Many of the archipelago's islands are populated by giant Aldabra tortoises, and bird species number 250, 12 of those being unique to the islands. Mahe Island's Port Launay Marine National Park is the place to head for whale shark sightings, and Praslin Island is home to the country's national bird - the Seychelles black parrot. Cousine Island is where visitors are encouraged to take part in wildlife conservation projects (and spot free-roaming giant tortoises and rare bird species along the way). A mere 3km away from there is Fregate Island, known especially for its chelonian inhabitants.

The affluent couple Jorge Loring and Amalia Heredia created this beautiful garden around their hacienda La Concepción in the 19th century. Here you can find 30.000 square meters filled with 500 tropical plants — the garden is one of the few gardens with subtropical plants in Europe.

Fernando Botero is known for his peculiar artistic style — he paints portrait and creates sculptures of people, animals, and fruits, but makes them all plump like an exaggerated cherub. Born in Medellín, he's probably the most internationally famous Colombian artist. Enjoy the beautifully renovated colonial house with a lush courtyard and be amused by one chubby art piece after another.

Join a Tongatapu Island Tour to see the Royal Palace, Royal Tombs, the blowholes, flying foxes and, on the western side of the island, the enthralling Ha’amonga Trilithon, the Stonehenge of the South Pacific and the ancient capital of Mu’a with its fascinating Terrace Tombs on the East.