Mauritius Guide: All you need to know about fun ideas at Mauritius

Mauritius Guide: All you need to know about fun ideas at Mauritius

Despite its reputation — there is more to Mauritius island than the exclusive beachside hotels that have come to be the regular haunt of celebrities. Stray inland and you will discover mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls, extinct volcanic craters, tumbledown towns and villages, and hospitable locals. This island country, located in the Indian Ocean, has a lot to offer. Here is our list of the best things to do in Mauritius.
Visit the capital city of Port Louis
The capital is the island’s most appealing town. Port Louis is an atmospheric city with statues and monuments shaded by palm trees, colourful Chinese and Indian temples and churches, and a bustling Port Louis central market and modern waterfront.

There are many sites to see in this small capital city. Don't miss the area's Caudan Waterfront, the Blue Penny Museum or the chance to try delicious food at a local restaurant.

Where to stay in Port Louis
For a perfect city break: Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel. This well-known hotel of Port Louis is a favourite for business trips and has comfortable rooms.
For a lovely marine stay: Le Suffren Hotel & Marina. Located on the water, this elegant hotel is located near the most popular tourist attractions, including the Port Louis Central Market.

The white sandy beaches of Northern islands and Grand Baie
With blinding white sandy beaches, beachside BBQs and great snorkelling, a trip to the northern offshore islands is a must. Operators in Grand Baie (or Grand Bay) offer full-day tours with delicious barbecue picnic lunches. Don't miss Île aux Cerfs in the east or Île aux Benitiers in the west.

Most popular for swimming and snorkelling are the reef-enclosed waters between Flat Island and Gabriel Island. Visiting the beautiful beaches here is one of the best things to do in Mauritius.

Where to stay in Grand Baie (Grand Bay):
For a luxury resort stay: Royal Palm Beachcomber. With gorgeously scenic and spacious rooms, this resort offers a huge range of services.
For a relaxing stay: Seapoint Boutique Hotel. A peaceful and delicately decorated hotel, a perfect place to call home when visiting Mauritius island.
Or find the accommodation of your dreams in Grand Bay.

Black River Gorges National Park for nature lovers
Hike through Mauritius’s forested interior for endemic ebony trees and sweeping coastal views. Home to rare bird species and more, Black River Gorges National Park is a natural wonder and UNESCO heritage nature reserve.

Visit nearby Chamarel where coffee is grown on the slopes. This tiny village, with its church, village hall and string of simple restaurants, attracts tour groups heading to the waterfalls.

Looking to go on a birdwatching adventure? Don't miss our guide to the best birdwatching escapes in the world.
For a look into Mauritius' Indian culture: Grand Bassin
Travel to Grand Bassin crater lake in the interior during a colourful Hindu festival to experience Mauritius’s Indian culture.

During the annual Maha Shivaratree festival at Grand Bassin, thousands of devotees make offerings to the goddess Shiva and pray at the waterside Hindu temples. At other times of the year, the lake is a place of quiet contemplation broken only by the sound of birdsong and cheeky chattering monkeys.

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