Quatre Bornes holidays have the ideal mix of lively shopping days and lazy beach time.

Central location

The bustling vibes and lively feel to Quatre Bornes contrasts with the remote sandy shores of Tamarin Bay and Flic en Flac, which are about 30 minutes away by car. Quatre Bornes is much less touristy, and gives you a better taste of local culture. It’s known for its up-tempo markets and lands you close to lively capital, Port Louis.

The western coast

Even though Quatre Bornes isn’t right on the coast, you’re still not far from some of Mauritius’ best beaches. You’ve got Flic en Flac, just a 30-minute bus ride away. Here, you’ll find one of the longest sandy beaches on the island – it’s surrounded by greenery, which gives it a remote feel. Elsewhere, you’ve got Tamarin Bay – this place is great for bodyboarding and surfing, and it’s the same distance away.

Shopping days

You can’t go to Quatre Bornes without visiting its iconic market. The centre of town is filled with tiny shops and stalls selling everything from toys and souvenirs to clothes and shoes. On Thursdays and Fridays, the locals swarm for the fresh fruit and veg, bringing a whole load of colour to the centre.

Hiking trails

Quatre Bornes houses a fair few hiking trails, from beginner to advanced routes. For newbies, there’s the Corps de Garde, where you can complete the basalt track in about four hours, and fill up your camera roll with panoramic views of the island as you go. If you want a challenge, you can drive 25 minutes to Tamarind Falls and hike right to the top to see the cascading water flowing down the green mountain into a pool below.

At a Glance

  • Admire the view from Corps de Garde
  • Bodyboard at Tamarin Bay
  • Bag a bargain at Quatre Bornes Market