The North of Mauritius

The North of Mauritius is best known for legendary bay, Grand Bay, is directly translated as "Big Bay" in English. Traditionally home to some of the best beaches on the island, the North is the island's most frequented tourist spot and therefore harbors the most hotels, restaurants shops as well as bars and nightclubs.

Starting at its most northern point with Grand Gaube, the narrow and winding coastal road makes itself though Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, Grand Bay and Pointe Aux Cannoniers. Further South of the center, one will find Mont Choisy and its beautiful long beach, Trou Biches and Pointe Aux Biches. Still further South are the lesser known bays of Pointe Aux Piments and Turtle Bay or Balaclava.

Popular for its activity and constant buzz over holiday season, Grand Bay and its neighboring areas can be very different from one place to the next. Grand bay is definitely the most active of all the Northern areas, however, it can become very quiet only a few kilometres from the centre, in Pointe Aux Cannonniers or Cap Malheureux for example. 

Many hotels and restaurants dot the coastal region and visitors will be spoiled for choice of local, chinese, indian, thai, japanese, creole, as well as european restaurants. There is always something to do, whether it be a short visit to the supermarket or the local shop, or going for lunch, or going on a boat trip. 

The downside of the North not surprisingly is also its incessant activity. More and more tourists prefer the more untouched parts of the island. Indeed, apart from the beaches north of Grand Bay and those of Trou aux Biches, many beaches are often crowded and noisy on weekends and unless you book a beachfront property, you might be sharing your piece of paradise with a group of unwanted guests. However, in low season and during the week, one will still find their piece of paradise and will slowly become accustomed to where to go and when to make the most of their stay in Mauritius's tourist capital.