Towns and villages to visit in Mauritius
Bustling Port Louis, historic Mahebourg, seaside Grand Baie, wild Souillac: every Mauritian town has its own character, its food and its market. A selection for tasting real local life between two beaches.
Mahebourg
A history-laden former port capital, facing the bay of the 1810 Battle of Grand Port. Its national history museum, waterfront and Monday market make it the south-east's most endearing town.
Grand Bay
The island's liveliest seaside town: restaurants, shops and bars around a turquoise bay from which most northern-island excursions depart. The ideal base for the whole north coast.
Souillac
A small coastal village in the wild south, far from the tourist zones. Its wave-battered seafront, shady Telfair garden and fishing harbour make it an authentic stop on the southern road.
Baie du Cap
A fishing village on a superb bay, along the island's most scenic coastal road between Le Morne and the wild south. The Matthew Flinders monument recalls the explorer's forced stopover in 1803.
Trou d'Eau Douce
A picturesque fishing village turned gateway to Ile aux Cerfs without losing its Creole soul. Waterside church, colourful boats and grilled-fish eateries.
Floréal
An upscale highland residential area with a cool climate, historically tied to luxury knitwear. Come for the factory shops (cashmere, wool) and peaceful tree-lined avenues.
Quatre Bornes
The central plateau's 'town of flowers', known for its big textile market and lively fair. A very local shopping and street-food stop at the foot of Corps de Garde mountain.
Rose Hill
The plateau's student and arts town, around the Plaza theatre, a 1933 architectural gem, and the commercial Arab Town. A lively urban stop between Port Louis and Curepipe.
Grand Gaube
An authentic fishing village untouched by mass tourism, with a public beach lined with colourful boats and views of the northern islands. Departure point for Amber Island trips.
Goodlands Market Town
A big trading town in the north-east, far from the tourist circuits: bustling bazaar, fabric shops and Indo-Mauritian street food. The north's best place to feel local life.
Poudre d'Or
A peaceful, history-laden fishing village: the Saint-Géran sank offshore in 1744, the wreck that inspired 'Paul et Virginie'. A memorial faces the lagoon with Amber Island on the horizon.
Black River Village
Mauritius's big-game fishing capital, this lagoon village is home port for the west coast's dolphin, marlin and sailing trips. Marina, waterside restaurants and a laid-back vibe facing Le Morne.
Pointe aux Sables
A popular seaside suburb at the gates of Port Louis, with a long local beach, food stalls and views over the capital's harbour. An authentic stop far from the hotel zones.