Praslin does not have towns, but it boasts several charming villages scattered among tourist areas. When you consult a map of Praslin's attractions, you'll undoubtedly come across the Valee De Mai National Park, also known as Mai Valley. This park is home to an impressive population of over 7,000 palms, including the famous Coco de Mer, a sea coconut that is even featured on the Seychelles coat of arms.
The name "Coco de Mer" predates the discovery of the palm tree itself. The coconut fruits were found washed ashore on the coasts of Africa and India and were highly prized as unique oceanic souvenirs and even as amulets. They were believed to grow somewhere in the sea, so when the palm tree was eventually discovered, the name was retained. Descriptions of Praslin's attractions often include two monuments depicting the distinctive shape of this remarkable coconut.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is meticulously protected. While there are only a few hiking trails, they are entirely safe and lead you through some of the most breathtaking areas. After all, nobody wants a 20 kg fruit accidentally falling on their head!
On any Praslin sightseeing map, you'll find the village of Grand Anse marked. Here, you'll discover not only souvenir shops but also two ancient churches. If you're keen on capturing the beauty of Praslin in photos, you have access to every bay and beach on the island. Perhaps, the most precious asset of this paradise island is its ocean, bays, and nearby coral islets. The attractions of the Seychelles archipelago extend beyond Praslin to include protected areas like Arid, picturesque La Digue, and lush Silhouette.
If you have a map of Praslin's attractions, be sure to explore the neighborhoods of Côte d'Or, Volbert, and Consolacion on the island. You'll find stunning spots like St. Anne's Bay, Cape St. Mary, and the pristine bays of Lazio, La Blag, and Petit-Lans-Cherlan that offer breathtaking natural beauty.
Additionally, there's a coconut copra factory to visit, as well as spice plantations where you can discover the cultivation of spices like vanilla and cinnamon.
