Paradise island where beaches are 'empty' is 'like Mauritius 30 years ago'
The island of Rodrigues is located in the Indian Ocean, 600km east of Mauritius, and is an idyllic paradise which remains largely untouched by mass tourism
A tiny volcanic paradise, Rodrigues, is nestled hundreds of kilometres away from its closest neighbour in the stunning Indian Ocean. With fewer than 50,000 permanent residents, this island offers an escape like no other.
The Sunday Times has described it as an 'empty' paradise, reminiscent of Mauritius 30 years ago before it was discovered by tourists. Despite its tranquillity, Rodrigues has plenty to offer any keen traveller.
It's famous for its vast lagoon, perfect for water sports and fishing, and its delectable local cuisine. A nature reserve on the island allows you to spend a day among giant tortoises who roam freely in the park.
READ MORE: Chef's best hacks to keep avocados fresh - and one that's a complete no-noREAD MORE: Phillip Schofield's bombshell WhatsApp text to Holly Willoughby - 'You brought me down'The Visit Of The Giant Tortoises Park is a 20-hectare nature reserve where you can discover more than 110,000 endemic and native plants.
Tickets are just 16 Euros, and expert guides will teach you about the park's flora and fauna.
If you're a water enthusiast, Rodrigues can cater to that too. There's plenty of snorkelling and swimming to be done in the balmy azure Indian Ocean surrounding the island, reports the Express.
Day trips with local guides start at 20 Euros, taking you to three separate spots around the island perfect for snorkelling and marvelling at the beautiful seascape.
After a day filled with snorkelling and tortoise encounters, you'll surely be hungry. The local cuisine of Rodrigues, influenced by Creole culture, offers an array of fresh seafood, curries, and salads, thanks to its European, Indian and Chinese influences over time.
Rougaille, a popular Creole dish, is one of the island's national dishes. This hearty tomato stew starts with a base of onion, garlic, and thyme, before adding a protein like fish or octopus.
If Rodrigues sounds like your kind of place, you'll need to fly into Mauritius first, then catch another flight to the island. The journey between the two islands takes about an hour and a half, with daily flights from England to Mauritius.
And there's no bad time to visit Rodrigues, as it boasts a mild tropical maritime climate all year round. Summer temperatures average at 25.9C, while winter averages around 22.3C.