5 days in Mauritius: The Perfect 4-5 Day Itinerary

Planning a short trip to Mauritius for your next holiday? Five days is enough time to get a good overview of the island.

To help you plan your trip, I’m sharing with you the best itinerary to visit Mauritius in 5 days.

Following this route will allow you to save time on planning and enjoy your little getaway to the fullest!

I’ll also give you my selection of the best hotels in each place. But remember, the island is really small, so no matter where you decide to stay, you’ll have easy access to all the sites by car.

In five days you won’t be able to deeply explore the island but you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the most beautiful beaches and see the must-visit places in Mauritius.

So, ready to spend 5 dreamy days in Mauritius?

Let me guide you!

Step 1: The North (1 day)

Day 1 – The Northern Beaches

You’ve just landed and you’re excited to discover Mauritius!

Before you begin, I highly recommend you rent a car upon arrival.

Buses cover the island well but the journeys are endless… Renting a car in Mauritius will make it easy for you to move from one place to another and optimize your time.

To find the perfect car at the best price, I advise you to use a comparison website. Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars because the service is impeccable.

Plus, with Booking Cars you get plenty of benefits:

• the ability to easily compare online all car rental offers in Mauritius
• comprehensive insurance protection: peace of mind guaranteed during your vacation!
• quick reimbursement in case of any issues
• free cancellation of the reservation up until the last minute.

To compare car rental prices in Mauritius, click below:

Once you’ve picked up your car and dropped off your luggage at the hotel, take the road towards the north of the island. The north coast is perfect for getting started as it’s one of the most attractive and lively areas.

My advice for the first day is to discover the northern beaches. The successive beaches of Grand Baie, Peyrébère, and Cap Malheureux are stunning. Dreamed of white sand, sunshine, and palm trees? You’re in for a treat! The beaches of Mont Choisy and Trou aux Biches, a few kilometers away, are also worth a look.

A small selection of things to do in the North of Mauritius:

• admire the pretty colored boats on Grand Baie’s beach;
• stroll on Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie;
• take a swim at Peyrébère and/or Trou-aux-Biches;
• taste fresh fruit and snacks offered by street vendors;
• enjoy the sunset on Cap Malheureux beach;
• have a drink and/or dinner by the sea.

Where to stay in the north of Mauritius?

• Cosi Dolce: A villa with a pool in Peyrébère, 700m from the beach, with a fully equipped kitchen and a large terrace where breakfast is served each morning. It also has a bar, a garden, and a private outdoor pool. Very friendly staff and an ideal location. Starting at 80€ per night for accommodating 5 people (2 double bedrooms and one additional bed).
• Bleu de Toi Boutique Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse located just a 5-minute walk from the beach, run by warm hosts. Double rooms and studios are elegantly and freshly decorated. You’ll enjoy the garden, the lovely covered terrace, and the swimming pool. Prices start at a minimum of 150€ per night for 2 people.
• Océan V Hotel: A 4-star hotel in Peyrébère, 50m from the beach. It features an infinity pool, a gym, a hot tub, and a restaurant. Sleep in a comfortable double room starting at 150€ per night, breakfast included.
• Sakoa Boutik Hotel: A beautiful small hotel in Trou-aux-Biches, located on the beach in a dream setting. White sandy beach and pool, bar, restaurant, and spa. Attentive staff and comfortable rooms. Double room starting at 230€ per night. I highly recommend it for a high-end stay in Mauritius.
• LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences: This is THE vacation hotel in the north, oozing luxury, perfect for those who want to go all out! Double room starting at 450€ per night (breakfast available for an additional 25€)

Step 2: The West Coast (1 day)

Day 2 – Flic-en-Flac and Black River Gorges National Park

After a good night’s sleep, I now suggest you discover the West Coast of Mauritius. The town of Flic-en-Flac is the vibrant center, with its magnificent beach stretching for 8 km.

Flic-en-Flac Beach is one of the most popular on the island. With its white sand and crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish, it’s the ideal place for relaxing and snorkelling. You’ll also find plenty of diving centers nearby if you feel like exploring the underwater world.

About 15 km from Flic-en-Flac is the Black River Gorges National Park, which I also recommend you visit. It’s a nature reserve in the midst of a tropical forest. You can hike the trails to discover Mauritian fauna and flora. Be prepared for some steep climbs!

On your way, you’ll have the opportunity to admire stunning views of the coast and ocean.

To make sure you don’t miss the best parts of the park, I recommend hiring a guide. There are many different trails, and it’s much better to be accompanied on your first visit. You should book your guided tour with just one click here:

Between the beach and the natural park, you easily have a full day of experiences. It’s up to you what order to do them in, depending on your interests 🙂 And if you enjoy going out at night, you can even spend the evening or night in Flic-en-Flac as it offers numerous restaurants, pubs, and clubs.

Where to stay near Flic-en-Flac?

• Lariad BnB: A welcoming residence perfectly located just a 5-minute walk from Flic-en-Flac beach. Stay in a comfortable double room from €50, breakfast included. The residence includes a lovely outdoor space with a tropical garden, 2 pools, and a terrace where breakfast is served. Ideal for an affordable stay in Mauritius!
• Shanti Ghar Guest House: Settle in a beautiful guest house, exquisitely decorated and well-located less than 2km from Black River Tamarin Beach. Guests enjoy full access to the outdoor pool, communal lounge, garden, and bar. Comfortable double room with balcony from €95/night.
• La Mariposa Mauritius: This hotel is located on the coast in Black River in a peaceful setting, just 10km from Chamarel and the Seven Coloured Earths. Superb views of Morne Mountain. Double room with bed from €120/night, breakfast included. The property has its own private beach, a pool, and a lovely garden.
• Veranda Tamarin Hotel & Spa: A magnificent small hotel in Tamarin Bay. Double room with a balcony and sea or mountain views for about €150 per night. The establishment has 2 restaurants, 2 pools, and a spa. Excellent service. A great choice for an affordable luxury stay in Mauritius!
• Sugar Beach A Sun Resort: A splendid hotel set on the beach of Flic-en-Flac. For a minimum of €390/night, you stay in private luxurious villas with direct ocean views. The epitome of a luxury stay on the West side of Mauritius.

Stage 3: Road Trip in the Southwest (1 Day)

Day 3 – Grand Bassin and Chamarel

On this third day of your 5-day trip to Mauritius, head to the Southwest. I am suggesting a little road trip between different sites where you can see, among other things, the sacred lake of Grand Bassin and the Seven Colored Earth of Chamarel.

Here’s the itinerary I recommend for this condensed tour of the Southwest:

1. Start in the morning towards Grand Bassin (also known as “Ganga Talao“): this sacred lake is a place of pilgrimage and prayer for Mauritian Hindus. The site is overshadowed by two huge and impressive statues of the gods Shiva and Durga.
2. You can visit several temples, have a “tika” drawn on your forehead, enjoy the scenery, and even encounter playful wild monkeys (stay alert with your belongings! :D)
3. Leaving Grand Bassin, head towards Chamarel. Along the main road, you’ll soon come across Alexandra Falls. I recommend you stop there (there’s a parking lot) to admire the waterfall and the stunning viewpoint.
4. Continue your journey to the Chamarel Geopark. This is where you’ll find the Seven Colored Earth, the famous natural curiosity of the island that attracts all visitors. It’s a preserved natural area with multicolored volcanic soil. The Seven Colored Earth is located on private property, and entrance is charged (about 12€ per person). The ticket also grants you access to Chamarel Falls, the island’s tallest waterfall!

4. On the same private site as the Seven Colored Earth, there’s also the Ebony Forest Reserve, which I recommend visiting if you have a couple of hours. You’ll enjoy a walk through the native forest and a breath-taking view of the entire valley from the Sublime Point.
5. And to end your day beautifully, nothing beats a guided visit to the Chamarel Rhumerie, followed by a tasting of the finest rums (not recommended if you’re driving right after, of course :D).

Where to Stay in the Southwest of Mauritius?

• La Vieille Cheminée: the ultimate comfort amidst nature: that’s what this extraordinary establishment offers, located at the edge of an endemic forest in Chamarel, with mountain views. You’ll be accommodated in an independent chalet with a double room, bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen for 125€/night, delicious breakfast included. My favorite in the southwest of Mauritius!
• LUX Le Morne Resort : One of the most beautiful and grand hotels in the Southwest, at the foot of Le Morne Mountain. Spacious and tastefully decorated double room starting at 295€ per night. The hotel features several pools, restaurants, and a spa. Direct access to the stunning beach at Le Morne.
• Hotel Chalets Chamarel : a magnificent hotel in the highlands of Chamarel village, with breath-taking views over the mountain and the coast of Le Morne. Independent ultra-comfortable pavilions where you can stay for a minimum of 340€ per night, breakfast and dinner included. The meals are home-made using fresh and local products. The pinnacle of luxury and nature stay in the south of Mauritius!

Stage 4: The East Coast and Ile aux Cerfs (1 Day)

Day 4 – Belle Mare and Boat Trip to Ile aux Cerfs

Your 5-day itinerary in Mauritius continues, now heading to the East coast of the island!

For this fourth day, I suggest several paradisiacal beaches and a boat cruise to the Ile aux Cerfs. Are you tempted? Then let’s go.

Belle Mare beach is emblematic of the East of Mauritius. You can’t miss it with its 10 km of white sand. The shallow turquoise blue lagoon invites you to snorkel and relax in the water. It’s a very popular beach with locals who come in large numbers to camp there on weekends.

Heading south, you will then come across the Palmar beach, much more wild, before arriving in the picturesque village of Trou d’Eau Douce. Its small beach, lined with villas, looks like something straight out of the most beautiful postcards!

From Trou d’Eau Douce, you can take a boat shuttle to the Ile aux Cerfs, another must-visit destination in Mauritius. Ile aux Cerfs is a small offshore island, uninhabited but very popular with tourists. What awaits you there? White sand, translucent lagoon, and plenty of relaxation.

Where to stay on the East Coast of Mauritius?

• EvaZion: located in Grande Rivière Sud-Est, in a calm natural setting, 20min from Belle Mare beach. Comfortable double rooms with minimalist decor from 80€/night. Outdoor pool, restaurant, kayaks available, and direct shuttle to Ile aux Cerfs. Super warm welcome and peaceful setting.
• Otentic Eco Tent Experience: Experience something unusual by sleeping in a fully-equipped tent in the wilderness, between river and ocean, with a taste of luxury camping. Tent accommodating 2 to 5 people from 130€ per night. Plenty of activities offered on-site, swimming pool, delicious restaurant with local products. My favorite for a rejuvenating stay in the East of Mauritius!
• Veranda Palmar Beach Hotel: magnificent hotel situated by the lagoon at Belle Mare. Bright, spacious, and cosy double rooms with balcony from 175€/night with meals included. Beach access, pool, and spa.
• Le Touessrok: grand luxury hotel on the seaside at Trou d’Eau Douce. Paradisiacal setting with pools, restaurants, wellness center, and even access to the hotel’s small private island! Top-quality double rooms with balcony and sea views for 450€/night, breakfast included. I recommend it if you want a luxury stay in Mauritius!

Stage 5: The Capital Port-Louis (1 Day)

Day 5 – Visiting Port-Louis

I suggest you wrap up this 5-day tour in Mauritius with a cultural visit. Just to see something other than beaches before leaving, if you’re up for it!

So, for this last day, I recommend heading to Port-Louis, the capital. You will discover Mauritius’ colonial history through:

• the Place d’Armes: it is located opposite the Government House. The statue of Mahé Labourdonnais (the French governor who founded the city in 1735) stands in its center.
• the Fort Adelaïde (or Citadel of Port-Louis): built in 1834 by the English on the city heights, this fortress used to serve as a base for cannon launches against the French.
• the Blue Penny Museum: a small but very interesting museum dedicated to the political history and art of Mauritius.

Visiting Port-Louis also means immersing yourself in local life and experiencing the bustling atmosphere of a city that’s very lively (except on Sundays when everything is rather calm!).

To fully live this, wander freely in the streets and then head to the Central Market. This large covered market filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, and spices will allow you to do some shopping.

To peacefully end this day and your stay, make your way to the Caudan Waterfront. This shopping center on the waterfront is the oldest one on the island. It promises a pleasant little stroll, and it’s a great opportunity to have a snack (ice cream, fresh fruits, and all sorts of snacks await you!).

At Caudan, also be sure not to miss the Craft Market to discover local crafts and perhaps get a little souvenir.

And if you wish, you can also dine at Caudan in one of the restaurants overlooking the port. On weekends, there are often concerts on the small waterfront plaza which makes the experience even cooler!

Where to Stay in Port Louis?

Don’t expect to find a hotel in Port Louis; the city is not at all suited for overnight stays and nothing is set up for that purpose. You can find accommodation in the north or west to easily access the area.

Alternative for Day 5: Mahébourg

Day 5 Continued – Mahébourg Visit

When you only have 5 days in Mauritius, you really have to make some tough choices. If you prefer the coast and beaches over the city, I suggest you visit Mahébourg and the South-East coast for your last day of travel.

Mahébourg is the very first city built in Mauritius. You’ll surely notice upon arrival: the atmosphere is different from the rest of the island. It has a truly unique vibe, much more “rootsy”, calm, and peaceful.

It’s actually one of my favorite spots in Mauritius, the place where I come to recharge when I need to breathe and take a few days off.

Take time to stop by the lovely Mahébourg waterfront followed by a visit to Blue Bay, the neighboring village.

The Blue Bay public beach is stunning, and the Pointe d’Esny beach (a few kilometers away) is even more beautiful. Wilder and more intimate, it calls for peace and quiet and is truly of breathtaking beauty (my favorite beach on the island!).

Where to Stay Near Mahébourg?

• Le Jardin de Beauvallon: charming small hotel located 10 minutes from the airport in Mahébourg. Individual bungalows for two starting from 61€ per night. Free access to the outdoor pool and tropical garden. The hotel also has a restaurant. I recommend it for an affordable and comfortable holiday in Mauritius!
• La Peninsula Bay Beach Resort & Spa: 200m from Blue Bay beach and 1km from Pointe d’Esny beach. Beautiful hotel with family room (1 double bed and 2 single beds) from 160€ per night. Private beach, water activities, and a paradise setting.
• Preskil Island Resort: a 4-star hotel facing the lagoon of Mahébourg, with a view of l’Île aux Aigrettes. Stay in a superb double room with sea view starting from 170€. Enjoy the two pools, spa, and activities and excursions included in the room price.
• Ferney Nature Lodge: 10km from the airport, stay in an eco-lodge in the heart of the stunning Ferney Valley. The suites are beautifully decorated, ultra-comfortable, featuring a night area with double bed, private bathroom, and terrace, all starting from 295€ per night. Outdoor swimming pool and restaurant with a sublime view of the valley. A big favorite of mine!

Your journey ends here! I hope this itinerary will help you enjoy a pleasant stay in Mauritius and make you want to return.

Feel free to share your experience in the comments, or ask me any questions you might have 🙂

Renting a Car in Mauritius

To visit Mauritius in 5 days without wasting time, it’s essential to rent a car.

It’s the most practical way to fully enjoy the trip and move from one point to another easily and freely.

However, I strongly advise you to avoid small individual car rental services. When it comes to insurance in case of damage (not to mention scams), it’s really not recommended and it would be a shame to spoil your holiday over something like this.

What I recommend for getting the best price and the best insurance for your car rental in Mauritius, is to go through Booking Cars.

For me, it’s the best provider and I always use it for my travels.

Booking Cars has four main benefits:

• The ability to compare prices online for all car rental offers in Mauritius
• Complete protection insurance
• Rapid reimbursement in case of issues
• The option to cancel a reservation for free up until the last moment.

Plus, if you find a cheaper offer elsewhere for the same service, Booking Cars will refund you the difference!

To compare offers and find your car rental in Mauritius, simply click below:

Renting a boat in Mauritius

Interested in private boat rental for your 5-day stay in Mauritius?

Great idea!

For your boat rental in Mauritius, I recommend Samboat.

Their service is top-notch and they have the most comprehensive offer on the market!

Motorboats, catamarans, sailboats, or even yachts, available with or without a skipper: you have plenty of choices to put together an amazing day at sea tailored just for you.

To compare offers and book your boat rental in Mauritius, click below:

Travel insurance for Mauritius: My advice

And you, what are your plans for your 5-day itinerary in Mauritius?

You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

• The 21 Best Places to Visit in Mauritius

• The 11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mauritius

• Best Time to go to Mauritius? – Seasons, weather, activities, prices

The best itineraries for your trip

• Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
• Itinerary: One week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!

• Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!

Places to Visit

• Bellemare: Top 11 places and activities
• Underwater waterfall in Mauritius – How to get there + Tips
• Chamarel: 11 Epic Things to Do
• Flic-en-Flac: Top 10 places to visit and things to do
• Grand Baie: The Ultimate Guide
• Grand Bassin: All the Best Things to Do
• Île aux Bénitiers: How to Visit Benitiers Island?
• Île aux Cerfs: The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
• Mahébourg: Best Places to Visit + Tips
• Morne Brabant: How to Visit Morne Brabant?
• Black River Gorges National Park: What to See and Do?

• 9 Natural curiosities to see in Mauritius

Activities

• The Best Activities in Mauritius – Water sports, cruises, day trips, guided tours…

• The Best Boat Trips in Mauritius – Top 5 + Rates and booking
• Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide

Organize your stay

• Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide – All types of accommodation for all budgets

• 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius: My selection of the best!
• 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide

• The 11 Most Beautiful Hotels in Mauritius – Guide + Tips

• Guesthouses and B&B in Mauritius: My Selection of a perfect stay

• Renting a Car in Mauritius: Guide + My Best Tips

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