So you have chosen to come on holiday in Mauritius – wonderful. Now you are faced with the decision of where to stay. Should be simple as it is a small island. Wrong! Each are of the island is very different and classic tropical beaches are not found everywhere.
North, East, South, West, Central?
In a simplified nutshell:
North is the hottest and driest with stunning tropical beaches, many choices of accommodation and restaurants and nightlife. See more details
West has great beaches and is closer to hiking areas, kitesurfing, whale watching and Casela park. See more details
East has beautiful beaches but can be very windy in the winter months. The sea is more wild than the North and West.
South has wild seas with waves and some beaches. Perfect for wind / water sports and hiking.
Central is where most of Mauritius lives so is not very touristy. There are markets, bustling cities, culture, foods and hiking. Â
We drove around the island so you can watch the video below for a great overview of what to expect in each area.
The North
This is the most popular area for tourists in Mauritius and for good reason. It is shielded from winds and gets the most sunshine year round. There are no rivers to muddy up the sea.
It is very popular especially in high season, November to February so the hotels, roads, beaches, shops and tours are busy – you need to book.
From the North, you can easily access most of the island due to the highways that connect you.
You have a range of accommodation to choose from in the North from the top luxury resorts to budget friendly self catering. Read more about budget accommodation here. Â
What I love about the North is that in Grand Baie, Pereybere, Trou Aux Biches you have beautiful public beaches with nearby shops, restaurants, bars and hotel. You are not isolated and can walk or take a bus anywhere. You feel a bit more immersed in the Mauritian lifestyle.
- The most popular activities in the North are:
- catamaran trips to the islands
- snorkelling and sun tanning (from any beach)
- The red roof church
- Adventures of sugar
- Scuba diving
- Pamplemousses botanical gardens
- Goodlands market
- Visiting Port Louis
The West
The West coast is also protected from bad weather and rains most of the time. There are stunning white sand beaches and Flic en Flac offers a village vibe with beach, hotels, restaurants in walking distance.
There are rivers that flow out into this area which can sometimes bring silty waters into the sea for a few days.
- The most popular activities in the West are:
- surfing in Tamarin
- hiking in Black River Gorges
- kitesurfing in Le Morne
- Black River - fishing and history
- Seven Coloured sands
- Chamarel rum tasting
- Grand Bassin temple complex
- Salt pans of Tamarin
- Casela Nature Park
- Le Morne slave route monument
The East
The South
In conclusion
Hopefully I have helped a bit in your decision of where to stay in Mauritius.
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