Anse aux Pins

Anse aux Pins is a small coastal district on the eastern side of Mahé island, Seychelles. It stretches from the beach of Anse aux Pins inland toward the slopes of the Morne Seychellois massif. The district is primarily residential but also home to a handful of guesthouses, local Creole restaurants, and the Seychelles Agricultural Agency's experimental farm.

Its location midway between Victoria and the international airport makes it a convenient base for travellers who want easy access to both the capital and the southern beaches without staying in a high-tourist zone.

The southeast monsoon (May–September) brings the most comfortable conditions — sunny mornings with cooling trade winds. The northwest monsoon (November–March) is warmer and wetter, with afternoon showers that usually clear quickly. April and October are transitional months with calm seas and variable winds.

Anse aux Pins lies along the main eastern coastal road (Providence–Anse Royale stretch). Local buses run frequently between Victoria and the southern districts, passing through Anse aux Pins every 15–30 minutes during daylight hours. Taxis are available but should be pre-booked or arranged through your accommodation. Renting a car on Mahé is the most flexible option; rental agencies at the airport can deliver to Anse aux Pins.

• Anse aux Pins — A quiet seaside settlement with a long sandy beach, local eateries, and easy access to Victoria and the airport.

Small Creole restaurants (kaz kréol) in the area serve grilled fish, octopus curry (kari zourit), and breadfruit chips. The Saturday morning market at the Anse aux Pins trading post offers fresh tropical fruit and local snacks. For a wider selection of restaurants, head north to Victoria or south to Anse Royale.

Anse aux Pins celebrates the national Festival Kreol (October) with local food stalls, music, and dance evenings. The district also takes part in the All Saints' Day (1 November) cemetery gatherings, a tradition observed across the Seychelles.

• Stroll the Anse aux Pins beach at low tide, when the exposed reef flats reveal small tidal pools.
• Visit the nearby Le Jardin du Roi spice garden, a short drive south, to see cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg plantations.
• Take a day trip to the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, accessible from Victoria's boat jetty 15 minutes north.
• Drive the scenic eastern coastal road from Anse aux Pins to Pointe Larue, passing through fishing villages with views over the Indian Ocean.