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

Are you planning a short stay in Mauritius for your next trip?

Maybe you’re coming from Reunion Island or heading there afterward as part of your Indian Ocean itinerary.

Whatever your reason, five days is a good duration to get an overview of Mauritius.

To help you plan your vacation, I will share 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 – Discover Mauritius’ Northern Beaches

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

Before you start your adventure, you should definitely 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 Cars. 

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 your luggage at the hotel, head straight for the North of Mauritius. The north coast is the perfect starting point as it’s one of the liveliest parts of the island.

I suggest dedicating your first day to discovering the northern beaches. Dreaming of white sands, sunshine, and palm trees? You’ll get exactly that!

The beaches of Grand Baie, Pereybere and Cap Malheureux are ideal for a first relaxing day. Mont Choisy and Trou aux Biches beaches, just a few kilometers away, are also worth a look.

Here are my favorite things to do in Northern Mauritius:

• Enjoy lunch on beautiful Grand Baie beach.
• Take a stroll around Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie.
• Go swimming at Pereybere or Trou aux Biches.
• Try some fresh fruits and local snacks sold by street vendors.
• Admire the sunset on Cap Malheureux beach.
• End your day with drinks or dinner by the sea.

Where to stay in Northern Mauritius?

Here’s my selection of the best hotels to stay in Northern Mauritius:

• Sous Le Badamier Guesthouse: lovely guest house located just 5 minutes from Mont Choisy beach. It’s a true haven of tranquility, combining a warm atmosphere with cozy charm. You’ll appreciate its friendly ambiance, pool in a tropical garden and the onsite restaurant. Don’t miss their particularly tasty breakfast! Rates start from 140€ per night, breakfast included.
• Bleu de Toi: a charming boutique hotel, only a 5-minute walk from the beach and run by welcoming hosts. It features stylishly decorated rooms and studios. You’ll enjoy the garden, attractive covered terrace and swimming pool. Prices start from 160€ per night for 2 people.
• Ocean V Hotel: 4-star hotel in Pereybere, just 50m from the beach. It offers an infinity pool, fitness room, jacuzzi and restaurant. You can stay in a comfortable double room from 250€ per night, breakfast included.
• Sakoa Boutik Hotel: beautiful small boutique hotel in Trou-aux-Biches, situated right on the beach in a picture-perfect setting. It features white sand beach access, pool, bar, restaurant and spa. Caring staff and very comfortable rooms. Rates for a double room start from 360€ per night. I highly recommend this hotel if you’re looking for a luxury vacation in Mauritius.
• LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences: this is THE luxury vacation hotel in the north, ideal if you want the best experience during your Mauritius holiday! Double rooms start from 430€ per night (breakfast not included, 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, it’s now time to explore the West Coast of Mauritius.

The vibrant town of Flic-en-Flac is the heart of this region, famous for its 8-kilometer long, beautiful beach.

Flic-en-Flac Beach is among the island’s most popular spots. With its white sand and clear waters teeming with colorful tropical fish, it’s the perfect place to relax and go snorkeling.

If you feel like discovering the depths, you’ll also find several diving centers nearby.

About 15 km from Flic-en-Flac, you’ll find the Black River Gorges National Park, another must-see attraction in Mauritius. This nature reserve is situated in the heart of a lush tropical forest. You can hike along its various trails to explore the native Mauritian fauna and flora. Be ready, some trails can be strenuous!

As you hike, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular viewpoints overlooking the coastline and ocean.

To make sure you don’t miss the most beautiful spots in the park, you should really hire a guide. There are many trails, and a guided tour is much better for your first visit.

You need to book your guided tour now by clicking the button below:

Visiting the beach and the national park will easily fill your day. It’s up to you in which order you’d like to visit them 😊. And if you’re into nightlife, staying the evening or night in Flic-en-Flac is a good idea as the town offers plenty of restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs!

Where to stay near Flic-en-Flac?

• Phoenix Beach Apartments Seaview: Ideally located right on Flic en Flac beach, this place offers an idyllic setting with stunning ocean views. Apartments are spacious, fully equipped, and come with a balcony, full kitchen, and comfy seating area. Highlights include cleanliness, the warm welcome from Jean Luc and the staff, and proximity to restaurants and activities like snorkeling or cycling. Rates start around 70€/night.
• Shanti Ghar Guest House: Stay in this lovely guesthouse tastefully decorated and conveniently situated less than 2km from Black River Tamarin beach. You have access to an outdoor swimming pool, shared lounge, garden, and bar. Comfortable double room with a balcony from 145€/night.
• Veranda Tamarin Hotel & Spa: Charming boutique hotel situated in Tamarin Bay. Double room with balcony offering sea or mountain views from around 150€/night. The property also has 2 restaurants, 2 pools and a relaxing spa. Amazingly friendly staff. A great choice for an affordable luxury stay in Mauritius!
• La Pirogue: Nestled in a pleasant tropical garden right on the beachfront, La Pirogue is an iconic 4-star hotel in Flic-en-Flac. Its charming, authentic-style bungalows offer excellent comfort and privacy, just steps away from a heavenly beach. On-site, enjoy the large pool, varied restaurants, a spa, and a wide range of water sports and activities. Prices start around 350€/night per couple.
• Sugar Beach Mauritius: Magnificent hotel located on Flic-en-Flac beach. Starting from 450€/night, you’ll stay in small independent luxury villas directly facing the ocean. The ultimate choice for a luxury stay on the west coast of Mauritius.

Step 3: Southwest Mauritius Road Trip (1 Day)

Day 3 – Grand Bassin and Chamarel

For the third day of your 5-day Mauritius itinerary, you should head to the southwest part of the island. I’ve prepared a compact and scenic road trip itinerary that covers the iconic sacred lake of Grand Bassin and the famous Seven Colored Earths of Chamarel.

Here’s your itinerary for this condensed visit to southwest Mauritius:

1) Start your morning at Grand Bassin (also known as Ganga Talao). This sacred lake is an important pilgrimage site for Mauritian Hindus. You will notice two huge and impressive statues of the gods Shiva and Durga looming over the site.

You can visit several Hindu temples, get a “tika” drawn on your forehead, admire the peaceful scenery, and even meet the wild monkeys. But beware, they’re quite mischievous—watch your belongings! 😄

2) From Grand Bassin, take the road towards Chamarel.

Following the main road, you will soon reach Alexandra Waterfall. Make a quick stop here (there’s convenient parking) to check out the beautiful waterfall and enjoy the panoramic viewpoint.

3) Continue your journey to the Chamarel Geopark, famously home to the Seven Colored Earths, the island’s renowned natural landmark attracting visitors from all over the world.

This preserved natural zone features striking multi-colored volcanic soil. The Seven Colored Earths is privately owned, and there’s an entrance fee (around 12€ per person). Your ticket also allows access to the stunning Chamarel Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Mauritius!

4) Only 5 minutes away from the Seven Colored Earths, you will find the Ebony Forest Nature Reserve, another great place to discover if you have about two hours available. Here, you will explore a beautiful indigenous forest with a breathtaking view over the valley from Sublime Point.

5) Last but not least, the best way to finish your day in style is with a guided visit of Chamarel Rum Distillery, topped off with a rum tasting session (clearly not advisable if you’re driving afterward! 😄).

Where to stay near Chamarel, in Southwest Mauritius?

• La Vieille Cheminée: Absolute comfort surrounded by nature, that’s exactly what this special place offers. Located in Chamarel on the edge of an endemic forest with gorgeous mountain views, you’ll stay in your own private chalet with a double bedroom, bathroom, and fully equipped kitchen from 250€/night, delicious breakfast included. My favorite accommodation in Southwest Mauritius!
• Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge: This intimate lodge is tucked away in the Chamarel mountains and surrounded by lush nature. Each carefully decorated room offers a warm atmosphere and spectacular views, with the added bonus of an outdoor shower for total immersion in the natural beauty. You can savor refined Mauritian cuisine, relax at the spa or poolside, and enjoy attentive service in this peaceful, exclusive setting. A truly restful retreat, ideal for recharging away from the crowds. From 320€ per night.
• Hotel Chalets Chamarel: Beautiful hotel perched on the heights of Chamarel village, offering spectacular views of the mountains and Morne coast. Independent, ultra-comfortable little cabins available from 340€/night, breakfast and dinner included. Meals are homemade using fresh, local ingredients. Perfect for a luxury-nature stay in Mauritius!
• LUX Le Morne Resort: One of the most beautiful and largest hotels in Southwest Mauritius, situated at the foot of Le Morne mountain. Spacious and tastefully decorated double rooms start from 390€ per night. The hotel features multiple pools, restaurants, and a spa, along with direct access to the stunning Le Morne beach.

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

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

It’s time to continue your 5-day Mauritius itinerary, now heading toward the island’s stunning East Coast!

On today’s agenda, you’ll enjoy a few paradise beaches and a beautiful boat cruise to Ile aux Cerfs. Sounds inviting? Then let’s go!

The Belle Mare beach is one of East Mauritius’ most famous spots—you simply can’t miss its 10 kilometers of pristine white sand. The shallow turquoise lagoon is perfect for snorkeling and relaxing swims. It’s also popular with locals, many of whom come here for weekend camping.

Driving a bit further South, you’ll reach the more wild and untouched Palmar beach, before arriving at the charming village of Trou d’Eau Douce. Its small beach lined with villas looks straight off a postcard!

From Trou d’Eau Douce, take a boat shuttle straight to Ile aux Cerfs, another must-see Mauritius highlight. This small, uninhabited island is very popular among visitors, offering beautiful white sands, crystal clear waters, and plenty of relaxation.

Where to stay on Mauritius East Coast?

• EvaZion: located in Grande Rivière Sud-Est, surrounded by nature in a peaceful setting, 20 minutes away from Bellemare beach. Comfortable double room with minimalist decor from 80€/night. Features an outdoor pool, restaurant, free kayaks, and a direct shuttle to Ile aux Cerfs. Great hospitality and relaxing atmosphere.
• Otentic Eco Tent Experience: Enjoy an unforgettable stay, sleeping in a fully-equipped tent surrounded by nature, between river and ocean, in luxury camping style. Tents accommodating 2 to 5 guests, starting from 130€/night. Many on-site activities, a swimming pool, and a delicious restaurant based on local produce. My personal favorite for a relaxing getaway on Mauritius East coast!
• Veranda Palmar Beach Hotel: a beautiful beachfront hotel located by Bellemare lagoon. Bright, spacious and comfortable double room with balcony from 240€/night, meals included. Beach access, swimming pool, and spa available.
• Shangri-La Le Touessrok: luxury resort directly on the seafront in Trou d’Eau Douce. Picturesque setting featuring pools, restaurants, wellness center, and even private island access! Ultimate comfort double room with balcony and sea view from 400€/night, breakfast included. The perfect choice for a luxury stay in Mauritius!

Step 5: Capital city Port-Louis (1 day)

Day 5 – Visiting Port-Louis

To end this 5-day Mauritius itinerary, I suggest spending your last day with a cultural visit. If you feel like seeing something other than beaches before leaving, this is a nice option!

For this last day, you should head to Port-Louis, the capital city. You’ll discover Mauritius’ colonial history through:

• Place d’Armes: A square facing the Government Palace, featuring the statue of Mahé Labourdonnais (the French governor who founded the city in 1735) at its center.
• Fort Adelaide (or Port-Louis Citadel): Built by the British in 1834 on a hilltop, this fortress served as a cannon base against the French.
• Blue Penny Museum: a small, very interesting museum highlighting Mauritius’ political history and local art.

Visiting Port-Louis also means diving into local life and experiencing the buzz of a lively city (except on Sundays when everything is relatively calm!).

Take your time to stroll freely through the city streets and then head to the Central Market. This big covered market full of colorful fruit, vegetables and spices is perfect for a bit of shopping.

To finish off your day and your trip in a relaxed way, make your way to the Caudan Waterfront. This shopping center by the waterfront is the oldest on the island. It’s a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll, and a great chance to enjoy a snack break (ice cream, fresh fruits, various snacks await you!).

At Caudan, don’t miss the Craft Market to explore local handicrafts and perhaps grab a little souvenir.

And if you feel like it, you can even have dinner at Caudan in one of the restaurants with views of the harbor. On weekends, concerts often take place at the small waterfront plaza, making the experience even nicer!

Where to stay in Port Louis?

Don’t expect to find a hotel in Port Louis; the city isn’t designed for overnight stays, and there’s really nowhere suitable to spend the night. Instead, you should find accommodation in the north or west, from where you can easily access Port Louis.

Alternative for Day 5: Mahébourg

Day 5 (alternative itinerary): Visit Mahébourg

With only 5 days in Mauritius, you’ll need to prioritize what you really want to see. If beaches and coastal vibes appeal more to you than city visits, you should spend your last day visiting Mahébourg and Mauritius’ southeast coast.

Mahébourg is the first city built in Mauritius. As you’ll quickly realize upon arriving, it has a completely different feel compared to the rest of the island. The atmosphere is calmer, laid-back, and charmingly authentic.

It’s actually one of my favorite places in Mauritius—the spot I always choose when I want to relax, disconnect, and enjoy a few restful days.

Take your time wandering along the pleasant Mahébourg waterfront before heading to nearby Blue Bay.

The public beach in Blue Bay is beautiful, and just a few kilometers away, Pointe d’Esny beach is even better. More wild and secluded, this beach offers tranquility and is incredibly beautiful (it’s my personal favorite beach on the island!).

Where to Stay near Mahébourg?

• Le Gîte des Acacias: Situated 20 minutes from Mahébourg, this charming guesthouse is lovingly run by Isabelle and Dimitri. Comfortable and beautifully decorated rooms overlook a lovely flower garden. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere, swimming pool, cozy terrace, and especially the warm welcome from your thoughtful hosts. This place is a real favorite if you’re looking for an authentic experience in Mauritius, starting at 60€ per night for 2 people.
• Le Jardin de Beauvallon: a charming small hotel located just 10 minutes from the airport in Mahébourg. Individual bungalows for 2 people from 80€ per night. Guests benefit from complimentary access to the outdoor swimming pool and lush tropical garden. The hotel also has its own restaurant. You should stay here for an affordable and comfortable holiday in Mauritius!
• Preskil Island Resort: This 4-star resort faces Mahébourg lagoon and offers beautiful views of île aux Aigrettes. Book a gorgeous double room with sea views starting from 200€. You can enjoy 2 swimming pools, spa facilities, plus activities and excursions included in the room price.
• Ferney Nature Lodge: Just 10 km from the airport, this eco-lodge is in the heart of the beautiful Ferney Valley. Suites are wonderfully decorated, extremely comfortable, and equipped with a sleeping area, private bathroom, and terrace. Prices start at 250€ per night. Outdoor swimming pool and restaurant with magnificent views over the valley. This place was truly one of my favorites!

Your trip ends here! I hope this itinerary helps you have a wonderful short stay in Mauritius and makes you want to come back again.

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

5 Days in Mauritius – FAQ

• Are 5 days enough to visit Mauritius?

Even though Mauritius isn’t very large, 5 days aren’t enough to see everything. You’re better off focusing on a few key regions and organizing your itinerary carefully to enjoy your stay without rushing. As a Travel Planner, I can help you optimize your schedule 🙂

• What can I do and see in Mauritius in 5 days?

• Where should I stay for 5 days in Mauritius?

For a well-balanced itinerary, you can opt for a central location (Flic en Flac or Tamarin) for easy exploration. Alternatively, you can spend 2-3 nights in the North and finish your stay in the South or West for a change of scenery.

You can find the best places to stay in Mauritius in my complete guide here.

• When is the best time for a 5-day itinerary in Mauritius?

You can visit Mauritius year-round, but May to October offers the best experience, with pleasant, sunny, dry weather and fewer tourists. For more details, you should check out my dedicated article: When to visit Mauritius?

Renting a Car in Mauritius

If you want to explore Mauritius in 5 days without wasting time, you really need to rent a car.

It’s definitely the best option to make the most of your trip. You’ll be able to move around easily and enjoy total freedom!

However, you should strongly avoid small, local car rental agencies. Their insurance usually doesn’t cover much (let alone scams), and issues like this can quickly spoil your vacation.

To get the best price and top-notch insurance coverage for your car rental in Mauritius, you should use Booking Cars.

For me, it’s the best car rental website out there, and I always use it when I travel.

Booking Cars has 4 strong points:

• You can easily compare prices online from all car rental agencies in Mauritius
• Comprehensive insurance protection
• Fast refund in case of any problems
• Free booking cancellation until the last minute

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

To compare prices and rent your car in Mauritius, simply click the button below:

Renting a boat in Mauritius

You want to rent a private boat during your 5-day stay in Mauritius?

That’s a fantastic idea!

For your boat rental in Mauritius, you should really book through Samboat.

Their service is excellent, and they really have the widest selection of boats available!

Whether you’re looking for a motorboat, catamaran, sailing boat or even a yacht, Samboat has plenty of options. You can rent your boat with or without a skipper, so you can fully customize your ideal day at sea!

To compare prices and rent your boat in Mauritius, click the button 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
• Mauritius Family Guide: Top Kid-Friendly Spots & Activities

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!
• Mauritius off the beaten track – 17 hidden gems to discover

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 get there + Tips
• Île aux Cerfs: The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
• Mahébourg: Best Places to Visit + Tips
• Morne Brabant: How to Visit Morne Brabat?
• Black River Gorges National Park: What to See and Do?
• Port-Louis: The ultimate guide

• 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
• Hiking in Mauritius – The 25 best hiking trails and nature walks + Local Tips
• Sea Kayak: Amber Island Excursion – Price, Reviews and Essential Tips
• Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide
• Swimming with dolphins in Mauritius: Best excursions, Prices + My best Tips
• Seaplane tour in Mauritius: My experience + Prices and Tips
• Sharks in Mauritius: Species, Risks, and Where to See Them
• Submarine Excursion in Mauritius: My Review, Tips & Booking Prices
• Whale watching in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide
• Zipline in Mauritius – La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park: My Experience + Tips

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
• All Inclusive Hotels in Mauritius: My top 15 of the best hotels

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

• Guesthouses and B&B in Mauritius: My Selection for a perfect stay
• The 11 Most Beautiful Nature Lodges in Mauritius
• Renting a Car in Mauritius: Guide + My Best Tips
  

• How much to travel to Mauritius? Travel Costs, Best prices + Tips

• Honeymoon in Mauritius: The Ultimate Guide
• Mauritius + Reunion Island: Organize your Combo Trip

To go further

• Visiting Réunion Island + Mauritius: Prices, Things to do and see + Itineraries

• What to eat in Mauritius? 10 local specialties to try

• Souvenirs from Mauritius: What to bring back in your suitcase?

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