travel la reunion

Jutting out of the ocean like a basaltic shield cloaked in green, Réunion is a scenically magical island that enjoys a truly astonishing diversity of landscapes. Expect awesome mountains, emerald forests, tumbling waterfalls, soul-stirring panoramas, energetic coastal cities and a sprinkling of white- or black-sand beaches – not to mention the formidable Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. With its extraordinarily varied terrain, Réunion is a dream destination for lovers of the outdoors. Hiking is the number one activity, but paragliding, canyoning, mountain biking, rafting, diving, whale watching and horse riding are also readily available.

Best Things to Do

Attractions, must-see attractions.

It would be a sin to visit Les Makes and not take the forest road that leads to this viewpoint, another 10km further uphill. The view over the entire…

Musée des Musiques et Instruments de l'Océan Indien

A great surprise! In October 2015, the innovative Musée des Musiques et Instruments de l'Océan Indien welcomed its first visitors, showcasing hundreds of…

Stella Matutina

Réunion's most beloved museum is dedicated primarily to the sugar industry, but also provides fascinating insights into the history of the island,…

Conseil Général de la Réunion – Direction de la Culture

You can't miss this villa – it's one of the most elegant of St-Denis' Creole buildings, with a superb varangue (veranda), finely crafted lambrequins …

Sucrerie de Bois-Rouge

This sugar refinery is on the coast 3km north of St-André. During the cane harvest (July to early December) visitors are shown around the huge, high-tech…

Plage de Boucan Canot

Boucan Canot's main beach has been listed as one of Réunion's best, and once you get a glimpse of the gentle curve of the bright white sand, lined with…

Plage des Roches Noires

Plage des Roches Noires, in the heart of town, is crowded and neatly striped with sunbeds and parasols, but, beneath all this, it remains an attractive…

Le Grand Brûlé Platform

In April 2007, in one of the most violent eruptions ever recorded, an impressive lava flow was formed, about 2km north of Pointe du Tremblet. The road was…

Top picks from our travel experts

First time in paradise: the best things to do in réunion island  .

Plage de Grande Anse

Beach lovers should stop at Plage de Grande Anse, which is framed with basaltic cliffs and features a white-sand beach, a protected tide pool and picnic…

Conservatoire Botanique National de Mascarin

Along the Route des Colimaçons, on the slopes north of St-Leu, this attractive garden is in the grounds of a 19th-century Creole mansion and contains an…

Cap Méchant

Cap Méchant is one of the eeriest landscapes in the south, with huge lava fields, windswept black cliffs, rows of vacoa trees and the mandatory picnic…

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15 Amazing Things To Do on Réunion Island (+ itinerary)

When I researched the best things to do on Réunion Island, I came across tons of websites in French, which makes sense, as Réunion Island is an overseas department of France.

But it made me think of all the non-French-speaking people possibly missing out on this peculiar island.

Think dense, green jungle and marvellous volcanic mountains with endless hiking possibilities; a food scene mixing Creole exotism with French culinary standards; a warm and welcoming culture with family-style accommodations, all surrounded by sandy beaches with perfect weather all year round.

After focusing on Europe for a while with an extensive road trip in Catalonia , Spain, and another one in Scotland (not to mention a failed one in Italy we would love to forget), we desperately needed some far-flung destination.

Little did we know that I would get pregnant right after booking our flights to Réunion Island. This meant we had to adapt our usual travelling tempo: we didn't hike as extensively as planned and stayed longer at each destination - which was fine.

We still managed to get all the major highlights in our two weeks trip.

And so, here are 15 of the best things to do on Réunion Island - have fun!

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DISCLAIMER: This blog post contains affiliate links, which means we earn a tiny commission every time you book through one of our links at no additional cost for you 

What And Where Is Réunion Island

Before diving into the activities, here's a little introduction to the island.

La Réunion Island is a trendy destination for French residents because, for them, it has many advantages that other tourists might not have.

For example, French people and Europeans generally don't need a passport to get there. A simple ID card suffices.

Also, Réunion Island is a French department, so, like in France, you pay in Euros .

And the most remarkable thing we experienced? You're in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but we Europeans have no roaming fees. You can use your mobile plan just like at home.

For all others, I recommend getting an App like Airalo , which allows you to buy e-sims with a specific amount of data. It's cheap, their service is good, and it will enable you to use the internet when away from a Wifi-network without seeing your bill explode.

Beautiful West coast of La Réunion

Coman i lé?

While the official language is indeed French, you will most likely hear a Creole-French mix when they talk to each other. Also, some words are not your classic school French but are used daily.

For example, a case refers to a house. You won't find any maison anywhere, only cases . Your children will not be enfants , but marmaille . And when our host told us we had to get cash, it was because there was no gabier in the neighbourhood. I am a native French speaker and had never heard that word before.

Nevertheless, if you speak decent French, you will get by anywhere. English works quite well, too, with hosts used to international guests.

La Réunion Island in a nutshell

• Réunion Island is a gorgeous tropical island in the Indian Ocean
• The island is a French oversea department and, thus, technically, in France, with Saint-Denis as the central city
• The official language is French, though they also communicate in Réunion Creole
• La Réunion was created roughly three million years ago - which is relatively young - when the Piton des Neiges volcano emerged from the sea after an eruption
• A particularity is the number of  cirques , volcanic calderas formed after several eruptions
• The island has a surface of about 2500 km² with 863.000 inhabitants, most of them living on the coasts
• Harsh volcanoes, magnificent cirques and dense jungles dominate the middle, with a few villages only reachable by foot or helicopter
• The main activity is hiking, best done in multi-day-treks
• Réunion's culture is a mix of French, Creole, African and Indian influences, generated mainly by the sad slavery history
• Discovered by the Portuguese voyager Pedro Mascarenhas in 1507, it wasn't adequately colonised until the 1660s by the French, who brought enslaved people and workforce with them - there were no people on the island before that
• Until 1794, and once again until 1848 after a brief Napoleon-hiatus, the island's name was  Île Bourbon - the reason why vanilla from the Réunion Island (and Madagascar) bears the name Bourbon

When To Visit Réunion Island?

Compared to Europe or North America, La Réunion seasons are opposite:

Mai to November is the "Austral winter", the cool season. But cool, in this case, still means about 25°C every day. The significant advantage is that it hardly ever rains (except on the East Coast), and there is no risk of cyclones. On the other hand, the sun goes down at 6 pm at the latest, and it gets dark quite quickly.

Lovely (early) sunset over La Saline Les Bains

"Austral summer" is from November to April: very hot, very wet. Big thunderstorms and cyclone risk. And also a lot more cloudy during the day.

Winter is thus preferable for hiking and water activities (better visibility); June is the calmest month. We went in May, which was also fine, but there are several national holidays in France during that month, so many métros (what the people from the Réunion call the French) are here to enjoy their days off.

How To Travel To Réunion Island?

All flights to Réunion Island pass through France, specifically Paris Orly, Charles de Gaulle and Marseilles Airport. This might be inconvenient depending on what part of the world you are travelling from.

From Paris, though, the flights are always direct (usually operated by Air Austral - a pretty good company!) and take about 11 hours.

The food on Air Austral flights is French standard - not bad at all

As Paris is well-connected will the whole world, getting to La Réunion Island is very easy for Europeans, maybe a bit less for others.

The best way is to research all the possible connections through Skyscanner , where you can choose different connecting airports and are sure to get the best possible deal as they compare all kinds of flight providers.

How To Get Around on Réunion Island?

While public transportation is doable and hitchhiking safe, renting a car is the best way to explore the whole island.

I think Rentalcars ( click here to get straight to Rentalcars' main site ) is still the best online platform to rent a car. It's easy and secure, with a wide choice of price ranges as they directly compare rental companies.

Plus, you can choose your extras and the insurance up front, which spares you the hassle of dealing with dishonest companies that want to upsell extra insurances you don't need.

That's not the case in La Réunion, but they tried to do this in Santo Domingo and Mexico, for example.

We had a little Hyundai, big enough for the both of us with luggage, and paid 350 € for two weeks, all insurances included.

Where To Stay on Réunion Island?

We would suggest looking for accommodations in four principal areas: Saint-Denis, Hell Bourg, Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul.

Having a base camp in at least three of these four corners is the perfect opportunity to explore the entire island.

Saint-Denis

Booking an accommodation in Saint-Denis isn't the top priority, but it can be practical if your flight lands at night. Other than that, I would not recommend staying too long in the city.

Appartement Chez Andy | Here's a cost-efficient option for one night in the city; much cheaper than a hotel and with great reviews

Appartement Le Pétrel |  Another apartment but for a different budget; spectacular view over the city and the sea

Villa Angélique |  A charming boutique hotel in a historic building; the advantage here is that you can book with breakfast

Hell Bourg is a very small town, most of the accommodations lie a bit outside of the centre like in Salazie - but it's still very close.

L'Orchidée Rose | Small guest house close to the centre of Hell Bourg offering simple, but lovely, rooms, reasonably priced 

Villa Le Jacaranda | An entire villa with two rooms, price-quality perfectly fine; the reviews are great; ideal if you want to spend a few nights

Chambre d'hôtes des Agrumes |  This is where we stayed for three nights; big, charming bungalows in a gorgeous private garden; good breakfast and lovely hosts; this isn't an affiliate link as you book directly by mail or phone with the owners, no booking platform - highly recommend this

The bungalows at Chambres d'hôtes des Agrumes

Saint-Pierre

Appartement 98 bis rue Suffren |  A privately owned apartment, perfectly located; very spacious and modern, with a great host; comes at a low price

La Kazaka Terre Saint |  Gorgeous little hotel, right next to the beach; beautiful interior and a great breakfast

Maximin Mon Coco | This is where we stayed, in a small town called  Les Avirons ; location-wise, it's not great as you have to get up and down the hill every time you want to visit something, but the apartment was terrific, with an excellent pool and a great host; we stayed for almost a whole week (not an affiliate link, just an honest recommendation!)

Our lovely AirBnB in Les Avirons

Le Caillou Blanc |  In the centre of Saint-Paul, with a fantastic terrace overlooking the sea; great reviews, lovely decorated and inexpensive

thomlocation |  A holiday bungalow, very spacious with all amenities to spend a few nights; there is even a jacuzzi on the premise for all guests

Appartement La Saline Les Bains | This is where we stayed (again: not an affiliate link), which wasn't in Saint-Paul, but in La Saline Les Bains; it is ideally located near the best beaches, like La Saline Les Bains and l'Ermitage; the apartment was simple, but the view from the garden magnificent - especially at sunset

The sunset view from our AirBnB in La Saline Les Bains

15 Amazing Things To Do on Reunion Island: Our Itinerary

As mentioned, I didn't know I was pregnant when we booked our flights and started our research. So we planned lots of hikes and our itinerary around these.

Once it was clear that we would have to adapt to the new circumstance, we kept the general itinerary but replaced some of the hikes with viewpoints accessible by car. Which, in hindsight, isn't bad either because I'm not sure how well my asthma would have coped with hikes in the tropical heat.

We still managed to see practically all the main highlights of Reunion Island, all in a much slower and safer tempo for a pregnant person.

Here's the itinerary for the Réunion Island we created and followed to maximise our two weeks stay - pregnant or not; it shows everything the island offers.

Like mentioned in the Where To Stay - section, our base-camps were in Hell Bourg, Les Avirons (near Saint-Pierre), and La Saline Les Bains (near Saint-Paul).

1. - Start With a Glimpse of Colonial History in Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis is the central city on the island and its economic and administrative capital.

Despite being located on a tropical island with various influences from foreign cultures, the general feel is European - the traffic jams mornings and evenings alone make you feel at home...

I would consider Saint-Denis as more of a stop-over on your way down. You will most likely arrive at the airport here, and it's also there that you want to get a rental car to explore the rest of the island.

There are a few exciting corners, like the Rue de Paris with the museums, the Tamil temple Kovil Kalikambal or the Maison Carrère . Still, Saint-Denis is also the loudest and probably the unsafest city in La Réunion.

But it's also here that you get a clear picture of how different cultures and religions can coexist in harmony: Tamil processions, Chinese stores, Creole restaurants, Muslim muezzins calling to prayer, all mixed with the typical French driving style and supermarkets that are all too familiar to Europeans.

2. - Visit The Most Creole Town on The Island: Hell-Bourg And Its Region

Welcome to " Les Hauts ", where the cases créoles are the most authentic, where the spiders are the size of your palm, where your eyes will turn green from all the vegetation, and your lungs rejoice from the amount of oxygen in the air.

Les Hauts : a mix of tropical jungle and European forests

You will want to plan a few days in this area, as there is so much to see.

The name is misleading in English: I can assure you that hell is nowhere to be found here. Except maybe in the form of spiders (the black and yellow Nephila Aurata) if you have arachnophobia. They are everywhere. They are huge. They are black and yellow.

But they aren't venomous. Their bite hurts, but it won't kill you.

The Nephila Aurata is very present in Les Hauts

Picturesque Hell-Bourg

Located amid the Cirque de Salazie and an ancient thermal station, the town was named after French admiral Anne Chrétien Louis de Hell , the island governor during the 19th century. "Bourg" is a French term for a small town or village.

The advantage of sitting on a hill inside a caldera is that the climate is much softer and less hot than elsewhere. The Bourgeoisie chose this area to build their holiday homes, away from the noisy Saint-Denis.

Hell Bourg, after the clouds have descended

Water trickling down from the surrounding mountains made it a success during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, a cyclone in 1948 had the principal source vanish, and the thermal activity stopped abruptly.

Nowadays, Hell-Bourg's primary source of income is tourism.

The town is a typical colonial town with colourful Creole houses, many little restaurants and a few excellent hiking possibilities.

Things To See in Hell-Bourg

Several little hikes depart from Hell-Bourg. One is particularly interesting as it's a pedagogical trek created by young students that relates the history of slavery and the marrons , a name given to enslaved people who escaped and started a new life in "the wild". It's about a 4.4 km round-trip, reasonably easy, with a bit of height to battle (roughly 250 m).

The parking at the start of the trek is located here , just follow the signs after that.

Another one is the Trois Cascades hike: quite steep initially, but the outcome is a series of three little waterfalls (hence the name) in a shadowy corner in the middle of the jungle. About 2.5 km round-trip, all the way up and the same way down (ca. 300 m elevation).

The main waterfall at Trois Cascades

Don't forget to bring a bathing suit for a refreshing dip near the most prominent waterfall - it's a bit tricky to get there as the path is hidden behind a bamboo forest (to the left of the chapel) and overgrown, but it's certainly worth the detour.

Find the location of the Trois Cascades here .

On the way to and from the other attractions, you will certainly pass the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée (meaning: waterfall of the bride's veil) a nice photo stop along the road which you can find here .

La Cascade du Voile de la Mariée

La Maison Folio

The Maison Folio is a typical case créole from 1870, still inhabited by the oldest member of the Folio family. Therefore, only parts are accessible to the public - she needs a bit of privacy.

Either visit on your own with a map and some info on a piece of paper - though Sebi managed to get the English version on mobile - or as a guided visit.

Very well maintained and preserved authenticity; worth to check it out.

La Maison Folio: a gorgeous house but linked to a sad history

Quick info - La Maison Folio

Opening times: 

• Every day from 9.30 am - 11.30 am and 2.30 - 5.00 pm 

Entry fee: 4 €   when visiting alone (with a info-pamphlet), 6 €  with a guide; free for children under 11 years old

Possible to combine with the Musée des Musiques et Instruments: 9 €

Le Musée des Musiques et Instruments - Maison Morange

Nestled inside a lovely house from the 1930s, this innocent-looking museum bears a rather large (private) collection of instruments worldwide.

This is an adorable thing to do with kids on Réunion island, as the museography is very educational and interactive, with screens and videos for the whole sound experience.

Quick info - Le Musée des Musiques et Instruments - Maison Morange

• Tue-Sun 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
• Closed on Mondays

Entry fee: 7 € , free for children under 8 years old

Possible to combine with La Maison Folio: 9 €

The cemetery

Here's a free activity in La Réunion: visit a cemetery.

Those who know me know my fascination with cemeteries, especially centuries-old ones. I love walking around and curiously examining the dates on the markers, wondering what these people did in life and how they came to die.

I guess that's partly because, as an archaeologist, digging into people's past is my job.

Side note |  If you're new here and want to know more about me and my travel partner, check out the About Us section.

Hell Bourg's fascinating cemetery

Eerie Fact: one of the most notorious criminals on Réunion island, a fellow called "Zitte", lies in this cemetery. That is to say: his body does. To be sure of his passing, he was decapitated, and his head was sent to Saint-Denis. His spirit is said to be still lingering somewhere between both cities.

La Mare-à-Poule-d'Eau and the ancient thermal springs

We didn't know what to expect after this very short and easy hike, but not a vast yellow pond, the Mare-à-Poule-d'Eau . It's not the most spectacular sight, but still a refreshing area for a picnic - which is what most Réunion families do anyway on weekends (literally everywhere).

The ancient thermal springs are also visitable, but there isn't much to see except for a few ruins. Their history is notable, though, because these were the first on the island and extremely popular from the 1830s until the ones in Cilaos became more important.

Find the Mare-à-Poule-d'Eau here .

Hard to tell that it's a lake, without the hole: La Mare-à-Poule-d'eau

3. - Feel Small in The Rain Forest of Bébour et Bélouve

The hike of the Bélouve forest is one of the most gorgeous hikes in the Salazie region.

It's about 3 hours for a round-trip that leads through the rain forest with thick vegetation, feeling very outer-worldly and primal until reaching a platform with beautiful views of the Piton des Neiges and the Cirque de Salazie .

Most of the plants here are endemic, which is particular as lots of European fauna found its way to the island during colonisation. This means that one minute you see the invading chouchou plant taking over the scenery, and the next, you drive on a maple tree-bordered street with leaves turning yellow and red because it's technically "autumn".

Although autumn and winter in La Réunion still mean 25°C every day...

Hiking these two forests is also possible as a guided group hike .

The Bélouve forest is located here . 

4. - Get Up Piton Des Neiges At Sunrise

Here's one thing to do on Réunion Island that we, unfortunately, had to forgo as it would have been irresponsible in my current state: hiking up the highest mountain on the island, the Piton des Neiges (3071 m altitude), before sunrise.

The scenery opening up before you in the early morning, revealing the cirques of Cilaos and Salazie and the surrounding hills, must be breathtaking. If you are in the proper condition, not asthmatic, pregnant, or otherwise struggling with your health, this is a must-do.

But even for healthy people, it's pretty challenging as there are no less than 1700 m in elevation to battle.

Good to know :

This goes for all hikes in La Réunion: Always start early in the morning as the mist descends from the mountains between 9 and 10 am and blocks every gorgeous view you want to see.

Also: take warm clothes when hiking up one of the hills - despite the tropical climate, it gets pretty cold at 2000-3000 m altitude...

5. - Explore The South-Eastern Coast: Saint-Pierre And Surroundings

Before heading down to Saint Pierre, where we had our next base camp, we stopped by the Takamaka Waterfall viewpoint, which you will find here . 

It was a bit of a detour and a quite strenuous one involving lots of hairpin turns, but the drive through the green groves, past sugar cane fields, and the majestic view of lush hills with row upon row of waterfalls is reward enough.

The Takamaka waterfall viewpoint 

Given that this is the wettest area on the island - and apparently in the world - expect a bit of rain and mist whenever you visit.

There is also a trek that leads down to the valley, which we didn't do for obvious reasons, and you can even dip into the natural pool at its base.

Saint Pierre's Weekly Market

Saint Pierre 's weekly Saturday market came third at the national championship of "most beautiful markets in France" in 2019 (yes, it still feels strange that this gorgeous, tropical island is indeed technically "in" France). By all means, it is lovely.

Stalls upon stalls with neatly stocked fruit in all kinds of sizes, shapes and colours; rows of handcrafted jewels and trendy clothes; the smell of freshly made samoussas , bonbon-piments , rouleaux de printemps and spices of all kinds (vanilla!), Creole music floating all over the place and people smiling at you for no reason: that's what you get at Saint Pierre's marché forain .

Saint-Pierre's Marché forain

I would suggest coming early, as it gets very crowded around noon - everyone wants a cheap and delicious lunch from the market. For example, you can get as many as ten samoussas for barely 3 €.

Also, the heat sets in as early as 9.30 am, and though the stalls are all under canvas, it can get rather hot with the crowds.

Add to that the scenic location right next to the sea - find it here -  couldn't be more perfect.

Quick info - Saint-Pierre Market

• Sat 5.00 am - 12.00 pm

Around Saint Pierre: Saint-Leu And Kelonia, The Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Kelonia , located in Saint-Leu , might not be on everyone's bucket list when visiting Réunion Island. But it is undoubtedly an exciting activity, especially with kids, if only to support their efforts.

One of the injured sea turtles getting food in the convalescence basin

Kelonia is a nursing station for injured sea turtles. Brought here by local fishermen, who started the initiative, with most injuries caused by humans (fishing hooks, stomachs full of plastics, nets around their flippers), they first get treated in the intensive care unit in separate basins.

After the initial treatment, they are brought to a convalescence area, where they stay for quite a long time. The goal is to feed them until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild. This can take some time as these poor creatures are usually fragile when they arrive.

The convalescence area and the beach for the releasing in the back

The release is always done together with local school classes; each class gets to adopt the released sea turtle.

The whole complex is well thought out, with many explanation panels, interactive screens, a museum about the history of La Réunion and the turtles' behaviour, and a significant focus on how climate change affects it.

Quick info - Kelonia

• Mon-Sun 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
• Closed on public holidays

Entry fee: 8 € , possibility to get an audioguide for 2 €

Étang Salé: volcano sand beaches

Étant Salé is probably the best beach in this part of the island.

Don't expect pearly white sand and turquoise waters like in Maupiti, French Polynesia , or Caye Caulker, Belize , though: it is still a volcanic island after all, and thus the sand you find here is more of a dark ashen grey.

Étang Salé beach shortly before sunset (5.30 pm)

It's still an excellent spot for a swim, snorkelling, or sundowner.

Speaking of which: the sun sets early! Expect around 5.45 pm during the Austral winter and around 6.45 pm in summer.

The Étang Salé beach is located here .

Avoid the beaches on weekends: Réunion families love their weekly picnics on Saturdays and Sundays.

They get up early to save the best spot and, later on, bring big pots and pans filled with Creole deliciousness to spend the whole day together.

6. - Get To Know The Island's Fauna at Domaine Du Café Grillé

Here's an activity that wasn't on our plans but came highly recommended by our host: Le Domaine Du Café Grillé , an impressive Creole botanical garden showing off the history of the island's fauna.

The plants are structured chronologically, and the walk through the garden takes you back from 2022 to 1665.

Inside the (big) shop, a 10-minute video shows the process of cultivating and roasting coffee, the primary industry in La Réunion before sugar cane took over.

At the Domaine du Café Grillé, which is located here , they roast their coffee beans of the Bourbon pointu variant (hence the name of the café grillé), which you can taste and buy in their shop/café.

Enjoying our babymoon at the Domaine Du Café Grillé

Quick info - Le Domaine du Café Grillé

• Mon-Sun 9.30 am - 5.00 pm 
• Closed for three weeks in June

Entry fee: 7.50 € without a guide, 9.50 € guided visit; half-price for children under 12 years old

Count minimum 1.5 hours for the guided visit; protect yourself against the mosquitoes!

7. - Visit One of The Impressive Tamil Temples in Saint Pierre

Nassaringua-Perournal is the largest Tamil temple on the island. An enjoyable visit if you want to know more about the Hindu culture in La Réunion.

Don't forget to dress decently: no showing arms and legs, no leather (!). 

Karli is a lot smaller but considered the most beautiful Tamil temple on the island.

Nassaringua-Perournal is located here , and Karli here . 

8. - Get Familiar With The (Somewhat) Sad History of Sugar at Stella Matutina

Without learning about the intrinsically linked sugar history, you can't know the real La Réunion.

The Musée Stella Matutina , located in Piton-Saint-Leu right next to Saint Pierre, is a vast museum complex set inside an old sugar factory that was active from 1858 until 1978.

Several thematically and chronologically arranged installations lead the visitor through the history of sugar exploitation since the 19th century.

A particular focus is put on slavery, which was, sadly, very dominant in La Réunion (and neighbouring islands Mauritius and Madagascar, for that matter).

Heavy machinerie for sugar cane exploitation at Stella Matutina

The visit continues with a very personal exhibition of portraits and testimonies of ancient workers before ending with an introduction to the Creole culture and its particularities (like a typical boutik sinoi , a traditional supermarket held by Chinese immigrants, authentic rhum-ads or a multi-coloured bus).

Don't hesitate to stop by the gift shop; there is a whole array of souvenirs for the people at home centred around sugar. I, for example, brought several types of spiced sugars for my grandma, among which a brown sugar perfumed with combava , a citrus-like fruit prevalent on Réunion Island.

Quick info - Musée Stella Matutina

• Tue-Sun 9.30 am - 5.30 pm 
• Closed on Mondays and certain public holidays

Entry fee: 9 € + 2 € for the 4D cinema experience (optional)

Count about 2 hours for the whole visit

9. - Explore Creole Cuisine Through a Cooking Class

Speaking of combava , cooking classes are hard to find on the island, but it's a delicious experience if you do.

We were fortunate that our host was willing to show us exactly how to make the famous rougail-saucisse with gratin de chouchou, and it's been a regular in our kitchen ever since.

Our host Joël teaching Sebi how to make the rougail-saucisse

A quick explanation of these delicacies: a rougail is a kind of (spicy) stew, generally with traditional smoked sausages. It's served with a gratin of chouchou, a local vegetable used in all types of dishes, both savoury and sweet.

Chouchou (also known as chayote in France) is commonly called the "king of vegetables" as it's versatile and grows quickly. The plant has big green leaves, entwining around trees, sprawling everywhere, leaving a bright green carpet on the scenery. Although initially from Mesoamerica, the Réunion Island adopted it as their "national vegetable".

Creole food is rich in flavours and spices and not complicated to make if you know the secret tricks and have the right ingredients. For example, the sausage for the rougail is hard to find elsewhere, at least not with the same intense flavour.

Sebi's first rougail-saucisse on the island at restaurant Villa Marthe

I found a Creole cooking class on Tripadvisor if you like to dive deeper into culinary delights.

Or else, ask your host if they are an avid cook and would be willing to initiate you.

Also: beware that the rhum arrangé , meaning rhum with all kinds of fruits and spices added, is the speciality of the Réunionnais . They gladly offer you a glass of their homemade variation at every meal. The sweetness of some of them is treacherous, so be cautious...

10. - Head To The River Langevin For Some Canyoning And Waterfalls

Canyoning in the river langevin.

Book something like this canyoning tour in the Rivière Langevin in advance to be sure that there are spots left - not many offer these tours, and during high season, you won't find an available provider as places to do this safely are scarce.

Cascade De Grand Galet

For those who travel with a chronic disease (see the best tips on how to travel with IBD here ) or are pregnant, here's a lovely sight not to miss, one easily reachable by car: the Cascade de Grand Galet ,  located here .

If you came unmotorised to the island, here's a driving tour which explores all the attractions along the Langevin River, including the waterfalls.

Please forgive the bad quality of the photos, it was shortly before noon, so the sun was very high, and it was nearly impossible to get a good picture without those damn light flares. But you get the picture.

Cascade de Grand Galet

So here's a little tip: get there early morning or late afternoon, maybe right before or after your canyoning tour.

If you don't do a full-day tour and need a lunch break, look for a quiet spot along the river for a picnic. It's a bit windy along the river, and that's very refreshing in this tropical heat.

Don't sit too close to the water, though. The river is home to a hydraulic station, and at some point, they might open de watergate, and that's when the water rises fast. Signs are posted everywhere that strongly advise against swimming in most parts of the river.

Hence: the need to book a safe tour; tour operators know the spots that aren't dangerous for water activities.

One of these safe swimming spots is not far from the main waterfalls and even has a little cascade . Of course, Sebi had to jump in - it's what he does. Every waterfall we ever saw, be it in the Dominican Republic or Croatia - hell, even the icy rivers and lakes in Scotland in the middle of October: he would always jump in.

One of many jumps Sebi enjoyed in this particular spot

11. - Visit One of The Numerous Vanilla Farms on Réunion Island

The truth is, vanilla is sold at every single market in La Réunion. Moreover, during high season, plenty of little vendors are along the road.

The problem is that there are huge differences from one vanilla to the next, and you might end up overpaying for a mediocre quality product with barely any vanilla aroma.

Traveller's tip :

Always look for dark brown, dried beans, not fresh ones.

Fresh vanilla beans don't have the typical aroma yet, as this only develops during drying. They should be sticky and flexible.

We went to l' Escale Bleue , near Saint-Philippe, as it was on the way to see the cold lava streams. They offer a guided visit to their farm, where they humorously explain how vanilla is made (a process that takes nine months for the aroma to develop!).

When you buy vanilla beans from the supermarket, you have to cut them open and scrape out the little dark crumbs.

They look like regular beans but they will be so fragrant after drying

Well, this family-owned vanilla farm has developed a procedure that allows the dried bean to be used whole and thus have a stronger taste. I will spare you the details, but I bought some of these beans for my dad, and the flavours are remarkably intensive. For example, a piece of barely two centimetres is enough for one litre of milk.

It's pricey, but nothing compared to what we pay in Europe for a single bean that can only be used once.

L'Escale Bleue, located here , also offers an array of products made with smaller vanilla beans that don't get sold, like sugars, drinks, sweets, scrubs, etc.

Quick info - L'Escale Bleue

• Mon-Sat 9.30 am - 5.30 pm
• Closed on Sundays

Entry fee: free for the shop with a little introduction,  5 € for a guided visit of 30 - 45 minutes.

Don't forget to buy their little glass containers - you will need them to store the vanilla beans

We stopped by the Jardin des Parfums et Épices de Mare-Longue on returning to Saint Pierre. This botanical garden is considered another amazing thing to do on Réunion Island.

Still, if you arrive in-between guided visits, there is hardly anything to learn: no signposts anywhere, very unlike the Domaine du Café Grillé we visited earlier.

Find the Jardin des Parfums et Épices here .

12. - Drive Along The Coast To Contemplate (Cold) Lava Streams

The road from Saint-Philippe to Piton-Saint-Rose is the most prolific area for lava streams due to the orientation of the active Piton de la Fournaise.

No building activity is allowed on this part of the coast - who would want to do that anyway? Knowing that the volcano erupts at least once a year.

Granted, not every eruption is followed by a massive lava river flowing down to the sea, but still. The most impressive ones are from the eruptions of 2007, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005.

2007 was probably the biggest (recorded) eruption that created two new beaches and a platform with lava fountains as high as 200 m, acid rain, and explosions along the coast: an insane firework.

Some streams are still more visible than others; nature has already taken back parts of them by spreading hardheaded vegetation on this rather hostile ground.

The 2007 lava stream down to the sea

The stream from 2004 is the only one that formed proper lava tunnels that can be visited during a guided speleology tour like this one here . Just make sure you're not claustrophobic. Or pregnant. We didn't do it because of the latter.

While I myself am a little claustrophobic, my experience in the Crystal Cave in Belize showed me that one can overcome these fears.

Each eruption with massive lava flow towards the sea contributes to increasing the available size of the island by adding land masses along the coast.

The village of Saint Joseph was built on one of these platforms created by the volcano.

13. - Admire A (Very) Active Volcano at Piton De La Fournaise

I give you: one of the most incredible things to do on La Réunion Island considered the number 1 attraction.

Given that a volcanic eruption is at the origin of the very creation of Réunion Island, the people here have adapted to and adopted the Piton and genuinely admire it.

Piton De La Fournaise with the main crater on the right in the back: you can see where the lava came down in September 2022

A Young Volcano

Piton De La Fournaise was born 500.000 years ago, which is relatively young for a volcano. And for roughly 400.000 years, the largest mountain on the island, the Piton Des Neiges - noticeably older by eight million years - was active simultaneously. But the old man is dormant now; its last eruption was 12.000 years ago.

Unlike other active volcanoes, Piton De La Fournaise is much more innocuous because it's an effusive but not explosive volcano. This is why, during some eruptions, you can even hike around the volcano while contemplating glowing red-hot lava streams along the way.

Sebi marvelling at the volcano, hoping that it'll erupt soon

The only real danger is when the direction of the stream changes and affects populated areas, which hardly ever happens - or at least not since modern science allows us to predict the direction of the flows precisely.

The Piton De La Fournaise is under 24/7 surveillance; nothing escapes their measurement equipment.

How To Get To The Piton De La Fournaise

There is only one road leading to the crater, the RF 5 (" route forestière du volcan "), a scenic route with various viewpoints along the way, like the Nez de Boeuf (2050 m altitude) overlooking a breathtaking gorge.

The Nez de Boeuf gorge in the morning

Hiking to the crater's edge, located here , is possible and even recommended, provided an eruption isn't actively going on. We visited the volcano area when an eruption was deemed likely "within the next few days or weeks", so portions of the trails were closed off.

Eruption probable in the next few days - be careful and stay on the path

Check out this helicopter tour for another view of the volcano, ideally when it's erupting. Or get a guide for an epic sunrise tour of the volcano.

Don't skip the Plaine des Sables  viewpoint on the way to or back from the central crater: the road is awful here (the worse portion - the rest of the route forestière is in excellent condition), but the scenery is outer-worldly. A brown-reddish Martian valley that strongly reminded us of some parts of the Wadi Rum desert .

There's also an excellent guided tour of the 2004 lava tunnels worth checking out if you're not pregnant (or claustrophobic).

Moon landscape at the Plaine des Sables

14. - The Absolute Best Thing To Do on Réunion Island: Embark on a Multi-Day Hike in Cirque de Mafate

Side note: we didn't do this ourselves, for obvious reasons, but it will remain on our must-do list until we return someday.

The Cirque de Mafate is probably the wildest of the three cirques on the island (the other two being Salazie and Cilaos ).

The central part of its 100 km² is cut off from the rest of the island, with about 800 people living in little villages called îlets dispersed in the vegetation. The îlets are only reachable by foot or helicopter (we incidentally witnessed their monthly refuse collection service in action, done by ... helicopter).

In total, five hills surround this cirque, rendering it thus inaccessible by roads. But that's precisely Mafate's charm.

I won't go into detail about the various hikes in Mafate since we couldn't do them, but for the best experience, you have to schedule at least five days inside the cirque to visit all the îlets .

Two main trails, the GR R1 and GR R2 , go across Mafate, and another one, the GR R3 , goes around it.

Six departure points on all sides are available to start your multi-day trek, but you must research them carefully as their degree of difficulty varies greatly.

Hiking in Mafate

Always carry a good site map, enough water and food, a flashlight, light shoes for crossing rivers, and everything you might need to spend a few nights in primary villages. Also, if you stay at the guesthouses, reserve the meals beforehand - they need time to get the groceries...

Word of caution: don't leave anything in the car if you leave it at one of the main parking lots near the departure points. As it's common knowledge that people parking there will be gone for a few nights, it's an open invitation for break-ins.

If you can't hike but still want to admire all of the cirques and especially Mafate, a helicopter flight is an absolute thing to do on Réunion Island for those who have money: it's expensive. We didn't do it because helicopters weren't recommended in my then-precarious pregnancy phase, but it is highly recommended by anyone who has done it.

Here's a tour offering the best sights of Cirque de Mafate from above.

Le Belvédère du Maïdo

Another possibility to get a glimpse of the grandeur of Mafate: the Belvédère du Maïdo .

It's THE best viewpoint on Réunion Island, and we loved it so much that we got up there twice.

Just kidding: the first time we tried was coincidentally the day France's Prime Minister went up there to plant something, a random political act. And so, for security reasons, we weren't allowed to drive to the top, only hikers. However, we didn't know that until we had almost reached the top (after more than one hour on sinuous and bumpy roads) and had to turn around at the last minute.

We got back up the next day, and it was worth the wait!

Here again: get there before 9 am at the latest. We arrived around 9.30 am, and already the clouds were beginning to seal the view. Half an hour later, you could barely see anything through the thick mist.

Find the Belvédère du Maïdo here .

From the Maïdo: the little îlet down there is Roche-Plate

15. - End Your Réunion Island Itinerary Around Saint-Paul

L'ermitage les bains.

An island trip isn't complete without at least a little bit of beach fun, and the region of Saint-Paul is ideal for that purpose.

Saint-Paul is located on the côte sous le vent , meaning "the coast underneath the wind", the West coast, protected from heavy winds. The east coast is a lot windier (hence: côte au vent , "coast exposed to the wind") and gets more rain than the other side of the island because rain clouds move from East to West and hit there first.

If lying around on a sandy beach, feeling the light breeze and the warming sun (beware of sunburns!) is too dull, add some snorkelling in one of the best lagoons, l' Ermitage Les Bains , or go for a proper scuba dive.

La Saline Les Bains beach

The latter can even be done inside a submerged lava tunnel at the Grotte du Portail   - again, unsuitable for individuals with claustrophobia.

I must admit that we were slightly disappointed by our snorkelling outings. We had the fantastic luck of learning to dive in French Polynesia , and once you've experienced the extraordinaire natural aquariums of Fakarava , everything else seems a bit dull.

There are plenty of fish in the Indian Ocean but not as many coral reefs and colourful variety as in the Pacific.

The lagoon of l'Ermitage Les Bains can be found here .

Cimetière Marin

Oh, hey, there is also a notable cemetery in Saint-Paul !

This one is particularly fascinating because of its beautiful location and history.

Created in 1788, the cemetery of Saint-Paul holds some illustrious guests, all rendering a perfect image of the multi-cultural richness of the island.

It was abandoned in the 1970s but restored in 1977 to welcome the poet Charles Marie Leconte de Lisle (who died in 1894) to a more dignified resting place. 

Another eerily famous tomb has a quirky history: the pirate Olivier Levasseur , called "La Buse", is supposed to be interred here; a plaque on the Desbassayns family grave serves as proof.

But here's the thing: he died in 1730, long before the cemetery existed. Someone is apparently fond of practical jokes.

Then there is the "slave cemetery": in 2007, a cyclone revealed a part of the cemetery that was unknown until then. About 2000 people were inhumated there two centuries ago, at a time when white and enslaved people weren't allowed to share the same burial space. 

An eerie visit: Le cimetière marin, Saint-Paul

Frequently Asked Questions About The Island Of La Réunion

Is réunion island dangerous.

Thanks to Réunion Island being a department of France and thus, in Fact, European, the dangers aren't greater than elsewhere on mainland Europe.

Except for one: tiger mosquitoes are very much present on the island. The last ten to twenty years have seen a resurgence of yearly Dengue and Chikungunya epidemics. While cases are still proportionally low, compared to countries in South-East Asia, for example, the danger is present.

The only way to protect oneself is by wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying lots of mosquito repellent, either containing DEET (unsuitable for pregnant people) or Icaridine (safe during pregnancy). Every other natural repellent won't work against tiger mosquitoes.

Also, when sitting outside, we took the habit of burning mosquito repellent discs in the evening (when they are most active), and we brought our own (impregnated) mosquito net to sleep underneath.

If you plan on taking a mosquito net, also get a few removable self-adhesive strips without leaving are trace.

We used the ones from Tesa that can carry a load of up to 3 kg (a net weighs less than that), and it worked perfectly. We were able to hang it in every accommodation we stayed at.

Besides the mosquitoes, there are no animals to fear: the island doesn't host any poisonous animals. Even the scorpions are harmless - though they do still sting, of course.

The aforementioned giant spiders are impressive, but here too, a bite will hurt but won't kill you.

Can you see them? Click on the picture to get a better view...

Another danger is petty theft, especially in Saint-Denis, the island's most extensive and most populated city.

I also already mentioned this: don't leave anything inside your (rental) car on the parking near the trek departures, especially overnight.

Often overlooked danger: the sun. Even with a cloudy sky, UV radiation is stronger between 11 am and 3 pm than in mainland Europe. The island is located way down to the South of the earth, and especially when hiking, you are a lot more exposed at a certain altitude.

In the water

At the beach, always keep an eye on the markers, as there has been an increase in shark attacks in recent years. Don't be stupid by venturing out to restricted zones. It's their habitat; you're the intruder.

The signs also indicate if there is a strong current or undertow. Respect that too or you might end up with your name on one of the crosses along dangerous beaches, bearing the phrase "vanished at sea".

Each cross was put there for someone who vanished at sea 

Can You Drink The Tap Water on Réunion Island?

Generally speaking, the water on Réunion Island is safer than in many other parts of the world. But it's not necessarily European standard, either. Like the Réunionnais say: tap water is safe to drink if you're not too sensitive. People with Ulcerative Colitis refrain from drinking it. You better buy bottled water.

Also: after heavy rainfall, the water gets dirty and coloured. You can check more details on La Réunion's water quality on Eau du Robinet .

How Is The General Sanitary And Health Situation on Réunion Island?

Another advantage of La Réunion being part of France is the excellent health system. The island has the best hospitals in the Indian Ocean, like the CHR of Saint-Denis .

The equipment, the doctors, the medication, everything is French and European standard - a detail not to be scoffed at for people with various health issues .

How Long Should You Stay on Réunion Island?

Our itinerary covers approximately two weeks, but if you plan multi-day hikes, you should have at least two to three days more.

Especially since the flight is still eleven hours from mainland Europe, you lose two days for the journey alone. Even more, if you are coming from other parts of the world. Always count that in.

What Kind Of Budget Should Be Reckoned With on Réunion Island?

The budget for accommodations depends significantly on whether you choose big hotels on the coast or a cosy little Airbnb in a town on the hills. The prices are a bit cheaper in general than in mainland Europe.

Restaurants also have naturally significant variations: you can eat a delicious  rougail-saucisse for as little as 10 €, which is still much compared to neighbouring Mauritius, for example. But once you lean towards the French kitchen, prices go up. That is because these ingredients have to be shipped over.

To stay within a reasonable budget, go Creole. Especially on the markets: as I mentioned earlier, you can get at least ten samoussas for as little as 3 €, and that's plenty of food. Sandwiches, snacks and food truck specialities are cost-efficient options.

Then there is the question of whether you want to splurge and spoil yourself with a helicopter flight - that's a luxury.

All in all, I would say that you should reckon with a slightly smaller budget than you would when vacationing in France.

Beautiful views on the way to the Piton De La Fournaise

15 Amazing Things To Do On Réunion Island: Conclusion

Due to my condition, our tempo to explore Réunion Island was much slower than it would have been otherwise. And yet, we managed to see all of the main highlights, and it didn't feel like we were missing out on something.

This contrasting island, with its dense forests, impressive volcanic cones, the warmth of the people, the mix of cultures and religions, and their flavourful culinary world, has conquered many travellers' hearts. And still, people from Western culture won't feel out of place or foreign. The French Art de Vivre and some of their quirkier characteristics are very well present in La Réunion.

It's an island we will be glad to return to, possibly with kids, this time with an increased hiking value.

Remember that this is only a condensed list of things to do on Réunion Island. Depending on your time and budget, the number can easily be doubled.

I hope this post will be helpful in your planning of a La Réunion round trip and that you enjoyed following our personal experiences.

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The best of Reunion Island – guide and itinerary

Réunion Island is located in the Indian Ocean ( map ), east of Madagascar and southwest of the island nation of Mauritius. An overseas department of France, Réunion is well known for Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its breathtaking mountains and calderas. It’s home to an incredible diversity of landscapes and micro-climates, a melting pot of cultures, bustling towns and stunning beaches. The main entry point is the Roland Garros International Airport near St. Denis, the capital city. From here, many adventures await for those who want to explore this diverse island! I’ve explored the length and breadth of this island and based on my trips, I’ve compiled this guide of the best places to visit in Reunion Island. These places can be visited on a comfortable 10-day self-drive itinerary – scroll down for a day-by-day overview of this Reunion Island itinerary.

This Réunion Island guide contains links to services I often use myself and can recommend: Skyscanner (flights), Booking.com (hotel bookings), Rentalcars.com (car hire), Manawa and GetYourGuide (easy-to-book tours). If you make a booking via one of these services, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). These commissions help me to maintain my blog and share more travel experiences with you.

Best Places to Visit on Reunion Island

The Roland Garros Airport in Saint Denis is Réunion Island’s main point of entry. The car rental agencies are all located in a separate building opposite the main terminal. Exit the Arrivals Hall and cross the road towards the parking area to access the car rental offices. If you’re short on time, you can opt to join a guided day trip around the island.

I recommend kicking off your Réunion Island itinerary by heading for the west coast on the N1 highway, bypassing Saint Denis. In less than an hour, you can be relaxing at the beach in Saint-Gilles or L’Ermitage-Les-Bains , the perfect way to recover from jet-lag. Just past Saint Denis, you’ll experience what has to be a masterpiece of modern engineering: a long section of the highway is basically suspended above the ocean! This highway was constructed due to frequent rock falls from the coastal cliffs that plagued the old road.

Read about things to do in Reunion Island .

The west coast, with its beautiful lagoons, sandy beaches and laid-back towns, is a lovely area to recover from a long journey to Réunion Island. Notable towns to visit in this area are Saint-Paul , Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu . Spend a few days in this area exploring the coastline. The coastal road (N1A) from Saint-Paul to Saint-Gilles offers beautiful views of the ocean and the cliffs. The west coast is also the best area to go scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing or whale-watching (June – October are the best whale-watching months). There are various tour operators based in towns like Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains. Join a dolphin/whale watching boat excursion with snorkelling, or a marine safari from Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains.

Saint-Paul is a bustling town with colonial buildings, colourful markets and an esplanade that runs along the beach.

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is arguably my favourite town in this area. The town centre is compact, with many shops, cafés and restaurants. There’s also a marina and a lovely beach. I recommend parking at the large parking area at the marina and walking across the pedestrian bridge to the town centre. At the marina, you’ll find Chez Marie , a seafood restaurant which I can certainly recommend!

L’Ermitage-Les-Baines

Just south of Saint-Gilles is L’Ermitage-Les-Baines . This beach community has numerous hotels, shops, cafés and restaurants. There’s also the Jardin d’Eden (Garden of Eden botanical gardens) which is quite small but has some unusual plants and trees. One place that’s great for dinner in this area is Le Manta . Set in a beautiful garden, the restaurant serves local seafood and Creole specialties.

Follow the N1A coastal road down to Saint-Leu . Home to several historic monuments such as the Church of Colimacons and Hôtel des Postes , Saint-Leu is also a popular paragliding area. Go on a paragliding flight over the Saint-Leu lagoon . Another place worth a stop is Kélonia , a turtle conservation centre just outside Saint-Leu.

West coast beaches

The west coast boasts some of the best beaches on Réunion Island. The stretch from Saint-Gilles to L’Ermitage-Les-Bains and down to La Saline-Les-Bains has long, sandy beaches, protected by reefs. You’ll also find numerous beach cafés and restaurants. There’s also a beautiful black sand beach at L’Étang-Salé , southeast of Saint-Leu.

Caution: Réunion Island has a history of shark attacks. I enjoyed the beaches on the west coast but restricted my water activities to cooling off in knee-deep water or rock pools.

Inland from the west coast

From the west coast, it’s also easy to head into the mountains for some incredible scenery and a variety of hiking trails. You can opt for a hike into the Cirque de Mafate (a caldera that’s only accessible on foot or by helicopter), visit the Cap Noir viewpoint or you can drive up to Le Maïdo , which offers breathtaking views of Cirque de Mafate and Piton de Neiges (at 3,069 meters, the highest mountain on Réunion Island).

If you only have time for a drive to a viewpoint, I recommend Le Maïdo, arguably one of the best places to visit in Reunion Island! Le Maïdo is less than an hour’s drive from the coast. You can also opt for a spectacular paragliding experience from Maïdo !

If you’re not afraid of heights and you’re feeling adventurous, take an micro-light flight across Réunion Island . Check here for more information.

Where to stay on Reunion’s West Coast

There are numerous hotels, B&B’s and holiday rentals on the west coast. I stayed at Relais de l’Hermitage , a comfortable, albeit somewhat dated hotel, with fabulous staff. It has two pools and is literally a stone’s throw from the beach. In this area, you’ll also find Réunion’s most luxurious resort: LUX St. Gilles resort . Other nearby hotels include Hôtel Les Créoles and Hotel le Recif .

Search for accommodations in Saint-Gilles and L’Ermitage-Les-Bains on Booking.com.

Cirque de Cilaos

Cirque de Cilaos is one of three cirques on the island. These cirques were created when the Piton de Neiges shield volcano collapsed during an eruption a long time ago. What remains today are three huge caldera-like formations or cirques: Cirque de Mafate (there are no roads here), Cirque de Cilaos and Cirque de Salazie (both accessible by road). Of the three, Cirque de Cilaos is arguably the most majestic, with verdant forests, jagged peaks, towering walls (or ramparts) and waterfalls.

From Saint Louis, take the N5 road towards Entre-Deux (also a lovely place to visit) and Cilaos . The road into the cirque and up to Cilaos is winding (I call it the road of a hundred hairpin bends! Haha!), narrow at times and there are a few one-way tunnels to navigate, so drive carefully. The scenery is simply mind-blowing (it really feels like you’ve entered ‘The Lost World’!) but don’t take your eyes off the road. There’s a lovely café you can stop at for a coffee and it offers stunning views of the peaks.

Cilaos is a small town with a variety of accommodation options, from hotels to B&Bs and holiday homes, restaurants and shops. If you’re an avid hiker, I recommend spending a few days here as there are many trails to explore, including one that leads to the top of Piton de Neiges (3,069 meters). Alternatively, you can simply stroll around the town or follow one of the easier trails and enjoy the fresh air and mountain scenery, visit the hot springs and taste some local wines. Check out this half-day hike in Cirque de Cilaos or join this half-day canyoning excursion through the Canyon of Fleur Jaune , the ‘pearl’ of Réunion canyons!

Restaurants in Cilaos I can recommend include Chez Noé , Chez Lucay and Restaurant Ti’ Bonheur de la Mare . Most of the restaurants serve local Creole fare (with Cilaos lentils). Ask for ‘piment’ (salsa) on the side if you like it spicy! In my book, Réunion Island has salsas which easily rival Mexican or other Caribbean varieties.

Where to stay in Cilaos

Hotels in Cilaos I can recommend are Hotel des Neiges (with easy parking, airy rooms and it has two pools) and Hotel Le Tsilaosa . There are also numerous apartments, chalets and holiday homes available.

South coast

The south coast region stretches from Saint Pierre to Saint-Philippe. Saint Pierre is the largest town here and is perhaps my favourite town on Réunion Island. There are many hotels, shops, restaurants and cafés in the town centre and along the boulevard that runs parallel to the beach. What I particularly like about Saint Pierre is its melting pot of cultures, the Saturday market and the stunning lagoon at its doorstep.

The Saint Pierre Saturday morning market (till 1pm), in particular, is a great place to experience the ‘couleur locale’, try various local food and stock up on spices, salsas, vanilla and souvenirs. I recommend approaching the market via Rue de la Poudriere and parking at either the Jumbo-Score supermarket or the field in front of the Narassigua Péroumal Hindu temple.

A great thing to do in Saint Pierre is to stroll along the path which runs above the beach. There are various kiosks where you can stop for a drink or a snack while you gaze out across the lagoon.

From Saint Pierre, you can also join an unforgettable helicopter tour over the island. I highly recommend this flight tour which departs from the Saint-Pierre Airport.

Where to eat and stay in Saint Pierre

Restaurants in Saint Pierre I can recommend include Le D.C.P. (very fresh seafood) and Ancre Terre et Mer . Hotels I checked out and can recommend are Villa Delisle (in the town centre across the road from the beach), Maison d’hôtes Côté Lagon (about 10-minutes’ walk to the town centre) and Le Battant des Lames (at the beach, about a 15-minute walk to the town centre).

Inland from Saint Pierre

Just north of Saint Pierre, you’ll find the Saga du Rhum , a historic rum distillery that’s worth a visit. There are also many inland attractions close to Saint Pierre. You can go on day trips to the Piton de la Fournaise (one of the world’s most active volcanoes) along the Route du Volcan , drive up to the Belvedere of Fenêtre des Makes (D20 road) or visit the Belvedere of Bois Court (D70 road).

Piton de la Fournaise

If you only had time for just one day trip from Saint Pierre, I recommend driving to Piton de la Fournaise , passing the spectacular Riviere des Remparts and the Martian landscapes of Plaine des Sables . Go in the morning before the clouds roll in. You can also opt to join a guided hike around the Piton de la Fournaise .

Cascade de Grand Galet

If you love waterfalls, I recommend visiting the Cascade de Grand Galet . From Saint Pierre, drive along the N2 past Saint Joseph to Langevin . Just before Langevin, turn left and follow the road up to the falls. The road starts off relatively easy but beware towards the end: you’ll have to cross a narrow bridge several times, and near the final stretch, the road becomes very steep, with tight hairpin bends. The view of the elegant falls is worth the effort though! It’s possible to hike to the pool at the base of the falls but I don’t recommend it if you don’t have proper hiking shoes.

For the adventurous, check out the Petit Galet canyoning experience that includes a zip-line to the falls!

Cap Méchant

Further along the South Coast, visit Cap Méchant. The coast here is jagged and rough, with the black lava cliffs dropping steeply into the ocean. The relentless pounding of the waves have created many interesting rock formations, caves, little canyons and blowholes. Go for a walk along the cliffs to see and hear the booming waves, and enjoy a Creole lunch. There are three restaurants here: Restaurant Le Cap Méchant , L’Etoiles des Mers and Le Pinpin – all three are popular with locals, especially in the weekend.

You can also opt to keep driving along the N2 road towards Saint Philippe . Along the way, you’ll be treated to beautiful coastal scenery and you can stop here for a drink or a meal – a variety of restaurants offer ocean views and Creole cuisine. You’ll also find the Jardin des Parfums et des Épices (Perfume and Spices Garden) just off the N2, an interesting stop for plant lovers.

The Lava Route (N2 road) stretches from Saint Philippe on the southeast coast to Saint-Rose on the east coast. This road hugs the east coast and passes old lava flows from past eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise as well as patches of forests.

Hike inside a lava tunnel

If you’re really into volcanoes, I can recommend the hike inside an old lava flow of the Piton de la Fournaise. This lava tubing tour near Saint-Rose is a wondrous journey that will take you past intriguing formations and tunnel systems. I don’t recommend it if you’re prone to claustrophobia.

It’s a surreal sight to drive along this road that’s been rebuilt on numerous occasions. Look out for signposts which mark the year of each eruption and resulting lava flow. You can stop at various points along the way for photo opportunities. The Anse waterfall makes for a relaxing pitstop – there’s a café and WC facilities.

Notre Dame des Laves

The Lava Route ends in Saint-Rose. In the hamlet of Piton Saint-Rose , I recommend stopping at the Notre Dame des Laves . Located along the N2 road, this church is perhaps the most famous on the island as it survived a destructive volcanic eruption in 1977. The church is completely surrounded by hardened lava. Across the road, there’s a little museum dedicated to that particular eruption with a photo exhibition and a video show, which are absolutely worth seeing.

North coast

From Saint-Anne, the N2 road continues in a northwesterly direction towards Saint Denis. At La Rivière de l’Est , you’ll see the historic suspension bridge which crosses the gorge. You can make a quick photo stop here (look for the side road on the northern side of the gorge) but the bridge is closed to the public.

In Saint-Benoît , you’ll find the striking Eglise Sainte-Anne (St. Anne’s Church). Southwest of Saint-Benoît, the long and winding D53 road leads up to the Takamaka viewpoint. This viewpoint offers awe-inspiring views of the Takamaka Valley, the lush forests on the steep mountainsides and beautiful cascades.

The Riviere des Roches , formed by old lava flows, is a popular canyoning spot. This is one of the best places on Réunion Island for an adventurous activity called aquatic hiking . Along the course, participants, hike, swim, slide and jump from one basin to the next. Bassin la Paix, part of the canyon, is a gorgeous lake with crystal-clear water, a lovely waterfall and surrounded by basalt columns. It is accessible by car.

The north coast between Saint-Benoît and Saint Denis is characterised by mile after mile of sugarcane fields, small settlements, industries and large outlet stores and hypermarkets. Around Sainte-Suzanne , points of interest include the Sainte-Suzanne lighthouse, the island’s oldest, and the Niagara waterfalls. Sainte-Suzanne is a popular canyoning area for families.

Cirque de Salazie

From the N2 road, you can venture into Cirque de Salazie, the most accessible of the three cirques, on the D48 road. This verdant cirque is most famous for its many waterfalls, such as the Cascade Blanche and the Voile de la Mariée , or Bride’s Veil waterfall. Both these falls are accessible from the D48 road but require a hike to get closer. Cascade Blanche is about a 40-minute hike from the car park. Find accommodations in Salazie .

Continue to the Creole village of Hell-Bourg – with its colourful façades and surrounded by lush greenery, it’s been voted as one of the prettiest villages in overseas France. You can opt to spend some time in Hell-Bourg to go hiking – its higher altitude and cooler climate makes it a pleasant area for hikes – or you can spend a day exploring the village with its cheery buildings and flower gardens. A popular hike is the 600+ meter ascent to the Bélouve plateau through primary forest to the viewpoint, which has stunning views of Cirque de Salazie and Piton de Neiges. Along the way, you’ll pass exotic plants and towering tree ferns. The Bélouve plateau can also be reached by car via the Bébour Forest with the F2 road from Plaine des Palmistes. Join a guided hike through the Bélouve forest to Trou de Fer waterfall .

Saint Denis

Saint Denis is the largest town and capital of Réunion Island. You can stroll along the Barachois promenade (look out for whales during the winter months), see colourful Creole houses and admire the historic buildings along the elegant Rue de Paris. Another great thing to do in Saint Denis is visit its markets. I recommend Le Petit Marché with its vegetable, fruit and spice stalls, and Le Grand Marché, which sells handicraft and souvenirs. When strolling around Saint Denis, look out for cool street art by some of the island’s most famous artists. Search for accommodations in Saint Denis .

Read about street art in Réunion Island.

Check out the velvet escape travel planning page ., 10-day best of reunion island self-drive itinerary.

This 10-day self-drive itinerary takes you past the best places to visit in Reunion Island as described in the guide above.

You can start the trip at Reunion Roland Garros Airport and follow the entire itinerary or concentrate on 2-3 areas, depending on your interests or the length of your stay. I’ve included a suggested length of stay per place/area. The itinerary is as follows:

3 nights: West coast . Suggested base: Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains or L’Ermitage-Les-Baines. Suggested activities: drive to Le Maïdo, go whale-watching, hike into Cirque de Mafate, go on an ultra-light flight, visit the towns like Saint-Gilles or Saint-Leu, or laze on the beach.

2 nights: Cirque de Cilaos . If you’re not here to hike, I suggest spending a night in Cilaos to enjoy the amazing scenery. If you opt for a one-night stay in Cilaos, you can choose to spend the next night in Entre-Deux (a colourful Creole village) or La Plaine des Cafres .

3 nights: South coast . Suggested base: Saint-Pierre or surroundings. Suggested activities: drive the Route du Volcan to Piton de la Fournaise, wander around Saint-Pierre (check out the markets and relax on the beach), and visit the Grand Galet waterfalls. At the end of the two days, continue along the N2 road from Saint-Pierre onto the Lava Road and on to Saint Denis, a long drive but do-able at a leisurely pace.

1 night: North coast (optional) . You can also shorten your stay on the south coast in order to spend a night in Hell-Bourg in Cirque de Salazie, or to explore the Takamaka Valley.

1 night: Saint Denis . End your one week itinerary of Reunion Island in the capital. Stroll around the historic town centre and along the Barachois promenade. The next day, drive to the airport (15-minutes) for your car return and departure.

General info

Réunion Island is 2,511 square kilometers in size and has a population of under 1 million. A French overseas department, French is the main language and the Euro is the currency used. If you have a European Union mobile phone subscription (with EU-wide coverage), your voice and data plan is valid on the island as well with no extra charges.

How to get to Réunion Island

There are daily flights from Paris CDG and Orly airports to Réunion Island with Air Austral (the airline of Réunion Island, and a very good one I must add), Air France and French Bee (French LCC). There are also frequent daily flights from nearby Mauritius (45-minutes away). Air Austral also connects Réunion Island with cities in South Africa, India and Thailand. Search for flights with Skyscanner .

Roads and car hire

The roads are, in general, in very good condition, making it relatively easy to drive around the island yourself. However, the mountain roads, with their countless hairpin bends, can be a challenge to navigate, so if you’re not accustomed to manual (stick-shift) transmissions, I highly recommend hiring a vehicle with an automatic transmission. As in continental Europe, you drive on the right side of the road.

Accommodations

Accommodation options consist of small hotels, B&B’s, guest houses and holiday rentals. Luxury accommodations are sparse – the accommodations are mainly in the 1-3-star categories.

Weather and clothing

Réunion Island has a tropical climate. Winter is in July-August (opposite to the northern hemisphere) and is slightly cooler (18-24 degrees Celsius) and wet.  Summers are hot (28-32 degrees Celsius) and humid. The west coast tends to be drier than the east coast. Note that it is colder up in the mountains (such as in Le Maïdo and Cilaos) so it’s advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater/hoodie. If you intend to go hiking, please ensure you have proper hiking clothes, shoes and other equipment, as well as sufficient water and food. The paths can be quite treacherous, especially after a rain shower.

Shark warning

There have been numerous (fatal) shark attacks on Réunion Island in the past years. It’s relatively safe (i.e. low risk) to swim or practise water sports within the confines of a lagoon such as at L’Ermitage-Les-Bains or Saint-Pierre, however, it’s not advisable (in some cases, it’s prohibited) to swim or surf in open-ocean areas. If you’re not sure, please check with the local authorities or tourism office. My personal advice is to relax at the beach, cool off in shallow areas (of a lagoon or a rock pool) and be active inland – the mountainous interior just begs to be explored!

There you have it! My guide to the best places to visit in Reunion Island! I hope this guide is helpful for anyone planning a trip there. Travel safe and enjoy this magnificent island!

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18 Responses

The microlight is definitely more thrilling, and I think better for photography as you can open the window (or even door!). I enjoyed both the microlight and helicopter experiences but the microlight was more special I would say.

If we have to do either the microflight or the helicoper ride in the Reunion which one is the preferred or better option. Bepsi

The weather should be fine; about 26 degrees Celsius and the occasional rain showers. Have a great trip!

Hi, it will be first visit for me next month to Reunion Island I wander how the weather will be?

it was really nice reading about Africa’s best of Reunion Island – guide and itinerary

Hi Angela, I’m glad that my post ignited your interest and I hope you get to visit one day. Reunion Island is truly amazing and a road trip is the best way to explore the island. The mountainous interior is just incredible, and yes, I would avoid swimming in the ocean, even if it’s just off the beach.

Cheers, Keith

I have never really read much about the Reunion Islands and so this post was a real eye-opener. I love the sound of doing a road trip around the island and really immersing myself in the culture. The landscape looks incredible although I don’t think I would be swimming in the ocean with shark attacks on the increase!

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Home Explore France Official Tourism Board Website

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Réunion Island: what to do, what to see…

Inspiration

Reunion Island

Reading time: 0 min Published on 10 April 2024

In the Indian Ocean lies a land of fire: a spectacular volcanic island. Here, luxuriant vegetation runs riot in stark contrast to the spectacular black cliffs of Cap Méchant and the lava flows of Le Grand-Brûlé. It is in these amazing surroundings that La Réunion celebrates a multicultural richness of traditional festivals and refined Créole cuisine...

Visits you cannot miss in Reunion Island

• The Maïdo Located at 2 190 meters above sea level, the Maïdo Peak is one of the most spectacular views of the Mafate Circus. This natural site, accessible by car, offers a remarkable panorama of the cirque of Mafate and the west coast of the island. A must-see excursion!

• The volcano of Piton de la Fournaise It is the star of the tourist sites of Reunion. Since August 2014, at the Plaine des Cafres, the Cité du Volcan reveals the secrets of this huge mountain at 2,631 meters, whose silhouette is still present, in full effervescence...

• The Iron Hole This geological depression of the Piton des Neiges massif is a chasm nearly 300 meters deep. The rivers which engulf there form a fall of 725 meters in altitude, giving a river, the Arm of Cavern, which flows into the Mast River. Discover the Iron Hole by helicopter and you will be full of emotions!

• The snow peak At 3,071m, this sleeping volcano is the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. It is accessible by hiking trails. Its ascent, which requires a good physical condition, is from Cilaos. Overnight at the shelter allows you to be at the top at dawn .

• Cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate The majestic cirque de Cilaos is a paradise for sports enthusiasts. Accessible by a single road, the circus of Salazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gateway to the Cirque de Mafate, inhabited heart of the National Park of Reunion. So many beautiful sites to discover for nature lovers.

• The observatory of sea turtles of Kelonia Ancient species of over 230 million years, the turtle is a highly protected species in Reunion. In Saint-Leu is the center of studies and discoveries of sea turtles of Kelonia. There are marine and terrestrial turtles in breeding, or care for pollution, fishing and injury.

• The spectacular Bridal Veil waterfall The waterfall of the Veil of the Bride owes its name to the visual effect of the long waterfalls, with the vaporous effect, when the flow is important. The legend says that a tragedy took place there: a young bride on the run slipped into a precipice, losing her veil during her fall....

• The beach of Roches Noires The supervised bathing area, open to the ocean, is deeper than a lagoon bathing area, in the absence of a coral reef. With its fine sand and white, it is the ideal place for the fans of idleness and sunbathing. Nearby: cafes, restaurants, discotheques, etc ...

• Cascades Cove The Anse des Cascades is home to a fishing port and many small waterfalls that are not always fed. Picnic areas are located on this site are very pleasant and quiet ..

• Greater Benare At an altitude of 2,898 meters, the Grand Bénare is considered the third highest mountain peak on Reunion Island, after the Piton des Neiges and the Gros Morne.

Essential activities in Reunion Island

• Admire the sunrise from the Piton des Neiges After the ascent of the Piton des Neiges, spend the night at the shelter of the Cave Refuge Dufour , be at the top at dawn, to attend the sunrise and awakening of the three cirques: Mafate, Salazie and Cilaos.

• A flight in the air, aboard a helicopter Helicopter rides are proposed above the cirques of Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos, of the Hole of Iron, the lagoons, and also of the volcano, including after an eruption ...

• Scuba diving in one of the nature reserves Reunion has as many wonders on land as sea. You need just a mask to immerse yourself in a real natural aquarium, accessible to all, scuba divers, and lovers of deep sea. Fish and corals waltz in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes.

• Jump into the water while canyoning or rafting The East and the South Wild are favorite playgrounds for lovers of white water in a multitude of natural pools, beginners or extreme sports. In gorges in the heart of the forests, spectacular cliffs welcome kayaks, canorafts, rafts, hydro speeds, ...

• Stroll through the fairground market of Saint-Paul This colorful market brings together more than 300 exhibitors on Friday all day and Saturday morning on the waterfront of the city: sale of local products, spices, fruits, vegetables, clothing, crafts, animals ... Small tip to enjoy better: go there on a Friday morning!

• Visit a Tamil temple and witness a walk on fire Every year, from December to January, the main steps on fire (tikouli) glorify the purity of the Hindu goddess Pandialé who braved the flames to prove her fidelity. After 17 days of Lent, rites and prayers, the penitents are ready to face the test of fire in exchange for a divine grace...

• Do the circuit of the Creole huts of Entre-Deux In the Creole village of Hell-Bourg, in the heart of the Saliazie circus, the resort has kept all its charms around the old baths. Authentic Creole houses, gardens, modest boxes or bourgeois villas, the circuit will seduce travelers in search of authentic discoveries.

• Watch dolphins and whales off the coast Swimming with whales and / or dolphins: this is a child's dream that can be realized in Reunion Island! Put yourself in the water gently and observe the animals in their natural environment, gently so as not to disturb them: what an unforgettable sensation!

• Discover the Wild South and Laves Route The Laves road crosses the Grand Brûlé, the coastal part of the last volcanic caldera formed by the Piton de la Fournaise, Enclos Fouqué. Signs indicate the lava flows that swept it during the eruptions of Piton de La Fournaise. Its layout is thus regularly modified ... An absolute must-see!

• Sway on Maloya Music, song and dance at the same time, Maloya is at the heart of the traditions of the island. Since 2009, it appears in the list of Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It expresses the pain and revolt of the slaves of Malagasy and African origin, in the sugar plantations of Reunion.

WHAT TO EAT

• Brèdes • Rougail • Babafigue • Beignets de Chouchou • Bouchons • Creole sarcives • Bonbons Piments • Manioc crepe • Dodo beer • Gratin de Chouchou

WHAT TO BRING BACK

• Bourbon vanilla • Rum • White tea • Cilaos lace and embroidery • Lychee wood objects • Lava rock objects • A tamarind wood lamp • Tamarind paste

• Plan your trip to Réunion Island
• Reunion : a slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean

By France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

A historical and cultural melting pot in Reunion Island

Handiplage, accessible beaches in France

Here’s Why You Should Explore Reunion Island Now!

Reunion Island - The ultimate experience

Réunion: the Saint-Paul market

(Re)Discover the 6 preserved places in glorious Réunion Island

The 5-minute essential guide to Bourbon vanilla

5-minute guides

5 facts about the Piton de la Fournaise

• 2 Other destinations
• 3.1 Climate
• 3.2 History
• 5.1 Passport and visa
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.3 By boat
• 6.1 By taxi
• 6.4 On foot
• 6.5 By aircraft
• 7.1 Piton de la Fournaise
• 13.1 Volcanic activity
• 13.2 Cyclones
• 14.1 Emergency phone numbers
• 14.2 Cyclones
• 16.1 Phones
• 16.2.1 Postage rates
• 16.3 Parcels

Réunion (French: La Réunion ) is a French overseas department located in the midst of the Indian Ocean , east of the island of Madagascar and 200 km to the south-west of Mauritius , in East Africa . This enchanting destination is blessed with a tropical climate and beautiful volcanic landscapes, with its appeal being as much due to its white sandy beaches as its mountain scenery. Réunion used to be known as the Isle de Bourbon and Isle Bonaparte.

• -20.878889 55.448056 1 Saint-Denis — the capital of Reunion island
• -21.048889 55.269167 2 Saint-Gilles — on the west coast, where all the white sand beaches are
• -21.166389 55.286944 3 Saint-Leu — a well-established city and surfing destination
• -20.995278 55.676111 7 Bras-Panon — a large producer of vanilla and host of the largest agricultural show on the island.

Other destinations

• -21.053889 55.420556 3 Mafate
• -21.3186 55.8008 4 Takamaka — location of the only water power plant of the island
• -21.14573 55.45983 7 Cirque de Cilaos
• -21.053889 55.420556 8 Cirque de Mafate
• -21.2425 55.708889 9 Piton de la Fournaise

The island's climate is tropical. The time from September to mid-December is the best time to go, since rain is uncommon then, and temperatures are mild on the beaches as well as in the hills, so you can both hike in the mountains and enjoy the seashore without issues of humidity or heat.

January to March is the rainy season, sometimes marked by cyclones. The island has two climatic zones: the greener windward side (east) that receives moist Indian ocean air, and the noticeably drier leeward side (west) shielded from the wet air by the mountainous landscape.

The Portuguese discovered the uninhabited island in 1513. Réunion became officially French territory in 1663. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Malabar Indians gave the island its ethnic mix. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cost the island its importance as a stopover on the East Indies trade route. It remained a colony until 1946, when it became a département of the French Republic.

Locals take great pride in marking the anniversary of the abolition of slavery (which happened on 20 December 1848), in a festival known locally as "La Fête Cafre" (a "cafre" being the name given to an indigenous dweller of the island, now widely used to address a friend). This gesture towards the past is still very much present in society today, and as such the word "slave" ("esclave") is a grave insult to a Réunionnais.

Today, the population of Reunion is widely varied in terms of ethnic origin, which each group inheriting its respective traditions.

• Réunion Tourism website

French is the official language of Réunion, although Creole is widely spoken. Everyone understands French, as it is the language of education, but few people understand English.

French spoken with the local Reunion accent, intermingled with Creole, can be difficult to understand for native French speakers. Metropolitan French are locally nicknamed zoreilles ("ears") for their tendency not to understand and ask people to repeat.

English speakers meet every Monday evening between 19:30 and 23:00 (including during holidays) at the Moda Bar, 75 rue Pasteur, in Saint-Denis. Infoline 0692 560220. If you speak English, it is a good way of sharing ones accent, culture and language to meet travelling and resident couch-surfers. Ten to twenty people attend each week. The bar allows people to bring take out food.

See also: French/Creole dictionary

Passport and visa

Although Reunion is an integral part of France, it is not part of the Schengen area, so it has its own immigration and visa rules. Citizens of Mauritius, for example, do not need a visa for short visits to Reunion but do need a visa to visit mainland France.

The main airport is Roland Garros International Airport , near Saint-Denis ( RUN  IATA ). The vast majority of intercontinental flights arriving at Reunion come from mainland France, with a handful of other airports through the Indian Ocean. Airlines flying to Reunion are the following:

• Air France operates direct flights between Paris Orly and Roland Garros.
• Air Austral is the principal local airline, which serves numerous destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean ( South Africa , Comoros , Mauritius , Madagascar , Mayotte and the Seychelles ), as well as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport . Air Austral also offers transfers onto the TGV-Air service for various destinations within France, and the Thalys line from Paris towards Brussels. If coming from Asia, there exists a seasonal service from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport .
• Air Madagascar flies from Roland Garros to Antananarivo , Antsiranana , Nosy Be . Air Madagascar stops in at Roland Garros on its twice-weekly Antananarivo to Guangzhou, China, but does not have traffic rights to carry passengers between Saint-Denis and Guangzhou.
• Corsair offers a weekly service to Paris Orly , Lyon , Marseille and Toulouse .
• Air Mauritius has multiple daily flights to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport, Port Louis , Mauritius . The trip is 45 minutes.

For travelers from North America, travel direct to Reunion can be very expensive (well over US$2000 in economy and booked months in advance!) due to a lack of competition and lack of codesharing agreements with Air Austral at Paris-CDG. The most affordable way to travel from North America to Reunion is to book a flight to Mauritius, then book a separate flight for about US$180-300 round-trip between Mauritius and Reunion, which are less than an hour apart by air. Mauritius is served by several major carriers, such as British Airways, Emirates, South African Airways, Turkish Airways, Air France (to Paris-CDG, rather than Paris-Orly), KLM (seasonal), Lufthansa (seasonal), and Austrian (seasonal), so fares are competitive at about US$1200-1800 and can involve shorter layovers.

The small Pierrefonds Airport on the southwest side of the island near Saint-Pierre has daily flights to Mauritius on Air Austral and Air Mauritius, plus a seasonal Air Austral flight to Rodrigues .

• From Reunion, it is possible to reach Mauritius and Madagascar by boat. Two ferry services offer these routes, the Mauritius Pride and the Mauritius Trochetia. They are at 4, avenue du 14-Juillet 1789, 97420, Le Port, telephone: ☏ +262 262 42 19 45 .
• Throughout the year, a number of cruise liners dock on the island. More information should be sought through individual cruise companies.

It is often said that Réunion has more than its fair share of cars, and it's true. At certain times, the road networks can become jam-packed with vehicles, but in order to overcome this, all a visitor needs to know is when to travel and how to travel. The national road ( route nationale ) which goes round the island is double-laned for each direction in many places. Other roads are usually paved, with one lane in each direction. There have been plans to build a railway to alleviate the traffic congestion, but as of 2018 those plans have been shelved.

Hailing a taxi on the island is fairly expensive, especially when leaving the airport (expect to pay €15).

Intercity bus travel around the island is served by Car Jaune ("Yellow Bus", buses are easily recognisable by their yellow colour). There are 13 lines. Apart from these buses there are also local buses. Most of lines operate between 06:00 and 18:00 .

• Car Jaune, Ligne B, from Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre and back, Par les Bas (via the coast). Operates approximately every 1½ hours.

There is one main road around the island (74 km of it is four-lane) and another road from Saint-Pierre to Saint-Benoit ( route des plaines ) through the interior of the island.

Due to the volume of cars, traffic jams often occur so you should avoid travelling during peak times.

Because of the volcano, the road is sometimes closed along the east side of the island.

The four-lane highway between La Possession and Saint-Denis, known as the route du littoral , runs between an unstable cliff and the sea. Because of the rain (mostly between December and March), this highway may be "basculée", that is switched to a two-lane road. Expect traffic jams in such circumstances. It is being replaced by a remarkable €1.7-billion, 5.4-km viaduct a few hundred metres offshore – as of July 2023, the southbound section opened; it is not clear when the northbound section will open.

The Route des Tamarins is an expressway linking Saint-Paul and Étang-Salé offering spectacular views of the coast. With its completion, a 4-lane divided highway now runs around three-fourths of the island.

Do not underestimate driving times, even if the island seems small. The main roads, especially on the west coast, tend to jam; so do the streets of Saint Denis. The roads in the interior are mountain roads, some with many turns and steep slopes.

Car hire is available.

Reunion Island has almost 1000 km of hiking trails, with an astonishing variety of landscapes for an island. The cirques , plains and volcano have been classified as a french national natural park. The best hikes are probably in the Mafate cirque and on the volcano (see Piton de la Fournaise ). The exceptional Mafate circus has no roads, and about 800 inhabitants.

You can find hostings on main hiking places.

By aircraft

Some helicopter and airplane companies do scenic flights. These depart very early in the morning (in order to avoid clouds and fog at altitude). There are also some helicopter trips, e.g. to La Nouvelle in Mafate.

Piton de la Fournaise

The active volcano is located in the south of the island. Even the approach over the Plaine de Sable (sand plain) offers many visual highlights. Directly below the rim of the crater there is a parking lot with a magnificent view. From a safe distance, hikers can watch the activity of Mount Fire. Guided hikes to the best vantage points are offered on site by various agencies. Tours at sunset are particularly fascinating, since then the lava flows can be seen particularly well in the dark. You should not do these tours without a local guide, as the signposts of these 4-5 hour hikes are sometimes very difficult to see. But even when the volcano is not active, hikes of various lengths along the rim of the crater or the descent into the crater floor offer fascinating views. For the descent, however, you should have a head for heights, as the path winds very narrowly in zigzags towards the ground. Once at the bottom you can admire the mini cone "Leo Formica" and walk up to the "Church" (a colorful fault). If you have time and stamina, you can also climb the highest point of the actual volcano, and from there you have a magnificent panoramic view over the various lava flows to the sea. However, this should only be done when the weather is good and there is no volcanic activity (be sure to inquire at the information stand in the parking lot!). The weather changes very quickly and within an hour clouds can gather so thick that you can hardly find your way back. On the way back, make a stop at the "Maison du Volcan" (House of the Volcano) which has some fascinating video images of the last major eruptions.

Reunion is very much an island to be discovered through exploring its mountainous scenery and outdoor activities. The typical landforms of Réunion "Pitons, Cirques and Remparts of Reunion Island", have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the world heritage covers more than 40% of the island.

Réunion has some very scenic well-developed hiking areas, and it is filled with numerous hiking stages and multi-day routes in different routes. The particularly interesting part is the rugged volcanic interior of the island with the two volcanic peaks and the three crater basins.

There is also good diving off the coast of Reunion.

Reunion is part of the Eurozone, so as in many other European Union countries the currency used is the euro (symbol: € ).

It is compulsory, for the large majority of businesses, to post prices in windows. Hotels and restaurants must have their rates visible from outside.

Most shops accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) but most of them require a minimum amount for credit cards payments (usually €15).

There is a good number of ATMs (called "gabier") which don't charge you for using them.

Most shops are closed on Sunday.

Most of supermarkets are open M-Sa from 09:00 to 20:00. Some of them are open on Sunday morning.

You can find traditional objects in some shops but it's often easier and cheaper to go to a market (marché). The market in Saint-Paul is famous and you will also find fruits and vegetables: it gathers on Friday morning and afternoon and on Saturday morning.

It's a good place to buy African traditional objects, such as Oware .

Here are some ideas for gifts:

• local music;
• book or dvd about volcano's last eruption

Eat and drink

Thanks to its history, Reunionese cuisine is a mix between different cultures: French, Indian, Chinese & African

Typical dishes are cari and rougail which are a meat or a fish cooked in a sauce and eaten with rice.

Depending on the season, many tropical fruits are available, like lychees (December), mangoes, pineapples (the Victoria types in Reunion are said to be the best in the world by the locals), bananas, papaya...

At lunchtime, you can have many kinds of sandwiches and samosas in snack-bars (cheap but not very balanced, except for the spicy "achards sandwich"), and find restaurants easily (average of USD10-15). Other local specialties are bonbons piments , which are spiced and salted fritters, piments farcis , which are stuffed hot peppers, and bouchons , which are morsels of meat or fish that are surrounded by rice paste and steamed before being served with soy sauce.

Réunionnais pastries are often quite thick and sweet. There are pastries made from sweet potatoes ( gâteaux patates ) and (for a bit of an adventure) manioc ( gâteaux manioc )

Reunionese cuisine is quite safe, but ask for some dishes to ensure that they're not too spicy. The spice level is below that of much Indian cuisine.

The main local drink is rum. The lowest quality rum is made from fermented cane sugar molasses and is not aged (thus its color is clear). It is often drunk as rhum arrangé - rum flavored by fruit and spices. Rhum arrangé , being fruity and sugary, is easy to drink but beware of the high alcohol content! Higher quality rum is rhum agricole , made from fermented cane sugar juice. It is either clear, or aged in oak barrels, giving it a brown colour.

If you are looking for the most famous places, you will find them in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains on the west coast and in Saint-Pierre in the South. These are seaside resorts with many nightclubs and many trendy bars where you will have no trouble attending a Mayola show, or dancing the Sega. On St Denis, the pedestrian area laid out around the cathedral offers many restaurants and lively bars. On Sunday evening from 18:00 , the "rondavelles" by the sea offer free concerts, enough to end the week well around a cocktail or a local beer, around local "tapas": pepper candies, samosas, corks and other local spring rolls.

The traditional "wine of Cilaos" is a very sweet, quite rustic cooked wine. You will easily find some in the Cirque de Cilaos and along the roads, but not in supermarkets: the legality of this trade is debatable, but the gendarmes allow this tradition to continue.

Since 2004, the "Chais de Cilaos" have been selling modern wines (three local wines and one table wine): sweet white, dry white, rosé and red. The cellars can be visited. Fans will go to Cilaos on the occasion of the lentil festival in November or for Saint-Vincent in February. You can buy some at the Cilaos tourist office.

There are many possible accommodation types in reunion: Ordinary hotels; privately run Gîtes d'Étape; Gîtes de Montagne are mountain cabins or lodges located in the central areas appropriate and operated by Reunion Island Tourism Board ; youth hostels are operated by Auberge de jeunesse de la Réunion. There are five youth hostels at Réunion Island ; Hell Bourg, Bernica, Entre Deux, Saint Denis and Cilaos.

For European people coming from an EU country, working in Reunion is allowed without a visa or work permit. If you're from outside the EU, you will probably need a work permit. Check with the French Embassy in your country. Do not forget, though, that the unemployment rate is high. If you work in the health sector (doctor, nurse), it will be much easier.

Volcanic activity

From time to time the island experiences volcanic activity. However, this is nothing to worry about; the lava flows are fluid and slow moving, and they always go by the less-inhabited Southern part of the island. Alerts are always sent out, and authorities block roads that are covered by lava.

The season when cyclones generally occur is the Southern hemisphere's summer, from October to April. However, alerts are sent out by radio, and it's very hard to not hear about it. Should a cyclone occur during your visit, stay indoors during it.

Reunion is fairly safe - even safer than much of metropolitan France. Take common-sense precautions such as:

• Don't walk around alone at night
• Don't flaunt expensive cameras or jewellery
• Don't resist in case of aggression

Most crimes are family-related and alcohol-related

The major attraction of Reunion is the stunning scenery, with impressive walks on cliffs and, obviously, the volcano. In some high altitude areas, especially the volcano, mid-day fog may really hamper orientation; also, temperatures may drop significantly. In foggy weather, do not stray from well-marked paths. Carry layered clothing.

Stay healthy

Unlike most tropical islands, Réunion hasn't had issues with malaria or infectious tropical disease for several decades. Travelers should still take precautions against mosquito bites; in 2005-6 the island had an outbreak of Chikungunya virus spread by tiger mosquitoes.

Caution should be taken when spending time in the sun. High altitude areas may be scorchingly hot when the sun is high, and cold when it is foggy. You might not notice the sensation of sunburn forming if it's chilly out, so don't hesitate to cover up with light clothing even in the heat. It's advisable to bring your own sunscreen, as it's somewhat expensive on the island.

Sanitary and medical facilities in Reunion are very good.

As in the rest of France, French and EU residents get most of their health care costs covered by the compulsory health insurance plan ( sécurité sociale ). This plan does not cover nonresidents, who will be expected to pay full price. A travel health insurance is thus advised. Full price costs are significantly lower than in the United States.

Visitors from European Union should bring an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) - obtained in their own country before departure. The E111 form is no longer valid. Ask for details at your local health care organisation.

The major hospital is in Saint-Denis but there are various others in important cities. There are doctors in almost every village.

Tap water is usually safe for consumption. Public sources of water are unsafe if labeled with "Eau non potable" (Water not drinkable).

Emergency phone numbers

• emergency services: 112 (which can be dialled by any mobile phone, even if not connected to a GSM network);
• fire brigade: 18;
• police station: 17;
• specialised emergency medical service (called SAMU): 15.

During the cyclonic season (November to April), you should check cyclone warnings shown in newspapers or broadcast by the radio or TV. There are three states of warning:

• Vigilance cyclonique (cyclone watch): risk of cyclones in more than 24 hours, you should buy in advance enough food and water as well as batteries and candles;
• Alerte orange (orange alert): risk of a cyclone in the next 24 hours, schools are closed, try to avoid getting around;
• Alerte rouge (red alert): risk of a cyclone in the next few hours, don't move from your home and avoid using the phone, stay calm.

Réunionnais people have a sense of nationalistic pride that may seem a little unusual or unexpected. It's an island phenomenon that's difficult to explain to people from the mainland. However much someone shouts about the island's superiority from the rooftops, do not be concerned about xenophobia.

Country code: 262

Dialing within Reunion: all numbers have 10 digits. Landlines begin by 0262 and mobile phones by 0692 and with 0693.

Dialing to Reunion: international prefix + 262 + phone number without the first 0 (this leads to dial twice 262 which is normal). If you dial from mainland France, just use the 10-digit number.

Dialing from Reunion: the international prefix is 00.

Calling to a mobile phone is more expensive than to a landline. Number beginning by 0800 are free phone. Number beginning by 089 are premium-rate.

When the new EU roaming regulations came into force, more EU-based mobile providers started offering roaming in Reunion. Many of them even treat Reunion the same as roaming in mainland France, so you can use your plan with no additional charge. Few out-of-EU mobile phone companies offer international roaming to Reunion, however, so double-check with your provider about availability and pricing before leaving. Your company should specifically state that they offer roaming to Reunion (or include it in their EU roaming allowances) since it has different mobile phone companies from mainland France (and as an outermost region of the EU, EU providers are not required to include it in their roaming allowances). If you have service from a provider in mainland France, specifically check that your plan covers the "DOM" (overseas departments).

Alternatively, you should be able to get a Pay-as-you-go SIM card from various locations. There are three companies offering wireless services: SFR (SRR) , Orange Réunion , and Free Réunion . As in mainland France, Free is the cheapest offer by far, at €9.99 a month for 50 GB and unlimited talk and text locally, to mainland France, and to landlines across Europe.

La Poste, the French national mail carrier, is responsible for postal service on Réunion. Post offices are found in all cities. Post boxes are bright yellow.

Postage rates

Less than 20g (postcard, letter with one or two pages in a regular envelope - as of 4 April 2022 ):

• France (including Overseas Territories DOM-TOM ), priority (airmail) letter: €1.43
• Rest of the World, international priority (airmail) letter: €1.70

The basic stamp for regular mail is red with the head of "Marianne" (the Republic logo). It does not state its euro value and can therefore be used even after a price increase. It is sold in all Post Offices, Bureaux de Tabacs (Tobacco sellers identified by a red lozenge) and postcard vendors. The latter may also carry other common stamps.

In most Post Offices you will find an automatic machine (yellow) with a scale and a screen. Just put your mail on the scale, tell the machine (French or English) the destination, pay the indicated amount and the machine will deliver a printed stamp.

Chronopost, UPS and DHL offer parcel services.

• Paris is reached by daily flights.
• Other East African islands with good connections are Madagascar , Comoros , Seychelles and Mauritius .
• Remote islands of the southern ocean are reached by the supply ship Marion Dufresne, which has tourist berths. This sails four times a year from Réunion on a one-month circuit of Crozet Islands , Kerguelen , Île Saint-Paul (where tourists may not land), Île Amsterdam and back to Réunion.

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

Reunion Island Itinerary: How to See the Best of Reunion Island in One Week

October 9, 2018 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

Visiting Reunion Island last month confirmed a longstanding theory I’ve had about myself.

Guys, I’m quite certain I’m French.

I mean, I’ve been obsessed with learning French since I was 10. I’m in a committed menage a trois with baguettes, coffee and wine. My Patronus is probably a packet of French fries…you get the point.

But arriving in Reunion as part of the first-ever Tails of a Mermaid Getaway, it hit me. I felt completely at home on this little island as I slowly remembered my French vocab. It was like reconnecting with an old friend.

So, if you find yourself with your mouse hovering over that button to buy a ticket to Reunion Island, here’s a 4,000-word guide ( YIKES ) to everything you need to know. I’ve also included the complete one-week Reunion Island itinerary that Natalie put together and travel tips to help your trip run smoothly.

Go get yourself a snack, a cup of Joe and get ready to read this BEAST of a post.

Pssst…Want more Reunion Island and Africa travel tips? Check out these other posts:

• Rum As You Are: A Delicious Guide to Reunion Island’s Signature Rhum Arrangé Drink
• 15+ Wonderous Waterfalls in South Africa That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
• Reunion Island: The Perfect Tropical Escape for LGBTQI+ Travellers
• 20 Incredible Visa-Free Countries South Africans Need to Visit in 2020

Table of Contents

The Best Time to Visit Reunion Island

How to find cheap flights from south africa to reunion island, how expensive is reunion island, how to get your visa on arrival for reunion island, what is the reunion island cuisine like, la bische de mer in la saline le bains, reunion island travel tips, reunion island itinerary day 1, beach day at le hermitage les bains, lunch at le manta restaurant, watch the volcano erupt at night, breakfast at saint pauls market, head home for a potluck lunch and cocktails on the beach, dinner at thai run, helicopter tour of the west coast, a traditional creole lunch, host your own rhum arrange workshop, canyoning at grand galet, lunch at chez jim, dinner at los marinos, breakfast at la case a pains, rent a transparent kayak or go snorkelling, dinner at la bonne marmite, reunion island itinerary day 7, your one week reunion island itinerary.

Photo by: Natalie Roos (Tails of a Mermaid)

If you’re not a fan of crowds, plan your Reunion Island itinerary around the shoulder season. Temperatures in April, May, and September are still warm, and you don’t have to worry about those pesky cyclones. Prices for hotels have yet to skyrocket, and you’ll find fewer tourists hogging the hiking trails or all the good spots on the beach.

But if crowds aren’t a deal-breaker for you, book your trip to Reunion Island between June and August. You’ll escape the freezing South African winter and get to swap your parka jacket for a bikini and a tan.

Another popular time to visit the island is during the December holidays. Reunion is known for it’s epic New Year’s Eve party on the shores of the Hermitage lagoon. People are known to sleep on the beach to reserve their spot; floating bamboo bars become a thing and music is played well into the wee hours of the morning.

Just make sure you book your accommodation and rental car well in advance or your trip to Reunion might get turned into an impromptu camping holiday.

How to Get to Reunion Island from South Africa

One of the top questions people asked me before my Reunion Island trip was:

“ Ummm where is Reunion Island? ”

Reunion Island is located in the Indian Ocean. It’s a 45-minute flight from Mauritius and only a 4-hour flight from Johannesburg. It’s a French territory and is part of the EU.

And no, Reunion Island wasn’t colonised. The island was only inhabited by some pigs the Spanish left behind. Since then, the French, as well as people from Mozambique, India, China, Madagascar, and the Comores, have lived on the island.

I’m happy to report that flights from South Africa to Reunion are waaaay cheaper than a roundtrip to Paris .

Depending when you book, you can pick up a return flight for around R 5000.00!

There are two flights a week from Johannesburg to Roland Garros International Airport with Air Austral. The best way to find the cheapest flights is to use Skyscanner . It’s an airline comparison site with powerful search features that let you filter results by the cheapest month to fly.

I’ve also written a complete guide on tips and tricks for f inding cheap flights from South Africa . It’s helped me score fares like an R 3200 return flight to Kenya!

Well, that depends… how does your wallet feel about Euros ?

If it’s like mine, it’s probably hiding in a dark corner, shivering, trying to think of happier times.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Reunion Island may use the Euro, but the prices aren’t as expensive as mainland Europe.

Meals at restaurants range between EUR 7 to 10 (R 117.00 to R 170.00). If you hit up the more bougie places, you’re going to come back home a lot poorer.

A coffee on the beach will set you back EUR 1.50 (R 25.00) and indulging in freshly baked ba, and croissants are a super budget-friendly (albeit delicious) way to destroy your pre-holiday diet.

Scoops of vegan ice cream decorated in the shape of a melting flower will only cost EUR 5 ( R 84.00) and beers range from EUR 1,50 to EUR 3 (R 25.00 to R 50.00).

If you want to keep your food costs down, hit up grocery stores and cook your own food. You’ll have more money left in the kitty for exciting things like snorkelling, canyoning and flying over one of the most active volcanoes in the world! (more on that below)

Paperwork is my vice.

I don’t hate it. I LOATHE it.

Visa applications are my nemesis by default.

So I do not jump, I leap and sprint and scramble when a destination offers visa-free for South Africans as well as no visa on arrival fees.

Reunion Island is one of these holy grails.

South Africans get a 90-day visa on arrival for Reunion Island at the Roland Garros International Airport.

All you need to do is walk up to the immigration officer, say “bonjour” , and in a couple of seconds, your green mamba passport will have a fancy new stamp.

It’s that easy.

Read More:  The Complete List of Visa-Free Destinations for South Africans

How to Get Around Reunion Island

If your Reunion Island itinerary is full of hiking into the mountains, driving up to the volcano and whizzing around the island, hiring a car is an excellent option. You’ll have more freedom getting around and will have an easier time visiting attractions or areas where public transport is infrequent.

You can hire a car at the airport as long as you have an international drivers permit , a trusty credit card for the deposit and you can handle driving on the right-hand side of the road.

All of Reunion Island’s major towns are connected by a local bus service, Car Jaune . The buses run between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and there is a limited service on Sunday. You can buy a single ticket for EUR 2 (R 33.00)  or a day ticket for EUR 6 (R101.00).

Reunion Island’s food is something special.

It’s a mixture of cuisines from China, India, France, Madagascar, and mainland Africa.

The result is an exotic, flavourful cuisine that will leave you piling up food for seconds, thirds and probably even fourths.

As a vegan traveller, I couldn’t try too many of the traditional dishes, but I didn’t go home hungry. There are options! You can get a tasty bean stew with rice, as well as sides like roasted potatoes, salads etc.

If you’re staying in Saint-Denis, there is one vegan restaurant in the city, Vegan Hope as well a vegan-friendly health store, La Vie Claire.

Where to Stay in Reunion Island

Photo by: La Bische de Mer

The best place to stay in Reunion Island is the West Coast.

Not only does it have the best weather on the island, but it’s where you’ll find a natural lagoon.

It’s formed by a wall of coral, keeping Reunion Island’s most infamous inhabitant – the bull shark – far away from nibbling on your legs.

With a healthy ( and incredibly hungry ) population of sharks around the island, Reunion authorities banned swimming and surfing everywhere except for the lagoons.

During my week in Reunion Island hosted by Tails of a Mermaid, we stayed in a self-catering bungalow at La Bische de Mer . The accommodation is steps away from the beach, a charming bakery and delicious restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to base yourself if you’re looking for that quintessential island holiday.

The studio bungalows come with two bathrooms, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, linen, towels, and an outside dining area. There is also free WiFi, a pool and secure parking.

One thing to keep in mind is that reception for La Bische is not 24 hours. If you plan on arriving after 4:00 p.m. you’ll need to make arrangements in advance to ensure you can check-in.

Studio bungalow for two people: R 1,500 per night Bungalow for four people: R 2,500 per night

Not what you had in mind? Use Hotels Combined to search all the hotel booking sites in one place. All you need is one tab to see if Booking, Hostelworld or Expedia has the best deal.

[maxbutton id=”2″ url=”https://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/La_Saline_Les_Bains.htm” text=”COMPARE HOTEL PRICES IN REUNION” ]

• Language: French is the main language on Reunion Island. English is not widely spoken even in the capital city of Denis. I’d recommend learning a few basic phrases to help you get around. You should also buy a sim card and put that Google translate to work! It will make getting around and communicating SO much easier.
• Currency: The currency used on Reunion Island is the Euro. You don’t need to exchange your Rands at the airport. Instead, authorise your bank card for overseas withdraws. Your bank fees will often be lower as money exchangers will add a commission. It’s also a good idea to check what your bank offers. For example, Capitec doesn’t charge for international swipes.
• Electricity: Reunion Island uses European-style two-round-pin plugs at 220c, 50Hz. South African travellers will need to buy an adaptor. You can get one from the shops in OR Tambo Airport after you clear immigration.
• Drinking water: It’s safe to drink the tap water in Reunion Island. I’d recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with you that you can top up each day. It’s better for the environment, and you can use those extra Euros you save to buy better things – like food!
• Reunion Island SIM Card: If you want to buy a SIM card while in Reunion Island, you need to make sure it is unlocked. You can get a local number from either Orange or SFR. You’ll also need your passport to complete the purchase.
• Travel insurance: Reunion Island is full of adventurous activities like diving, paragliding, and canyoning. Make sure you choose a travel insurance provider that will cover you for extreme sports. World Nomads has an excellent policy for adventure seekers and are known for paying out with minimal hassle. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
• Opening Hours in Reunion Island: If you’re planning a trip somewhere, always double-check its opening hours to avoid disappointment. Sundays and Mondays aren’t a popular time for shops and restaurants to be open. Many establishments also prefer only opening after 12:00 p.m

Read More:  Reunion Island: The Perfect Tropical Escape for LGBTQI+ Travellers

First things first: check into your hotel. When you arrive in Reunion Island from South Africa, you’ll land around 20:00 p.m.

After you get through immigration, grab your bags and collect your car, it’s still another 50-minute drive to La Saline Le Bains, so chances are you won’t be up for doing much.

Get your room key, snag that well-deserved shower and hit the pillows.

(I’d recommend packing some snacks in your bags as most restaurants close around 9:00 p.m.)

Reunion Island Itinerary Day 2

Le Hermitage Les Bains is one of the most beautiful beaches on Reunion Island . It’s white sandy beaches are framed by towering palm trees and the sparkling blue lagoon is full of curious fish. It’s the perfect spot to ease into your holiday.

Spend the morning working on your tan, cool off in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean or hire a snorkel mask and follow the colourful fish around the lagoon.

Read More:  5 of the Most Spectacular Beaches on the West Coast of Reunion Island

When hunger inevitably strikes, there are plenty of restaurant options nearby. If you’re on a budget, there are sandwich stalls selling treats for only a couple of Euros.

But if you’re in the mood for something more substantial, head to Le Manta. It’s right on the beach front with tasteful decor inspired by the island. The menu is 100% in French, and the staff don’t know that much English. You’ll need Google to translate to understand the menu.

There aren’t many vegan or vegetarian options. All I could really have besides a salad was a vegetable platter for EUR 14.

Yes, that hurt.

Address: Boulevard Leconte de Lisle, L’Ermitage-Les-Bains, Réunion Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 14:00 and 19:00 to 22:00

Piton de la Fournaise is a bubbling pit of activity.

It’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and also easily accessible.

You can hike it, bike it or fly above it.

If the volcano is busy spitting lava during your visit, leave Saline des Bains around 3:00 p.m. and take the two-hour journey to the start of the hiking trail. You’ll be in time for sunset and get to witness Mother Nature doing shit that you don’t see in South Africa.

WARNING: It’s hella cold up here.

I’m talking Johannesburg winter with Cape Town’s howling winds. Make sure you pack warm pants, decent walking shoes, and as many jackets as you can fit on you.

If you want to take photos of the volcano at night, pack a sturdy tripod. I’d also bring something you can use as weights in case the volcano is super windy that night. I did not bring a tripod, so learn from my mistakes and appreciate my subpar photography work.

By the time you’ve finished freezing your ass off, restaurants nearby will be closed. Pack an easy dinner that you can enjoy before you start the long journey back to your hotel.

Reunion Island Itinerary Day 3:

Skip a big breakfast and leave some space for the delicious Creole treats that await you at Saint Pauls Market. It’s one of the best markets on the island with more than 300 vendors selling exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, local spices, and handmade clothes.

During our trip to the market, we each spent EUR 10 (R168.00) on something for a group potluck lunch. You’ll be surprised how much you can get for nine people at that price.

The vendors only accept cash. If you’ve forgotten to draw out money or need more for another bottle of rum arrange, there are ATMs nearby. The closest one we found was about a six-minute walk away from the market.

Top tip: Parking can get a wee bit crazy. Try to get here as early as possible if you don’t want to struggle to find a spot.

Address: Boulevard du Front de Mer, Saint-Paul Opening hours: Fri 6am-5.30pm, Sat 6am-12pm

Read More:  Rum As You Are: A Delicious Guide to Reunion Island’s Signature Rhum Arrangé Drink

After you’ve shopped and tasted your way through Saint Pauls Market, head back home for an easy potluck lunch.

Eat your bounty at the hotel or take it to the beach for a picnic.

Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up the sun and catching up on some much needed RnR.

Before the sun starts to dip, make your way to Planch’Alize. It’s a great cocktail spot on the beach that will give you uninterrupted views of the sunset.

Address: Rue des Mouettes, La Saline-Les-Bains, Réunion Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

I know what you’re thinking.

“A Thai restaurant when there is all that delicious Creole food on the island?”

Yip, because Thai Run is no ordinary Phad Thai spot.

In fact, you’re probably not going to be able to get what you want, which is why it stole a bit of my heart.

Thai Run changes its menu every day. There are set starter, main and dessert options. You can’t order anything that’s no offered, which forces you to get out of your usual palette routine and try something new.

The only tricky part is that vegans and vegetarians will struggle a bit here. When I went, there was no main option that didn’t have meat or fish.

Instead, I got a starter of massive fresh spring rolls and papaya salad. All my food and drinks cost me EUR 20.

If you want to make sure there is something on the menu for you, I’d recommend calling ahead. The owner speaks English and will happily translate the menu of the day for you.

Thai Run can only hold about 10-15 people. Reserve your spot beforehand even if there is only two of you. But if the restaurant is full, they do offer a takeaway option.

Address: 8-10 Route du Trou d’Eau, La Saline-Les-Bains, Réunion Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 22:00.

Reunion Island Itinerary Day 4:

Grab a coffee and a croissant from Boulangerie Au Petrin de Provence, hop into the car and drive up to the headquarters of Corail Helicopter Tours.

With the volcano on the island spewing lava, there is no better time to splurge on a flight to witness the eruption from above.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself:

“ When is the next time I’m going to be able to see a 300,000-year-old volcano erupt and I don’t have to run from it? ”

It’s a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience that is well worth the 180 EUR.

Chez Herbert doesn’t look like much from the outside.

Located across the road from L’Ermitage Beach, it’s flanked by cheap red, plastic chairs. But it boasts some of the  best traditional Creole cuisines on the West Coast.

The menu is budget-friendly, and there are delicious options for vegetarian and vegan travellers. I’d also highly recommend finishing up your meal with a cold Bourbon beer.

C’est Magnifique!

Ever wanted your own signature drink?

Well, now is your chance!

Head to the local supermarket and pick up some ingredients to make your own rhum arrange. It’s an iconic drink on Reunion Island, and everyone has their own unique recipe.

For our workshop we used the following:

• A bottle of rum
• Cinnamon sticks
• Vanilla pods
• Dried orange
• Sugar cubes

You can pick and choose what ingredients you’ll like in your arrange, but don’t skimp on the sugar. Once you’ve created your masterpiece, you’ll need to leave it unopened for three to six months.

Reunion Island Itinerary Day 5

Grand Galet is the most beautiful waterfall on the island and deserves a spot on any Reunion Island itinerary.

It’s also the perfect spot for an intense adrenaline rush. The canyoning starts at the food of the massive Grand Galet waterfall. You’ll zipline down to the base where you’ll begin traversing over the rocks as you make your way downstream.

The jumps range from one to seven meters (never compulsory) and natural slides formed by the gushing water.

If you’re a coward, like me, or you don’t like cold water, like me, you can still head up to Grand Galet and relax at one of the nearby waterfalls.

Half day canyoning trip: EUR 55

After plunging yourself into ice cold water for a few hours, you’re going to work up quite the appetite.

About 10-15 minutes away from the Grand Galet waterfall is a traditional Creole restaurant called Chez Jim.

English is not understood that well here, so you will need to make use of your limited French skills or Google translate to make your order.

The prices are also more expensive than the other creole restaurants on the West Coast. If you don’t have room in your budget for a mini-splurge, instead pack your own lunch or wait until you get back to the hotel.

Address: 194, route de la passerelle langevin Saint Joseph RE 97480, 194 Rue De La Passerelle, Réunion Opening Hours: Monday to Tuesday from 10:00 to 16:00 and Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00

Taco, taco, burrito!

Los Marinos is an exceptional Mexican restaurated in Saint-Gilles les Bains.

It even has a bathroom with its own sound system blaring techno beats and a colourful disco ball to welcome you every time you open the door.

It’s the definition of making your poo as LIT as possible.

The menu is an equal showstopper. Choose from delicious burritos, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and even salads.

Vegans and vegetarians can easily adjust menu items, but most importantly there are churros with Nutella for dessert.

Address: 14 bis, Rue De La Poste, Saint-Gilles les Bains, Réunion Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:30 to 15:00 and 18:00 to 22:00

Reunion Island Itinerary Day 6

La Case A Pains is a picturesque French bakery full of delicious sweet and savoury treats.

They also offer a set breakfast menu that includes a cup of coffee for only a couple of Euros.

It’s the perfect spot to people watch, grab a few cute Instagram pictures and slowly start your last full day on the island.

Address: 93 Avenue de Bourbon, L’Ermitage-Les-Bains 97434, Réunion Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 to 19:00

Spend the afternoon exploring Reunion Island’s lagoon from above. The transparent kayaks can fit one or two people and lets you see 75 feet below the water.

If you’re not a well-coordinated human being (like me), you can rent snorkelling gear on the beach for a couple of Euros.

Keep an eye out for tropical fish species like the Moorish Idol, Emperor Angelfish, Yellow Teardrop Butterflyfish and the Giant Moray.

End of your Reunion Island itinerary with an all you can eat buffet at La Bonne Marmite. Indulge in all your favourite Creole foods until you literally have no more room for another mouthful.

There are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans ( you won’t have to worry about sticking to a salad ). I grabbed mountains of rice, spoonfuls of the different bean stews and all the other vegetable side dishes.

The meal will set you back EUR 19, but for the amount of food you get, it is well worth it.

Address: Route du Trou d’Eau, La Saline-Les-Bains, Réunion Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 19:00 to 00:00

It’s time to head back home.

Grab the tissues and get ready to prepare all those TBT posts on Insta.

With only one flight from Reunion Island to South Africa at 10:35 on a Tuesday, you’re going to need to wake up early. Aim to leave the West Coast around 7:00 so that you can make it to the airport in time for the 8:30 check-in and bag drop off.

You don’t want to underestimate the traffic on the island, or you’re going to unexpectedly extend your stay and take a costly indirect flight back home with Air Mauritius.

Oh HEY!! You made it to the end!

You’re such a trooper. Or maybe you just scrolled to the end because TL;DR?

Either way, thanks for making it all the way down here.

But if you want to add more things to your holiday plans, go paragliding for EUR 80 or tackle one of the island’s many hiking routes.

Which part of this Reunion Island itinerary are you DYING to explore? Is it the delicious Creole cuisine, the crystal clear lagoon or the exploding magma from the Earth’s core? Drop me a comment below.

Psst…Want more Africa travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

• 5 of the Most Spectacular Beaches on the West Coast of Reunion Island
• The Complete List of Visa-Free Countries for South Africans
• The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit

?If you like it then you should put a pin on it ?

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

October 13, 2018 at 8:00 am

Oh. My. Gosh! How did I not know you could hike up the active volcano on Reunion?? Thank you so much for this great itinerary. I’m fairly sure there are direct flight to Johannesburg and Mauritius from my home in Perth so this would be quite an easy trip with a family 🙂 Such a great write up and amazing photos. I’m off to tell my hubby where our next hiking trip is going to be….

October 13, 2018 at 9:13 am

Yes, I think there is a direct flight now! It’s a super long 10-hour one hey? I hope they feed you at least 6 meals :p I didn’t know there was a volcano either! So happy Natalie included a hike and a heli flight in her Reunion Island itinerary. Once in a lifetime experience for sure!

October 13, 2018 at 9:15 am

This is a stellar, thorough itinerary! I’ve never heard of Reunion Island before, but the food sounds incredible, and the waterfall is astounding. Thanks for helping me find another place to add to my bucket list 🙂

October 15, 2018 at 7:18 am

Awww 🙂 Glad to hear Reunion Island has captured your heart to Chelsea! I hope you get to visit this incredible little island soon.

October 13, 2018 at 9:17 am

This looks awesome! We can fly from Australia to Mauritius and then I guess connect to Reunion Island, so it might be a good option for us. My son is in a French International school so after a year or two he can even be my translator haha

October 15, 2018 at 7:17 am

Hahaha yes put those school fees to work 😛 I know there are flights between the two islands. A few people on my flight were connecting in Reunion Island before continuing their journey over to Mauritius.

October 13, 2018 at 6:51 pm

Love the way you write, laughed a few times while reading this 🙂 Reunion is a place I have heard of, but know very little about. But this post was fantastic and comprehensive and now I think I’ll have to add it to the neverending list! Gorgeous photos, by the way!

October 15, 2018 at 7:16 am

I know what you mean by the neverending list! This little spinning rock we call home has so many incredible spots to explore. I didn’t know much about Reunion Island before I went on this trip. It stole a piece of my heart for sure.

October 13, 2018 at 7:31 pm

Wow what an amazing article!!! The island just looked beautiful and I loved your photos 🙂 definitely saved this for my future references!

October 15, 2018 at 7:14 am

Thank you! So stoked to hear you liked my Reunion Island itinerary 🙂 I’ve been trying to work on my photography more and I’m glad you liked these photos. I’m quite proud of them.

October 13, 2018 at 7:37 pm

How is this my first time hearing about this place?! This looks incredible! And what a perfect place for a girls trip. Thanks for the comprehensive guide! Definitely adding this to my bucket list.

October 15, 2018 at 7:13 am

Reunion Island is an amazing spot for a girls trip! So glad I decided to go with a group and ditched my usual solo travel self for a bit 🙂

November 22, 2018 at 9:16 pm

Deep into planning for a old girls ‘reunion’…. this seems to tick all the boxes for the 3 of us. Did you just book online directly with all the places you mentioned? including flights? and should car-hire be booked prior to travel or are there enough to rent on arrival….. not sure about navigating the roads and 9pm at night the first night we arrive – yoh. any tips welcome x

November 23, 2018 at 9:00 am

Hey Leigh! Yes, the accommodation and flights were all booked online. I’d recommend reserving your car before you arrive especially if you arrive at night, just so it’s one less thing to worry about. Navigating the roads at night is not hard at all. All the streets and the highway is well lit, it’s just driving on the right side of the road that’s confusing in Reunion. Take your time and you’ll be fine 🙂

February 14, 2019 at 3:35 pm

Hey Lauren, thank you for all the information. I will be there on the 21st of this month, arrving via MRU. Are there any taxis available to take you to your accommodation from the airport. Prefer not to drive while on holiday, easier on the pocket too! Much appreciated.

February 27, 2019 at 9:54 pm

Hi! Yes there are 🙂

September 12, 2019 at 9:53 pm

Loved this article. It just confirmed what I needed to know about west coast. Hoping to go next May to St. Paul. Did you go through there? It seemed like a good choice.

September 13, 2019 at 10:16 am

Hey Margaret!

So glad to hear you enjoyed my Reunion Island itinerary 🙂 Yes, we went to market in St. Paul, it’s a gorgeous area 🙂

June 14, 2021 at 9:38 am

Thanks for this post. You are a great ambassador of Reunion and I am happy that your stay with us went well. See you soon on our little rock !

June 21, 2021 at 10:27 am

Ahh thank you! I can’t wait to come back!

January 26, 2023 at 3:22 pm

Uhmmmm I’m sorry the statement is not entirely correct: “And no, Reunion Island wasn’t colonised. The island was only inhabited by some pigs the Spanish left behind. Since then, the French, as well as people from Mozambique, India, China, Madagascar, and the Comores, have lived on the island.”

Yes, there are other nationalities that had inhabited the island as you mentioned. However, the French colonization definitely occurred in 1642-1946. In 1665, the settlers were deployed to the island by the French East Indian Company to initiate colonization. Réunion Island became an overseas department and region of France in 1946, with the headquarters of the French military forces in the Indian Ocean were established on Réunion in 1973, and the arrival of personnel were also withdrawn from Madagascar.

This is an African island that belongs to France and you say that it was never colonised?

February 6, 2023 at 1:56 pm

I was told by my Reunion tour guide, it’s not considered to be colonised because there were no people living on the island at the time. A definition of colonised is also “settle among and establish control over (the indigenous people of an area).” So that’s what my tour guide was referring to. I hope that makes sense? But it was colonised in the sense of the French sending people to go live there to establish political control over the island.

January 26, 2023 at 4:00 pm

Thanks tell me what did the entire holiday including accommodation, car rental and activities cost per person?

February 6, 2023 at 1:50 pm

Hey Tay, I went to Reunion in 2017. So I don’t remember off-hand, and the prices will have definitely changed because of the havoc the pandemic caused on the travel industry. I’d recommend looking up the current prices for everything so you can create an accurate budget.

March 22, 2023 at 1:40 pm

Love that is a south African’s perspective! What is the internet like there? I’m thinking of a work holiday. Thanks!

April 7, 2023 at 9:09 am

Hey Lauren, I know there are a few co-working spaces on Reunion so it should be good for a working holiday 🙂

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Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Travel to Reunion Island | A Guide You Will Appreciate

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

It was dark when our plane descended through the clouds and landed on Réunion Island. It was slightly disconcerting arriving after dark. I couldn’t see the beaches, the mountains, or anything that looked remotely tropical. Instead, aside from the humidity, I could very well have arrived in Europe, which technically, I had.

Réunion is a tiny little piece of France in the Indian Ocean! I somehow made my way through customs and immigration, collected my bag, and found my taxi, all without speaking a word of English; before setting off into what, for me, was a completely unknown destination.

I’d gone to Réunion Island to take part in Xterra Réunion, an off-road triathlon race, and had done absolutely no research about my destination before I boarded my flight. I’m here to tell you now some of the things I wish I’d known before I’d got there. But first, some basic facts:

Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Travel to Reunion Island

1. location.

Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean is an overseas department/region of France. It is located approximately 340 miles east of Madagascar and 109 miles southwest of Mauritius .

2. Population

As of January 2021, Réunion had a population of 858,450.

3. Language

As in the rest of France , the official language of Réunion is French. In addition, a majority of the population speaks Réunion Creole.

4. A Brief History

Little was known about the island, which was uninhabited prior to the arrival of the Portuguese, who landed here in 1513. In the 1640s, the island was occupied by the French, who claimed it as their own, renaming it Ile Bourbon. The island was renamed Réunion in the 18th century and became prosperous, along with the nearby island of Mauritius, because it was on the shipping routes between Europe and Asia. Sugar plantations, worked by slaves imported from Africa, formed the major sector of the island’s economy. Slavery was abolished on December 20, 1848 (a date celebrated annually on the island), though indentured workers continued to be brought to Réunion from other places, predominantly South India. The island was a French colony until 1946 when it was granted the status of “Overseas Department.” Réunion is now one of the most far-flung parts of the European Union.

5. How To Get There

It isn’t easy to get to Réunion; there are few travel options and most of those are expensive.

One option is to fly from Mauritius; the flight is only 45 minutes. A one-way ticket from Mauritius to Réunion costs around 80 euros (around $93).

Option two would be to take an Indian Ocean cruise. That way you could combine Réunion with Madagascar , Seychelles , and Mauritius, though this would mean you wouldn’t have much time to totally experience the island.

The third option would be to look for a cheap flight. The cheapest is usually via Paris. A one-way ticket can be as little as 150 euros (around $175), which isn’t much for a 12-hour flight!

6. Best Time To Go

The best time to visit Réunion Island is May–November when the weather is generally dry and cool. It starts to get hot and rainy from November–April. Réunion is known for its torrential rainfall, so it’s advisable to avoid the monsoon season.

7. Getting Around

Possibly the most daunting experience of my entire Réunion visit was collecting my rental car on day one! Unaccustomed to driving on what was, for me, the “wrong” (left) side of the road and the “wrong” (left) side of the car, I was nervous as I took possession of the little white Peugeot that was supposed to get me around for the next few days. I don’t have a great reputation with my family for certain aspects of my driving, particularly reverse! While I think their comments about my driving are vastly exaggerated, I was still rather apprehensive when it came to getting behind the wheel. For those of you not used to left-hand drive, be forewarned.

8. What To Eat And Drink

Réunion offers a wide range of exotic food and drink. Eating is one of the favorite Réunionese activities and mealtimes are family occasions. The island is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Indian, Chinese, French, Malagasy, and mainland African dishes have all been absorbed into and contributed to the island’s cuisine, making the local food interesting and exotic, but not too spicy or bizarre.

My top suggestions for what to eat and drink on Réunion include:

• A taste of French bakery and sweetness in the shape of baguettes , croissants, pain au chocolat , and macaroon s of all flavors and colors
• Poulet bitumine is a deliciously crispy chicken found in little roadside stalls all over the place. The name literally means “tarmac chicken.”
• Chou-chou is originally a South American vegetable (part of the gourd family); it’s best smothered in white sauce and cheese, and then grilled — called chou-chou gratin.
• Rougail is a delicious chili sauce you’ll find on the side of most dishes: a bit bitter, a bit sour, a bit salty, and a lot spicy!
• Carri is a regional specialty, a Creole dish in which Indian spices and local ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, or seafood are simmered together.
• Bourbon, the local beer, is affectionately referred to as the Dodo. It comes in an adorable little “medicine bottle” shape, and is the absolute perfect thing to drink after a busy day.
• Rhum arrange is rum infused with pineapple, litchi, cinnamon, or even orchid flowers; it’s dangerously delicious!
• Ti’ punch is straight rum, some sugar, and a little lime. The first time I tasted this, I thought the barman had made a mistake! I’m not accustomed to drinking a glass of straight rum, but by the end of my visit ti’ punch and I were firm friends.

Things To Do On Réunion Island

Visit an active volcano.

Located within the Réunion National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you will find Piton de la Fournaise (The Peak of the Furnace), one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The volcano has had more than 150 recorded eruptions since the 17th century, with the most recent in April 2021.

Piton de la Fournaise is one of Réunion Island’s most popular tourist attractions and about 400,000 people visit every year. It is pretty accessible to all, whatever your age or fitness level. You can drive to the rim of the external crater and simply gaze at the peak in the distance. Or, if you have the time and inclination, you can climb it, starting from the waves lapping at its base in the Indian Ocean, and ultimately reaching its summit, which is often in the clouds.

A huge part of Réunion’s appeal is found high above sea level, inside the towering volcanic calderas left behind from the island’s violent volcanic history. These calderas, or cirques, offer amazing hiking opportunities and have more than 600 miles of hiking trails.

Piton de Neiges, or snow peak, was formed by the Réunion hot spot and emerged from the ocean about 200,000 million years ago. Now deeply eroded and inactive for the last 20,000 years, it is surrounded by three massive crater valleys: Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie, all famous for their hiking routes. Of these three, Mafate is the most challenging, as it is completely inaccessible by road. The trails are definitely not for those suffering from vertigo and should not be hiked alone. Fortunately, I was accompanied by Nicolas Cyprien, a local Réunionese guide, who not only knew the way but also filled me in on all kinds of information as we headed off into the wild heart of the island. 

The Beaches

Whilst hiking and the outdoors may be the most popular reasons for visiting the Réunion island , you will inevitably end up on the beach at some point in your trip. Réunion has its fair share of idyllic beaches, here are a few spots to get you started:

• Plage de L’Hermitage is Réunion’s most popular beach and gets quite crowded over the weekends. The sand is as white as it gets, the water is crystal clear, and casuarina trees provide some shade. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear.
• Away from the crowds, Plage de la Salines is a perfect stretch of salt and pepper sand, just south of Plage de L’Hermitage. The beach is long, so it’s never hard to find a spot, and you can enjoy views that stretch all the way south to Saint-Leu. There are a few clear patches for swimming, but this is a great place for snorkeling. Sadly, the coral is mostly bleached, but there are lots of tropical fish.
• One of Réunion Island’s finest black sand beaches is Plage de l’Etang Sale , a prime spot for watching the sunset or mixing with the locals.
• Plage des Brisants , also known as surfer’s paradise, is famous for its waves. The beach’s fame does not stop with surfing though, a popular annual film festival is held here, so if you are a movie buff, look out for the announcements.

Pro Tip: A word of caution about swimming. Réunion Island has become so notorious for shark attacks, that swimming and surfing are banned outside the coral lagoon. Eleven people have died in shark attacks since 2011.

Visit St. Gilles

Once you’re done with the beach and are looking for some culture, St. Gilles is the place to be. Situated on the western side of the island, the town is known for its eclectic mix of art and cultural shows. The streets are lined with numerous bars and nightclubs, playing an array of music from jazz, rock, and dance music to traditional local music.

Shop At Saint-Paul Market

Saint-Paul Market runs from Friday morning to Saturday morning — a full 24 hours — and sells some of the most exotic fruits and vegetables you have ever seen. Food is not the only thing sold here though, the market is also famous for art and souvenirs.

Picnic At Langevin Or Trois Bassins

Langevin, a waterfall in the south of the island, is one of Réunion’s best-kept secrets. Alternatively, rent a canoe and head to Trois Bassins on the west coast. These are two of the island’s ultimate picnic spots and are well worth a visit.

Swim With Whales and Dolphins

Whale season on Reunion Island is from June to September, when these giants migrate down to the warmer Indian Ocean waters from the Atlantic to mate and give birth. There are companies like Duocean that organize boat trips to see and swim with these cetaceans.

Usually, the ideal places to see them are on the west coast, around the Bay of Saint-Leu. 

Blower dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins are in these waters at any time of year, and diving schools can take you out to swim alongside them.  As you swim in big groups you are not at risk of shark attacks.

Visit Saga du Rhum

You can choose between a guided or independent visit to the museum inside the Isautier Distillery, the oldest one still in use on the island. The Saga du Rhum is a museum devoted entirely to Reunion’s rum. As with any distillery, there’s a bar where you can try Reunion’s various rums for free at the end. The rhum range includes “agricultural”, “traditional” and infused rum, or varieties that have aged in the cask for different periods.

Among other trophies, the Saga du Rhum Museum was also awarded the Accessibility Trophy in 2014 for the best museum on the island for the disabled.

So there you have it, my round-up of things to know about Réunion, and what to do while you are there. Have a great visit and enjoy!

How to Reach Reunion Island?

You will have to travel to Reunion Island by plane. The island has two airports: La Réunion Roland Garros airport near Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds in the south of the island. There are three direct Air France flights to Reunion Island from mainland France.

Are There Active Volcanoes on Reunion Island?

Yes, Reunion Island is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, the snow-capped Piton de Fournaise. The interesting fact is that France has as many active volcanos as Iceland, albeit in its overseas territories and departments.

Why Visit Reunion Island?

Not as well-known as nearby Mauritius, Reunion Island is one of the most intriguing spots on earth. With its extraordinarily varied terrain that includes coral reefs, waterfalls, lush forests, rare birds, and plant life, this little-known gem is a dream destination for ecotourism and adventure sports. 

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Reunion Island?

Ideally, you should go during the dry season from May to early November. Scuba diving and snorkeling are most popular between April and November. The impressive humpback whales stop off near Reunion during the breeding season, between August and October.

Where to Stay on Reunion Island?

Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains in the west is where the best beaches and stunning beach bars are. There’s a local weekend market and some great restaurants. Also, Saint Pierre on the south coast is one of the most dynamic cities on the island.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

Reunion Island : Nature and Culture United

“Discover the Enchanting Island of La Reunion : A Journey through its Majestic Volcanoes, Stunning Beaches, Lush Forests, and Diverse Culture”

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Discover the lost paradise of Reunion Island: Explore the Cirque de Mafate and its breathtaking landscapes

Here are some key facts about reunion island , also known as “the intense island” :.

• Status : a French overseas department and region
• Area : 2,512 km²
• Population : 850,000 inhabitants
• Capital : Saint-Denis
• Languages : French and Reunion Creole
• Religions : Catholic, Hindu, Chinese, Muslim
• Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About French Reunion Island

Discover the natural wonders of reunion island.

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, 800 km east of Madagascar and 200 km from Mauritius, Reunion Island is a tropical island. It is home to a very active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, which has frequent eruptions that offer a spectacular show. The island’s interior has a chaotic relief dominated by Piton des Neiges, which rises to 3070 m above sea level and is the roof of the Indian Ocean. This region is home to a unique flora and fauna, making Reunion Island a paradise for nature lovers. In 2010, Reunion Island was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its “Pitons, cirques and ramparts”, thanks in part to the creation of the Reunion National Park, which covers 43% of its territory. Reunion Island also has a rich coastline, with lagoons and white sandy beaches, as well as wilder coasts, cut and beaten by the Indian Ocean.

About History of Reunion

A journey through the rich history of la réunion: from île bourbon to the current multicultural society.

La Réunion was known to Arabs since the 12th century and was discovered by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. It was successively called Dina Morgabim, Santé Apolonia, île Bourbon or île Bonaparte before taking its current name of La Réunion Island after the abolition of slavery in 1848. It remained a colony until 1946, when it became a department and experienced significant development. La Réunion has a rich history spanning several centuries, particularly marked by its sugar industry. It has leveraged its history and cultural diversity to form an open and tolerant society, which is a true model of living together, rich in cultures and traditions.

La Réunion : Exceptional Geography Featuring Lagoons, Wild Coasts, and Mountains.

The geography and natural heritage of La Réunion Island are exceptional. The beaches and lagoons on the west coast, the wild coasts on the east and south, the three majestic cirques of Salazie, Mafate, and Cilaos in the center of the island, as well as the numerous peaks, waterfalls, and ramparts offer spectacular panoramas and breathtaking views. The famous active volcano of Piton de la Fournaise is also one of these natural wonders, which has earned the island its nickname of the “island of great spectacle.” La Réunion’s tropical climate is tempered by the trade winds, making it neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter, but climatic conditions and temperatures can vary considerably between the coast and the heights due to the island’s rugged relief, which also creates many microclimates.

The exceptional natural heritage of La Réunion: unique flora and fauna

The natural heritage of the fauna and flora of La Réunion is extraordinary and incomparable, making the island a true treasure and a sanctuary of nature. Thanks to its isolation and difficulty of access, a large part of its territory has remained in its original state, and nearly half of the island’s surface is protected as the La Réunion National Park.

The Réunionese flora is particularly remarkable, with a large number of endemic species. As for the fauna, it is mainly composed of exceptional terrestrial birds and insects. The reefs, lagoons, and seabed of La Réunion also harbor a remarkable biodiversity, which is subject to special protection within the marine nature reserve.

The unique culture of La Réunion : Between crossbreeding, cuisine, music, and spirituality.

The culture of Reunion Island is shaped by its diversity and cosmopolitanism, resulting in a rich and unique blend of influences. The Creole language is widely spoken, and the island’s culture includes a variety of local products, dishes, and musical styles such as Sega and Maloya. Due to the diverse origins of its population, Reunion Island is home to various religions, including Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.

The Chinese community also venerates Guan Di, a warrior hero turned deity. Religious events throughout the year reflect the openness, tolerance, and welcoming nature of the Reunionese people. Emerging traditions from the island’s history are cherished by locals and are upheld in daily life.

Réunion Island: Discover a unique culture and authentic activities at the heart of the intense island.

The island of La Réunion is abundant in activities, excursions, hiking, and sports to participate in, as well as a unique heritage and culture to discover. Creole villages are an excellent way to experience the culture and meet locals. Along the coast, there are beaches, water activities, and a lively nightlife, while the highlands offer breathtaking landscapes and refreshing authenticity. Tourism in La Réunion is different from more common destinations, providing immersion in the preserved Reunionese culture, away from mass tourism. Local culture is still prevalent, from music and dance to cuisine and architecture. Despite the modern consumer society that has taken root on the island, La Réunion fortunately retains its Creole charm and way of life. This travel blog offers several articles on the possibilities offered by the island of La Réunion, whether for tourists or locals.

La Réunion: A spectacular island with its beaches, cirques, and active volcano.

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Best Time to Visit La Réunion

Climate Overview

General & Geography

Climate on la réunion.

Beach Vacation in February

Best Time to Visit La Réunion: Overview

When is the best time to travel on la réunion, climate chart la réunion, saint denis.

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Table La Réunion

Temperatures, precipitation, sunshine in saint denis (la réunion), current weather and forecast.

Best Time to Travel for the Regions

Saint Denis: all except January, February, March, and April

Distances to La Réunion

Where’s la réunion, continent: africa, la réunion: experiences of our visitors.

Very pleasant climate. Met a lot of nice people. All in all a successful work assignment.

Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent

In the morning the weather was great with blue sky. Around 12 o’clock it got clogged up in the mountains. It was usually very good by the sea.

Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

Sunny, very warm on the coast, occasional short showers. In the mountains clear view in the morning, from noon often cloudy and rarely rain. Getting up early is definitely worth it, then great walks are possible.

It was nice and warm on the beach and pleasant to hike in the mountains.

Landed in pouring rain and everywhere waterfalls on the slopes, which was very impressive. Unfortunately, some hiking trails are not usable, but there is always (!) an alternative on this versatile island…It is also worth getting up early and seeing fantastic mountain panoramas that cannot even be guessed behind the clouds, all the more gigantic when the wind breaks up the clouds…It was always very warm, even rather humid…in the higher altitudes pleasant… All high peaks were seen several times in the 3 weeks..The sea was pleasant for swimming, diving and snorkelling, clear water…

Hello, we had it mostly sunny partly cloudy but always pleasant

Weather Rating: 3 stars – Mixed

many showers and sunshine alternated but always pleasantly warm

warm, sunny occasional rain, sea bath temperature, clear blue water

From late in the morning it often clammed up. Then it rained in showers every now and then. The temperatures were muggy-hot with about 30 degrees. The mountain peaks were never visible during our stay of 7 days. Unfortunately always cloudy.

It was pleasantly warm, but not too hot, unfortunately it rained on some days. Unfortunately, the humidity during the hikes was a little bit too humid.

on the west coast nice and warm.in the mountains (cirques) in the morning very nice ,covered in the afternoon light rain east coast

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​Best Time To Visit – Réunion

Réunion is great to visit anytime outside the cyclone season from January to March. July to October are the driest months and the cool temperatures are ideal for hiking. Be warned though, the mornings and evenings are cold at this time. It gets very busy from July to the end of August as these are the main French school holidays.

May to November – Dry Season – Winter

• Lovely weather with lots of sunshine
• Not as hot and humid as the Wet season
• Perfect for hiking
• June to October is the whale watching season
• July and August are high-season months

December to April – Wet Season – Summer

• Low season; fewer visitors and lower rates
• Lots of rainfall and it is hot
• Cyclone season is January to March
• Christmas and Easter holidays are busy

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