Have you been seduced by the idea ofexploring Mauritius in the space of a week? Excellent initiative and exquisite selection!
I’ve put together the perfect seven-day Mauritian getaway for you. The country’s rather modest size means that in the space of a week, you can visit many of the key sites that are not to be missed.
Another significant advantage of Mauritius is that you can cover all four of its horizons in a relatively short time from where you’re staying, so you don’t have to keep moving from hotel to hotel or guesthouse to guesthouse. Of course, I’ll be sure to present you with an array of the best accommodation options available on the island, tailored to your budget. They are listed at the end of this article.
Imagine walking along the idyllic seashores of Bellemare or Morne Brabant, strolling through the teeming streets of Flic-en-Flac or Grand Baie, hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park, climbing the slopes of Morne Mountain, or exploring the sacred temples of Grand Bassin. Six, seven or eight days on Mauritius and you’ll bring back unforgettable memories.
So, without further ado, here’s the ultimate itinerary for a week’s stay in Mauritius, so that memorable moments emerge from the experience!
Act One: the Septentrion (Un Jour)
I suggest kicking off your week-long getaway in Mauritius by exploring the northern region of the island.
Your journey begins at dawn in the south, in Mahรฉbourg, and you’ll be on your way to your hotel or guesthouse, wherever that may be. Once you’ve dropped off your belongings and briefly rejuvenated, I’d urge you to take the road to Grand Baie, in the far north.
A tip not to be overlooked: discovering Mauritius by car offers real flexibility for getting from place to place quickly. This is the method I recommend. Car rental agencies are available at the airport (please note: for insurance reasons, it’s better to use official agencies rather than small individual rental companies in the event of an accident).
To make sure you get the best price and the vehicle of your dreams, use a comparison tool. I recommend Rentalcars.com, for its reliability and permanent benevolence!
Of course, the bus network remains another alternative for getting around, although journey times are significantly longer.
The first day of your 7-8 day trip to Mauritius begins with a tour of Grand Baie, located in the northwest. One of the island’s busiest and liveliest towns, Grand Baie is definitely one of Mauritius’ must-see destinations!
Your stopover here will allow you to discover the splendid public beach intermingled with brightly-colored fishermen’s pirogues floating on the azure waters of the ocean. Various food trucks along the beach offer fast food and fresh fruit, to be enjoyed while strolling along Sunset Boulevard (Grand Bay’s shopping artery) or lounging casually on the beach.
For lunch, I suggest the new “Eatwithfingers” restaurant, which serves mouth-watering, nutritious (if not typically Mauritian) cuisine. Located a little way out of town, on Vingt Pieds Road, you’ll probably need a cab to get there.
After this little escape to Grand Baie, I recommend you relax for a few hours and take a swim at Peyrรฉbรจre beach, just 10 km from Grand Baie.
At the end of the day, head for Cap Malheureux, at the northern end of the island, and admire its breathtaking scenery. Here, you can watch the sun set over the charming beach and its little red church, which provides a wonderful contrast of color with the green vegetation, the navy-blue waves of the sea and the sky. This is one of my fondest memories of Mauritius.
Voyage Tips
From Port Louis, you can reach Grand Bay from the bus terminal in just 20 minutes with the express bus.
Second stage: Port Louis (24 hours)
The next day, I suggest you continue your week’s itinerary in Mauritius with an exploration of the capital, Port Louis.
In contrast to the sumptuous beaches, luxury hotels and unspoilt nature for which Mauritius is famous, Port Louis is a dynamic metropolis that offers you a chance to immerse yourself in the daily lives of the island’s inhabitants and their unique culture. It’s a must for anyone wishing to familiarize themselves with the Mauritian way of life.
In the morning, start your day with a stroll through Port Louis’ central market, commonly referred to as the “bazaar”. It really is one of the city’s highlights.
To get there, simply follow the flow of crowds emanating from the main bus station. The market is located on Queen Street (don’t hesitate to ask for directions if you get lost – Mauritians are legendarily generous and never hesitate to help visitors find their way).
The market is relatively large, with a wide variety offruit and vegetable stalls, as well as other fresh produce such as “mines” (Chinese noodles). In one corner of the market, you’ll also come across stalls selling ready-made meals and snacks to enjoy on the spot (sandwiches, fried mines, fried rice, dhall puri, rotis…). An upstairs area has been set aside for seating and refreshments.
To deepen your knowledge of typical Mauritian dishes, you can also plan a guided walk dedicated to street food in Port Louis.
Lasting three hours, it combines a visit to the market with a tasting of the local cuisine. For more information, click here:
Once you’ve finished visiting the market, head for the Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis’ commercial center (the island’s most dilapidated), set on the ocean’s edge of the docks. You can easily get there on foot from the market.
Caudan is a charming little hamlet, full of pretty alleys, stores, restaurants, stalls of itinerant traders and magnificent ocean views.
Caudan is also home to one of Mauritius’s most popular museums: the Blue Penny Museum, which offers a detailed retrospective of the island’s history and culture and which I recommend you visit.
In the evening, you can dine overlooking the ocean, enjoy live entertainment and concerts if your visit coincides with a Friday or Saturday, and why not try your luck at the casino.
Travel tips
– If you’re driving a rental car, I strongly recommend that you park in the Caudan parking lot in the morning and explore the town on foot. Parking in Port Louis is a real challenge, and everything is within easy walking distance of the Caudan. What’s more, parking is free from 4pm on weekdays and all day at weekends.
– I suggest you avoid crossing Port-Louis in the morning between 8am and 9:30am and in the afternoon between 4:30pm and 6pm to avoid being trapped in traffic jams for hours.
– Summer and winter alike, the heat in Port Louis is particularly intense, so be sure to bring water, sunscreen and headgear to protect yourself from the sun that operates in the city.
Third day : Grapefruit (on a half-day basis)
Now you’re ready to embark on the third stage of this 6, 7 or 8-day journey of magnificence in Mauritius. Destination: the north-central part of the island, where a verdant world awaits you: the illustrious Pamplemousse Botanical Garden. This popular tourist attraction fully deserves its reputation. To reach it, don’t hesitate to take the bus from a place in the heart of the island, such as Port Louis, which will drop you off near the entrance.
It usually only takes half a day to discover this green setting . It’s true that enjoying an impromptu picnic at lunchtime has a special charm. Whether you choose the soothing shade of a tree, the comfort of a bench or a waterside gazebo, your meal will be all the tastier for it.
This green rampart was created in the 18th century by a French botanist. You’ll find a wealth of endemic plants, as well as dozens of species from the four corners of the globe.
The garden covers 37 hectares, enough for a pleasant stroll. The paths have been carefully laid out to allow visitors to admire extraordinary specimens such as towering baobabs, giant water lilies and a multitude of palm varieties. Aromatic plants and tropical fruit trees scattered here and there enrich this plant palette.
If your curiosity leads you to want to know more about the different aspects of the garden, it would be wise to use the services of a guide. However, if your main objective is to enjoy a leisurely stroll, interspersed with an impromptu pause to admire the natural surroundings, you may prefer a self-guided tour.
The guides prove to be pleasant companions on your visit, enlightening you about each plant and the historical events that have marked this place. However, this immersion in botany can last from 1 to 2 hours.
Admission: 8 euros for adults and 5 euros for children.
Milestone 4: Flic en Flac (mid-day)
Following the exploration of the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, the fourth stop of this Mauritian week is waiting for you.
Set course without delay for Flic en Flac, on the western edge of Mauritius. It’s the busiest tourist hub in the western sector. You’ll enjoy a magnificent beach with panoramic views of Morne Brabant (a local peak) , a variety of water sports, as well as seaside restaurants and nightlife.
The afternoon program is as follows:
- Lie on the beach or under the filaos to perfect your complexion
- Discover the abundant marine life – and all without leaving the beach! Protect your eyes with a mask and breathe with a snorkel.
- Enjoy fresh fruit and snacks from the beach vendors (a must-try is the delicious “Roti Aka” from the first beach vendors).
- Try your hand at scuba diving with one of the local clubs (booking is recommended).
- Enjoy dinner in one of our waterfront restaurants
- Take a trip to the discotheque for some dancing
Itinerary, day 4: Half-day at Grand Bassin
As you embark on your fourth solar rotation in Mauritius, I highly recommend a trip to Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao.
A haven of spirituality rich in Hindu temples awaits you, where you can stroll along the shores of the vast natural lake and contemplate the impressive stature of the deities Shiva and Durga. The statue of Durga holds the world record for the largest female deity!
Grand Bassin is not just a tourist attraction, it is of major importance to the Hindu community of Mauritius, who make an annual pilgrimage on foot from various parts of the island to celebrate the festival of Maha Shivaratree.
The picturesque site of Grand Bassin can be explored in a relaxed half-day. With a free access pass, you’ll have the chance to visit the temples, receive your own “tika” drawn on your forehead if it piques your curiosity, enjoy the lush vegetation that lines the lake and admire the many statues that decorate it.
What’s more, you’re likely to come across a host of mischievous primates, so be careful with your belongings – they’re notorious for their wild mischief!
Must-See Tour, Step 6: Eureka colonial mansion, half-day immersion
After a morning jaunt to Grand Bassin, the afternoon lends itself ideally to exploring one of the last majestic Creole colonial addresses still standing in Mauritius: Maison Eurรชka, nestled near Moka in the heart of the island.
Built in 1830 and converted into a museum in 1986, the house’s colonial architecture is a real draw. Formerly the property of French and British aristocrats who ruled the island, the visit today offers a fascinating journey through 19th-century colonial daily life.
Here’s what’s on theagenda for a visit to this exceptional tourist attraction:
- Immerse yourself in the heart of colonial life, as you explore the house’s restored and authentically furnished rooms.
- Lunch or dinner of Mauritian specialities in the on-site restaurant
- A visit to the museum dedicated to music, art and antiques of the past
- A stroll through charming English gardens
- A walk through the lush flora surrounding the house
- A peaceful walk along the Moka River to its waterfalls. To complete this beautiful day, an opportunity to swim
Advice from the discerning globetrotter
Don’t forget to take mosquito repellent lotion with you on your trip to the waterfalls. The bugs might get a little too friendly!
7th Key: Tamarin Escape and Black River Gorges National Park (24 hours)
At the heart of your one-week odyssey to Mauritius, change the horizon for the charming town of Tamarin, nestled on the southwest coast. She’s a friendly neighbor of Flic-en-Flac, and whatever you come by bus, she’s playfully accessible.
Until now, your days have oscillated between dolce far niente and leisurely exploration… Now it’s time to wake up your muscles! My suggestion? Spend the first part of the day exploring the Black River Gorges National Park, which echoes Tamarin.
The park, the largest on the island with an impressive surface area of 6754 hectares, offers a magnificent walk deep in the lush jungle. It’s the perfect invitation to explore grand, seductive vistas of babbling brooks, sparkling water falls and incredible biodiversity.
It’s a good idea tohire a guide to help you navigate efficiently and enrich your insight into the park’s history. He’ll also paint a vivid picture of the local flora and fauna you’re likely to encounter (the Pink Pigeon being a delightfully charismatic host!).
This guided tour will take up the whole of your morning.
It would be sensible to organize and book in advance. Here’s how:
If solo adventure is more to your taste, be sure to take along some landmarks and plan your route, as the park is a labyrinth of enticing trails.
After a country-style meal to celebrate your prowess in the park, set your course for the superb beach of Tamarin, just a few wingbeats away.
Local guides offer ocean escapades to admire marine life. To secure your place on board, contact a local travel agency or your hotel in advance. However, local guides can also take you on a last-minute excursion.
Enjoy every second of your boat trip. With a bit of luck, you may even have the opportunity toobserve dolphins. Coming face to face with these creatures is a majestic experience, I can testify to that.
The Savvy Traveler’s Combine
For your trip to Black River Gorges National Park, don’t forget to wear sturdy sneakers, as the trails can be a bit of a rollercoaster. Likewise, protect yourself from the sun. And I can’t stress enough the importance of mosquito repellent lotion, unless you’re into torture!
Day 6: Exploration of Le Morne and Chamarel (1 day)
By the end of the 6th day of your vacation, you’ll have reached the 7th wheel of this one-week trip to Mauritius. What I propose now is that you head for the sparkling beauty of the island’s south coast. le Morne, a mountain of great historical and sentimental value, proclaimed a world heritage site by UNESCO. This mountain was once home to a large number of escaped slaves, who threw themselves off the summit in a sad attempt to regain their freedom… At the foot of the mountain, facing Le Morne beach, stands a monument to the memory of these slaves. Entitled “The Unknown Slave“The memorial features a slave face carved in stone, with a hand, a leg and several small curled-up figures. devote your morning to climbing Morne. Hiking (guided or self-guided, depending on your preference) offers you the opportunity to be in the heart of nature, to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, and to take part in a variety of activities. phenomenal views of the coast and the azure ocean, and, as always in Mauritius, to observe the local flora and fauna. the final phase of the ride is more of a challenge, I have to admit. I would strongly advise people prone to vertigo, the elderly and children against trying to reach the summit, as safety precautions are rare or non-existent. However, it does become a bit of a climb on the last few metres, the scenery at the summit is simply divine. The view of the entire south coast of Mauritius will enchant you, and the Indian Ocean will fill you with wonder. It’s a truly memorable experience, and one of the most beautiful panoramas I’ve ever seen.The hike covers about 6 km and takes 3 to 4 hours.If you’d like to do the hike with a professional guide, you can book using the button below:
The discovery of this unusual place will take up between an hour and an hour and a half of your time. But I can assure you that every minute is a real pleasure. With surprises around every corner, a playful approach and puzzling visions, the museum is a veritable sounding board for laughter and exclamations of surprise.
I can guarantee you a moment of escape and relaxation, whatever your generation. Like a ripe fig, Curious Corner closes its curtain at 5pm, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable memories. The passport for this sensational adventure costs 10 euros for adults and 6 euros for children aged 3 to 12.
Ninth stop: The East Coast Experience (1 day)
As we near the end of this unforgettable adventure in Mauritius, it’s time to turn our attention to the fascinating east coast, which boasts some of the country’s most spectacular beaches, in particular Bellemare and Trou d’Eau Douce.
I suggest you start your day at Trou d’Eau Douce, a memorable stopover. Treat yourself to the pleasure of a sea voyage from its breathtaking beach toรle aux Cerfs, a veritable jewel that is a delight for Mauritian tourism enthusiasts.
Ile aux Cerfs, a small corner of paradise lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its fine sandy beaches flirting with crystal-clear waters. This natural wonder is the ideal place to take a relaxing break for a few hours or even a whole day, and why not try your hand at the various leisure and water sports activities available on site.
The island is also home to a number of stores and restaurants to enhance your visit.
Far from the desert island clichรฉ, Ile aux Cerfs is entirely dedicated to tourism, which may prove a slight disappointment for some, due to the inherent artificiality. However, spending a few hours or a whole day relaxing here is just the thing. What’s more, the picturesque setting is straight out of a postcard.
Don’t delay in booking your tour! Just follow the link by clicking here:
- Sea trip to Ile aux Cerfs from Trou d’Eau Douce:
Enjoy the afternoon as you continue your exploration of the East by heading to the dazzling Bellemare beach, where you can snorkel, dive or take part in a range ofwater activities. If you just want to relax and enjoy the surroundings without leaving the beach, this is also an excellent option!
Bellemare beach, one of the wonders of the island, stretches for over 10 km. Pleasant and calm during the week, its atmosphere changes considerably at weekends.
It’s with a twinge of sadness that I announce that the road trip to Mauritius is coming to an end. So it’s high time we found our way back to the airport. I sincerely hope that this 7 to 8-day tour will enchant you as much as it did me! One thing’s for sure: you’ll never forget this trip. If you have any questions about your stay in Mauritius, I’ll be happy to answer them in the comments section.
Which accommodation to choose in Mauritius?
From the outset, I’d like to remind you that despite its modest size, Mauritius offers a wide range of accommodation options. So it’s perfectly feasible to stay in a single establishment during your Mauritian trip.
To keep travel to a minimum, another alternative is to stay in a hotel in the north of the island at the start of your trip, then take refuge in one in the south for the final phase of your vacation.
Here’s a tip: go for the accommodation bookings. Mauritius is a popular destination, and the best deals don’t stay within reach of the general public for long!
Accommodation options in the north of Mauritius
- Rรฉsidence Obleue: Nestled in Peyrebere, this residence offers brand-new, modern, bright apartments with fully-equipped kitchens for around โฌ50 a night. This establishment’s greatest asset: its location, free parking, swimming pool and roof-top. The ideal option for an economical stay in the north of Mauritius!
- Bleu de toi Boutique Guesthouse: Only 5 minutes’ walk from Pey beach
