The Republic of Mauritius, a multicultural island nation, is located about 1,200 miles off the southeast coast of Africa. Mauritius is renowned for its powder-white beaches, sapphire-blue waters, luxury resorts and some of the most scenic views in the Indian Ocean. The island's contrast of cultures, tastes and landscapes make it perfect for a holiday.
For city breaks in Mauritius, it's advisable that you book your flight to and hotel in Mauritius in advance. By booking your Mauritius flight and hotel together, you can save money and time. Whether you're looking to enjoy a weekend in Mauritius or an extended vacation, package holidays in Mauritius can make your trip planning simple and affordable.
Flights to Mauritius arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), which has excellent connectivity with major destinations. If you're visiting from the UK, you can opt for a direct flight from London or Manchester to Mauritius.
British citizens likely won't need a visa to enter Mauritius. While the official language is Mauritian Creole, English is spoken by many locals. The time difference between Mauritius and the UK is four hours, and the island nation's currency is the Mauritian rupee.
The island enjoys a tropical climate, with warm and pleasant weather throughout the year. During summer (November to April), the weather is hot, and temperatures can rise to 32°C. During winter, from May to October, the weather remains cool, and temperatures hover around 17°C. Opting for package holidays in Mauritius in May or early December lets you experience dry and sunny weather, ideal for enjoying the island’s beaches and variety of water activities. If you're planning a weekend in Mauritius during this time, it's best to book in advance.
Whether you’re seeking city breaks in Mauritius with your loved one or visiting with your family, you'll find plenty of attractions to visit and activities. La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park, home to unusual species of flora and fauna, is a beautiful place to partake in pond fishing, quad biking, zip lines and step jetting ('walking on water' with the help of a device). Be sure to visit Mauritius Aquarium, which houses a large number of aquatic animals, including fish, invertebrates, sponges and live coral. Some other options:
Mauritius offers plenty to explore, such as French colonial houses, interesting museums, botanic gardens and shopping centres. If you're looking for some quiet time and enjoy water sports such as sailing, water skiing and windsurfing, make sure to visit the beaches at Grand Bay and La Cuvette.
Nestled in the central Mauritian village of Moka, Eureka House is one of the area's major attractions. Once the residence of French and English aristocrats, it has been converted into a museum dedicated to Mauritius's colonial period. The Blue Penny Museum is another treat for history lovers – to catch up on the art and history of Mauritius, this is a must see! Other museums to add to your itinerary include the Mauritius Photography Museum, the Sugar Museum and Factory, and the colonial Mahebourg Museum. A visit to Château de Labourdonnais allows you to explore 19th-century Mauritian life.
Don't forget to visit Le Morne Brabant, whose peak offers incredible views of the western and southern coasts of the island. Another popular attraction is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, which boasts wide varieties of palm trees, flowers, turtles and fish.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Mauritius.
Mauritian gastronomy, diverse and incredibly vibrant, is influenced by Creole, African, Indian and Chinese cuisine. Street food is fantastic in Mauritius – you'll find everything. Choose from tasty dishes and drinks such as sliced fruit smothered in sugar and chilli, refreshing coconut water, spicy curries topped with chilli, Chinese fried noodles, and buttered bread with pickles.
Mauritius has a great range of restaurants, from small eateries serving local cuisine to gourmet places offering Mauritian fusion food. Whereas you find dholl puri, a seasoned pea pancake, all over the island, one of the best places to try it is Dewa & Sons in Rose Hill. Thanks to Mauritius's Chinese influences, a number of its restaurants offer delicious Cantonese delicacies. You can enjoy typical Cantonese dim sum at First Restaurant in Port Louis.
Bringing home a souvenir of your vacation is the perfect way to relive the journey after you return. Pick up a box of Napolitaines, multilayered buttery shortbread cookies coated with icing, at a local bakery. Alternatively, pick up a bottle of rhum arrangé, a unique combination of alcohol and spices. Popular flavours include vanilla, coffee, clove and orange peel.
Another great souvenir to bring back from Mauritius is a well-crafted model ship sealed in a bottle. You may be able to find model ships at Le Rendez-Vous in Grand Bay, as well as accessories, clothes, paintings, decor, candles, photos and soaps.
If a city break in Mauritius doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!