An Insider’s Guide to Mauritian Beaches

Mauritius’s beautiful beaches are a key draw – and with over 160km-worth, including a calm lagoon almost entirely encircled by coral reef, you won’t have to go far to find one. All beaches are public, with parking areas and toilets, although hotels have subtly claimed the best ones.

The north has the greatest concentration and variety of beaches, including small coves shaded by casuarina trees. The most celebrated stretches of talcum-white sand, gently sloping into a warm azure sea, are found in the glamorous east. The west coast has golden sand, shallow water and the best sunsets. Surf pounds the shore in-between sandy stretches in the wilder south and offshore, are Robinson Crusoe-style islands.