A Mauritius holiday will take you to a true island paradise. First thing to consider when planning where to go are the many white, sandy beaches - which one?

A Mauritius holiday for many is all about the glorious beaches and the tropical sea. Resort packages are plentiful and they range from budget to well beyond five star.

But besides the resorts there are many small hotels, guesthouses and self-catering places, all of greatly varying quality that will cater for any kind of holiday the sun loving adventure traveler or beach bunnies could dream of.

So what is it about a Mauritius holiday that makes this island paradise so unforgettable? American author Mark Twain said: “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius."

The Sega is the national music and dance of Mauritius

Well, there is the Sega and Sega music. The Sega is both the national dance and musical form of Mauritius. Introduced by African slaves during the French colonial period, the Sega is an exotic, often erotic dance. The Sega is a musical expression of the Mauritian way of life, joyous and carefree.

It is a shopping and leisure paradise as well with open air markets and factory shops dotted all over the island, so shop-a-holics don’t have to spend their entire Mauritius holiday on the beach.

And Mauritius is also jam-packed with other attractions like interesting towns and villages, waterfalls temples and national parks. Read more.

The entire 100-mile coastline of Mauritius is dotted with pure white and soft sands that are mini heavens on earth. The Mauritius beaches apart from being exquisitely beautiful, offer a wide range opportunities for those who wish to explore the mysteries of the marine world and for the adventure enthusiasts who love water sports.

Best Mauritius Beaches - take your pick.

Grand Bay (Baie)

About 20kms from Port Louis, with a cluster of clothing and craft shops; restaurants and trendy night spots. One of the best areas for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. La Cuvette beach has been recently upgraded.

Pereybere

This remarkable small cove half-way between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux on Mauritius is one of the finest bathing spots on the island. A favorite spot for the young crowd. Great for snorkeling.

Belle Mare

Miles and miles of white and spotless beaches from Belle Mare to Trou-d’Eau Douce.

Trou-aux-Biches

Very accessible and fronts the hotel by the same name. Nice beach for the kids. Mauritius Aquarium is close by, down the road in Pointe-aux-Piments. Hotel has a sports kiosk.

Blue Bay

Blue Bay beach is the official public beach closest to Mahebourg on the South-East of the island. An ideal for windsurfing and sailing. Busy on weekends.

Tamarin

Kilometers of beaches for bathing - very popular for surfing.

Flic en Flac

Not far from Port Louis (southwest) is this nice beach for swimming - White beaches fringed with Casuarina trees. Great sunsets here. Can get very crowded.

Isle le Cerfs

Just off the east coast, accessible by boat is the island paradise called Cerfs. Go for the day. Great snorkeling. There is a golf course on the island. Get to Isle aux Cerfs Beach by tasking the small boats at Pointe Maurice.

There are almost more beaches than grains of sand on this paradise island, so to really enjoy your Mauritius holiday, find a beach just right for you. And then learn the Sega.

More African Holiday articles:

Mauritius Indian Ocean Island

Zanzibar African Spice Island

Red Sea Scuba Diving Holidays

Durban South Africa's Playground

Snorkel and Scuba in Lake Malawi