Port Louis holidays

Holidays to Port Louis shine a spotlight on Mauritius’ history – and the island’s postcard-worthy beaches aren’t far away.

Mauritius’ old-meets-new capital

Port Louis is Mauritius’ capital, sitting on the island’s west coast. It’s the biggest city in the country, and is home to the busiest port in the Indian Ocean. You won’t find beaches here, but what the city lacks in sand it more than makes up for in history – there are UNESCO-stamped sites, museums and ancient buildings scattered all over. They’re interspersed with modern tower blocks and colourful street murals, so there’s a real blend of old and new.

Waterfront walks

When it comes to exploring, the waterfront’s a good place to start. The Blue Penny Museum showcases the island’s rich history and how Port Louis has grown over the years. In the same complex, you’ve got Caudan Waterfront – a shopping centre stuffed with independent boutiques and restaurants. Further along, the Mauritius Postal Museum – one of the oldest buildings on the waterfront – houses some of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world.

Markets and mosques

If you fancy getting a glimpse into local life in Mauritius, don’t miss Port Louis’ Central Market. Here, vendors offer up everything from exotic fruits to handmade souvenirs – head up to the first floor for the latter. Once you’ve had your shopping fix, stroll a few minutes down the road to Jummah Mosque. This 19th-century building – with its ornate white facade and green wrought-iron balconies – is still open for daily prayers.

Bolt for a beach

If you’re staying in Port Louis, you can still get your beach fix – some of the island’s best sweeps of sand are just a taxi ride away. Mont Choisy Beach is one of them. It’s gained a reputation as one of the best in the country, thanks to its powder-blue water, colourful coral and chalk-white sand. You can get there in 30 minutes, or keep going for a further five minutes to La Cuvette Beach – a smaller, quieter number dotted with tall palms and boulders.