The inner islands are granitic. About 40 of them  are  found within a radius of 50 kilometres from Mahé.

Map of the inner islands of Seychelles
  

The clock tower in Victoria, capital of Seychelles

Mahé is the largest island: 32 kilometres by 8 kilometres and is the most populated one with 90% of the Seychelles population (about 80 000 people). It is home to the capital, Victoria, the main port and the International Airport. This spectacular island is dominated by huge mountains (Morne Seychellois reaches a height of 905 metres) and is covered by lush tropical vegetation. Seventy five beaches with beautiful soft sand are scattered around the island.

 

 

 

Market street in Victoria
     
Ste Anne island in the forefront, Cerf, Moyenne and Round islands on the left, then Mahe in the background.      

The small island of Ste Anne as well as its neighbours Cerf, Moyenne and Round islands are easily accessible form Mahe for a half day or full day excursion. All of them are part of the Ste Anne Marine National Park, one of the first Marine National Parks of the Indian Ocean which was constituted in 1973. The coral reefs are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Each island has its own unique character, while all are cloaked in luxuriant vegetation and surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches. 
   

 

Praslin, the second largest island is home to Vallée de Mai, an imposing 45-acre valley that was baptised as the Garden of Eden by General Gordon of Khartoum-fame. It is famed as the stronghold of the legendary Coco-de-Mer palm, unique to Seychelles. It bears the world's largest seed, and erotically shaped double nut.

Huge shaped rocks alternate with beaches all around the island. This island lies approximately two and a half hours by schooner, one hour by fast ferry or 15 minutes by air from Mahé.

The coco-de-mer palm and its double nut.