Top Places to Visit in Mauritius: A Guide to the Best Attractions

Mauritius is far more than a honeymoon destination. For the growing number of British and European expats and investors who have made this Indian Ocean island their home — or are seriously considering it — the island reveals itself as a place of extraordinary depth: culturally rich, geographically dramatic, and endlessly rewarding to explore. Whether you're visiting to scout property, planning your relocation, or simply discovering what life here could look like, these are the places that will make you fall in love with Mauritius for good.

Le Morne Brabant: Iconic and Unforgettable

Rising dramatically from the southwest peninsula, **Le Morne Brabant** is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most recognisable landmark in Mauritius. The basalt mountain carries profound historical significance — it was once a refuge for escaped enslaved people — and today it anchors one of the island's most desirable coastal stretches. The beaches around Le Morne are among the finest on the island, with shallow turquoise lagoons ideal for kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. The area has also seen significant luxury residential development, with several IRS (Integrated Resort Scheme) properties offering direct access to this spectacular setting.

Grand Baie: The Social Heart of the North

If you want to understand modern Mauritian life, **Grand Baie** is essential. This lively northern town is the closest the island comes to a cosmopolitan hub — think waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, yacht charters, and a thriving expat community. The weekly market, the lively La Croisette shopping complex, and the nearby beaches of Mont Choisy and Pereybère make it a natural gathering point. For those considering a move, the north coast around Grand Baie is one of the most popular corridors for European buyers, offering a strong rental market and a ready-made social infrastructure.

Chamarel: The Colourful Interior

Many visitors never venture beyond the coast, which means they miss one of Mauritius's most remarkable landscapes. **Chamarel**, nestled in the Black River district, is home to the famous **Seven Coloured Earths** — a geological phenomenon where volcanic dunes shimmer in shades of red, brown, violet, green and blue. Nearby, the Chamarel Waterfall drops nearly 100 metres into a lush gorge, and the surrounding area is thick with endemic wildlife. The village itself has quietly become a destination for discerning travellers, with boutique guesthouses and farm-to-table restaurants gaining international recognition.

Black River Gorges National Park: Wild Mauritius

Spanning over 6,500 hectares in the island's southwest, **Black River Gorges National Park** is a reminder that Mauritius was once entirely forested. Today, it protects the last significant areas of native woodland, along with rare species such as the **Mauritian flying fox** and the **pink pigeon**. There are well-marked trails for all abilities, from gentle walks to demanding ridge hikes with panoramic views across the island. For property buyers drawn to the idea of living close to nature without sacrificing convenience, the villages along the park's periphery — including Tamarin and Rivière Noire — have become increasingly sought-after.

Port Louis: Culture, Commerce and Character

The capital, **Port Louis**, is often underestimated. Beyond its role as the island's financial and administrative centre, it holds some of Mauritius's most compelling cultural experiences. The **Aapravasi Ghat** — another UNESCO World Heritage Site — documents the island's indentured labour history, while the **Blue Penny Museum** houses the world-famous 1847 Mauritius Post Office stamps. The Central Market is a sensory feast of spices, street food and local craftsmanship. The waterfront Caudan district blends heritage architecture with contemporary dining and retail, and ongoing urban regeneration is attracting new investment interest in the capital's residential market.

Île aux Cerfs: The Classic Day Trip

No visit to Mauritius is complete without a boat trip to **Île aux Cerfs**, a small island off the east coast accessible by a short ferry from Trou d'Eau Douce. The island is ringed by powdery white sand and set within a glittering lagoon — the kind of setting that appears on screensavers and quickly converts sceptics into believers. The east coast more broadly, anchored by the town of **Mahébourg** to the south and **Belle Mare** to the north, offers some of the island's finest beach properties, with a quieter, more residential character than the busier north.

A Place Worth Putting Down Roots

What unites all of these destinations is the sense that Mauritius rewards those who stay longer and look deeper. The island's combination of natural beauty, political stability, favourable tax environment, and high quality of life has made it one of the most compelling destinations for European property investment in the southern hemisphere — and the lifestyle that comes with it is, frankly, hard to match anywhere in the world.

If Mauritius has caught your attention, **PropertyFinder Mauritius** is the ideal place to begin your search. Browse our curated selection of luxury villas, beachfront apartments and investment-grade properties, and let our team guide you through every step of buying or relocating to this remarkable island.