Mauritius

Exploring Mauritius: The Best Places to Visit on Holiday Although the island of Mauritius may be small, with a total area of roughly 2,000 square kilometres total, the island boasts thousands of incredible attractions, beaches, restaurants and historical landmarks. Whether you plan to visit for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural expedition or to just shop and dine, you certainly won’t be disappointed in Mauritius. Here are some of the best places to see and explore during your Indian Ocean holiday in Mauritius: Port Louis: The capital city of Mauritius is an incredible area, full of colonial history and local culture, along with plenty of historical landmarks and tourist attractions. Start with a tour of the fascinating museums, including the Mauritius Natural History Museum which is the most popular in the capital. The Port Louis Market is one attraction that simply should not be missed. Aside from offering local foods, cheap clothing, spices, produce and handmade crafts, you can get a firsthand look at local life, as most residents come here for their groceries each day. There is a brilliant mix of Indian, Middle Eastern and Western religion here, resulting in temples and churches of several different denominations. Blue Bay: Located on the other side of the island from the capital of Port Louis is the stunning Blue Bay. It is the best known beach in Mauritius, and for good reason. The water is blue and stunning, and contrast the fine white sand in a breathtaking way. The marine life is colourful and exciting, which is why so many people opt to arrive at the beach in glass bottomed boats, admiring the life underwater along the way. You can also try snorkelling or even scuba diving in Blue Bay, where much of the surrounding Indian Ocean is preserved as a marine sanctuary, and therefore teeming with fish. There are quite a few hotels on Blue Bay, with an emphasis on upscale luxury resorts. La VanilleRéserve des Mascareignes: If you want to learn more about the animals and birds local to Mauritius, then look no further than La VanilleRéserve des Mascareignes. Locals call it “Crocodile Park” because that is without a doubt the dominating animal you’ll find in the reserve, along with deer, monkeys and pigs. The highlights are the beautiful natural springs that run throughout the valley preserve, where animals gather to drink in their natural habitat. Flic en Flac: If your idea of the perfect holiday is to relax on the sand without crowds, then this village is the perfect place for you in Mauritius. Originally a small fishing village, the locals now welcome tourists in limited numbers to keep up the authenticity and low key atmosphere. Enjoy a mile long stretch of white sand, plentiful scuba diving opportunities and several authentic and international restaurants. If you prefer something other than Mauritius, click here for great deals and offers on all inclusive Maldives and holidays to Sri Lanka all inclusive.