Best Places to visit in Mauritius

Your Roadmap to Mauritius’ Best Experiences

Mauritius is more than just a tropical island - it’s a blend of beaches, mountains, and culture that keeps travellers coming back for more. Beyond its clear lagoons, you’ll find historic estates, colourful markets, and peaceful nature reserves scattered across the island.

Each region has its charm, from the calm of the south to the lively north, where daily life mixes with adventure and heritage. Here’s a look at some of the best places to visit in Mauritius - each one a reminder of how much this small island has to offer.

Beaches of Mauritius

The beaches of Mauritius are among the island’s biggest highlights, with soft sand, clear waters and a naturally relaxed atmosphere. Popular stretches like Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Trou aux Biches, Pereybere and Belle Mare attract both locals and visitors year-round.

Whether you’re swimming, snorkelling or simply enjoying the breeze, each beach offers something a little different.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, or Pamplemousses Garden, is one of Mauritius’ most iconic landmarks. Famous for its giant water lilies, rare tropical plants and long avenues of palms, it offers a calm, shaded escape with touches of the island’s colonial past.

Founded in the 18th century, it’s considered the first botanical garden in the southern hemisphere and still showcases flora from around the world.

Chamarel - The Seven Coloured Earths

One of Mauritius’ most fascinating natural sites, the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel is a surreal landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The soil reveals distinct bands of red, brown, violet, and yellow - a geological spectacle unique to this small corner of the island.

Visitors can admire the view from raised platforms overlooking the colourful dunes and the surrounding countryside, often paired with a stop at the nearby Chamarel Waterfall. It’s one of those rare places where nature feels almost otherworldly.

Black River Gorges National Park

Covering more than 6,000 hectares, Black River Gorges National Park is Mauritius’ largest protected reserve and one of its most rewarding places to explore. The park shelters rare plants, endemic bird species, and offers spectacular views of deep valleys and forest-covered peaks.

You can hike along well-marked trails, stop by hidden waterfalls, and enjoy the refreshing tranquillity of Mauritius’ wild interior. It’s a must for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to see the island’s natural beauty up close.

Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin

Located in the mountains of Savanne, Ganga Talao - also known as Grand Bassin - is one of the most sacred Hindu sites in Mauritius. The crater lake and its surrounding temples attract pilgrims throughout the year, especially during Maha Shivaratri, when thousands walk for miles to bring offerings.

Visitors can walk around the lake, explore the temples, and admire the massive statues of Hindu deities rising against the backdrop of the island’s highlands. The calm and devotion that fill this site make it a highlight of any trip to the south.

La Vanille Nature Park

Set in the tropical region of Rivière des Anguilles, La Vanille Nature Park is home to thousands of Nile crocodiles, giant Aldabra tortoises, and other fascinating animals. The park’s shaded pathways lead through a mix of native vegetation and animal habitats, making it a family-friendly adventure in nature.

Besides wildlife, the park also features an insectarium, museum, and restaurant serving local dishes - all designed to help visitors appreciate Mauritius’ ecological diversity.

Château de Labourdonnais

Located in the district of Pamplemousses, the Château de Labourdonnais is a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion surrounded by orchards and lush countryside. Once the residence of a prominent Mauritian family, it now serves as a museum celebrating the island’s colonial architecture, history, and refined lifestyle.

Visitors can stroll through elegant rooms filled with antique furniture and discover the estate’s distillery, gardens, and tasting area, where locally produced rum and fruit jellies are offered. It’s a graceful blend of history, culture, and craftsmanship.

Le Morne Brabant

Rising dramatically on Mauritius’ south-western coast, Le Morne Brabant is both a breathtaking natural landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a refuge for escaped slaves, it stands today as a symbol of freedom and resilience, overlooking lagoons of striking blue.

The mountain attracts visitors for its cultural significance as much as its scenic trails. Whether viewed from the beach or explored on a hike, Le Morne embodies the spirit of Mauritius - beautiful, storied, and deeply meaningful.

Exploring Mauritius - An Island Full of Wonders

Mauritius is full of variety - calm lagoons, colourful villages, lush mountains and historic sites. Whether you’re exploring or relaxing, the island offers something new at every stop. For ideas, browse our Full Day Tours and Sightseeing Packages.