Mauritius: stunning coastline
Beautiful beaches
Mauritius boasts 200 miles of stunning coastline, peppered with pure white sands, swaying palm trees, turquoise lagoons and golden coves. The greatest concentration of beaches is in the north. One of the loveliest is Pereybere, situated between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux, and shaded by casuarina trees. The calm, clear waters here are deeper than most of the lagoons that surround Mauritius, making it wonderful for swimming. Just off the east coast and easily accessible by boat is the island Ile Aux Cerfs. The island is ringed by pristine white sand and its cobalt-blue waters are filled with brightly-coloured tropical fish - wonderful for snorkelling. Dry off with a stroll inland to discover its dense forests and an impressive waterfall.
Glorious gardens
While away an hour or two wandering through the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. Started in 1735 as a vegetable garden, it has been transformed into a fragrant wonderland, filled with 85 varieties of palms from Central America, Asia, Africa and the islands around the Indian Ocean, many of which have been planted by royalty, including Princess Margaret. There are many curious tree species on display too, including the fish poison tree and the sausage tree, and you'll also get wafts of ginger and cinnamon from the spice garden. The centrepiece of the gardens is a pond filled with giant Victorian amazonica water lilies, native to the Amazon region. The flowers in the centre of the huge leaves open white one day and close red the next.
Bustling markets
The lively Central Market at Port Louis, which dates back to 1844, is a great place to get a feel for the everyday life of the locals. Stalls are piled high with tropical fruit, vegetables, and mountains of spices and herbs. If you're looking for souvenirs, there are plenty of Malagasy handicrafts on offer too, from leather bags to semi-precious stone solitaire sets. Afterwards, do as the Mauritians do and pause for a mid-morning dithé (tea) to re-fuel. Another favourite is the twice-weekly clothes market at Quatre Bornes. Locals flock from far and wide to rummage through the stalls, where it's possible to find top-quality garments for very low prices - make sure you inspect items carefully though, as quality varies enormously.
Cultural highlights
Housed in a grand colonial mansion, the National History Museum is a must-visit for anyone keen to learn more about the island's past. It contains many fascinating artifacts, including early maps of Mauritius and renderings of some of its early fauna, including the ubiquitous dodo. The island is also home to some lovely churches and cathedrals, many of which are located in Port Louis. Visit the typically-English St James Cathedral, with its peaceful, wood-panelled interior with plaques commemorating local worthies, and the striking St Louis Cathedral, a catholic church of a gothic style, where Sunday Mass is a rousing affair.
Exciting excursions
There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of Mauritius' coastline than lying fully reclined on a luxury catamaran. While many day trips take visitors around the northern islands, sunset cruises glide along the coast, past beaches that are bathed in yellow and orange. Perhaps the most interesting outing is a trip on the Isla Mauritia, a classy old schooner which was built in 1852 (it is claimed to be the world's oldest active schooner). From snorkelling at Carpenters Bay to a picnic lunch of fish curry and wine on the beach, it really makes for a lovely day.
* Nicola Iseard is a travel writer for The Observer.