One week in Mauritius: Which Itinerary for 6, 7 or 8 Days?

You’re planning a 1 week trip to Mauritius and you’re looking for the best Itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this recommended Itinerary for a week in Mauritius. You will discover some of the best places to visit in the country!

During your 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary in Mauritius, you will experience the idyllic beaches of Belle Mare and Morne Brabant, the lively streets of Flic-en-Flac and Grand Baie, the Black River Gorges National Park… And a lot more

For this itinerary, in addition to the best things to do and must-see attractions, I will also give you all my best tips as well as my list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Mauritius in a week? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1) The North (1 day)

Let’s kick off your Mauritian holiday in the northern part of the island.

You’ll land bright and early in the south, at Mahébourg, then swiftly make your way to your hotel or guesthouse, regardless of its location. Once you’ve dropped off your bags and freshened up, I’d suggest heading straight to Grand Baie up north.

A quick tip before we dive in: touring Mauritius by car is super handy for zipping from one place to another. I’d recommend it. You can rent cars from airport agencies (just a heads up, always go for official rental agencies over individual renters, you know, insurance and all in case of mishaps).

Your best bet to get a good deal and the car you want is through a comparison site. My top pick? Rentalcars.com – I swear by it!

But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rely on the bus network. It’s pretty extensive, although journey times can stretch a bit.

Start your Mauritian adventure with an excursion to Grand Baie, in the northwest. It’s a tourist hotspot and one of the island’s liveliest areas – a must-visit for sure!

Here, you’ll discover the gorgeous public beach with colorful fishing boats bobbing on the turquoise ocean waters. Several stalls along the beach offer snacks and fresh fruits. Enjoy them as you stroll along Sunset Boulevard (Grand Baie’s shopping street) or while lounging on the beach.

When hunger strikes, try out the new restaurant “Eatwithfingers”. Their dishes are delish and healthy (not your typical Mauritian fare, though). It’s a bit outside the town center on Vingt Pieds Road. You might need to grab a taxi.

After Grand Baie, I’d suggest chilling for a few hours and taking a dip at Pereybere beach, just 10 km away.

By late afternoon, head over to Cap Malheureux, right up north. The breathtaking landscape there is worth the trip. Catch the sunset on the beautiful beach with its distinctive red church. The vibrant colors of the church set against the greenery, blue sea, and sky is an unforgettable sight. One of my all-time fav spots in Mauritius.

2) Port Louis (1 day)

Next up on our week-long Mauritius journey is a tour of the capital, Port Louis.

Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches, hotels, and scenic beauty Mauritius is famous for, Port Louis buzzes with activity. It’s a window into the daily lives of the locals and their rich culture. A genuine dive into Mauritian life.

Kick start your morning with a visit to the central market of Port Louis, locally known as the “bazar”. It’s a city highlight.

To get there, just follow the crowd from the central bus terminal. The market sits on Queen Street (and if you get lost, just ask. Locals are super friendly and always ready to guide wandering tourists).

The sprawling market boasts stalls brimming with fruits and veggies, and other fresh goodies like “mines” (Chinese noodles). You’ll also find a section with ready-to-eat dishes and snacks (think sandwiches, fried noodles, fried rice, dhall puri, rotis…). There’s even an upstairs area where you can settle in for a bite.

To truly savor the culinary delights of Mauritius, consider booking a street food guided tour in Port Louis.

Lasting 3 hours, it allows you to visit the market and of course taste local cuisine. You’ll find all the details about this outing by clicking here:

Post-market, head over to Caudan Waterfront, a seafront mall, the shopping hub of Port Louis. It’s a short walk from the market.

Sauntering around Caudan in the afternoon feels like you’re in a quaint village with pretty lanes, shops, restaurants, street vendors, and beautiful ocean views.

Also, don’t miss out on the Blue Penny Museum located in Caudan. It chronicles the island’s history and culture.

In the evening, enjoy a seaside dinner, tap your feet to the live music (especially if you’re around on a Friday or Saturday), and maybe try your luck at the casino.

3) Pamplemousses (½ day)

For the third leg of your 6, 7, or 8-day Mauritius adventure, head to the central-north part of the island to check out the Pamplemousses Botanic Garden, an absolute must-do. Getting there’s a breeze, especially by bus from, let’s say, Port Louis. The bus drops you right near the entrance.

You can cover the garden in half a day. Why not pack a picnic and lunch amidst the greenery, on a bench or at a waterside pavilion?

The garden, a brainchild of a French botanist from the 18th century, boasts a vast collection of local plants, and some that have traveled from all around the world.

Spanning 37 hectares, it’s a treat to stroll through. The pathways are well-laid and lead you to marvels like massive baobabs, giant lily pads, and an array of palm varieties. You’ll also come across aromatic plants, tropical fruit trees, and more.

If you’re keen to dig deeper into the garden’s offerings, I’d suggest hiring a guide. But if a leisurely walk amidst the flora is all you seek, go at it solo.

The guides? They’re a friendly lot and will flood you with facts about each plant, the history, and whatnot. But heads up, their chats can stretch a bit, usually between 1 to 2 hours.

Entrance fees: 8 euros for adults and 5 for kids.

4) Flic en Flac (½ day)

Post your green escapade at the Pamplemousses Garden, let’s hop onto the fourth step of your week-long Mauritius jaunt.

Next stop? Flic en Flac on the island’s west coast. It’s the liveliest tourist spot in the western region. Here, you can revel in a gorgeous beach with views of the Le Morne Brabant mountain, indulge in watersports, or dine and dance by the seaside.

Here’s your afternoon playbook:

• Soak up the sun on the white sands or under the filaos trees.
• Swim and snorkel to witness the rich marine life close to the shore.
• Treat your taste buds with snacks or fresh fruits from the beachside vendors. Pro tip: Don’t miss the scrumptious “Roti Aka” at the start of the beach.
• Dive deep with one of the town’s diving clubs (booking ahead always helps).
• Dine at a beachside restaurant.
• And maybe hit the dance floor later?

5) Grand Bassin (½ day)

As you kick off your fourth day in Mauritius, I recommend a trip to Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao.

This sacred spot houses several Hindu temples, a peaceful stroll by the natural lake, and gigantic statues of gods Shiva and Durga. Fun fact? Durga’s statue here stands as the world’s tallest depiction of a female deity!

Grand Bassin is a pilgrimage destination for the island’s Hindu community, especially during the Maha Shivaratree festival.

You can leisurely explore Grand Bassin in half a day. And guess what? Entrance is free! Visit temples, get a “tika” (a religious mark) drawn on your forehead if you fancy, and soak in the nature and numerous religious statues around the lake.

Keep an eye out for playful monkeys and guard your belongings—they can be cheeky!

6) Eureka Creole House (½ day)

After your morning trip to Grand Bassin, reserve your afternoon for exploring one of the last grand colonial Creole homes on Mauritius: Eureka House, nestled near Moka in the heart of the island.

This stately colonial home was built in 1830 and transformed into a museum in 1986. Once the domain of French and British aristocrats ruling the island, today it offers a tantalizing trip back to the colonial life of the 19th century.

Here’s what your visit to this must-see attraction includes:

• Exploring the colonial lifestyle through numerous rooms restored and furnished with period pieces.
• Lunching or dining on typical Mauritian dishes in the restaurant.
• Checking out the museum dedicated to music, art, and period antiques.
• Meandering through the quaint English gardens.
• Strolling amidst lush vegetation surrounding the house.
• Walking alongside the Moka River to the waterfalls, and capping the day with a refreshing dip.

7) Tamarin and the Black River Gorges National Park (1 day)

For the seventh leg of your one-week Mauritius adventure, let’s head southwest to the area around Tamarin. Situated right next to Flic-en-Flac, it’s a breeze to get there by bus – pretty straightforward.

The vacation has been all chill with relaxation and sightseeing, but now it’s time to flex those muscles! I suggest spending your morning hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park near Tamarin.

Being the island’s largest, sprawling over 6,754 hectares, it offers an enchanting journey through tropical forests. Prepare to be wowed by breathtaking landscapes, rippling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and a rich array of flora and fauna.

I’d advise you to hire a guide for your trek. Not only will they keep you from getting lost, but they’ll also share the park’s history and introduce you to local plants and endemic animals (like the famed Pink Pigeon).

This guided trek will fill up your morning.

Make sure you book in advance by clicking the following button:

If you’re more of a solo wanderer, remember to mark your route and choose your trails beforehand – there’s a myriad to pick from.

After a nature picnic in the park as a treat for all your hard work, I’d then guide you to Tamarin Beach, just a few kilometers away.

Local guides offer sea excursions to witness marine life. It’s wise to book in advance with a local travel agency or your hotel, but spontaneous adventurers can find on-the-spot offers too.

Savor the boat ride, and if luck’s on your side, spotting some dolphins can be a magical bonus!

8) Le Morne Brabant and Chamarel (1 day)

Wow, it’s already day 6 of the holiday and time for step 7 on our Mauritian journey. This time, I recommend exploring the wonders of the country’s southern coast.

To the southwest, you’ll find Le Morne Brabant mountain, steeped in history and emotion, and a proud UNESCO World Heritage site. Tragically, it once sheltered runaway slaves, some of whom leapt from its peak seeking freedom…

At the mountain’s base, opposite Le Morne Beach, stands a touching tribute: a memorial called “The Unknown Slave”. It portrays an enslaved face carved into stone, accompanied by a hand, a leg, and several curled-up figures.

I’d suggest dedicating your morning to ascend Le Morne Brabant. The hike, guided or not, lets you immerse in nature, unveils spectacular landscapes, and offers stunning views of the coastlines and azure ocean. As always in Mauritius, expect a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.

The ascent, especially in its final stages, is no joke. If you have vertigo, or you’re a senior or with kids, I’d advise against scaling the very peak. Some parts are basically rock-climbing!

However, the view from the top is jaw-dropping. You get a panoramic look at Mauritius’ southern coast and the vast Indian Ocean. Trust me, it’s an unforgettable sight.

The hike spans roughly 6 km and should take you 3-4 hours.

If you would like to climb with a professional guide, please use the following button to make a reservation:

After all that action, I suggest you spend an hour or two at the breathtaking Morne beach, truly a slice of paradise and so serene. But hey, maybe skip Sundays, since that’s when the local Mauritian families hit the beach for a picnic and to spend their day.

Once you’ve caught your breath, head on over to the Chamarel site, just a few minutes away by bus or taxi from the beach. Here’s where you’ll be awed by one of Mauritius’ main natural wonders: the Seven Colored Earths.

Admission isn’t free, so make sore to book your tickets in advance by clicking here. Once inside, follow the path leading to Chamarel’s waterfall – and hey, if you’re feeling it, dive in for a swim!

Continue your journey and soon you’ll stand before a wide clearing filled with ochre dunes with colors ranging from reddish-orange to violet. It creates this amazing gradient that’s a sight for sore eyes.

Just a heads-up, it’s forbidden to walk on these dunes or collect samples. Gotta preserve the beauty, right? You’ll likely wrap up your Chamarel visit in 1 to 1.5 hours.

To cap off the day, consider a visit to Chamarel’s rum distillery or, like I did and absolutely loved, visit the “Curious Corner” of Chamarel. It’s a museum of optical illusions right next to Chamarel’s entrance. The tour takes 1h to 1h30 and is really funny, playful and surprising.

I promise you, whether you’re 5 or 55, it’s an hour or so of pure, delightful confusion. But note, the Curious Corner closes at 5 PM and entry costs 10 euros for adults and 6 euros for kids aged 3 to 12.

9) East Coast (1 day)

For this seventh and final day in Mauritius, set your sights on the eastern coast. This coast boasts some of the country’s most gorgeous beaches, like Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce.

In the morning, make your way to Trou d’Eau Douce. From its (gorgeous) beach, you can hop on a boat to Île aux Cerfs, a tourist favorite in Mauritius.

Imagine a tiny paradise island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with white sandy beaches and clear waters. Spend a full or half day there, chilling, swimming, or trying out some water sports.

The island also hosts several shops and restaurants.

Though not exactly a deserted island, Île aux Cerfs is tailored for tourists. I was slightly bummed to find that apart from the beaches, it’s quite commercialized. But if you’re looking to chill for a morning or a full day, it’s pretty much postcard perfect.

To book your excursion, it’s as easy as clicking the following button:

• Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs from Trou d’Eau Douce:

In the afternoon, continue your east coast tour by enjoying the stunning Belle Mare beach. You can indulge in snorkeling, diving, or other water sports. If you’d rather just kick back and enjoy the beach, that’s awesome too!

 Belle Mare beach, one of the island’s finest, stretches over 10 km. It’s peaceful during weekdays but gets buzzing on weekends.

After a week-long road trip around Mauritius, it’s time to hop on a plane back home. I hope you love this 7-8 day itinerary as much as I did! One thing’s for sure: it’ll be unforgettable. If you have questions about your Mauritius trip, drop them in the comments below.

Where to stay in Mauritius

Like I mentioned earlier, the island’s small, so you can stay in the same hotel throughout your stay.

To cut down on travel, maybe start in a northern hotel and then switch to a southern one.

Major tip: Book your accommodation ASAP. Good deals vanish overnight!

Where to stay in the north of Mauritius

• Résidence Obleue: Situated in Peyrebere. Brand-new, modern, and bright apartment with a fully equipped kitchen from €50 a night. Strong points: The location, free private parking, the pool, and the rooftop. The top choice in the north for an affordable stay in Mauritius!
• Bleu de toi Boutique Guesthouse: Located a mere 5-minute walk from Peyrebere beach. Warm and nicely decorated double rooms from €75 a night. Strong points: The pool, the outdoor areas, the peaceful atmosphere, the top-notch staff!
• Corail Blue Private Villas by Lov: Located between Grand Baie and Peyrebere. Ultra-modern, enormous (180m²), and superbly equipped villa with a private pool from €145 a night, breakfast at €12. Strong points: The beauty of the luxurious villas, the private pool, the location, the comfort. Truly an exceptional place in the north of Mauritius!
• Seapoint Boutique Hotel: Located 4 km from Grand Baie. Luxurious and stunning double rooms from €340 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The breathtaking views from the rooms of the garden and the sea, the beautiful outdoor areas, the excellent breakfast, the proximity to the beach, the attentive staff, and the quality of service. The best choice for a luxury stay in the north of Mauritius!  

Where to stay in the south of Mauritius

• Arkenstone Studios: Located close to Chamarel and Le Morne Brabant mountain. Modern, spacious, bright, fully equipped studio with a kitchen starting at only €50 a night! Strong points: The location for visiting the 7 Colored Earths and climbing the Morne Brabant mountain, free private parking, the view from the studio balconies, the friendly and helpful host, and the peaceful neighborhood. The best choice for an affordable stay in the south of Mauritius!
• The River House: Located in Tamarin next to the Black River Gorges National Park and Flic-en-Flac. Spacious double room with a terrace and splendid river views starting from €110 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The peaceful location, the stunning setting with the garden and the river, the beach only a 5-minute walk away, the fantastic breakfast, and the pool. It’s my favorite for its incredible value for money!
• Sands Suites Resort & Spa: Located in Tamarin Bay, right on the beachfront. Bright and spacious suites tastefully decorated from €350 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The magnificent views from the rooms, the services on offer, the delightful staff, and the delicious food. Recommended for a luxury stay in south Mauritius!

A week in Mauritius: your itinerary map

To help you visualize your itinerary a bit better, I’ve created a map of all the best places to visit during your week in Mauritius. Mauritius’ airport is in Mahébourg (marked in red on the map).

You can display the map legend by clicking the button with a small arrow located in the top left corner.

Renting a boat in Mauritius

If you want to rent a boat for a fun day at sea during your stay in Mauritius, I highly recommend using Samboat. Simply put, they have the most comprehensive boat rental offerings!

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small license-free boats, with or without a skipper: you’ll be spoiled for choice.

So, why wait any longer to book your incredible sea trip in Mauritius?

You’re traveling in Mauritius? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

21 Best Things to do in Mauritius – All the best places to visit!

• Itinerary: 1 week in Mauritius – How to visit Mauritius in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The definitive guide to visit Mauritius in 10 days!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The perfect 14, 15 or 16 days itinerary in Mauritius

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