Where exactly are the Seychelles

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A. The Seychelles (an archipelago of 115 islands) can be found in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, to the north east of Madagascar.

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Q. What is the capital

A. Victoria (on the island of Mah�).

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Q. What is the most popular island in the Seychelles

A. Mah� is the largest and most popular of the islands. It is four miles wide and 17 miles long. Its main attraction is its beaches - it has 70 of them - covered in soft white sand and dotted with palm trees. The interior of the island is mountainous, green and full of exotic plants - which makes it is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is a firm favourite with honeymooners, and is increasingly attracting couples with young families, as most of its hotels are luxurious and full of child-friendly facilities.

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Q. If it's really popular, are the beaches very busy

A. Some of the main beaches are busy, but you can find quiet and remote beaches too. Beau Vallon is one of the most popular, mainly because it is the main site for water sports on the island and because it has some of the calmer, rock-free, waters - which makes it popular with swimmers. But if you're after a bit more seclusion, the west coast beaches of Anse Soleil and Anse Petite Police are very quiet and beautiful. As a general rule, the beaches found at the north of the island are busier than those found in the south, so it is worth hiring a jeep to explore the island and find the best spot for you.

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Q. Is it worth visiting Victoria during my trip

A. As it's the capital, it is one of the most liveliest places in the Seychelles, and if you get tired of sunbathing or trying out the local water sports it is a good place to go shopping or to visit some different restaurants. If you spend a day there you should also check out the Botanical Gardens, the Natural History Museum, the National History Museum and the Seychelles People's United Party Museum. The Codevar Centre, found in the town centre, offers a wide selection of local art and crafts - and is a favourite haunt of tourists in search of souvenirs. Victoria also has a theatre and two cinemas.

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Q. What are the hotels like on the island

A. Most hotels on Mah� are expensive and luxurious - the Seychelles is not the place to visit if you're on a budget - and although there is no 'star' system of ranking hotels locally, most of them would qualify as four-star accommodation or above.

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Q. Is it possible to find cheaper accommodation on Mah�, and if so can you recommend anywhere to stay

A. It is possible to stay in a guesthouse, and these will provide adequate (clean and comfortable accommodation) at cheaper prices. Camping is illegal on the Seychelles, so is not an option for any traveller. Contact your local travel agent and book a guesthouse before leaving the UK - don't leave finding somewhere to stay to chance, as it is likely that everywhere will be full, especially at high season - and you'll have difficultly entering the country without an onward address for your stay.

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Some of the best local guesthouses on Mah� include:

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Hotel Bougainville (12 miles from Victoria): this guesthouse is bright yellow so hard to miss, and was once a colonial plantation house. It offers simple and basic apartments in a garden setting, secluded and quiet. For more information telephone 00 248 371788.

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Hotel Anse Soleil Beachcombers (13 miles from Victoria): this guesthouse has 10 bungalows and is publicised as the most remote on the island. It also has a small intimate restaurant on site. For more information telephone: 00 248 361461.

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Hotel Lazare Picault (14 miles from Victoria): this guesthouse has 15 chalet rooms and is set on a very steep slope overlooking a fantastic bay, with a secluded beach nearby. For more information telephone: 00 248 361111.

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Q. Do I need a visa to visit the Seychelles

A. No, but you will need a return or onward air ticket when you enter the country.

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Q. What languages are spoken on the islands

A. Creole, Seselwa, English and French.

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You can find out more about visiting the Seychelles from the UK by contacting the Seychelles Tourist Board at 48 Glentham Road, London SW13 9JJ. Tel: 020 8741 6086 Fax: 020 8741 6107.

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by Karen Anderson