The North West of Mauritius includes the capital, Port Louis and the Grand Baie area.

Port Louis is small but well worth a visit, it has a lovely spice market and a small array of shops. You can also begin to understand the diverse culture that exists in the country as Port Louis home to some of Mauritius's main religious buildings and temples.

The area of Grand Baie is where the nights come to life in Mauritius, with live street bands working in harmony with local nightclubs, bars and restaurants. There is also a promenade of shops where you can buy souvenirs and local curios.

Other attractions in this part of Mauritius include L'Aventure du Sucre where you can tour the old sugar factory and learn about the history of sugar in Mauritius. At the end of your tour you will find yourself in the factory shop where you can taste (and buy) a wide variety of sugar.

Also not to miss is Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander around these lovely gardens.

The North East is probably the quietest and leave explored part of Mauritius. It has less hotels than its North West neighbours making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a more undisturbed view of Mauritius.

The West Coast offers the traveller a plethora of things to do and see. There are plenty of resorts to choose from all with lovely stretches of sandy beaches. The lagoons make it easy for swimming and ideal for those who enjoy water sports, including water-skiing, kayaking and sailing.

The main coastal town on the West Coast is the once small fishing village of Flic en Flac, now a popular tourist destination second only to Grand Baie. Like Grand Baie there are a number of hotels and resorts supported by local shops, bars and restaurants.

Just inland you will find a selection of nature parks. If you are looking for thrills then Casela Park offers you wildlife and great views alongside quad biking, zip lining and jeep rides. For sheer beauty and the opportunity to hike, then a visit to the Black River Gorges should be on your list. Enjoy one of the many trails that take you inside the gorges itself.

Standing proud on the South West tip of Mauritius, but with a sad history is the mountain of Le Morne. The mountain was a refuge for runaway slaves during the early part of the 19th century. When slavery was abolished in 1835, a police expedition travelled to the mountain to inform the slaves of their freedom. Unfortunately the purpose of the police visit was misunderstood and the slaves jumped to their death from the rock.

Considered one of the prettiest villages in Mauritius, Chamarel should be included on your list of places to visit. During your time here you will be able to admire the magnificent cascades of Chamarel waterfall, and it is also home to the natural wonder of Chamarel, the Seven Coloured Earths.

La Rhumerie de Chamarel is a rum factory where you can see how rum is made, showing how the different types of sugar produce the different varieties of rum.

Travel through the sugar cane fields and you will arrive at Rochester Falls. The falls tumble from the Savanne River at a height of about 10m and where constant erosion has fashioned the basalt rock into upright columns.

Take a trip to St Felix where you can visit the Riviere des Galets, another beautiful nature area where the rivers water is carried through a number of rapids and waterfalls to the ocean below.

The South is also home of the Tea Trails. Enjoy the picturesque areas of Bois Cheri and St Aubin and take the opportunity to learn about the history of tea in Mauritius.

The South East is home to the oldest city in Mauritius, Mahebourg. Mahebourg was once the main port on the island and was the site of a fierce battle between the French and British fleets (which the British won). Mahebourg still retains some of its colonial history and is now a bustling centre for local trade, especially on market days where you can see and buy an abundance of fish and seafood. The city also boasts one of the oldest confectionaries where processes have remained unchanged for 140 years.

Just off the South East Coast are the islands of Ile Des Deux Cocos and Ile Aux Aigrettes. Ile Des Deux Cocos is a perfect spot to enjoy long white sandy beaches and swimming in the clear blue lagoon. You may also be lucky enough to see sea turtles and/or barracudas during your visit. Ile Aux Aigrettes is a nature reserve only a 10 minute boat ride from the mainland and a perfect place to see endemic plants and wildlife such as the pink pigeon in their natural habitat.

The East Coast of Mauritius is considered to have the islands most beautiful coastlines with long stretches of sandy beaches and endless turquoise lagoons.

Some of the best beaches along the east coast include Roches Noire, Post Lafayatte and Bras d'Eau, all particularly popular for those who enjoy kite surfing and windsurfing. Alternatively spend time on the several kilometres that make up Belle Mare Beach.

If you are in the Roches Noire area you may like to take the opportunity of visiting the caves that were formed from volcanic activity that originally formed the island of Mauritius. The volcanic activity is also responsible for the numerous lava tubes that are connected to the sea and which have been transformed into freshwater springs - ideal for a swim!

Likewise when visiting Bras d'Eau don't forget to visit the national park. Take one of the trails, or the old railway line and head to the lava caves and the ruins of an old sugar factory.

Before leaving the East Coast, head a little inland to a place called Pont Bon Dieu. This is a little off the beach track, but hidden in the middle of a sugar cane field is the Pont Bon Dieu Cave. The cave is approximately 15 metres high and 20 metres wide. The cave is home to nesting swallows and wild monkeys and offers great views of the sea.

Travel to the Centre of Mauritius and you will arrive at Curepipe - known as the business centre of the island. The town boasts a colonial style Town Hall, the Royal College and an 18th Century secondary school (the second oldest). The town also has a diamond factory and a range of shops selling souvenirs and cashmere products.

From here travel on to Trou Aux Cerfs and climb to the top of the volcano where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching to the North and the West. Head a little further south and you will arrive at the picturesque lake in the crater of the volcano at Grand Bassin.