Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island in the Seychelles is the “world’s most photographed beach”.Credit:iStock
La Digue is one of Seychelles’ most popular destinations. Locals say each island boasts its own personality. If that’s the case,La Digue is the laidback,chill,blasé younger sibling to Praslin – another island popular with holidaymakers. But unlike La Digue’s two larger island counterparts,the 2800 residents here enjoy a pace of life that is a bit behind the times. Not that it’s a bad thing – quite the contrary.
The 10-square-kilometre territory is like a sister island to Western Australia’s Rottnest;both blips in the Indian Ocean,abundant with pristine landscapes – above and below sea level – and photogenic mascots. Each is ruled by bikes,largely absent of cars,and woo beachgoers with unspoiled beaches. Towering resorts? Commercialised haunts? Too touristy? No,none of those.
But,sorry Rotto,La Digue is in a league of its own.
As we pull into the island’s main jetty,it becomes evident that pictures spruiking La Digue on brochures,travel books,and websites don’t lie. The tropical island is skirted by white sands,vodka-clear waters fringed by leaning palms,and a delightful jumble of smooth granite boulders. This low-key island really is a utopia,and I cannot wait to visitthatbeach.
La Digue has waters as clear as vodka.Credit:iStock
Wanting to make the most of my three days,I go to the first bike vendor I see,moments from La Digue ferry harbour. Bikes are the easiest,most convenient way to get around the island,with a few hill climbs and main roads making up Tour La Digue. Roads don’t go all the way around,with some beaches only accessed by unpaved trails,making exploring even more adventurous.
I rent a no-frills bike from a jovial elder named J. Rose. It is a good omen – we are close to sharing the same name. Bikes are about SCR150 ($16) a day to hire,but there can be wiggle room to negotiate for multi-day rental. He gives me mates’ rates. Thanks JR.