The North Coast has the largest choice of accommodation in Mauritius, from apartments and guesthouses to large beach resorts. The right area depends on whether you want restaurants on the doorstep, a swimming beach outside your door or a quieter corner of the coast.
This guide compares the main stay areas, from Balaclava and Pointe aux Piments in the south-west to Cap Malheureux and Grand Gaube at the northern tip.
In this guide
How the region is laid out
The coast faces west and north and is sheltered from the prevailing south-east trade winds. Grand Baie sits roughly in the middle, with Pereybère just to its north and Pointe aux Canonniers, Mont Choisy and Trou aux Biches to its south-west. Beyond Trou aux Biches the coast continues to Pointe aux Piments and Balaclava; beyond Pereybère it rounds the northern tip at Cap Malheureux and runs east to Grand Gaube.
Grand Baie
The north coast’s main resort town, set around a sheltered bay with restaurants, shops, nightlife and boat departures for the northern islets. It has the widest choice of accommodation on the coast.
It works if you want restaurants, bars, shops and boat trips within walking distance, and do not mind a busier, more built-up setting.
It works less well if you want a swimming beach outside your door or a quiet evening atmosphere; the town beach is small and the bay is full of boats.
Read the full Grand Baie guide.
Pereybère
A small village just north of Grand Baie with a sheltered public beach in a cove, popular for swimming and snorkelling. Apartments and small hotels dominate.
It works if you want a good swimming beach you can walk to, with Grand Baie’s restaurants close by, and like apartments or small hotels.
It works less well if you want a large resort or seclusion; the beach is popular and the coast road runs behind it.
Read the full Pereybère guide.
Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy
Long, gently shelving beaches on the north-west coast with a calm lagoon and sunset views; Mont Choisy’s public beach is one of the island’s longest.
It works if your priority is a long, calm, swimmable beach and west-facing sunsets, with Grand Baie a short ride away.
It works less well if you want to walk to lots of restaurants every evening; choice is more limited than in Grand Baie.
Read the full Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy guide.
Cap Malheureux & Grand Gaube
The northern tip of the island, with its red-roofed chapel and views to Coin de Mire, and quieter villages at Bain Boeuf, Anse la Raie, Calodyne and Grand Gaube.
It works if you want a quieter base with views to Coin de Mire and a more village feel.
It works less well if you want a long sandy beach or many restaurants nearby; much of this coast is rockier and quieter.
Balaclava & Pointe aux Piments
A quieter stretch of the north-west coast around Baie aux Tortues (Turtle Bay), with resort hotels and the Balaclava Marine Park offshore.
It works if you want a resort stay on a quieter stretch of coast near the Balaclava Marine Park.
It works less well if you want to walk out to restaurants and shops; this area is resort-based and spread out.
Pamplemousses
An inland village best known for the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden and its giant water lilies, an easy half-day from the coast.
It works if you want to be inland near the botanical garden, between the coast and Port Louis.
It works less well if you want a beach holiday; most visitors stay on the coast and visit Pamplemousses for half a day.
Read the full Pamplemousses guide.
Do you need a car?
A car is not essential in Grand Baie, Pereybère or Trou aux Biches, where taxis and buses cover the coast road. It becomes more useful at Pointe aux Piments, Balaclava and Grand Gaube, and for day trips to Port Louis, Pamplemousses and the west coast.
Which area suits you?
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Restaurants within walking distance | Grand Baie, Pereybère |
| Long, calm swimming beach | Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy |
| Quiet village feel | Cap Malheureux & Grand Gaube |
| Resort stay away from crowds | Balaclava & Pointe aux Piments |
What to do next
Find accommodation in North Coast
Accommodation listings for this region are being prepared. Use the area guides above to choose where to stay.
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Area guides: Grand Baie, Pereybère, Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy, Pamplemousses. Region guide: North Coast.
Sources
Opening hours, entry fees, boat and transport schedules, access rules and park conditions change; check the official source before you travel.
- 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.