Vacoas-Phoenix, in Mauritius' central highlands, works well as a base for a slower, more varied side of the island — a dormant volcano crater, one of the world's rarest stamp collections, and a well-known hiking waterfall, all within easy reach and a genuine change of pace from the coastal resort strip.

Blue Penny Museum

Mauritius' most celebrated museum, the Blue Penny Museum is dedicated to the island's most famous cultural treasures: the 1847 "Post Office" stamps, the blue two-penny and red one-penny, among the rarest and most valuable postage stamps in the world. Beyond the stamps, the museum's collection spans old sea charts, paintings, sculptures and engravings that trace Mauritius' colonial history and cultural development — a strong stop for anyone interested in the island's history beyond the beach.

Trou aux Cerfs

A dormant volcanic crater just outside Curepipe, Trou aux Cerfs is one of Mauritius' more distinctive natural landmarks — roughly 350 metres across and about 100 metres deep, ringed by forest and tall pine trees rather than the bare volcanic rock you might expect. A viewpoint on its rim gives a genuine 360-degree view over the island, making it a worthwhile stop even without a hike involved.

Tamarind Falls (Seven Cascades)

In Mauritius' southwest, Tamarind Falls — also known as the Seven Cascades — is a series of seven waterfalls along the Tamarin River, and one of the island's most popular hiking routes. The trail through Henrietta takes in mountains, rivers and forest along the way, with route options suited to both first-time hikers and more experienced ones looking for a proper day out.

La Cambuse Beach

A quieter beach option than some of Mauritius' more developed coastline, La Cambuse pairs white sand with a rocky backdrop that invites a bit of exploring beyond just swimming — a sheltered area on one end suited to a calmer swim, and decent diving further out for anyone equipped for it. Sunrise and sunset here are genuinely well regarded, worth timing a visit around if you can.

Shopping

Floreal Square is the place for genuine local craft — handmade home decor and unusual gifts sourced directly from local producers. Cascavelle Shopping Mall, near Flic en Flac, covers more conventional retail brands alongside a solid range of restaurants, and roadside kiosks throughout the area sell postcards and souvenirs if you're after something simpler.

For Black River Gorges and Trou aux Biches, both easily combined with a Vacoas-Phoenix stay, see our guides to Mauritius in winter and Mauritius water sports and culture.

Ready to plan a trip? Take a look at Quintrip's Mauritius holiday packages to build these spots into your itinerary.

A few practical questions

Is Trou aux Cerfs safe to visit? Yes — it's a well-established, dormant crater with no indication of imminent activity, and a popular, regularly visited viewpoint.

How difficult is the Tamarind Falls hike? Routes vary from relatively easy to more demanding, so check with a local guide or tour operator about which suits your fitness level.

What language will I need? English and French are both widely understood; Mauritian Creole is the everyday spoken language.

Related Posts