes. Built in the 16th century on site of a former slaughterhouse, it once served as a bustling commercial and religious hub.

It includes a monumental mosque, expansive courtyard, a (dried) water reservoir and a minaret closely resembling (on a smaller scale), the one on Po-I-Kalyan.

Apart from the architectural marvels, we were surprised by how quiet the whole square was. It seems like we almost found this corner of the city by chance, despite being right in the centre. Also stop at the madrasah in front, which owners have reconverted into a restaurant facing the square.

In the centre of Bukhara, the Magok-i-Attari Mosque (9-10th century) is one of the city’s oldest surviving sites, built on a former Zoroastrian temple and later a bazaar site.

Not an active mosque anymore, today it houses a small carpet museum inside. We often found the entrance closed when we stopped by, but honestly, unless you’re especially into textiles, you can just admire it from the outside.

Just a short walk from the Ark, the Zindan resembles a miniature version of the citadel from the outside. It attracts the small-ish niche of dark tourism travellers, and given this premise we couldn’t resist to stop by.

Being the historic city’s jail, there is nothing particularly “pretty” inside. However, the Zindan is linked one of Bukhara’s most infamous episodes. In 1842, British officers Charles Stoddart and Arthur Conolly were accused of espionage and imprisoned on the Khan’s order. They were later beheaded amid tensions of the “Great Game”, a geopolitical rivalry between The British and Russian Empires for the control of Central Asia.

• Bukhara Tower: For nice city views from the paid observation deck
• Bukhara’s Central Bazaar: Typical Central Asia marketplace rich in nuts, dried fuits and spices
• Qo’sh and Abdullakhan Madrasahs: Beautiful madrasahs near the Ark, with almost no tourists around
• Sitori-I-Mokhi-Khosa Palace: The summer palace of the last Emirs of Bukhara, just outside of the city

• How to spend a memorable day in Khiva
• The best things to do in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The post 14 Best Things to Do in Bukhara, Uzbekistan appeared first on The Way We Travel.

While planning our Seychelles honeymoon, we were torn on which islands to visit and how long to spend on each.

Praslin? Check.

This is an island that has it all. Top class beaches (Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette), unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world-class resorts and easy (and worthwhile) day trips. We needed a good 5 days here.

Mahè? Check.

This is the main island, and we wanted to set aside a few days to wind down before catching our return flight.

And we were drawn to the idea of visiting one of the outer islands, far from the usual touristic routes, for a true one to one experience with paradise. Denis Private island fitted the bill perfectly.

We were left with one elephant in the room to deal with. What about La Digue?

If you’ve seen any picture of the Seychelles is likely to be of La Digue. This is the most photographed, most praised and most authentic island of the archipelago.

Yes it is smaller and more rustic than Praslin or Mahé, and with a more limited hospitality offer, but the unspoilt splendour of the island is undeniable. But it is not just about the achingly beautiful beaches and bucket-list activities. There’s an unmistakeable aura that feels as though it sweeps you straight into a lost tropical paradise.

The dilemma wasn’t whether to visit La Digue, but how long to stay. Having only two-weeks at our disposal (I know, life could be unfair sometimes) and given that we don’t like to pack our bags every other day, we decided to visit La Digue as a day trip.

But was it enough?

LOCATION

• Fourth-largest island of the Seychelles, about 40 km from Mahè and adjacent to Praslin.

BEST BEACHES

• Anse Source d’Argent, Petite Anse, Anse Cocos, Anse Patates, Anse Marron

BEST TIME TO GO

• April, May and October are the best months balancing sunny days, calm waters, excellent snorkelling visibility and limited crowds
• June – August for sunny but windier conditions

WHERE TO STAY

• Le Domaine de L’Orangerie (high-end option)
• Patatran Village Hotel (mid-range)
• Guesthouses and beachfront lodges (budget / mid-range)

GETTING AROUND

• Rent a bike at La Passe village (best option)
• Limited taxis, some ox cart and almost no public transport

PROS

• Stunning natural beauty
• Best beaches in the Seychelles overall
• Relaxed and authentic vibe
• Amazing day trips nearby (e.g. Praslin, Île Cocos, Félicité, Grande Sœur)

CONS

• Less accommodation options than Mahè and Praslin

The more the better, but unless you’re planning a return to the Seychelles anytime soon, the short answer is YES.

Wild and authentic, La Digue embodies the true spirit of the Seychelles and it’s a place that you must see, whether for a fleeting visit or a prolonged stay.

There are caveats though.

If you’re only staying in Mahè, then you might want to reconsider visiting as a day trip. The ferry takes about 2 hours and the sea can be quite rough, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. With only two to three departures per day and the latest return at 16:30, the schedule can feel restrictive. Altogether, it can make visiting La Digue a bit challenging, or certainly “less enjoyable” if you like slow travelling. At this point, it’s better to split your stay between Mahé and La Digue to fully appreciate both.

If you travel from Praslin, you have significant more travel slots to choose from, and the ferry will only take 15-20 minutes. This makes a day trip significantly more realistic.

La Digue is well connected by ferry from both Mahè and Praslin, although the former will be a longer journey (2h).

The Mahè-La Digue ferry is operated by Cat Cocos, which runs 2-3 times per day and usually includes a short stop-over in Praslin. The one-way cost is about €70 plus €10 for the shuttle to the Jetty (if you are at the airport).

The Praslin–La Digue ferry runs on the smaller Cat Rose, takes 15–20 minutes, and offers more frequent departures for added convenience. The one way cost to visit La Digue from Praslin via Cat Rose is €15.

If you want to day trip to La Digue, we recommend that you start from Praslin.

Both ferries arrive at La Passe pier which is located on the west side of the island.

La Passe pier in La Digue

La Digue is much smaller than Mahè and Praslin but still too big to cover it all on foot.

The most popular way to get around is by far renting a bike. Bike rentals are plentiful in La Passe, typically costing around €10 / day, so you won’t have a problem finding one.

A semi-circular road runs along the island’s northern side from west to east, connecting many of the most popular spots. The road is completely flat and very easy to cycle.

To reach Grand Anse, you’ll need to cross the island’s interior, where the road becomes hillier toward the end. Nothing too dramatic, but if you’re not at least minimally fit it is best to stick to the perimeter.

To go far south on the island, for example to the spectacular Anse Marron, your only option is to hike as there are no roads.

La Digue is where the Seychelles becomes surreal.

Imagine giant granite boulders dotted in the midst of tropical vegetation, overlooking topaz-hued waters and flour-like sand. Creole houses tucked beneath swaying palms, fishermen strolling along with sticks laden with fish, and wooden pirogues gliding quietly across the sea. La Digue is the most authentic and visually stunning island in the Seychelles, and offers that inexplicable sense of freedom that it comes from visiting one of the last slices of paradise in the Indian Ocean.

La Digue doesn’t simply beckon you to visit, it invites you to experience it at the same unhurried pace of the giant tortoises that call the island home. But if you just visit as a day trip, you need to limit yourself with the main highlights.

So what are the must-sees highlights of La Digue?

Beautiful Anse Source d’Argent

The beach of Anse Source D’Argent on the west coast, immediately comes to mind. It would be quite a shame to visit La Digue and skip it. It is probably the most famous place in the Seychelles and one of the most iconic beaches in the world.

Filled with patchy giant boulders creating a series of interconnected slip of beaches, and with a protective barrier reef ensuring lagoon-like, shallow waters, Anse Source d’Argent is visually stunning (best for photos than actual swimming as a matter of fact).

But as for all things Insta-famous, you have to plan ahead to make sure that your experience is a success. Far from being jam-packed, but it’s likely you’ll see larger crowds than most Seychelles beaches. If you can, avoid visiting during cruise ships stopovers, and aim to be there as early as you can. Also, we recommend visiting between high and low tide, which is when the beach looks its absolute best.

Anse Source d’Argent sits within L’Union Estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation, which requires a SCR 150 (around €10) entrance fee. While the beach is the main attraction, the estate also offers sites of historic and cultural interest, such as the old plantation house (with Takamaka Rum tasting), the Old Pier, and La Digue’s oldest cemetery. You can also explore the coconut and vanilla plantations and meet the giant Aldabra tortoises.

It’s a fantastic place to explore, though a single day only allows a superficial visit unless you plan to spend most of your time there.

Anse Source D’Argent is probably the most picture-perfect beach in La Digue. But not the one that stole our hearts. Since we came back from our trip, we keep raving about the ultimate trio on the eastern side of the island.

Wild and untouched, Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Coco are the real deal (but be mindful of currents as there is no protective reef).

Grand Anse is the first that you reach after cycling for 15-20 min from the Union Estate. The beach is approximately 500 metres long and is framed by giant granite boulders on each side, making it ridiculously beautiful. You’ll also find a small restaurant which makes it perfect for a lunch and beach combo.

But if you walk 5-10 min around the boulders on the designated trail, you reach one of our ultimate favourites – Petite Anse.

Jungle path to Petite Anse

The beach is slightly smaller and attracts even fewer visitors, as most people are already content with Grand Anse. With its giant boulders, aquamarine water, the lush surrounding vegetation and not a single soul around, this is the closest definition to heaven that you can imagine.

If you are visiting for a day only, you should stick with Grand Anse and Petite Anse. Reaching Anse Cocos means a further 25–30 minute walk from Petite Anse. To see the natural pools, the beach’s main highlight, you’ll need to cross the entire shore. Honestly, going there to only trying to rush back for the ferry can take away from the experience entirely.

From the pier at La Passe, it’s a short ride to Anse Severe and Anse Patates on the north side. Both are especially beautiful at sunset but worth visiting any time.

Anse Severe offers calm, shallow waters ideal for snorkelling, while Anse Patates is smaller, quieter, and better suited for swimming.

Continue cycling a few more kilometres to reach the island’s eastern side, where you’ll find a wild stretch of coastline and a series of small, often deserted beaches until the road comes to an end.

Each of the above are doable on a day trip, but you won’t be able to fully see or truly enjoy them all in just one day.

Realistically, there a three mini itineraries to choose.

Get your bike in La Passe and head to L’Union Estate.

Pay the entrance fee and relax at Anse Source d’Argent before the big crowds come. We recommend spending a couple of hours here, including a quick tour of L’Union Estate, before cycling to Grand Anse (about 20 minutes).

From there, it’s just a 5-10 min walk to Petite Anse, which is one of the ultimate slices of heaven. We would happily stay there forever, but a few hours is probably the right amount. On the way back, stop for a quick lunch at the restaurant in Grand Anse before heading to la Passe to catch your ferry. If you have spare time (and energy), cycle further north of La Passe to Anse Severe and Anse Patates. You may not have time for a swim, but they make a perfect final photo stop.

Start as in Option 1, then head back to La Passe and continue north to Anse Severe and Anse Patates.

Anse Severe is renowned for its calm and shallow waters which are optimal for snorkelling, while Anse Patates is a small but very picturesque beach suitable for both swimming and snorkelling. Anse Patates is also attached to the Patatran Hotel, a good option for lunch in case you get hungry.

All in all, this is a great option to balance relaxation with exploration. While less dramatic than Grand and Petite Anse, these beaches sit side by side and are close to La Passe, so you won’t need to cycle far or rush for the ferry. They’re also generally easier for swimming, and not as affected by rip currents.

If you want a no-frills, chilled-out day this is the one for you! Apart from enjoying Anse Source d’Argent for longer, it will also give you the opportunity to explore the Estate more in depth, have a nice lunch, do Takamaka rum tasting and shop for local arts and crafts.  

Is La Digue worth visiting as a day trip? Absolutely!

This island is the symbol of the Seychelles and even a fleeting visit is better than none at all. You still get to see some of the key highlights and relax in postcard-perfect beaches.

However, if you have the chance, it’s well worth staying a few days. You’ll be able to explore all the island’s incredible beaches and spots (and perhaps even take trips to Île Cocos, Félicité, and Grande Sœur), while enjoying everything at a far more relaxed pace.

That said, you can still have an amazing experience in a single day, and our overall impression was undeniably positive. Yet, it left a subtle, lingering sense of incompleteness, like finishing an open-ended book, and longing for a sequel.

The beauty of La Digue lays in the secluded coves, the hidden bays, the remote and wild corners, often not easily accessible. It is a place that gives its best to those that savour their permanence at the same pace as the giant tortoises populating the island.

And for that, you need time.

Further readings on the Seychelles

• Seychelles Honeymoon: The Ultimate Two-Week Itinerary
• A Complete Guide To Praslin, Seychelles
• Denis Private Island: Ultimate Seclusion in the Seychelles

The post La Digue: One Day in Seychelles’ Most Photogenic Paradise appeared first on The Way We Travel.

We spent most of the time on this island and for good reason.

The second largest island in the Seychelles is one of the most popular, providing the perfect balance between action, beauty and comfort. Quieter than Mahé but more developed than La Digue, it is the ideal sweet spot.

Here is our travel guide to Praslin, a true heaven on earth and one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles.

LOCATION

• Second-largest island of the Seychelles, about 44km northeast of Mahé

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Anse Georgette, Anse Lazio, Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

BEST TIME TO GO

• April, May and October are the best months balancing sunny days, calm waters, excellent snorkelling visibility and limited crowds
• June – August for sunny but windier conditions

HOW LONG TO STAY

• 4-5 days. Longer if also including La Digue as day trip

WHERE TO STAY

• Anse Volbert area for multitude of accommodations, restaurants, lively beach area and easy access to day trips
• Raffles or Constance Lemuria close to Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette if preferring luxury resorts

WILDLIFE & NATURE

• Home to unique Coco de Mer palm
• Habitat of elusive black parrot
• Giant Aldabra tortoises in the “wild” at nearby Curieuse island

PROS

• Best for island-hopping with easy access to La Digue and other smaller islands (e.g. Curieuse, Cousin, St. Pierre, Aride)
• Unique Coco de Mer palm forest at Vallée de Mai (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Fond Ferdinand
• Iconic world-class beaches (Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Kerlan)
• Perfect balance between activities and relaxation in world-class resorts

CONS

• Fewer cultural experiences or hiking opportunities compared to Mahé
• Could attract more seaweed in certain beaches (season dependent)

Before putting this Seychelles travel guide together, we kept coming back to one key question. With 115 islands in the archipelago, why focus on Praslin?

First things first: don’t limit yourself to just one island. Sticking only to Praslin means missing out on some of the destination’s other breathtaking gems.

That said, Praslin still stands out for a reason – it comes with some undeniable advantages that make it hard to beat.

Amazing beaches are a common constant in the Seychelles. But it is fair to say that Praslin is a real magnet for beach bunnies and water babies, having some of the bests in the archipelago.

Anse Lazio (and adjacent Petite Anse Lazio) is an absolute must-see with its amazing turquoise water, white sand, scattered granite boulders and native Takamaka trees framing the shore. Often ranked among the top beaches in the world, it was surprisingly not that crowded when we visited. Go there early though, as the high tide could eat-up a good chunk of the beach.

Anse Georgette was even more stunning to us, and staying inside the Constance Lemuria we had direct access to it. Underrated Anse Kerlan in the Lemuria is also a hidden gem, often completely empty but not any less beautiful.

Stretching along Praslin’s coast, Anse Volbert is the island’s longest beach, known for its calm, shallow waters and seaweed-free shores from April to September. With plenty of accommodation options and easy access to amenities, it’s a great pick for families (though shade can be limited in places) and a convenient, well-developed base for any type of traveller. As far as beauty is concerned, this is not in the same league of the ones above though.

Plenty more beaches are within easy reach if you explore by car, including the tranquil Anse Possession and the tucked-away gems of Anse Takamaka and Anse Boudin.

If travelling between May-October, avoid the west coast beaches (e.g. Grand Anse) as they are normally full of seaweed.

Take a break from beaches and explore the emerald heart of Praslin. What makes this island unique, is a place that captured the human imagination for centuries – the mysterious Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reserve stands in an almost untouched, primordial state, stirring echoes of a lost Garden of Eden.

As you follow the marked trail, you’ll encounter such a rich variety of endemic plants that it feels less like a wild forest and more like wandering through a living botanical garden. What stands-out is the legendary Coco de Mer palm (only native to Praslin and nearby Curieuse island), with its unique and bizarre (to say the least) seeds, that are impossible to miss. To put it lightly, this is easily the sexiest plant we have ever seen…

The trail leads you uphill for a sweeping panorama of the surrounding forest, and the Indian Ocean unfolding in the distance.

You can buy your ticket (SCR 450) on site and it’s best to go early in the morning and get a guide. This way you’ll appreciate the endemic flora and fauna (e.g. the Seychelles black parrot), that might otherwise go unseen.

If there is one drawback to the Vallée de Mai, is that it is not left unnoticed.

For the contrarian and lovers of authenticity, Fond Ferdinand offers a cheaper, bigger and less crowded experience. It hosts an even higher quantity of Coco de Mer trees (although less concentrated), and spectacular viewpoints at the top.

Prepare to sweat more though as the terrain is much steeper and less shady.

Both are great to be honest. Fond Ferdinand offers a more authentic feel and better views, while Vallée de Mai is more garden-like and steeped in legend.

One of the key advantages of Praslin is its proximity to other nearby islands.

Join a tour, or hop to a water taxi from Anse Volbert and visit the stunning Curieuse Island.

Apart from the Coco de Mer, Curieuse is also a sanctuary for the giant Aldabra tortoises, reintroduced in the 70s as part of a Conservation Program, and which now roam freely around the island! To see these gentle giants in their natural environment is really something special!

Starting from Turtle Pond, you can take the path inland through the mangrove swamp to reach the stunning Anse St. Jose, while the more intrepid traveller will enjoy a trek through the island to reach the wild Anse Badamier.

Most of Curieuse tours also include a trip to St. Pierre, a picturesque snorkelling hotspot just off Anse Volbert. The snorkelling could be hit and miss to be honest, but the island and scenery is undeniably beautiful and worth visiting.

Beyond St. Pierre, Praslin has plenty of snorkelling spots, and we took every chance to dive in. One highlight was around Anse Lazio’s granite boulders, with tropical fish, small reef sharks, and even a hawksbill turtle!

La Digue is where the Seychelles becomes surreal. Imagine giant granite boulders sculptured like art dotted in the midst of tropical vegetation, overlooking topaz-hued waters and flour-like sand. The beaches of Anse Source d’Argent, Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Coco take the spotlight, but there are tons worth exploring, most of them completely isolated.

La Digue is easily accessible by ferry (15 min) from Praslin harbour, making it a convenient day trip. We visited La Digue in a single day, and covered the main highlights. Whether that’s enough to satisfy our craving for the quintessential Seychelles island, is another story.

Praslin’s charm lies in its perfect balance of pristine nature, must-do experiences, and high-quality accommodations.

On the latter, we personally loved our stay at the Constance Lemuria.

Tucked away on the north-west corner of Praslin, it casts her gaze over two of the best beaches in Praslin (Anse Georgette and Anse Kerlan) making it a top choice to have the best of the best at your doorstep. The resort is designed to be in harmony with Praslin natural beauty, often blending discretely with the surrounding environment. Apart from the top location, we also loved the quality of the accommodation, the large offering of restaurants, and the excellent attention to details.

If you can afford to splurge even more, Raffles is the top resort on the island with its scenic hillside location looking over Curieuse.

Otherwise, the island offers multiple other type of accommodations for different budgets, especially around the Anse Volbert area.

Less than 7,000 people live in Praslin, mostly around the villages of Grand Anse, Baie Ste Anne and Anse Volbert.

Far from being proper “towns”, these are rather an ensemble of Creole houses with small eateries and local convenience shops.

To be honest, they are not the main highlight on a typical Seychelles bucket list. If you’re island hopping, we would rather visit Victoria (Mahé) for an urban fix, or immerse in the local culture by staying on La Digue.

Having said that, it is worth spending a couple of hours having lunch in some of the local restaurants, especially in Anse Volbert given its close proximity to the beach.

La Goulue offers authentic Creole dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Café Des Arts is another excellent option set right on the beach, and Les Lauriers is a trendy place featuring a beautiful and modern design, while maintaining a classic “island” vibe.

Set aside at least 4-5 days to truly experience Praslin.

This island strikes perhaps the best balance between luxury, relaxation, and adventure, making it essential to linger a little longer.

Here’s a sample itinerary (based closely on our own trip), crafted to mix exploration with plenty of downtime.

• Arrive via ferry from Mahé or flight from Seychelles International Airport
• Check-in at Constance Lemuria (high-end option) or suitable hotel near Anse Volbert
• Relax and stop at nearby beaches (Petite Anse Kerlan and Anse Kerlan if staying at Lemuria or Côte d’Or Beach by Anse Volbert)
• Dinner at resort or at local restaurant by the beach

• Swim and relax at Anse Georgette (easy option if staying at Lemuria as the beach is located inside the resort)
• For the active characters, there is also a hiking trail (about 4km) connecting Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio
• Afternoon Spa (if staying at the resort)

• Visit Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve in the morning, for the famous Coco de Mer and the elusive Seychelles black parrot
• Lunch at restaurant (e.g. Café Des Arts) in Anse Volbert
• Drive to Anse Lazio with intermediate stop at Anse Possession
• Swim and snorkel at Anse Lazio

•  Day trip to Curieuse, watching Aldabra giant tortoises, walking through mangrove forest and swimming in stunning Anse St. Jose
• Snorkel at St. Pierre islet
• Relax and dinner along Côte d’Or

• Relax and swim at nearby beach (depending on where you stay)
• Ferry or flight back to Mahé

Also, if you head to La Digue, you can take a direct ferry from Praslin making the journey very convenient. La Digue is the definitive island in the Seychelles, and we’d highly recommend staying for a few days at least. That said, if you’re short on time and can only manage a day trip, you could either (i) add an extra day to the itinerary above, or (ii) swap it with Day 4.

The Seychelles sit just above the equator so it’s warm year round. However, rain (often passing showers) could happen, irrespective of when you go and you’ll see that by how lush they are.

On paper, the perfect months are April, May and October. They offer the perfect balance of sunny days, calm seas, excellent snorkelling visibility, fewer tourists and manageable humidity.

Historically, the driest period has been June to August but this is also when the islands are windier. It doesn’t have much impact on Anse Volbert or the beaches along the East Coast, but Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are likely to be a bit wavier. Also, avoid the West Coast area (Grand Anse) at this time, because it is likely to be full of seaweed.

December–February is peak rainy season (you might find great deals…), although weather has become increasingly unpredictable.

We went there between May-June and loved it, with no rain (except passing night showers) and a gentle breeze.

Once you land in Mahé, you can get to Praslin (75min) by ferry which here is called Cat Coco.

The one-way cost is between 60 – 80 Euros (depending on Economy vs Business) to get to Praslin plus 10 Euros for the shuttle from the Airport to the Jetty.

You can also fly to Praslin, which is great if you get seasick and want to minimise transfer time. Consider that once you land in Mahè, you already are in the airport ready to hop on the domestic flight, while to take a boat you need to factor the extra time and hassle to reach the jetty. You can reserve your flight with Air Seychelles.

Views when flying from Mahé to Praslin

Praslin is a relatively small island but it is still far too large to explore it by foot.

Renting a car is the most flexible way to get around, especially for a day or two when you want to explore the island more thoroughly. You can arrange this directly your hotel, and you can factor about 50 euros / day as daily fare.

There is a almost circular ring road which disconnects at the northern tip of the island (making quite inconvenient to visit Anse Georgette from Anse Lazio or vice versa), and it takes almost one hour driving end to end.

If you don’t drive, you can use taxis (which may end up being more expensive) or their local buses, which are not particularly reliable. Consider that reaching Anse Lazio by bus could also be quite inconvenient, given the additional long and challenging walk involved.

Some hotels offer bikes for getting around, which works for short trips but isn’t practical for exploring the entire island. Keep in mind that some roads are almost vertical. Steep enough that even local buses struggle, so cycling them is nothing short of heroic.

Further readings on the Seychelles

• Seychelles Honeymoon: The Ultimate Two-Week Itinerary
• Denis Private Island: Ultimate Seclusion in the Seychelles

The post A Complete Guide to Praslin, Seychelles appeared first on The Way We Travel.

And quite frankly, every couple deserves that.

A two-week Seychelles honeymoon is exactly that: equal parts romance, relaxation, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, powder-soft sand, and that true “tropical paradise” feeling, these islands deliver it effortlessly.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan the ultimate Seychelles honeymoon, from choosing the right islands and resorts, to crafting the perfect itinerary.

MAIN INSLANDS: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue…plus 100+ other islands if you are feeling adventurous!

HOW TO GET TO THERE: You can fly to Seychelles International Airport in Mahé, usually with a stopover in the Middle East (we had ours in Doha). From there, you can reach different islands either by boat or domestic flight. You can look for international flight availability on Skyscanner.

TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT +4 hours

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: There’s no visa required but you must apply for a Electronic Travel Authorisation before travel. This has a different cost depending on the speed that you require.

CURRENCY: Seychelles rupee, but Euros are widely accepted. 

LANGUAGE:  Seychellois Creole, English and French.

VOLTAGE: 240V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency, utilizing Type G British-style, three-pin square plugs

We believe in the stereotypical definition of honeymoon. Nothing beats soaking up the sun in paradise and enjoying a touch of luxury to unwind after the Big Day.

If like us, your idea of a honeymoon includes turquoise water, white sand, privacy, and just the right amount of indulgence — then yes, absolutely. The Seychelles cover all of that and more and represent (according to our very biased opinion) the perfect honeymoon destination.

We’ve seen many beautiful places, but if you’re searching for the true “Garden of Eden,” this far-flung archipelago comes closest.

But it’s not just about lounging at a resort on a picture-perfect beach—though you absolutely can.

Here you can (and should) island hop, discover remote beaches, hike lush rain forests, surf, admire amazing sunsets, visit the smallest capital city in the world, experience the local culture and be cuddled by some of the most romantic retreats that you can imagine.

With over 115 paradise islands, planning your honeymoon can feel overwhelming.

The reality is much simpler if you want to limit yourself to the most popular options. The inner islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue represent the most natural starting point. These are easily combinable, and offer the quintessential Seychelles experience, especially for first-timers and those short on time.

However, for curious travellers not settling for three of the 115 islands, it’s worth including the less popular spots for an enriched experience.

Unlike the Maldives, the Seychelles are naturally suited for a more active exploration. As usual, this depends of time and budget, and the general advice is to avoid adding “too much food on the plate”.

But which ones are for you?

Mahé is the largest island and where you’ll land, working beautifully at the beginning or end of your honeymoon.

Often underestimated, it offers the widest variety of experiences:

• Dramatic southern beaches like Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka
• Calm waters at Beau Vallon
• Jungle hikes in Morne Seychellois National Park
• Quirky markets and vibrant local life in Victoria
• Day trips to Sainte Anne Marine National Park
• The widest range of accommodations and some of the best resorts in the country

Ultimately, it comes down to the type of experience you’re after – if you like variety and “things to do” in a beautiful setting, Mahé certainly delivers. If you exclusively want the “small tropical island” feel, there are better options.

The Seychelles’ second-largest island is also one of the most popular ones, blending serenity, beauty and comfort. Quieter than Mahé but more developed than La Digue, Praslin is the honeymoon sweet spot.

It boasts stunning beaches like Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette and Anse Kerlan, and shallow, calm waters along the Côte d’Or.

But also the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, home to the legendary Coco de Mer palm, with its sexiest seed in the world and quintessential symbol of the Seychelles. The tortoise haven of Curieuse, the dreamy snorkelling spot of St. Pierre and spectacular La Digue are also a stone’s throw from it, delivering unforgettable moments.

La Digue is where the Seychelles becomes surreal. If you have remotely watched any commercial or Seychelles promotional pictures, these are likely to be of La Digue. Imagine giant granite boulders sculptured like art dotted in the midst of tropical vegetation, overlooking topaz-hued waters and flour-like sand.

There are no cars, only bicycles and the occasional ox cart, making life slow down instantly.

Anse Source d’Argent, Grand Anse, Petite Anse, and Anse Coco take the spotlight, though many other beaches, most of them secluded, are worth exploring. Wild and authentic, it is fair to say that La Digue embodies the true spirit of the Seychelles. This is a place that you must include in your honeymoon, either as a day trip or a prolonged stay.

Only about 100 km north of Mahé, Denis Island feels miles away from anywhere.

Unlike the granite siblings, Denis is instead a coral island, conferring a more typical “Maldivian” look. In our opinion this is a plus. If you are here for island hopping (and you should), combining the typical granite islands with a stunning jungle-carpeted, flat coral cay, will only give you an enriched experience.

But apart from the geological differences, there is a unique “feel” about the island. Most of the Seychelles islands and beaches are uncrowded, but in Denis you go ten steps further. Here you are marooned – television, wi-fi and phone reception are simply a fading memory. This is a place with no distractions, just barefoot luxury and total privacy.

Loved by hardy travellers yet somehow under the radar of the comfy ones, Silhouette offer the best of both worlds.

This wild and beautiful island is a haven for hikers wishing to meander its lush interiors, and a slice of paradise for those wishing to relax by the spectacular Anse La Passe beach.

Close to Mahé, Silhouette is only accessible by helicopter (10 min) or boat (45 min), directly booked through the Niva Labritz Hotel (which often offers competitive accommodation prices).

Steeped in legend, it offers a Jurassic-Park feel, with misty slopes, carnivorous plants, and dramatic cliffs plunging into aquamarine waters

We skipped Silhouette for this time to concentrate to the ones above, but it stays solid into our bucket list!

Beyond the ultra-remote and ultra-luxury spots, there are multiple other islands to satisfy the most demanding sun-seekers and nature lovers, from the eco-minded Bird Island (you can expect birds…) to castaway-chic Desroches.

The Seychelles sit just above the equator so it’s warm year round. However, rain (often passing showers) can happen any time, and you’ll see that by how lush the islands are.

On paper, the perfect months are April, May and October. They blend sunny days, calm seas, excellent snorkelling visibility, fewer crowds and manageable humidity, making them perfect for a honeymoon.

Historically, the driest months have been June to August but this is also when the islands are windier. These months offer lower humidity and good hiking though the sea can be choppy, except in sheltered bays (Beau Vallon, Anse Volbert) or reef-protected ones (Anse Source D’Argent).

December to February is peak rainy season, and while the weather has become more unpredictable, you don’t want to risk your honeymoon by coming on these months.

However, do not stress to much if you are planning your honeymoon just outside the optimal timeframe. We had ours between May and June and we loved it. In two weeks, we only had 1 day of rain and a few night showers and even though the wind started picking up like a Swiss clock from 1st June, it had minimal impact on our stay.

Plan for at least 10 days, but ideally stay 12-14 days to do it properly. We had two weeks and genuinely could have stayed longer.

Travel time is long, and a one-week stay may feel rushed unless paired with another destination like South Africa.

From lazy beach days to snorkelling, hiking, and island hopping, there’s plenty to do and relax at the same time.

Also, consider visiting multiple islands while you are there. The beauty of the Seychelles is in the exploration, rather than staying parked on one island only. Every island has its own character and it would be a shame to stay confined to one place. Three islands with day trips balance exploration and relaxation, but if you have under 10 days stick to two.

Praslin strikes the perfect balance between luxury, relaxation and exploration. For this reason, we think it is a must to spend a good chunk of time here.

If this is your honeymoon (and budget permitting), treat yourself to a stay at the Constance Lemuria. Apart from the top quality rooms, restaurants, a golf court with a view, and the excellent attention to details, it is the setting that truly stands out.

Anse Georgette, one of the island’s best beaches alongside Anse Lazio, sits within the resort. While doable, access as a non-guest could be challenging with a recommended advanced reservation. Also, you’ll have to do quite a bit of a trek through a (very) hilly golf court, which is not the case if you stay at the hotel.

Anse Kerlan is also a hidden gem, and it’s right at your doorstep if you stay at the Lemuria.

Alternatively, the Cote d’Or is another popular area. The longest beach in Praslin offers calm and shallow waters, little to no algae in summer, and a good selection of accommodations, although location is less scenic than Lemuria’s. It also represents a good base to visit some of the nearby island and islets such as the beautiful Curieuse and the postcard-perfect snorkelling hotspot of St. Pierre.

With stunning beaches, hikes (e.g. between Georgette and Anse Lazio), the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai (or less touristy Fond Ferdinand), and easy day trips, 4–5 days fly by.

Add an afternoon at the spa, a romantic candlelight dinner at the beach and some cliché cocktails by the pool, and you could very well stay here forever.

BEST BEACHES: Anse Georgette, Anse Lazio, Anse Kerlan

ACCOMMODATION: Constance Lemuria

If there’s one thing we’d change, it’s this: we would have stayed longer on La Digue. We visited on a quick (15-minute ferry) day trip from Praslin — easy, yes. Enough? Not even close

La Digue is, quite simply, the most beautiful island in the Seychelles and the epitome of tropical paradise.

More rustic than Praslin and Mahé, and with fewer hotels, but wildly and undeniably beautiful. Step off the boat in La Passe, grab a bike, and slow down — this island moves at its own (tortoise) pace.

The iconic Anse Source d’Argent (I mean even the name sounds sexy) inside L’Union Estate is one of the most photographed beach in the world, and it is so photogenic that almost looks fake.

But La Digue’s charm lies in its secluded coves, hidden bays, and untamed, hard-to-reach corners. We found our ultimate slice of heaven in Petite Anse, but if you wish to make a bit of a hike, head for the natural pools at the edge of Anse Cocos, for calmer waters and easy swimming.

For the ultimate adventurer, a hike to Anse Marron (with a guide to not get lost), is a must. Here you will find the spirit of La Digue to be at his finest – wilderness, seclusion, giant granite boulders scattered like splinters after an asteroid collision, and epic views that you will remember forever.

You can also take easy day trips to nearby Coco, Felicite`, Grande and Petite Soeur, all offering excellent snorkelling and amazing beaches (the one in Grande Soeur in particular).  

La Digue stole our hearts – stay at least 3 days.

BEST BEACHES: Anse Source d’Argent, Petite Anse, Anse Coco, Anse Marron

ACCOMMODATION: Le Domaine De L’Orangerie

For something different and to make your honeymoon a truly memorable one, add one of the less touristy islands.

If we exclude the very pricey (like North Island) and the super remote (like Alphonse), there are a few ones that tick the box.

Bird Island is an unspoilt piece of paradise, but Denis Private Island takes the crown when you factor ultimate seclusion, beautiful nature and quality of the accommodation. We really loved our stay at Denis and left so regenerated that it almost felt therapeutic.

Desroches is great but farther afield, while Silhouette resembles the classic granite islands, while retaining a Jurassic Park vibe. All these island are only accessible via flight organized by the resort and departing from Mahé (except Silhouette which is also reachable by boat).

If you skip one of the outer island, dedicate the remaining of your honeymoon to Mahé.

In our opinion less magic than the other islands, it wins in multitude of things to do. We really liked Mahé, which we have included at the end of our trip, and coming from total isolation at Denis Private Island it felt like a breath of fresh air. As the island with the International airport, it’s also ideal for unwinding before your flight home.

But it is not only about logistics. Mahé deserves to be explored and it’ll bring that extra bit of action to complement the relaxation of the previous days.

Rent a car and explore the wild southern beaches like Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka, Petite Anse (clearest water in Mahé) and Police Bay.

For calmer waters, head to Beau Vallon and hike to Anse Major or up Morne Blanc for sweeping views.

A visit to Sainte Anne Marine Park is a must for sea lovers, offering great snorkelling and a scenic walk between various islands at low tide.

Finally, don’t miss the quirky market in Victoria, and have an amazing Creole lunch at Marie Antoinette.

BEST BEACHES: Petite Anse, Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka, Anse Major

ACCOMMODATION: Hilton Northolme

Once at Mahé International Airport, you can get to Praslin (75 min) and La Digue (105 min) by ferry which here is called Cat Coco.

MAHE` TO PRASLIN AND LA DIGUE

The one-way cost is between 60 – 80 Euros (depending on Economy vs Business) to get to Praslin, plus 10 Euros for the shuttle from the Airport to the Jetty, and factor a slightly higher rate to get to La Digue.

You can also get to Praslin by plane, a great option if you get seasick and want to minimise transfer time. Consider that landing in Mahè, puts you straight at the airport for a domestic flight, while taking a boat adds extra time and hassle to get to the jetty. You can reserve your flight with Air Seychelles.

To get to La Digue from Praslin (about 15 min) you can buy a ferry ticket directly on site and choose the one that suits you best based on their timetable.

MAHE` TO OTHER ISLANDS

If you ventures to other islands, your transportation (often by air except for Silhouette when you can also get there by boat) is organized together with the hotel.

Often seen as ultra-exclusive, the Seychelles actually cater to various budgets.

For this honeymoon guide, we’ve chosen a few high-end options, keeping in mind that budget is always relative.

Our favorites?

• Constance Lemuria (Praslin)
• Denis Private Island
• Hilton Northolme (Mahè)

Constance Lemuria is tucked away on the north-west corner of Praslin, blending harmoniously into the island natural beauty, and casting her gaze over two of its finest beaches, Anse Georgette and Anse Kerlan. The rooms, location, service and great selection of restaurants are all top tier.

Denis Private Island is the non plus ultra for eco-conscious, barefoot luxury in ultimate seclusion. If that’s your vibe this is something that you should definitely check out (we wrote a dedicated piece on Denis).

The Hilton Northolme is one of the first hotel built in Mahè perched above Beau Vallon, in one of the most scenic spots on the island. Perhaps less glitzy (but more gentle on the wallet) of the other two, it was a welcomed change from the “I want to be completely alone” vibe of Denis. We particularly valued the proximity to Beau Vallon’s restaurants and shops as well as to Victoria. The colonial-style rooms are ocean facing, and the hillside location ensures sweeping views. And we got upgraded to a pool villa – definitely top notch!

If you are staying in La Digue, Le Domaine de L’Orangerie is the best resort on the island, surrounded by granite boulders overlooking the beach and beautiful coral reef.

Apart from above, other options are listed below:

MAHE`

• Anantara Maia (high-end)
• Four Seasons Resort (high-end)
• Constance Ephelia (mid-range)

PRASLIN

• Raffles (high-end)
• Le Duc (mid-range)

A honeymoon in the Seychelles is more than just a beach escape. It’s an experience that blends wild nature, breathtaking scenery, and moments of pure romance.

Whether you’re island-hopping between Praslin, La Digue and Mahé, discovering hidden beaches, or enjoying the privacy of a secluded island retreat, the Seychelles offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for newlyweds.

Planning your own Seychelles honeymoon? Start building your itinerary, pick the islands that match your travel style, and get ready for one of the most magical trips you’ll ever take.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with someone planning their honeymoon or save it for later inspiration. And if you’ve already been to the Seychelles, we’d love to hear about your experience – share your favourite moments or tips in the comments!

The post Seychelles Honeymoon: The Ultimate Two-week Itinerary appeared first on The Way We Travel.