The capital of the Seychelles, Victoria on Mahe Island has prominence. However, it still retains a small town, very intimate feel. Walking down the street, it seems everybody knows everybody and smiles as they go.

Though it was originally settled in 1778 by the French and still retains much French colonial flavour, it was eventually named after Queen Victoria when the Brits occupied the town.

Visitors will be charmed by the old part of town with charming, narrow streets and rather worn down but authentic colonial buildings. The newer part of the city has the new deluxe hotels, garden parks, cafes and wider streets. In the very centre of the city is the characteristic and monumental clock tower. It is a cute replica of the Little Ben that stands outside Victoria station in London, but looks decidedly out of place in this quaint town. Thus, it stands statuesquely by the court house.

Other interesting sites are the Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals and the Capuchin House, which is quite unique in architecture and served once as a seminary for priests.

Tourists who thirst for a history and culture will not hesitate to visit the National History Museum, which has interesting displays of the birds, which draw multiple bird watchers to the island, marine life and culture of the Seychelles islands. Also, there is a lively morning market, which draws visitors to view the rows of tropical fruits, seafood in chilled ice and various other crafts and baked goods.

Victoria frequently stages theatrical productions in the national theatre and also has a choice of eateries offering Creole, Chinese and Japanese Cuisine in addition to international varieties.

Victoria is also the place to shop with a good range of locally produced wares on offer. Beyond Victoria, a favourite haunt is to the tea factory close to Port Glaud, or a glass bottom boat ride around Ste Anne, Baie Ternay or Port Launay Marine National Parks.

Saint Anne National Marine Park was designated in 1973 and was the first such park in the Indian Ocean.

It encompasses six islands off the coast of Mahe near Victoria. The island is dominated by a large mountain peak which rises to eight hundred feet, surrounded by thick tropical vegetation. St Anne is now one of the most important nesting sites for Hawksbill turtles.

Three languages are spoken on the island English, French, and Creole, which derives from French and is widely spoken in former French colonies.

Weather is warm and humid, averaging 29 throughout the year with more rain around November to end of January. From May to September when it is drier, breezier, and slightly cooler than during the remainder of the year. There is quite a lot of rain at all times of the year, but this mostly occurs in brief showers followed again by tropical sunshine.