Recommended hotels
Mauritius
Basic information
The tropical island of colours and contrasts will enchant every visitor the moment they step off the plane. Unspoiled white beaches with the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean are a favourite place for honeymoons as well as family vacations. Mauritius has been known to Arabian seafarers since the 10th century; they named the island “Dina Arobi” on their maps. But it was officially discovered by a Portuguese navigator, Diogo Fernandes Pereira, in 1505. The Mascarene Islands, which include Mauritius, were named after Pedro Mascarenhas, who sailed there a few years later. However, the Portuguese had no interest in the island, and it remained uninhabited for a long time. Old sugar mills and plantations scattered over the island are relics of the centuries-long Dutch, French, and British colonial rule. Mauritius did not gain independence until 1968. The island’s diverse, relatively short history has given rise to a remarkably varied culture. Descendants of European, African, Indian, and Chinese immigrants make up the majority of the population. Whether you relax on the beach or decide to explore the island, every day will bring something new.
Weather and location
The tropical climate prevails there year-round. The main season extends from November to April, i.e., during the summer, with humid and sultry weather. The cyclone season comes in January and February, but can last until April with temperatures between 25 and 31 °C. In the winter, temperatures drop to 18–24 °C, with minimum amount of rainfall. During the year, water temperatures range between 22 and 27 °C, with July and August being the coldest.
