Mahebourg holidays

Holidays to Mahebourg deliver all the ingredients of an exotic Mauritian break, with an added splash of European history.

European back story

Mahebourg, in the south-east corner of Mauritius, is one of the easiest towns to travel to once you fly in – it’s only 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. Its peaceful persona feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day. Dutch settlers gave the town its name, and you’ll see European influences all over when you arrive, from the architecture to the street layout. And the side of Mauritius you’d expect to see – pillow-soft beaches and tropical surroundings – is out in full force, too.

Malls, markets and museums

There’s loads to do away from the seafront here. Mahebourg’s shelves are stacked with a few museums, including one which tells the story of the town’s Dutch history. For a broader look back though the years, the National History Museum – set in a colonial mansion house – takes you from Napoleonic naval battles and dodo skeletons to hauls of pirate treasure. On the shopping front, there’s a market with fragrant food stalls and pretty textiles on offer. And for a more modern money-spending outing, there are two malls on the edge of Mahebourg.

Beaches and island retreats

You’ll see the town’s exotic side if you head to its sugary beaches – the pick of the bunch is Pointe d’Esny Beach, on the southern outskirts of Mahebourg. And if you’re happy to head a little further afield, you can reach bowl-shaped Blue Bay Beach in just over 10 minutes’ drive. There’s a protected marine area here that’s great for exploring. And if you want relaxation with a side of sightseeing, you can catch a boat to the island of Ile aux Aigrettes. This place is home to a national conservation project, run by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, and has been a nature reserve since the 1960s.