Top 10 reasons to go to Mauritius for a Summer holiday

Thanks to its tropical climate, Mauritius weather is warm all year round, never dropping much below 22 degrees in the daytime and 18 degrees at night. You can expect the average amount of sun to be between six and eight hours a day, and a water temperature of 24-28 degrees. The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December when the weather is cool, dry and sunny. Peak season is actually during January and February but these months are the hottest and also the most humid.

Mauritius is a curious blend of different cultures, creating a diverse population. For a sense of its history head to the capital Port Louis, which was used as a harbour when the French first landed in the 17th Century, and wander around the old spice shops and colonial buildings. While you’re there, make sure to visit the Central Market, with its vast array of fruits and vegetables, as well as textiles, street food and, of course, rum. This is also the best place to try some of the food, a blend of Creole, Chinese, European and Indian influences.

The tropical climate and diverse landscape of Mauritius means there’s a large range of natural environments to explore. With over 12 nature reserves and botanical gardens, as well as huge areas of tropical forest hiding magical waterfalls, the island holds a series of delights for the nature lover. Indeed, one of the top attractions in Mauritius is the Chamarel Waterfalls in the south west of the island, a 100-metre-high natural wonder set against a backdrop of mountains and lush forest. But if it’s wildlife you’re after, the animal sanctuary of Ile aux Aigrettes gives you the chance to get close to species such as kestrels and giant tortoises, while a variety of whales can be found a short boat ride from the coast between July and November.

With a number of cultures and religions on the island, such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism, Mauritius has a range of festivals held throughout the year that are fascinating to watch and take part in. The Chinese New Year is celebrated with parades of dancing dragons and lions, as well as a stunning fireworks display, while Diwali is celebrated during early November with the main streets decorated with strings of lights. But the biggest festival on the island is Maha Shivaratri, the largest Hindu pilgrimage outside India. The three-day festival sees thousands of Hindus travel to the lake of Grand Bassin to sanctify themselves in its water.

Sugar is one of Mauritius’s major export goods, and it remains a central part of the economy – and diet – of the island. Desserts are big news for fans of Mauritius food and traditional puds such as sticky banana tart or sweet potato cakes filled with freshly grated coconut are well worth trying. Of course, one of the by-products of sugar production is rum, and you can visit the rum distilleries at Chamarel, St Aubin Rum Estate or L’Aventure du Sucre for a tour of the distilleries and a sample of what are known as some of the best rums in the world.

Mauritius is surrounded by a number of smaller islands, and there are plenty of boats and ferries that take regular trips out to allow visitors to take in the breathtaking scenery and hidden beaches to be found on each one. Some of the more well-known islands include Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ilot Gabriel, Ile d’Ambre and Ile au Ronde, all with memorable snorkelling and diving sites, as well as incredible waterfalls to be found. But for blissful isolation, head to Ile aux Fouquets, a small five-hectare island at the entrance of Grand Port with its own fortification and lighthouse.