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Mauritius Travel Guide

The Complete Guide to Mauritius

How to Plan Your Holiday in Mauritius:

Where to Stay, How Long to Stay, and Travel Itineraries

If you are planning a holiday in Mauritius, there are several things to decide, including where to stay, how many days to stay, how to get around and how to arrange your itinerary. On this page you will find all the information about how to visit Mauritius in the most advantageous way and the advice of MauVillas concerning the best area and the ideal duration for your holiday in Mauritius.

How many days to stay in Mauritius?

A classic Mauritius holiday lasts from 7 to 14 days. This duration allows you to appreciate and explore the island in all its beauty at the right pace. Those who wish to visit the island in more detail, or want to combine a stay on the island with a more specific activity (e.g. golf, fishing, sailing, trekking and so on) might stay in Mauritius even for 3 or 4 weeks.

Where to stay in Mauritius?

A classic Mauritius holiday includes a stay in the north region and/or a stay in the west (or south-west) region. These two areas are particularly popular with visitors due to their favourable climate and numerous tourist facilities. The south and east, although windier and slightly less developed from a tourism standpoint, are also for many visitors the ideal place for a holiday in Mauritius.

One or more accommodations?

  • Those who visit Mauritius for 7 days or less take the practical approach and typically find where best to stay is in the same accommodations for the whole extent of their holiday.
  • To avoid wasting travel time driving between the beautiful sites, those who stay on Mauritius for two weeks tend to stay in two (or three) different accommodations, located in different regions of the island.
  • Those who spend about ten days in Mauritius can choose whether to divide their stay between two locations (and enjoy the advantages of staying in the different regions) or remain in the same place, using the many discounts that hotels offer for stays longer than 6 or 7 days.

Which side of the island is best?

To decide what area of Mauritius you want to stay in, taking into account some factors, such as the climate of each region during the period of travel, the activities that you want to practice, and the attractions and infrastructure that you want to reach, is always a good plan

  • Climate: The climate in Mauritius is not the same everywhere, but varies from region to region (and season to season). To choose the most suitable region from a climatic point of view, you will have to consider the types of activities you wish to undertake and the time of year in which you travel. In principle, the northern and western coasts are warmer, drier and more sheltered than the eastern and southern coasts. Read more about Mauritius' climate
  • Activities: and attractions: In each of the regions of Mauritius there are beautiful beaches, natural attractions and points of historical and cultural interest. Before you choose which region to stay in, it's a good idea to decide which of these places you don't want to miss. By choosing which areas you want to set as a priority to visit you will ensure that you are staying close to these places or in an area where they are easily accessible, and avoid travelling too long a distance every day. More about Mauritius' top attractions
  • Infrastructure: Make sure you choose an area whose level of tourism development corresponds to your needs and expectations. The north and west of the island are home to the best equipped and busiest centres, while the south and east are less affected by tourism development. Those seeking maximum tranquillity should perhaps avoid the lively centres of Grand Baie and Flic en Flac, but even close to them you can find more secluded locations, without sacrificing the proximity to infrastructure, restaurants and entertainment.

The north:

The northern coast of Mauritius is the most developed tourist area on the island, with a high concentration of hotels, beaches, restaurants, activities, and entertainment. You will have a hard time figuring out which beach to explore first as there are many beautiful beaches. The climatic conditions are incredibly favourable: very little rainfall, sun shining throughout the afternoon, and breathtaking sunsets. The tourist centre of this region is Grand Baie, a beautiful beach where you can practice water-sports or take boat trips of all kinds. Numerous bars and restaurants are located both on the lively beach and in the adjacent bustling village of Grand Baie, whose narrow streets also contain several stores, boutiques and souvenir shops, as well as numerous nightlife venues. The north also hides quieter places such as the northern islets, the gardens of Pamplemousses, and Cap Malheureux.

Where to stay in the north of Mauritius:

Grand Baie is suitable for those who want to stay in the tourist centre of the region and are not bothered by a lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Cap Malheureux, Pereybere are good alternatives to Grand Baie, quieter but with public services that are still excellent. If you are looking for a quieter and less trendy place, you can find beautiful facilities between Balaclava and Pointe aux Piments.

Family, kids in sea, Mauritius Grand Baie, the lively tourist centre in the north coast of Mauritius
Segway Tour, Mauritius The north also has beautiful corners of tranquility, such as the Coin de Mire Attitude

The west (and the south-west):

The west of Mauritius is the most diverse region on the island. The tourist life of this area arises around two centres, Flic en Flac and Le Morne, which are also home to two of the most beautiful beaches of Mauritius west coast and the whole island. Long rows of tropical plants border the bays of this region, have fine white sand, intact coral reefs and imposing mountains that stand out in the background. Staying in the west provides easy access to various natural and cultural attractions, such as the Black River Gorges National Park, Ganga Talao, Le Morne Brabant, the Seven Coloured Earths, and much more. The west of Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate, with little wind and low rainfall levels.

Where to stay in the west (and south-west) of Mauritius:

We recommend Flic en Flac to those looking for a bustling, touristy place, well connected to the surrounding areas and located on a fantastic beach. Wolmar and Black River are quieter than Flic en Flac, but also close to picture-postcard beaches and everything you need for a holiday in Mauritius. The spectacular area of Le Morne is home to some high-end resorts, suitable for those who want a lazy beach holiday or those who may desire to rent a car.

Family, kids in sea, Mauritius The beautiful Flic en Flac is well equipped for tourists
Segway Tour, Mauritius Some high-end resorts can be found by the imposing Morne Brabant

The east:

The east coast of Mauritius is more pastoral than the rest of the island, less developed from a tourist point of view and untouched by mass tourism (here you will not find the entertainment and chaotic bustle of Grand Baie or Flic en Flac). Nevertheless, this region is home to breathtaking beaches and picturesque landscapes - as well as first-rate facilities, which predominantly attract the wealthy – and golf enthusiasts. Being a rather windy area, it is also very popular with surfers, kite-surfers and sailors.

Where to stay in eastern Mauritius

Trou d'Eau Douce is the main tourist centre on the east coast and a superb starting point for those wishing to explore the east side of Mauritius; it has a breathtaking beach and a wide range of hotels and guesthouses. If you are looking for a luxury holiday, there are numerous accommodation options in Belle Mare and Palmar. For those who prefer a quiet holiday in a secluded villa, we recommend staying in the area of Poste de Flacq and Roches Noires.

Family, kids in sea, Mauritius Ile aux Cerfs, one of the most popular attractions on the east coast
Segway Tour, Mauritius Belle Mare an idyllic location for relaxing, away from the hustle and bustle

The south (and south-east):

The south of Mauritius, which traditionally also includes part of the southeast coast up to near Vieux Grand Port, has a wilder landscape, characterised by dramatic beauty. Quiet turquoise lagoons alternate with rugged cliffs and traditional fishing villages are abundant in this area. A new cove or waterfall seems to be around every corner. It is a windy region, frequented by nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and surfers, although the beautiful beaches and first-class hotels attract visitors of all kinds. Because of the breeze, this region is perfect during the Mauritian summer; it is rather windy during the local winter, which makes it more ideal for active holidays.

Family, kids in the sea, Mauritius Blue Bay, a beautiful beach and marine park, is home to many holiday villas

Itinerary for a 2-week holiday in Mauritius

Below you’ll find our suggested itinerary for a 2-week holiday in Mauritius. It is designed for those who visit this destination for the first time and do not want to miss the main attractions and the most beautiful places on the island. It includes a stay in the north (Trou aux Biches) followed by a stay in the west (Flic en Flac). A rental car is recommended for this kind of itinerary.

  • Day 1: Arrival, rental car pick-up and check-in at the accommodation in Trou aux Biches. Visit the beaches of the north near the accommodation: Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy
  • Day 2: Excursion to Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel (departure from Grand Baie; snorkelling and lunch included in the excursion)
  • Day 3: Visit Cap Malheureux and the famous chapel. Pamplemousses: the botanical gardens, the sugar museum and the Château Labourdonnais.
  • Day 4: Grand Baie: underwater walk / other water activity / relax on the beach. Visit the villages of Grand Baie and/or Pereybere
  • Day 5: Ile aux Cerfs (departure from Trou d'Eau Douce). Alternatively, visit the best beaches on the north-east coast.
  • Day 6: Last day north – visit the best beaches or the attractions not yet visited
  • Day 7: Change of accommodation. Transfer from Trou aux Biches to Flic en Flac; stop in Port Louis for a tour of the capital (full day).
  • Day 8: Relax on the beaches of Flic en Flac and Wolmar
  • Day 9: Visit the Black River Gorges National Park
  • Day 10: Relaxation on the beach of Le Morne. Possible activities: trekking, surfing and kitesurfing.
  • Day 11: Visit to Chamarel: the village, the seven-coloured Earths and the waterfalls of Chamarel. Sundowner in a panoramic restaurant in Chamarel.
  • Day 12: Relax on the beach or visit the Ile aux Benitiers (with dolphin-watching).
  • Day 13: Visit to Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) and Bois Cheri tea factory
  • Day 14: Last day: visit the best beaches or the attractions not yet visited (see suggestions below)
  • Day 15: Departure

There are many more great attractions in Mauritius that do not appear in our itinerary and which, depending on your interests, might be worth being included in your trip. Here you’ll find some more suggestions:

  • The Casela Park is a huge outdoor amusement park not far from Flic en Flac.
  • Get a taste of the east coast by exploring the area of Souillac: the Robert Edward Hart Memorial Museum, Gris Gris beach, the Saint Aubin House, and La Vanille nature park.
  • Spend a day in the wonderful south-east region: visit Mahebourg and its market (monday is the best day for the market), the National History Museum, the Manioc Biscuit factory “H. Rault”, and the stunning beaches of Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny.

If you wish to further customize your itinerary or want to create your own, take a look at the best beaches of Mauritius or read more about Mauritius' top attractions.