9 Must-See Places in Mauritius You Can't Miss
Mauritius is an amazing destination to explore.
Although it can be confused with other equally splendid and luxuriant atolls, this island does not only have white beaches and crystal clear sea (and that’s already a lot): there is much, much more.
If you are thinking of visiting this little corner of paradise, make sure to include these extremely suggestive places in your itinerary, because they will leave you speechless.
flic en flac and its pure white beach
Scattered houses, beachfront clubs and a beautiful endless white beach.
It is called Flic en Flac. It’s located on the coast facing Madagascar and is reputed to be a very touristy and crowdy place.
Indeed, in winter Flic en Flac is mainly populated by local inhabitants, while tourists arrive during the high season, when in Italy it is winter, it rains and it is cold.
The island’s winter season roughly corresponds to our european summer.
Winter makes it quiet and much more authentic. For example, walking along the beach side one evening, we stumbled upon a great Indian ceremony that I will never forget.
Colourful dresses, golden shoes with the toe up. An elderly lady sported a beautiful deep red dress that left one side uncovered and hair set with bright jewels, while a boy got out of a car dressed up like Aladdin (from the Disney movie). It was probably a wedding.
Between us, I don’t think I could have seen this show in high season: no one would ever organize such a ceremony when the streets are crowded and noisy.
On weekends the locals gather to dine under the lush vegetation that grows on the white beach, with tasty and abundant picnics and fast-paced music.
Chamarel: a nature with a thousand surprises
The Land of Seven Colors.
Chamarel is known for its brilliantly hued dunes, but it hides much more.
Location with breathtaking views, waterfalls that seem endless, incredible colors, local flavors and unconventional adventures.
The earth has an intense red color (in fact it is made up of clay) and a series of small and sinuous hills come to life on it. When the sun light meets the ground, a rainbow of colors is born that warm the soul.
Local inhabitants have not missed the opportunity to enrich the town with souvenir shops based on typical products such as sugar and coffee, and a small tropical-style bar.
Don’t miss the traditional sugar cane juice, freshly squeezed. A goodness for those who love (exaggeratedly) sweet tastes.
Another noteworthy stop are the Chamarel waterfalls.
The weather was not kind to us, but despite the passing storm, the view was majestic and evocative: it left us speechless.
And if you like rum you can’t miss the famous Rhumerie de Chamarel.
Roads in Mauritius are mostly lined with sugar cane crops from where rum is produced.
The tasting tour usually takes place in the morning. How this popular liqueur is made, machinery, history, etc. A dip in the local culture.
Huge historical machinery, an intoxicating scent and many years of tradition are hidden behind the thousand different tastes of the tastings. Coconut, melon, strawberry, orange pervade the palate, then dormant by the more bitter tones of vintage tastings.
Ganga Talao : the sacred lake
A temple near the lake, a sacred place.
Ganga Talao is a beautiful lake of volcanic origin, which has become a place of religious pilgrimage for the inhabitants of Mauritius for decades.
Here you can breathe a unique, mystical and almost surreal atmosphere.
On the banks there are many temples dedicated to various Gods: the experience of visiting these structures with bare feet is very suggestive and brings you closer to the local culture in an immersive way.
The cliffs of the south-east coast
This side of the island hides wild and imposing landscapes: cliffs overlooking the sea, headlands and completely deserted beaches.
The Souillac area maintains the record with the beautiful Roche Qui Pleure and the Gris Gris viewpoint from which to see the ocean in all its majesty.
It is said that when the waves hit the rock and slip between the inlets, a human face can be seen crying.
It is a very well-known location so I recommend visiting it during the low season, better in the morning or around sunset time in order not to find the usual tourist crowds.
What fascinated me most were the color contrasts: the intense red earth transmits heat, the vegetation and the emerald green grass soften the emotions and the intense blue of the ocean fades when it meets the coast, giving life to that blue-green characteristic of postcard landscapes.
In the hinterland, on the other hand, the crops of local products, such as cassava, flourish.
It is a root native to South America but present in many tropical areas, such as Mauritius. Here it is mainly used to produce flour with which excellent flavored biscuits are made.
Pereybere, gardens and postcard views
By bus you can also get to Pereybere, to the north of the island.
Nearby, the coast offers numerous wonderful viewpoints.
In the area there are also Pamplemousees Gardens, a splendid botanical complex (with entrance fee) where the most varied exotic plant species grow.
If you love nature and have a weakness for plants, you can’t miss it.
A place of peace and tranquility, in the flowering season it expresses itself in its maximum beauty.
Atolls and islets around Mauritius
Mauritius is surrounded by some atolls with paradisiacal and unspoiled landscapes.
Ile aux Benitiers and Ile aux Cerfs were two unforgettable destinations, framed by the world famous Crystal Rock.
These islets offer an absolutely perfect show: fine white beach, crystal clear sea, luxuriant vegetation.
From time to time a few stray dogs peep out, before going back to sleep on the hot sand.
These wonderful atolls suffer a lot from tourism and crowding even in the low season. For this reason, I recommend that you inquire very well about the period in which to visit it, perhaps speaking with some local inhabitants not involved in the tourism industry. Alternatively, I recommend choosing some less known and more naturalistic atolls (there are really many), perhaps on the opposite coast that seems to be less popular.
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Writing is what connects me to people, love for nature is the filter with which I live and capture my experiences; I long for learning new things, observing and smiling to the world, sharing my experiences with those who have the same passions.
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