Beaches, scenic hikes, Chamarel, Le Morne Brabant and Port Louis: follow our detailed one-week Mauritius itinerary and plan the perfect island getaway.
A one-week itinerary in Mauritius is more than enough to combine idyllic beaches, scenic hikes, and unforgettable water activities, provided you plan your route wisely. From Cap Malheureux in the north to Port Louis in the centre, Île aux Cerfs on the east coast, and Chamarel and Le Morne Brabant in the south-west, each day can be dedicated to exploring a specific region. Below, you’ll find a day-by-day itinerary for your trip to Mauritius, complete with must-see attractions, practical tips, and our recommendations for exploring the island from Rivière Noire, home to our five-star residence, Legend Hill. It’s the ideal base for minimising driving time while making the most of the island’s spectacular lagoon.
Your week begins at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, located in south-eastern Mauritius. After approximately an 11-hour flight from Paris, it’s best to dedicate your first day to a relaxed transfer and settling into your surroundings.
You have two options: take the free motorway, which reaches Rivière Noire in around 40 minutes, or follow the scenic east and south coasts through charming villages, allowing about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the coastal route, a stop in Mahébourg and Blue Bay offers your first glimpse of Mauritius’ turquoise lagoon. Spend the late afternoon enjoying the sunset over the Indian Ocean before settling in with a light dinner and easing into island life. This first night lays the foundations for a relaxing stay in Mauritius.
Head to Port Louis, approximately one hour from Legend Hill, for your second day of exploration. Mauritius’ vibrant capital is best discovered on foot, beginning at the Caudan Waterfront with its marina, boutiques, and cafés. The Central Market is an essential stop to sample fragrant spices and tropical fruits at local prices.
The Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tells the story of the indentured labourers who arrived from India beginning in 1834. Nearby, the Champ de Mars, one of the world’s oldest racecourses, is also worth a visit. For lunch, choose a traditional restaurant downtown and try a freshly made dholl puri, one of Mauritius’ signature street foods. In the afternoon, continue to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, just a 15-minute drive away, where giant water lilies and exotic spice gardens await. Return to Rivière Noire for your second night at Legend Hill.
Today, head towards northern Mauritius, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Rivière Noire. Your first stop is Trou aux Biches, renowned for its soft white sand and family-friendly snorkelling in a shallow lagoon. Continue to Grand Baie, Mauritius’ lively seaside resort and departure point for numerous boat excursions. Several operators offer catamaran cruises or speedboat trips to the offshore islands:
Enjoy lunch overlooking the sea before stopping at Cap Malheureux and its iconic red-roofed church. End the day watching the sunset in Pereybere before returning to Legend Hill, our villa rental in Mauritius, for your third night.
Today is dedicated to the east coast and Île aux Cerfs, one of Mauritius’ most iconic lagoon destinations. Depart from Trou d’Eau Douce, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Legend Hill. The boat or catamaran crossing takes approximately 15 minutes. Once there, you’ll discover crystal-clear turquoise waters and powder-soft white sand.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities in Mauritius, from parasailing to kitesurfing, depending on the conditions. For nature lovers, a boat excursion to the GRSE Waterfalls perfectly complements the day. Lunch is usually served on the island, featuring a traditional Mauritian barbecue or freshly grilled fish, depending on your excursion package. On your way back, consider stopping at Belle Mare Beach or one of the nearby coves for one last swim before returning to Legend Hill.
Southern Mauritius is home to some of the island’s most extraordinary natural attractions. Today’s itinerary includes several highlights:
On your return journey, stop at the Saint Aubin Estate for a tasting of locally produced agricultural rum and a visit to this historic colonial estate. Tea enthusiasts can continue to the Bois Chéri Tea Plantation, a key stop on the Mauritius Tea Route, to discover the island’s tea-making traditions. A brief stop in Curepipe also provides an opportunity to browse local craft shops at attractive prices.
Today’s adventure takes you to Le Morne Brabant, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed peninsula that dominates Mauritius’ south-west coast. The hike, accompanied by a certified local guide, takes approximately four hours round trip. At 556 metres above sea level, the summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the turquoise lagoon and coral reef. Those preferring a more relaxing day can enjoy the beaches of Le Morne or La Prairie, both among the finest beaches on the island.
The afternoon is ideal for gentler activities such as snorkelling or paddleboarding. Nearby, Casela Nature Parks delights families with safari experiences and animal encounters, while thrill-seekers can try kitesurfing at Flic-en-Flac. End the day with a tropical cocktail while watching the sunset.
Starting the hike around 7:30 a.m. helps you avoid the heat while enjoying beautiful morning light over the lagoon. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Le Morne’s famous underwater waterfall illusion. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, sturdy hiking shoes, and a hat for a comfortable ascent.
Spend your final day enjoying the beauty of the west coast before your departure. An early morning excursion, ideally by catamaran, which is more respectful of marine wildlife than speedboats, offers the opportunity to observe bottlenose dolphins and spinner dolphins with licensed local operators.
The highlight of the morning, however, is the hike to the Tamarind Falls, also known as the Seven Cascades. Allow half a day to discover the waterfalls in the cool morning air before continuing to the nearby sacred lake of Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao). The afternoon is best enjoyed at a slower pace, exploring the Tamarin Salt Pans and La Preneuse Beach, with lunch overlooking the lagoon. If you’re extending your stay in Mauritius, this region remains one of the island’s best bases for exploration. Legend Hill, our five-star residence in Rivière Noire and a member of the Phoenix Hotel Collection, offers panoramic views over the lagoon and Le Morne Brabant, along with tailor-made experiences.
To make the most of one week in Mauritius, we recommend staying in a central location that allows easy access to Le Morne, Chamarel, and Tamarin Bay.
Planning a one-week trip to Mauritius and looking for accommodation that matches the experience? Our five-star property, Legend Hill in Rivière Noire, welcomes travellers to the west coast, just moments from Le Morne Brabant, Tamarind Falls, and Black River Gorges National Park. Book your stay today and turn every day into an unforgettable memory.
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Method: itinerary built from the field observations of the Legend Hill team, based in Rivière Noire, and cross-checked with the official sources listed above, verified in August 2026. Driving times, opening hours and operator prices may change; please check before you travel or ask our concierge team.
Sunny Malliah started out as a receptionist in Mauritian hospitality in 2003 and now heads the rooms division at Legend Hill: front office, concierge, reservations and housekeeping. Twenty-three years on the ground, a CTH hospitality management diploma and a Cornell certificate, plus the coordination of a 54-room build and a water park project. A great stay, in this view, is above all a well-paced one, much like our one-week itineraries.
La Plantation Marguery
Black River Mauritius
Tel : +230 5509 8168
reservations@legendhill-mauritius.com