Le Morne Brabant
An iconic mountain listed as a World Heritage Site, steeped in history, offering a challenging hike rewarded by an exceptional view over the lagoon.
Mauritius
Surrounded by a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, Mauritius combines white sand beaches, lush volcanic mountains and a unique cultural blend of Indian, African, Chinese and French influences, across a compact territory best explored without rushing.
Why visit Mauritius?
Mauritius brings together, within a small territory, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Indian Ocean, a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, and surprising volcanic inland landscapes. Its cultural blend, shaped by several waves of migration, is reflected in its food and traditions.
What to discover in Mauritius?
Mauritian beaches, particularly those at Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches or Le Morne, rank among the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean, fringed by a calm turquoise lagoon protected by an almost continuous coral reef around the entire island year-round. Le Morne Brabant, an iconic mountain listed as a World Heritage Site, recalls the history of runaway slaves and offers one of the island's most spectacular views from its rocky summit.
Beyond the beaches, the island's interior reveals surprising volcanic landscapes, with waterfalls, rainforests and sugar cane plantations that shaped the Mauritian economy for centuries. The capital, Port Louis, offers a glimpse of the country's cultural blend, where Indian, African, Chinese and French influences coexist, visible in temples, colorful markets and a particularly rich local cuisine. This diversity makes Mauritius a destination where beach relaxation, inland hiking and cultural discovery combine easily over the course of a single, well-planned trip.
Cities to visit in Mauritius
Featured destinations appear first.
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Mauritius in pictures
Highlights
A few essentials to help plan your discovery of Mauritius.
Belle Mare
One of the island's most beautiful beaches, fringed by a calm turquoise lagoon ideal for swimming, snorkeling and water sports in complete tranquility.
Port Louis
The lively capital blends colorful markets, Hindu temples and a bustling commercial district, reflecting the cultural blend that defines the whole island.
Ile aux Cerfs
A paradise islet reachable by boat from the east coast, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches.
Chamarel Earth
A natural site known for its colorful earth in seven shades and its spectacular waterfall, nestled in the volcanic interior of the island's southwest.
Grand Baie
The main seaside resort in the north, lively and tourist-oriented, ideal for boat excursions and Mauritius's vibrant nightlife scene after sunset.
Practical information
- Capital
- Port Louis
- Area
- About 2,040 km²
- Population
- About 1.3 million people
- Languages
- English and French (official), Creole widely spoken
- Currency
- Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Climate
- Tropical maritime, warm and humid
- Best season
- May to December, outside the cyclone season from January to March
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Mauritius?
The period from May to December generally offers drier, more pleasant weather, while the cyclone season, between January and March, can bring more frequent weather disturbances across the whole island.
Do you need a visa to travel to Mauritius?
Many visitors can enter without a visa for a short tourist stay, subject to eligibility based on nationality and presentation of a valid passport along with a return ticket at check-in.
How do you get around Mauritius?
Renting a car offers the most freedom to explore the island at your own pace, while taxis and organized excursions work well for occasional trips between beaches and tourist sites.
Is the Mauritian lagoon suitable for the whole family?
Yes, the lagoon is generally calm and shallow along many beaches, making it a suitable setting for family swimming, even though caution is still recommended near channels leading to the open sea.
What activities are worth doing beyond the beaches?
Hiking Le Morne Brabant, visiting the colored earth of Chamarel and a catamaran excursion to Ile aux Cerfs pleasantly round out a trip mostly focused on the beach and lagoon.
What language is spoken in Mauritius?
Mauritian Creole is the most widely spoken language day to day, while English and French, both official, are extensively used in administration, education and the tourism sector across the island.
Plan your trip to Mauritius
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
