1 Week in Mauritius: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8-Day Itinerary

Camille L.

Your Ultimate 7-Day Mauritius Itinerary: Discover Paradise

Planning an unforgettable week-long adventure to the stunning island of Mauritius?

This comprehensive 7-day Mauritius itinerary is your ultimate guide to exploring the very best of this Indian Ocean gem.

This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures you make the most of your 7 days in Mauritius, covering key attractions across the island without the need to constantly change accommodations.

We’ll guide you through must-see places, exciting adventures, and hand-picked accommodation options to suit various budgets. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting North, the bustling West, the serene East, the culturally rich Southwest, and the historic capital, Port Louis.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this 1-week Mauritius itinerary promises an unforgettable journey. Let’s dive into your dream island escape!

Here is the summary of this 1 week Mauritius itinerary:

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Cap Malheureux, Peyrébère, Grand Baie Grand Baie/Peyrébère
Day 2 Port Louis and Pamplemousses Botanical Garden Grand Baie/Peyrébère
Day 3 Belle Mare and Ile aux Cerfs Belle Mare
Day 4 Flic-en-Flac and the Black River Gorges National Park Flic-en-Flac
Day 5 Le Morne Brabant and Le Morne Beach Le Morne Brabant
Day 6 Grand Bassin and Chamarel Chamarel
Day 7 Mahébourg and Blue Bay Mahébourg

Day 1: Northern Coastal Charms – Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux

Begin your 7-day Mauritius adventure in the vibrant North of Mauritius, a region celebrated for its lively atmosphere and stunning coastline.

Your first day is dedicated to exploring the captivating beaches of North Mauritius. Start your journey with the picturesque succession of Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux.

Imagine stretches of powdery white sand, swaying coconut palms, and the warm embrace of the Mauritian sun – your tropical dreams come to life here.

Don’t miss the equally enchanting beaches of Mont Choisy and Trou aux Biches, just a few kilometers away, offering their own unique beauty and tranquility.

Grand Baie

For lunch, I recommend the new restaurant “Eatwithfingers” which offers gourmet and healthy (but not typically Mauritian) cuisine. It is located a little outside the city, on Twenty Pieds Road (you will certainly have to take a taxi to get there).

After this little tour in Grand Baie, I advise you to go and go and go and bathe at the beach of Peyrébère, only 10 km from Grand Baie.

In the late afternoon, join Cap Malheureux, just north of the island, and its breathtaking landscape. You can admire the sunset on the pretty beach and its red church that creates a beautiful contrast in color with the green of the vegetation and the blue of the sea and the sky. It’s one of my favorite places in Mauritius.

The church at Cap Malheureux beach

With all that the North Coast has to offer, the first of your 7 days Mauritius itinerary will be packed!

Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:

To better prepare your day in the north of Mauritius, I invite you to read my dedicated article: Best things to do in Grand Baie

The Best Hotels in the North of Mauritius

Grand Bay Beach

Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Port Louis and Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

On the second day of your 1 week Mauritius itinerary, visit the lively capital city of Port Louis to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the daily life of Mauritians.

Start your morning tour by visiting the must-see central market of Port Louis, also known as “bazaar”. The market is located on Queen Street and offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local products such as Chinese noodles, prepared dishes, and snacks.

Don’t miss the chance to try some traditional street food like dhall puri, rotis, and fried mines. You can also settle down at the upstairs room to enjoy your meal.

After exploring the market, head towards Caudan Waterfront, the oldest commercial center of the island, located by the sea on the docks. You can easily walk from the market to Caudan Waterfront and enjoy the pretty alleys, shops, restaurants, and ocean views.

The Blue Penny Museum, located in Caudan, is a must-visit place to learn about the history and culture of Mauritius.

In the evening, dine facing the ocean while enjoying the entertainment and concerts that are organized on Fridays and Saturdays. You can also try your luck at the casino.

Here are some tips for your Mauritius itinerary:

port louis alley umbrella

Then set aside 2 hours to visit the botanical garden of Pamplemousse!

Not far from Port-Louis (about 20min by car ), it is an unmissable visit during your 7 days Mauritius itinerary.

The garden was created in the 18th century by a French botanist and you will discover a rich collection of local plants but also from several countries of the world.

The garden is 37 hectares, it is very pleasant to walk there, the trails are well laid out and you will discover impressive specimens such as huge baobabs, giant water lilies and many varieties of palm trees. You will also find aromatic plants, tropical fruit trees etc.

You can also get a glimpse of the tropical fauna with geckos, chameleons , fruit bats (large fruit bats) and birds with colorful plumage that hop in the branches!

grapefruit garden mauritius itinerary

Where to Stay in Port Louis

I really do not advise you to stay in Port-Louis. The capital is pleasant to visit for a day but has no interest in staying there.

Day 3: Eastern Escapes – Belle Mare and the Paradise of Ile aux Cerfs

Your 7-day Mauritius itinerary now takes you to the serene and stunning east coast of the island.
Today’s adventure promises a collection of heavenly beaches and an unforgettable boat cruise to the iconic Île aux Cerfs. Get ready to be captivated by paradise!
Belle Mare beach is a true emblem of East Mauritius, impossible to miss with its impressive 10 kilometers of pristine white sand. The shallow, turquoise blue lagoon here is an open invitation for snorkeling and blissful relaxation.
This beach is particularly popular with locals, who often gather here in large numbers for weekend camping, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Bellemare beach – Mauritius
Continuing south, you’ll encounter the much wilder Palmar beach, before arriving at the picturesque village of Trou d’Eau Douce.
Its small, villa-lined beach is so stunning it could easily grace the most beautiful postcards!
From Trou d’Eau Douce, you can embark on a short boat trip to Île aux Cerfs, another must-see destination in Mauritius. This small offshore island is uninhabited but incredibly popular with tourists, and for good reason.
What awaits you there? More white sand, a translucent lagoon, and an abundance of opportunities for pure idleness.
Activities on Ile aux Cerfs:
  • Water Sports: Indulge in thrilling water sports like towed buoy rides, parasailing, and water skiing.
  • Golf: Enjoy a round of golf on the island’s championship golf course.
  • Shopping: Explore a few shops offering local souvenirs and crafts.
  • Dining: Savor delicious meals at one of the island’s restaurants, enjoying the wonderful setting.

Expert Tip: For more detailed information about planning your visit and the top things to do on Ile aux Cerfs, refer to our dedicated article: Top 10 things to do in Ile aux Cerfs.

 

The Best Hotels in the East of Mauritius

Ile aux Cerfs

Day 4: Western Wonders – Flic en Flac and Black River Gorges National Park

Now that you know the North and East of Mauritius like the back of your hand, I suggest you go for a little tour of the West Coast, which has nothing to envy to the rest of the island.

To get this new stage of your 7 days Mauritius itinerary off to a good start, set off for Flic-en-Flac and its 8 km of white sand.

It is one of the most popular beaches in the country. What distinguishes it from the others is the fact that it is bordered by filaos, the Mauritian pines.

In addition to creating a very pretty landscape, they allow you to rest quietly in the shade while contemplating the magnificent turquoise lagoon. The dream, right?

As on most beaches in Mauritius, there is something for everyone: swimming, lazing on the sand or even snorkeling to observe the multicolored fish.

Around the beach you will also find many scuba diving centers.

Flic en Flac beach

Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:

On the beach of Flic-en-Flac you will find several trailers selling snacks and fruit. I strongly advise you to stop in front of the one called Roti Aka, to test its faratas (also called rotis).

It is a Mauritian specialty that looks a bit like an Indian naan, filled with different curries and sauces.

You can find them everywhere on the island, but if you want my opinion, the best are in Flic-en-Flac. Must taste!

For the second part of the day, there is a fabulous national park 15 km away: that of the Black River Gorges (Click for more details).

Huge nature reserve in the middle of the tropical forest, you will discover the wide variety of fauna and flora of the island (more than 300 species of plants and 9 species of endemic birds!).

On the program: waterfalls, river crossings and many viewpoints overlooking the coast and the ocean.

The park is quite sprawling and it’s not easy the first time to go around without missing anything. For this reason, I suggest you book this guided tour to get the best experience possible.

The Best Hotels in the West of Mauritius

The Black River Gorges National Park

It’s been a busy day! If you still have some energy after all that (expect to climb a lot in the park), why not spend the evening in Flic-en-Flac?

Day 5: Majestic Le Morne Brabant and Serene Le Morne Beach

Here we go again for a little nature walk!

Strolling through the Black River Gorges Park was a taste of what awaited you the next day: a good hike to Morne Brabant.

There’s nothing like it to recharge your batteries and immerse yourself in the Mauritian natural heritage!

Located to the southwest, it is the most famous mountain on the island, and for good reason! It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

Climbing Le Morne is by far my favorite hike to do in Mauritius. Allow about 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit and descend.

The paths are quite steep at times, and towards the end we are not far from climbing. The hike remains very pleasant to do, but beware all the same for people suffering from vertigo.

For maximum safety and above all to know everything about the history of this region, it is a good idea to hire a professional guide who will accompany you during the ascent.

The panorama at the top of the mountain is quite a reward, expect to take your breath away.

Le Morne-Brabant

You should know that Le Morne Brabant has a high historical and emotional value.

The stone cross erected at the very top of the mountain was installed in homage to the slaves who, at the time, were numerous to throw themselves from the summit to flee their executioners.

At the foot of the mountain is also a commemorative monument, named “the Unknown Slave”.

Once back on earth, treat yourself to a few hours of well-deserved relaxation on Le Morne beach.

Located at the foot of the mountain, it’s a new paradise beach to add to your vacation diary.

This one is wilder and calmer than those of the north or that of Flic-en-Flac.

A good moment of tranquility far from everything, in communion with the ocean and with a magnificent landscape as a bonus.

Then return to your hotel for the night.

The Best Hotels near Le Morne – Mauritius

Le Morne Beach

Day 6: Southwest Serenity – Grand Bassin and the Wonders of Chamarel

Attacking this 6th and penultimate day of your vacation!

I suggest you continue to discover the south-west of Mauritius, a particularly rich region.

And what could be better than a short road trip to get around it in a single day?

Having explored this part of the island myself by car, here is my itinerary, optimized so as not to miss anything:

1) Leave in the morning towards Grand Bassin (aka “Ganga Talao”).

It is a very important cultural site in the country. Indeed, this sacred lake is a place of pilgrimage for Mauritian Hindus.

It always has an effect to find your way around, especially at the sight of the two huge statues of the gods Shiva and Durga, very impressive, erected at the entrance to the site.

For the record, that of Durga is the largest statue of the goddess in the world!

In Grand Bassin you can visit several temples, have a “tika” written on your forehead and even rub shoulders with small wild monkeys which add to the charm of the site.

(Be careful though, there are some who are rather jokers so watch your belongings! :D)

Big pool

2) For the second stage, head south to find yourself at a place called Plaine Champagne.

This is where the locals come to harvest Chinese guavas at the end of the year, these delicious little wild fruits with a sweet and sour taste. If you are in the middle of guava season, you can pick some yourself by stopping on the side of the road.

A little further up the main road is Alexandra Falls, well worth a stop!

3) Around noon or early afternoon, arrive at the 7 Colored Earth of Chamarel.

It is THE natural curiosity of the island, which is very popular with visitors. It is an area covered with multicolored volcanic earth, hence its pretty name.

The site is in a private domain, therefore the entrance is paying. But during a 1 week Mauritius itinerary, it is something that is imperative to see.

The Earth of 7 colors – Chamarel

4) On this same private site is also the Ebony Forest nature reserve, which I also strongly recommend. A walk that takes more or less 2 hours in a native forest, and which offers a fantastic panorama of the valley from the Sublime Point.

5) And for the final stage of your road-trip, I suggest you take a trip to the Rhumerie de Chamarel, where you can enjoy a guided tour before tasting the different wines.

Believe me, this will be the best rum you will ever drink!

Chamarel Waterfall, Mauritius

Tips for your Mauritius itinerary:

If you have time, I recommend that you take a trip to the “Curious Corner” of Chamarel.

It’s a small museum dedicated to optical illusions and it’s really well done! It is right next to the entrance to the 7 Colored Earth.

I’ve been there several times and I love it! If you are with children, this is a family activity in Mauritius not to be missed.

The Best Hotels in the South West of Mauritius

Day 7: Authentic Southeast Coast – Mahébourg and Blue Bay

As your 7-day Mauritius itinerary draws to a close, prepare for a final day of authentic coastal charm and serene beauty in the Southeast. This region offers a distinct and peaceful experience, a perfect contrast to the bustling city life or adventurous hikes you’ve enjoyed.
Mahébourg holds the distinction of being the first city built in Mauritius by Dutch settlers. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately notice its unique atmosphere – a much more “roots,” calm, and quiet vibe compared to other parts of the island. It’s a place where a truly special atmosphere reigns, making it a personal favorite for many seeking a peaceful retreat and a deeper connection with Mauritian culture.
Take your time to explore the truly magnificent Mahébourg seafront, which offers picturesque views and a tranquil ambiance. Afterwards, wander through the cobbled streets to admire the old Creole houses and soak up the authentic character of this historic town. Mahébourg provides an excellent opportunity to experience the island’s heritage and daily life at a slower pace.
Next, venture to Blue Bay, the neighboring village, renowned for its stunning beaches. The public beach of Blue Bay is superb, but the beach of Pointe d’Esny (just a few kilometers away) is often considered even more beautiful. Wilder and more intimate, it invites tranquility and is truly breathtakingly beautiful – often cited as a favorite beach on the island. The most amazing thing about having a 7-day vacation in Mauritius is that no matter how many beaches you visit, each one has the effect of taking your breath away every time!
The lagoon of Blue Bay, with its translucent waters and rich marine life, lends itself particularly well to snorkeling. You can indulge in this activity independently or arrange for a guided tour to discover the best snorkeling spots.
Mauritius Travel Story: The Wakashio Oil Spill and Mauritian Resilience
In July 2020, Mauritius faced the largest oil spill in its history when the Wakashio, a Japanese tanker, ran aground off the Southeast coast. The entire coastline, including the pristine beaches of Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny, and the surrounding islets, was devastated by this massive environmental disaster.
In response, the Mauritian people demonstrated incredible resilience and solidarity. Thousands of volunteers worked tirelessly for weeks, manually cleaning the lagoon and creating absorbent barriers using sugarcane and human hair. These innovative “sausages” were strategically placed around the lagoon, effectively containing and absorbing a significant portion of the oil. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Mauritian people, the beaches were ultimately saved.
Culinary Delights in Mahébourg: When visiting the Mahébourg region, a culinary stop at Karay Mario is a must for delicious Creole cuisine. For evening entertainment, L’Ajupa offers a unique Jamaican-themed snack bar experience, unlike anywhere else in Mauritius.

The Best Hotels in the South East of Mauritius

Blue Bay – Mahébourg – Ile Maurice

Now it’s time to head back to your hotel to catch your return flight the next day.

A Week in Mauritius: Map of Your Mauritius Itinerary

To help you visualizing your Mauritius itinerary, I have made a map of all the places you will visit in a week.

The airport of Mauritius is in Mahébourg (in red on the map). You can display the legend by clicking the button with a small arrow at the top left of the map.

We hope this 7-8 day Mauritius itinerary will please you as much as us! In any case, you will have an unforgettable experience.

If you have any questions about your stay in Mauritius, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments.

Organize Your Trip to Mauritius Easily

Here are all my other travel guides to Mauritius: Just click on the links below to read the articles.

Routes

Regions to visit + Where to stay

Unmissable visits

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