The most beautiful beaches in Mauritius

A protected marine park in fifty shades of blue, rated the island's best snorkeling spot for its corals and multicoloured fish. The public beach, lined with casuarinas, gets lively at weekends.

A vast powdery white-sand beach running for kilometres along a crystal lagoon. The east coast's postcard, famed for its blazing sunrises.

Rated one of Mauritius's best swimming beaches: a compact cove of brilliant sand and deep, intensely blue water. Ice-cream sellers, snacks and casuarinas complete the postcard.

Nearly two kilometres of fine sand shaded by casuarinas, regularly ranked among the Indian Ocean's finest beaches. Its shallow turquoise lagoon is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

A huge crescent of white sand running from Trou aux Biches to Pointe aux Canonniers, backed by a casuarina grove. Calm water and spectacular sunsets: an absolute northern classic.

The west coast's longest beach: 8 km of white sand lined with casuarinas along a reef-protected turquoise lagoon. Grand sunsets, easy snorkeling and a local weekend vibe.

The legendary bay where the Tamarin river meets the ocean, cradle of Mauritian surfing since the 70s. Volcanic-sand beach, beginner-friendly waves and a superb view of Rempart mountain.

At the foot of Le Morne mountain, a lagoon in fifty shades of blue edged with immaculate sand and casuarinas. To the south, the 'One Eye' kitesurf spot ranks among the world's best.

A former sugar estate turned chic but unspoiled hotel coast, between calm lagoon and mountains. The public beach is superb and the Château de Bel Ombre recalls the colonial past.

One of the south's wildest, most photogenic beaches, lined with casuarinas, with a turquoise lagoon and very few people on weekdays. The vibe remains deeply local.

A long pale-sand beach on a shallow lagoon, stretching into kilometres of near-deserted coast. Also famed for its 'energy corridors' that draw meditation enthusiasts.

Between Mahebourg and Blue Bay, an unreally clear lagoon lined with charming villas. One of Mauritius's most beautiful shores, facing Ile aux Aigrettes.

Belle Mare's quieter continuation, this casuarina-lined public beach offers the same white sand with fewer people. The lagoon turns spectacular shades of emerald.

A wild coast strewn with black volcanic rock, hiding lava caves and natural pools. The contrast of dark basalt, pale sand and shallow lagoon makes for singular scenery.

A windswept wild beach in the north-east, loved by kitesurfers and shore anglers. Rocky coves and a breeze-ruffled lagoon, for those after a raw, empty Mauritius.

A small golden-sand cove tucked between two rocky points north of Grand Baie. Deep, clear water, perfect for swimming, more intimate than the big beaches nearby.

A strip of white sand between Pereybère and Cap Malheureux, with an unbeatable view of Coin de Mire. Little known to tourists, its calm shallow lagoon is perfect with children.

A large shallow lagoon swept by the trade winds, between Cap Malheureux and Grand Gaube. A noted kitesurf spot and a quiet picnic corner away from the crowds.

A chic peninsula between Mont Choisy and Grand Baie, a former French battery with a few remaining cannons and an old lighthouse. Secret little coves and fine snorkeling spots.

A quiet coastal village famous for its lagoon where sea turtles come to graze. One of the best shore-accessible snorkeling spots in Mauritius.

A quiet Black River beach with one of the best views of Le Morne mountain, especially at sunset. Basalt-flecked sand, calm water and a peaceful residential feel.