Mauritius offers the chance to pick and mix from a variety of holiday characters. It’s all exotic fun but you can choose from laid-back or luxury, basic or modern, busy tours or lounging in paradise, luxury shopping or bargaining in markets – all in a spicy mix of cultures. Mauritius has only 177kms of coastline, so car hire in Mauritius makes sense.

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in the capital city of Port Louis, a busy port city. Everywhere, you see the rich heritage, the energetic people and the fun traditions. Visit the Central Market for a fat slice of local life – this is where the locals hang out, too. Climb for two hours to the top of 812m-high Le Pouce for unrivalled views of Port Louis.

Grand Bay, to the north, is the hub of tourism. Even the locals come here. Use cheap car hire in Mauritius to visit the area. Flacq – in the east of the island – is a historic village and has a superb market. Old Dutch fortifications, now ruined, are gradually being recovered and can be seen at Vieux Grand Port. One of the world’s great botanical gardens, Pamplemousses Gardens, opened in 1746. A stunning spread of rainbow-coloured earths can be enjoyed at Chamarel.

Head out on daytrips to the interior of the island – car rental in Mauritius is ideal – or take sea tours, go sailing, fishing or diving. Shopping and entertainment are prime activities for the locals. You’ll find them enjoying the colourful life in markets and shops at least as much as you do.

You can browse the markets and shops for handicrafts and souvenirs, taking in the often-Creole banter and enjoying the vibrant activity. Or, head back to Port Louis where you can stroll in shopping malls. Caudan Waterfront has rich boutiques, fine dining and sidewalk cafés.