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Seychelles or Maldives?
Seychelles are granite islands with mountains, forest and towns you move around freely; the Maldives are flat coral atolls where one resort usually occupies an entire island. If you want to hike, change islands and pick your own restaurant in the evening, Seychelles fits — if you want a water villa above a house reef, the Maldives do.
| Seychelles | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 459 km² | 298 km² |
| Highest point | 905 m | 2,4 m |
| Islands | 115 | ≈ 1.190 |
| Flight from central Europe | ≈ 10 h | ≈ 10 h |
Areas and elevations are geographic constants. Flight times are approximations from central Europe and depend on the routing.
When the Maldives are the better choice
Take the Maldives if the water villa is the actual reason for the trip. The house reef starts at the ladder, snorkelling is on average better than in Seychelles, and the logistics end on arrival: one transfer, then you barely move for a week. For a trip where nobody wants to plan anything, the one-island-one-resort model is simply easier. And if you want all-inclusive in the literal sense, the choice there is wider.
When Seychelles are the better choice
Seychelles win as soon as more than one beach is wanted. Three islands sit within a ferry ride or a short flight of each other, each with its own character, and the beaches are public — you are not a guest on someone else's land. Add mountains over 900 metres, hiking trails, a rainforest with the coco de mer, and towns where people live and work. For families with older children, for two weeks instead of one, and for anyone who does not want to eat in the same hotel restaurant every night, that is the difference that matters.
In short
One island with water under the bed: Maldives. Three islands, mountains and the freedom to set out on your own: Seychelles. Both are good trips; they are simply not the same trip.
Before you book
Three islands in seven nights?
It is the most common mistake in Seychelles. Every island change costs half a day, and the transfer days land in the middle of the trip. One conversation beforehand prevents it.
A reply within 24 hours — from Miguel himself, not from a bot.
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