Mauritius is perfect and it isn’t just worth visiting for a honeymoon! Here’s a FAB 5 – 7 day itinerary for Mauritius that has the best bits covered for the whole island!

Mauritius, a stunning island country in the Indian Ocean, managed to stay under the tourist radar for a long time, but when the world finally discovered this breath-taking African destination, it went to the top spot especially for couples!

Here is a 5 day Mauritius itinerary I followed to experience the best of everything from Flic en Flac to Grand Bay.

And of course, your Mauritius itinerary must places to try the food in Mauritius as the traditional dishes are mouth-watering. So, let’s dive into this 5 to 7 days itinerary for Mauritius that covers the best bits!

A vendor selling colourful fruits on a 5 day itinerary mauritius

A 5 to 7 day itinerary for Mauritius for first-timers


Itinerary Mauritius

North Mauritius (2/3) days + things to do


Day 1 – Grand Bay – Sunset Boulevard – Cap Malheureux

Begin your 7 days in Mauritius journey with a trip to Grand Bay in the north-western part of the island. It is a tourist town and one of the island’s liveliest areas.

You will come upon a magnificent public beach with little boats of colourful fishermen drifting in the turquoise seas of the ocean.

Several trailers along the coast provide snacks and fresh fruit while wandering along Sunset Boulevard (Grand Bay’s central commercial district) or sitting peacefully on the beach.

For lunch, the new ‘Eatwithfingers’ restaurant, which serves gourmet and healthful (but not traditionally Mauritian) food is worth a try. It is situated on Twenty Foot Road, just outside town (you will probably need a taxi to get there).

After your journey to Grand Bay, you may spend a few hours swimming at Peyrrbere Beach, just 10 kilometres away.

Some spots permit fishing, but do check if you need permits.

In the late afternoon, take a journey to Cap Malheureux, located just north of the island, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. To round off your first day, watch the sunset on the gorgeous beach from there.


A dreamy sunset on an a 7 day itinerary for mauritius

A boat on the beach on an itinerary for Mauritius

Day 2 – Port Louis – Central Market – Caudan Waterfront – The Blue Penny Museum

 

The following day, go to Port Louis. Apart from the island’s famous beaches, hotels, and natural landscape, Port Louis is a vibrant city where you will learn about local life and culture.

This port is the place to go if you want to learn about Mauritanian culture and traditional Mauritian street food from the bottom up.

Start your day by touring the bazaar, Port Louis’ central market. It is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. You won’t miss it if you go to the bus station. There’s also a big market on Queen Street that you can explore.

The market is massive, with stalls offering fruits and vegetables, ‘mines’ (Chinese noodles), and other locally produced items.

Following your market exploration, go to Port Louis’ business core at the Caudan Waterfront, located directly on the waterfront. It’s a short walk from the marketplace.

Caudan is a beautiful destination to spend a day wandering. It has the feel of a little town while still offering contemporary amenities such as shops, restaurants, and mobile food stalls, all set against the gorgeous backdrop of the sea.

The Blue Penny Museum, which commemorates Mauritian history and culture, is one of the top museums on the island and is located in Caudan.

Eat on the beach while watching the sunset, and then go to a show on a Friday or Saturday night.

DETAILS

Port Louis’ central market

Address: 9 Corderie St, Port Louis, Mauritius

Timings: Monday to Saturday – 5 am to 5.30 pm, Sunday from 5 am to 11.30 am

Price: Free

DETAILS

The Blue Penny Museum

Address: Dans Caudan Water Front, Port Louis, Mauritius

Timings: Monday to Saturday – 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday closed

Price: MUR 280 for adults and MUR 136 for children


A man selling tomatoes on a 7 day itinerary for mauritius

Day 3 – Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (half day)

 

A visit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden in the island’s north-central section is a must on your third day. The bus ride from adjacent places like Port Louis takes a couple of hours. The bus stop is just outside the door, making it simple to get there.

A half-day visit to the garden is possible. A picnic on the grass, bench, or kiosk is highly recommended. The garden, built in the 18th century by a French botanist, has a wide variety of local flora and exotic plants from all over the world.

The 37-hectare park is ideal for walking due to its well-kept walks and stunning vegetation, including giant water lilies and several palm trees. There are also some tropical fruit trees and scented plants.

Adult admission is €8, and children’s admission is €5.

After visiting the botanical garden of Pamplemousses, proceed to the island’s west coast.

DETAILS

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

Address: VHWJ+448, Pamplemousses, Mauritius

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 8.30 am to 5 pm

Price: MUR 300 for adults and free for kids under 5


Where to stay in Mauritius?

 

Mauritius has a lot to offer, and deciding where to stay in Mauritius can be confusing if you are planning to explore most of this island country. So, here are a few options depending on which areas you are visiting –

Le Suffren Hotel & Marina in Port Louis is located only a kilometre from the centre, making it easy to explore the capital city of Mauritius.

Tamarina Golf & Spa Boutique Hotel in Flic-en-Flac is perfect for exploring the best of the West Coast. It is a stone’s throw away from the beach, where you can soak in the sunset and it is also near the dolphin sanctuary.

Ocean Villas Hotel in Grand Baie is loved by visitors for its own private beach area, This hotel in Mauritius also offers massages and a hammam along with organizing snorkelling session.


Pamplemousse botanical gardens in Mauritius on a 5 day itinerary mauritius

Mauritius itinerary

South Mauritius (2/3) days + things to do


Day 3 – Flic en Flac (half day)

 

Proceed to Flic en Flac on the island’s west coast after your half-day visit to Pamplemousses. It is the liveliest tourist city in the western region. You can enjoy a superb beach with views of the Morne Brabant (mountain), water activities, restaurants and clubs.

In the afternoon, have a tan on the white sand or go swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving.

Get some snacks along with fresh fruit sold by the beach merchants such as ‘Roti Aka’, located at the beginning of the beach among the first caravans. End the third day with a sumptuous dinner in one of the beach restaurants.


Day 4 – Grand Bassin – The Eureka Creole House

 

The next morning, begin your fourth day in Mauritius by touring Grand Bassin, commonly known as Ganga Talao.

It is a holy area where you can visit various Hindu temples, wander along the large natural lake, and view the massive sculptures of the gods’ Shiva and Durga. Durga’s statue is also the world’s most enormous female goddess statue!

Grand Basin is a pilgrimage site for Hindus in Mauritius, who trek there once a year from the four corners of the island to commemorate Maha Shivaratri.

You can tour the Grand Bassin site in half a day at a leisurely pace, and admission is free! You may visit the temples, write a ‘tika’ on the forehead if you desire, and explore the landscape that surrounds the lake and the many religious sculptures that line its perimeter.

After touring Grand Bassin in the morning, spend the afternoon exploring one of Mauritius’ last and most spectacular colonial Creole houses: the Eureka home near Moka in the island’s middle.

This 1830 colonial house was converted into a museum in 1986. It belonged to the French and British aristocracy, which dominated the island then, and now enables visitors to experience nineteenth-century colonial life.

DETAILS

The Eureka Creole House

Address: Montagne Ory, Eureka Lane, Moka, Mauritius

Timings: Monday to Saturday- 9 am to 4.30 pm, closed on Sunday

Price: MUR 300 for adults. Different packages are available.


A hindu temple on a 5 day itinerary mauritius

Day 5 – Black River Gorges National Park – Tamarin Beach

 

Day 5 begins with a trip to Tamarin City. Tamarin is located immediately next to Flic-en-Flac and is easily accessible by bus.

You may trek at Tamarin’s Black River Gorges National Park during the morning. It is the largest island (6754 hectares) and provides a beautiful journey amid the rainforest, surrounded by rich foliage. The park is your chance to explore stunning landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, and diverse flora and wildlife.

The guided trek will last the entire morning, from 8 to 10 hours. If you want to hike alone, remember to take your bearings and plan your route beforehand since there are several pathways.

You can eat a picnic lunch in the park’s wilderness. Afterwards, go to Tamarin Beach, just a few kilometres away. You can have a relaxing afternoon there with beautiful views of the setting sun.


If you’re looking for a 7 day itinerary for Mauritius


Day 6 – Le Morne Mountain – Le Morne Beach – Rhumerie de Chamarel

 

Spend your sixth day at the southwest end’s Morne Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Start climbing Morne in the morning. The last section of the trek is a challenging climb to the peak. But the view from the summit is simply incredible. You will be treated to a spectacular vista of Mauritius’ whole south coast and the Indian Ocean.

After all this, spend 1 – 2 hours on the beautiful beach of Le Morne, which is pristine and calm.

Afterwards, take the route to Chamarel, just a few minutes away by bus or cab from the beach. Chamarel is where you may find one of Mauritius’ most famous natural wonders: the Earth of Seven Colours.

The admission fee to the site is around 3 euros per person.

To round up the day, go to the Rhumerie de Chamarel, often known as the ‘Curious Corner’ of Chamarel. It is the museum of optical illusions and is near the entrance. The visit will last 1 hour and is amusing and engaging especially if you have kids.


Day 7 – Trou d’Eau Douce – Deer Island

 

Visit Trou d’Eau Douce on your last day in Mauritius. You can take a boat from the beach to the island of Deer. Deer Island is a little paradise with white sand beaches and clear seas. You may spend the day there resting and bathing.

The island also includes several stores where you may purchase gifts to take home and excellent restaurants serving a range of cuisines. This is a fitting way to end your 7 days in Mauritius trip.

This 7-day itinerary should help you plan a great vacation, especially if it’s your first visit here.


A woman making chapatis on a itinerary for mauritius
A beautiful waterfall in Mauritius on a Mauritius itinerary

Tips for your itinerary Mauritius

 

Visiting Mauritius may be a fascinating and enlightening adventure. As exciting as an experience may be, it’s tempting to let yourself get carried away. Keep in mind the importance of safety and security measures when travelling internationally.

If you follow these tips, your vacation to Mauritius will be one to remember for all the right reasons.

 

Get familiar with your travel destination.

You should learn about the best areas to stay in, the least dangerous hotels, and crime rates by reading reviews written by other travelers and talking to locals.

The suggestions listed above by region are some of the best on the island and are well-rated.

 

Pack your things appropriately.

Even though it is warm all year, you should still bring a thick sweater and long trousers. Mosquitoes may also be a serious problem in Mauritius. Mosquitoes are common all year, especially in national parks. Malaria and dengue fever are not a concern in Mauritius; however, mosquito bites are. Mosquito repellent is always important, but you can get it just as readily at the local stores nearby.

Also, note that Mauritius has a different power outlet arrangement from that of the majority of Europe. Most hotels provide converters or have regular European outlets in addition to Mauritian ones. However, just to be safe, we suggest taking a travel adapter along with your things.

 

Get some safety equipment

It would be best if you took precautions against pickpockets by purchasing clothing and accessories that make stealing valuables harder.

 

Keep your guard up while using public Wi-Fi

Credit cards and Social Security numbers are easy pickings for hackers who target people using public Wi-Fi. Installing a virtual private network (VPN) before leaving home is the safest way to use the Internet when away from home.


A man selling coconuts on a itinerary for mauritius

How do I get around Mauritius?

 

Transportation options include using public transportation like the bus or hiring a taxi or vehicle (with or without a driver). The hotel may call you a taxi or provide information on reliable transport services.

 

Public transport in Mauritius

If you want to experience real life in Mauritius and meet locals, you should take the bus at least once. The several bus companies in Mauritius cover almost all of the island’s major thoroughfares.

The buses run from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays in the city and from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays in the countryside. Before you leave, find out from the front desk or your host what time the local buses run.

 

Private driver in Mauritius 

You can hire a private driver with your Mauritius car rental. All of the drivers are very courteous and focused on the needs of the passenger. The drivers are bilingual in English and French and may accommodate requests for drivers who speak other languages.

The private driver service is also available for night-time rentals. You can go out dancing at a local nightclub, dine at a five-star restaurant, or do whatever your heart desires.

Local transport services in Mauritius provide convenient, on-demand access to a wide variety of vehicles, each staffed by a licensed driver, for all land transportation needs, including transfers to and from the airport.

Depending on the number of people and your tastes, you can choose from family cars, SUVs, or luxury coaches.

 

Renting a car in Mauritius

Renting a vehicle, scooter, or bicycle and bringing a map or GPS device will allow you to explore the island at your speed. It’s cheap to rent here.

Keep in mind that in Mauritius, traffic flows from right to left, and left turns are always given the right of way. If you need help, stop and ask a stranger for directions.


People lounging by the beach on a 5 day itinerary mauritius

It isn’t surprising that a island like Mauritius has almost everything to offer to visitors no matter their tastes and preferences.

The island is lush and full of activities to suit every type of traveller. Make sure you plan your itinerary for Mauritius well as you can add plenty of items to suit your tastes!  Irrespective of the month the itinerary is perfect to get the most from your holiday in one of the most beautiful regions of Africa!


Itinerary Mauritius – FAQs

 

When are the best times to go to Mauritius?

October to December is the best time to go to Mauritius however shoulder season helps you save during the months of January – March and September.

March provides ideal weather conditions for a trip to Mauritius. Mauritius has a subtropical climate that is often sunny, warm, and clear, making it a perfect beach resort for most of the year.

The southern Chamarel Mountains get rain all year, giving them a lush green cover. Still, the rest of the island sometimes receives considerable rainfall for long periods in January and February when storms come in from the Indian Ocean.

 

How many days in Mauritius?

7 days in Mauritius is ideal for a first visit. The above 7 day itinerary for Mauritius should help. A shorter vacation to Mauritius would not provide enough time to relax and enjoy the island’s numerous incredible sights and activities. You need to stay at least a week in Mauritius to take in the attractions it has to offer.

 

What is the official currency of Mauritius?

Mauritian rupee is the country’s official currency. Most tourist-oriented businesses accept credit cards. You may use your card to withdraw local money from numerous ATMs around the country.

Like other tourist destinations, you should carry local currency for small purchases and tips. Credit cards, particularly Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are also accepted practically everywhere in Mauritius.

 

Is Mauritius expensive?

Traveling to Mauritius might be expensive, but it’s possible to save significant savings by carefully planning your trip and booking your accommodations.


Lavinia Dsouza

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.


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Continent Hop pairs beautiful photography with honest guides that include meals you won’t want to rush,
sunsets at sea that linger in memory long after the trip ends,
& spa days that help reset the mood – written by Lavinia, not a robot!

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Curated wellness escapes, honest beach guides, and real itineraries,
delivered thoughtfully. No spam, just good trips.

No spam, ever · Unsubscribe anytime

Continent Hop pairs beautiful photography with honest guides that include meals you won’t want to rush,
sunsets at sea that linger in memory long after the trip ends,
& spa days that help reset the mood – written by Lavinia, not a robot!

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