La Digue Map

Description:

La Digue Island is the third largest inhabited island of the Seychelles archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean. With an area of approximately 10 square kilometers, it sits 43 kilometers northeast of Mahé island and 6.5 kilometers from Praslin.

The island's population is around 2,800 people, primarily concentrated in the western coastal village of La Passe. Transportation on La Digue is notably unique, as it maintains a traditional lifestyle with few motor vehicles. The primary modes of transport are bicycles and ox carts, making it one of the most environmentally conscious islands in Seychelles.

The island's most famous landmark is Anse Source d'Argent, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches. This beach is characterized by its pink granite boulders, crystal-clear waters, and pristine white sand. Another significant attraction is L'Union Estate, a former plantation that now serves as a cultural site where visitors can observe traditional copra production, a colonial-era cemetery, and a giant tortoise enclosure.

Veuve Nature Reserve, established in 1982, is a crucial ecological site on the island. It protects the rare Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, with only about 100 birds remaining. The reserve encompasses 8 hectares of dense forest and provides essential habitat for this endangered species.

The island's economy primarily relies on tourism and agriculture, with vanilla plantations and coconut farming being traditional industries. La Digue's infrastructure includes a small hospital, several schools, and a Roman Catholic church dating back to 1854.