Flic en Flac

Flic en Flac stretches along the west coast of Mauritius as one of the longest and most popular beaches on the island. A wide ribbon of soft white sand is shaded for much of its length by casuarina trees, and in front of it lies a calm shallow lagoon held gentle by the reef. The west coast aspect means warm still afternoons and, best of all, sunsets that set the whole bay glowing, which is the daily event everyone gathers for.

This is a developed, lively beach rather than a hidden one. A village of restaurants, shops and self catering apartments runs along the road behind the sand, so it is easy to base yourself here and walk to everything. It draws crowds, especially on weekends when Mauritian families arrive with picnics, and the central sections can get busy. The saving grace is length, walk a little and you trade the crowd for quiet sand and an uninterrupted view.

The beach suits families, easy swimmers and anyone who wants amenities close at hand. The lagoon is calm and shallow for a long way out, which is reassuring for children, and the snorkeling over the reef is within reach. It suits sunset chasers above all. It is less suited to those seeking a remote, undeveloped strip or guaranteed solitude, because Flic en Flac is firmly a busy resort village beach, with all the convenience and the crowds that brings.

Because it is public, services on the sand are limited even though the village behind is well stocked, and lifeguard cover is not something to rely on, so supervise children and check the water. The west coast is calmest in the cooler dry season, though the lagoon is swimmable much of the year. For daybeds and table service you look to the resorts set behind the beach, with current options listed in the Mauritius beach clubs directory.