The west and south-west are the driest, most sheltered parts of Mauritius, and the most varied: beach towns, a UNESCO-listed mountain, villages beneath the hills and uplands with waterfalls and forest.
This guide compares the main stay areas from Albion in the north to Le Morne in the south-west, plus the uplands around Chamarel.
In this guide
How the region is laid out
Albion and Pointe aux Sables lie closest to Port Louis. Flic en Flac and Wolmar follow, then the bay of Tamarin, La Preneuse and Black River. South of Black River the coast passes Case Noyale and La Gaulette before reaching the Le Morne peninsula. Inland, the road climbs to Chamarel and the Black River Gorges National Park.
Flic en Flac
A resort town behind one of the island’s longest beaches, with calm water and sunsets; Wolmar is its quieter southern end.
It works if you want a long beach and a town with restaurants and shops within walking distance.
It works less well if you want seclusion; the central beach is busy, especially at weekends.
Read the full Flic en Flac guide.
Tamarin & Black River
A west-coast bay beneath the mountains, a base for boat trips and surfing, with La Preneuse and Black River to the south.
It works if you want a relaxed, residential base for boat trips, the mountains and the national park.
It works less well if you want the clearest swimming lagoon; the bay is more open than reef-sheltered beaches.
Read the full Tamarin & Black River guide.
Le Morne
A peninsula beneath Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with long beaches and a lagoon known for kitesurfing.
It works if you want spectacular beaches, a resort stay and the history of Le Morne Brabant.
It works less well if you want to walk to independent restaurants; the peninsula is resort-based and remote.
Read the full Le Morne guide.
La Gaulette
A small village on the south-west coast between Case Noyale and Le Morne, with guesthouses and views of Île aux Bénitiers.
It works if you want a small village with guesthouses close to Le Morne at lower cost.
It works less well if you want a beach directly outside your door.
Chamarel
An upland village known for the Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earth, usually visited as a day trip.
It works if you want cool upland air and views, with the waterfall and national park nearby.
It works less well if you want a beach stay; Chamarel is in the hills.
Read the full Chamarel guide.
Albion & Pointe aux Sables
Quieter coastal villages between Port Louis and Flic en Flac, with a lighthouse on the headland at Albion.
It works if you want a quiet coastal village close to Port Louis.
It works less well if you want a lively beach town; the area is quiet.
Do you need a car?
A car makes the most of this region, especially for Chamarel, the national park and the south-west coast. Flic en Flac is the exception, where much is walkable and buses run to Port Louis.
Which area suits you?
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Beach town with restaurants | Flic en Flac |
| Base for boats and the mountains | Tamarin & Black River |
| Resort beach and scenery | Le Morne |
| Budget village near Le Morne | La Gaulette |
| Upland stay | Chamarel |
| Quiet coast near Port Louis | Albion & Pointe aux Sables |
What to do next
Find accommodation in West & South-West
Accommodation listings for this region are being prepared. Use the area guides above to choose where to stay.
Browse West & South-West accommodation
Mauritius Travel Guide is independent. Some booking links on this site earn us a commission; see our affiliate disclosure.
Area guides: Flic en Flac, Tamarin & Black River, Le Morne, Chamarel. Region guide: West & South-West.
Sources
Opening hours, entry fees, boat and transport schedules, access rules and park conditions change; check the official source before you travel.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Le Morne Cultural Landscape
- National Parks and Conservation Service — Black River Gorges and Bras d’Eau national parks
- Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) — official visitor information
- Mauritius Meteorological Services — forecasts, warnings and cyclone bulletins
Transport and practical details were checked on 5 October 2026.