Ultimate 7-Day Mauritius Trip Itinerary: Best Places to Visit

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Here’s the first thing you should know about Mauritius: the island is small. Really small. In fact, you can drive across the entire island in just around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. I should know – I’ve done this road trip heaps of time! For this reason, I’ve put together a 7-day Mauritius trip itinerary to ensure that you experience the best of the island – and no, you won’t need to skip any must-see spots or hidden gems either.

Indeed, Mauritius is an amazing destination for travelers who are pressed for time. In just a week, you can take a deep dive into the island’s history, munch your way through the scrumptious cuisine, snorkel colorful coral reefs, hike majestic mountains, and go island hopping.

So, hold on to your sunscreen, and let’s take a look at everything you can explore with one week in Mauritius.

Before you go: Visiting Mauritius

How to get to Mauritius

As a major tourist destination, Mauritius is well-connected to international hubs. You’ll find direct flights from Australia, India, Malaysia, South Africa, Europe, the UAE, and most of Asia.

If you’re traveling from Canada or the USA, you usually need to transit via Dubai or Europe.

SSR International Airport is found near Mahebourg village on the southeastern coast. Mauritius is served by most major airlines, including Emirates, Air France, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, South African Airways, Corsair, and Condor.  

Mauritius’ only airport is around 45 minutes to an hour from Port Louis, and just over an hour from the north coast. If you’re staying in southern resorts, you’ll probably reach your hotel in half an hour or less. Taxis are available right in front of the terminal. They’re notoriously expensive, so don’t hesitate to negotiate. There are no metered taxis in Mauritius.

Travel tip: Flights to Mauritius can be quite expensive in peak season (July to September and December to February). It’s a good idea to book your flight four to six months in advance to snag the best deals.

When is the best time of year to visit Mauritius?

There’s nothing quite like the glorious Mauritian weather – and no, I’m not just saying that because I’m Mauritian! The subtropical climate means that you’ll enjoy that wonderful sunshine all year long, even in the winter.

There’s only two seasons in Mauritius: summer (November to April) and winter (May to October). Summers in Mauritius are generally super humid and hot, with temperatures often soaring to 34 degrees C during the day. Rain showers and thunderstorms are frequent in January and February, but they last only a few hours.

It’s important to know that cyclone season in Mauritius is from January to March. These storms don’t usually last more than three to four days but expect powerful winds, heavy rainfalls, and delayed flights.

Winter (my favorite time of the year in Mauritius!) is the ideal time for hiking, trekking, and exploring in general since you won’t face that intense heat. Temperatures range from 17 to 26 degrees C during the day. The thermometer can plummet down to 12 degrees C at night though, especially in the center of the island.

Is Mauritius expensive?

The answer to this question is really dependant on how you travel. If you’re looking for a vacation to break the bank, Mauritius has many five-star hotels and extremely bougie restaurants.

However, Mauritius can also be a very affordable holiday destination. For those looking for Mauritius on a budget, don’t miss our ultimate guide to visiting Mauritius on the cheap.

Your 7-Day Mauritius Trip Itinerary

With all that in mind, here’s a 7-day plan to ensure that you have an absolutely epic time on the island!

Mauritius trip itinerary day 1: Beach fun and a Mauritian dinner

Day 1 of your Mauritius vacation is all about where you’ll be dropping anchor. The west coast of the island (Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Wolmar, and Tamarin) is reputed for its spectacular sunsets. The good news is that you’ll find heaps of great places to stay on the West Coast, even if you’re traveling on a budget. Popular options include the Tamarina Golf & Spa Boutique Hotel, La Pirogue, and Pearle Beach Resort.  

If your plan is to get away from it all, you may wish to stay in the east or south.

To be where the action is though, head over to the north where you’ll find all sorts of activities, from submarine expeditions to undersea walking, catamaran trips, parasailing, and clubbing galore.

After checking into your hotel, you can always drive over to Flic en Flac where you can swim or snorkel in the calm lagoon. As one of the best beaches in Mauritius, Flic en Flac sure packs a punch. The water is super clear, so it’s also one of the top spots for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.

Best of all, Flic en Flac has some of the most legendary sunsets in Mauritius. So, grab a tropical fruit salad from a beach vendor and settle on the white sand to enjoy the show.

As dinnertime rolls in, you can always check out some of the beachfront restaurants, like Ah Youn which specializes in local specialties.

Mauritius trip itinerary day 2: Food and shopping in Port Louis  

If you ask me, there’s no better way to dive into Mauritian history, culture, and scrumptious eats than to trawl through the capital city of Port Louis.

Rooted in local history, this city was originally built when Mauritius was still under French colonial rule. You can still find some of the original colonial buildings, like the Government House, which dates all the way back to 1740.

I also recommend a visit to the Aapravasi Ghat depot, a UNESCO Heritage Site that’s deeply rooted in the local history. This was where the indentured laborers emerged in 1834. Nowadays, around 68% of the local population is made up of their descendants.  

If you’re hungry after all that sightseeing, rest assured that you won’t run out of choices in Port Louis. The capital city is positively packed (and I do mean, packed) with Mauritian street food – perfect for enjoying lunch on the go. If you’re after something unique, keep an eye out for some of our favorite Mauritian desserts and sweets. Mauritius is made up of numerous cultures and ethnic groups, something that’s perfectly reflected in its culinary offerings.

If you’d like to squeeze in some shopping on the second day of your Mauritius trip itinerary, check out the Caudan Waterfront. This charming seafront mall features fancy boutiques, a coin museum, cafes, restaurants, and even a craft market. For something that’s easier on the wallet, you may wish to head to the Central Market where you can haggle away to your heart’s content!

Mauritius trip itinerary day 3: Waterfalls and island hopping

No Mauritius trip itinerary would be complete without checking out at least a couple of the gorgeous islets speckled across the mainland. One of the most popular islets is Ile aux Cerfs – and believe me when I say the journey there can be just as scenic!

Now, you can always hop on a speedboat from either Pointe Jerome or Pointe Maurice that’ll take you to Ile aux Cerfs in half an hour to 45 minutes. If you’ve got the whole day to spare though, I always recommend pre-booking this Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs package for a comprehensive experience. This adventure kicks off in the charming fishing village of Trou d’Eau Douce. You’ll start the day with a cruise down the Grand River Southeast, known for its gorgeous waterfall.

From there, you’ll eventually sail to Ile aux Cerfs where you can wander along its stunning shoreline, indulge in watersports, or take advantage of their championship golf course.

As lush as Ile aux Cerfs is, there’s no denying that it’s also one of the most touristy spots in Mauritius. You’ll definitely find some quieter hidden beaches on Ile aux Cerfs. For something a bit more rugged though, you can consider spending the day on Ile aux Benitiers instead.

Located off the southwestern coast, Ile aux Benitiers is surrounded by dolphins – so keep your eyes peeled for them, especially if you visit early in the morning. You’ll find plenty of speedboat and catamaran tours to choose from. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous ‘Crystal Rock’ coral formation on your way to the islet.

Mauritius trip itinerary day 4: Uncover the untamed Southern Coast

For fans of the great outdoors, there’s no better place in Mauritius than the craggy south coast. This is where you’ll find all sorts of outdoorsy adventures, including abseiling, zip lining, and oodles of trekking opportunities.

Be sure to drive the Baie du Cap Scenic Route, a long winding stretch of road that’s famous for its glorious sights. The route kicks off from Le Morne (another historic and super lush area) and loops through Baie du Cap village on the way to Chamarel. You may wish to stop by Maconde Point, a rocky cliff with unblemished views of the Indian Ocean.

I suggest that you set aside a couple of hours to properly explore Chamarel. After all, this area hides heaps of treasures, including the Seven Colored Earth Geopark and Chamarel Waterfall.

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing hike, I recommend a visit to Ebony Forest Reserve, home to picturesque trails, panoramic lookouts, and even a museum.

Mauritius’ south coast is also famous for its rocky coastlines and rough waves. Head over to Gris Gris, a wild beach surrounded by spectacular cliffs. When the tide is low, you can even check out the hidden caves and coves. Don’t be tempted to venture into the water though: the waves are exceptionally rough, and you’ll find Dangerous Swimming signs everywhere.

While you’re in the south, you can always take a moment to check out Ganga Talao, a sacred lake that houses plenty of intricate sculptures, temples, and resident monkeys.

Mauritius trip itinerary day 5: Explore the vibrant center of the island

On day 5 of your Mauritius trip itinerary, you may wish to treat yourself to an urban adventure in the heart of the island.

I suggest that you begin your day with breakfast at Quatre-Bornes, a charming little town that’s dubbed ‘Town of Flowers’. Head over to the municipal food court where you can enjoy a typical Mauritian breakfast of fritters, bread, and butter. Quatre Bornes Market (locally known as La Foire Quatre Bornes) is a great place for stocking up on souvenirs, and textiles.

Speaking of shopping, you’ll quickly realize that mall culture is well and alive in Mauritius. To soak up those urban vibes, head over to Bagatelle Mall in Moka and Tribeca Mall in Ebene.

Now just because you’re in the center doesn’t mean you’re stuck in a concrete jungle: this is Mauritius, after all! If you’re into trekking, you’ll find heaps of hills and mountains to explore such as Pieter Both Mountain and Candos Hill.

Telfair, Moka, is another great place to visit in the center. This place is especially known for its amphitheater where you can catch a free outdoor event like movie screenings.

It’s also got several scenic hiking trails and even a hidden waterfall.

Mauritius trip itinerary day 6: Party the night away in the North

If you’re looking to party, there’s no better destination in Mauritius than the north of the island. As the main tourist hub, the coastal town of Grand Baie is packed with a lively assortment of our favorite bars and clubs. But, before you head out for a big night, I’d always recommend booking in for a special dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in Grand Baie.

For distinctively tropical vibes, check out Banana Beach Club, which is found right opposite the beach. Surrounded by plenty of lush greenery, the bar is found in a courtyard with an outdoor dance floor and colonial-style, wrought-iron furniture. There’s even a Tiki-style bar area and a sandy floor, so you can literally sink your toes in the sand while sipping on those aromatic cocktails.

Another popular nightspot in Grand Baie is Insomnia Nightclub, known for its amazing cocktails and live entertainment. Just a quick heads-up though: Insomnia is only open on Fridays and Saturdays. It can get crazy busy, so it’s a good idea to head there early before the crowd settles in.

Mauritius trip itinerary day 7: One last picnic on a hidden beach

Okay, you just can’t leave Mauritius without taking in one last epic sunset (or sunrise if you’ve got an afternoon flight).

On the last day of your Mauritian trip itinerary, treat yourself to a beach picnic at Anse La Raie, a hidden gem that very few tourists know about. Unlike the more frequented beaches, Anse la Raie boasts a tranquil setting. There’s even a natural cove where you can kick back with a drink while enjoying direct views of Coin de Mire islet. This is also a great place for kite surfing.

When the weather’s good (which is nearly every day in Mauritius), you can even hop on a shuttle to explore Coin de Mire.

If you’d rather stay close to the island’s only airport, head over to La Cambuse, another isolated beach on the southeastern coast. Nearby, you’ll find Le Chaland Cuisine Mauricienne et Fusion, a typical Mauritian restaurant where you can grab a takeaway to enjoy on the beach.

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