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First time in paradise: the best things to do in Réunion Island  

Feb 22, 2021 • 5 min read

Grand Galet Waterfall is a must for any first visit to Réunion Island © Tony_ftn/Shutterstock

Hikes in lush tropical forests, spectacular views over an active volcano, secret baths under waterfalls, cultural diversity… Réunion island has it all and more.

A tiny French-speaking island in the Indian Ocean, tucked between Mauritius and Madagascar , La Réunion is only 2500 km2. But don’t be mistaken by its size: home to over 200 micro-climates, it is a treasure for landscape variety. This volcanic island also hosts more than 800 endemic species; no wonder its national park has been added to Unesco's list of World Heritage sites. Its population is also extremely diverse; as history brought people of European, Asian, African ancestry and more together, they have learnt to coexist and create exchanges between cultures. First time traveling to La Réunion? Here are some of the best things to do. You are in for a colorful adventure!

Editor's note: during COVID-19 , there are restrictions on travel. Always check the latest news before booking any trip, and be sure to follow local health guidance.

Piton de la Fournaise

La Réunion was born about three million years ago from volcanic activity. Although the ancient volcano that created the island is now asleep, its younger brother, the Piton de la Fournaise, continues to erupt today. It is one of the most active hot spots on the planet and also a spectacular sight.

To enjoy the most complete view over the craters, drive by car up to the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint . You will go through the lunar Plaine des Sables , a red-earth plain giving out an otherworldly impression. It is recommended to reach the viewpoint in early morning as a sea of clouds usually glides in around 9am.

Plage du Tremblet

Regular volcanic eruptions shape the island, leaving fascinating sites to visit, especially in the south-east. Ever wondered what becomes of lava once it’s reached the ocean? Head down to Plage du Tremblet. This black sand beach is overlooked by a hardened lava flow born from a historic eruption in 2007.

Feel more of the volcanic energy by taking an excursion into lava tunnels. A few experienced tour guides will take you below the earth and into the womb of La Réunion for a real insider’s experience. Make sure you book with a certified guide by choosing the ones recommended by the Tourism Office or checking their background.

The highest summit today, the now inactive Piton des Neiges once gave birth to La Réunion. It now forms three calderas (a depression caused by the collapse of a volcano after erupting) called cirques. Peaks, ridges and valleys make them magnificent hiking sites with mountain paths attracting adventurers from all over the world. Mafate, the most famous crique, was once the refuge for people escaping from slavery who chose the inner mountains as protection from slave hunters. It remains accessible only by foot.

A common hike into Mafate starts from Col des Boeufs down to La Nouvelle village. Around there, walk through Plaine des Tamarins, a centuries-old tamarind tree forest, and spend a night in one of the the ilets, extremely remote villages at the heart of the cirques.

Salazie is another caldera, this one accessible by car. It is highly recommended for visiting Creole villages, one of them lovely Hell-Bourg. Guided tours, which you can book at the town’s own tourism office, can help you understand the lifestyle of tenants back in the day. Take a couple of hours to admire the renowned Case Folio with its traditional architecture and pretty fountain at the front of a lush tropical garden.

A small western coastal town, Saint-Leu has much to offer. Outdoor sports aficionados will enjoy paragliding, taking off from overlooking hills for an epic flight. After that, take a walk along Pointe au Sel, searching for secret coastal basins where you can refresh with locals in pristine waters. Finally, if you want to understand more of the Reunionese flora, head to the Conservatory of Mascarin , a vast botanical garden gathering all species growing on the island.

Sud Sauvage (Wild South)

While the north and west coasts are more urbanized, the south has remained wilder and more traditional. Primitive forests and vast sugarcane fields run downhill towards rocky beaches battered by turquoise seas. Don’t miss the small, often busy beach of Manapany-les-Bains, the white sand cove at Grand Anse  and the volcanic rock cape at Cap Méchant . If you still have time, head back into the lands and drive along the Langevin river, until you reach the beautiful Grand Galet waterfall.

Cultural festivals

La Réunion has been populated by people of various ethnicities over time. Today, it is a melting-pot of African, Malagasian, Indian, Chinese and European origins. Communities, traditions, beliefs and ways of life have blended to form a unique culture on the island, commonly called Creole (to be understood as local). Get to know the island’s multicultural background through museums, but also by visiting religious venues, such as the Hindu temple Le Colosse in Saint-André, or the Chinese Guan Di temple in Saint-Pierre, the largest venue of its kind in the Indian Ocean as of today.

Look at the calendar to find out if you can witness some of these highlights: a Walk on Fire performed by the Tamul community (December-January) to honor Goddess Pandialé; the Chinese Guan Di festival (generally in July or August); or else the Hindu celebration of Light, Dipavali (November). Strangers are welcome to attend all of these celebrations. Some of them are even designed to share the community’s culture with outsiders. 

Local canteens and markets

When traveling to Réunion, food is a must. Only through local cuisine will you completely understand the perfect multicultural blend and the list of local specialties is very long. You will find typical meals in La Réunion are shaped by Chinese, Indian, African, French influences and many others.

Eat your heart out at beach snack-bars with bouchons  (steamed meat dumplings), samoussas  (fried triangular snacks often stuffed with spicy meat), bonbons piment  (spicy chickpea snacks). Don’t hesitate to enter canteens offering caris , the local dish with almost infinite variants (meat or fish cooked in a more or less spicy sauce). The most typical will be cari poulet  (chicken), rougail saucisse  (pork sausage) and cabri massalé  (Indian masala goat). If you want to go a little fancier, choose civet zourite  (octopus). 

Last but not least, select the best tropical fruits at the markets, especially in December-January: mangoes, lychees, pineapples, anons, longans… delight awaits!

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A One Week Itinerary for Reunion Island

Countries > Reunion > One week itinerary for Reunion Island

If you’re planning a romantic, yet adventurous getaway, or you’re looking for an offbeat destination in the Indian Ocean to explore, then this itinerary for Reunion island is going to be all you need to get started with!

In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a visit to Reunion Island, including details on where to stay in Reunion, where to eat and even things to do in Reunion. This free guide to the island can be used to plan a trip for 5 days, 7 days or upto 20 days. This guide is themed around a one week itinerary for Reunion Island.

Hi, I am planning to visit Reunion Island, in September midweek with my wife for 5-7N, can you please help me with all the important details.. Thank you

All details on itinerary, visa and transport are mentioned in the blog posts we have published on backpacksters.com/reunion . If there is something more specific you are looking for, please let us know? 🙂

hi. need referance for someone who can get us visa exemption from india. namaste india site is not opening

Please WhatsApp Anne directly on +262692240386 and she can help you prepare for Reunion visa/entry 🙂

Hi, We have tried to contact the number given, but no response.

Hello Premjit, please try again on a weekday! If that does not work, please use the other option mentioned in the blog – reach out to Reunion Toursime directly on their contact page and they will definitely help! You can also contact Austral Voyages, an agency, directly, if these two don’t work.

namasteindia dosent work . Anne dosent work .. can u suggest some other travel agency who can curate 7 d itenary . thanks

Hello Shripal, please use the other option mentioned in the blog – reach out to Reunion Toursime directly on their contact page and they will definitely help! You can also contact Austral Voyages, an agency, directly.

Hi..thanks for the detailed itinerary. I have 2 queries though- how can we make phone calls? Does our Sim work there? Do we need to have International liscense for renting a vehicle?

Yes, your Indian sim on roaming will work and so will a local sim that you can buy there! And yes, IDP is required for renting and driving

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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.

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Reunion Island

It is home to the highest peak in the Indian Ocean and one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, the Piton de la Fournaise. In Reunion Island, between two diving sessions, all the paths lead to the Hauts, the crucible of the singularity of the island with a big show! Lunar landscapes of the volcano with lush circuses, the Reunion Island is revealed in all its splendor, including the mixed flavors of a cuisine as fragrant as the local vanilla ...

The must-sees of your trip to Reunion

If it were necessary to retain a place to visit during a trip to Reunion, it would be the volcano Piton de la Fournaise. The ideal is to be at the rendezvous when it spits lava and incandescent projections from the top of its 2632 meters, which occurs several times a year. But even out periods of eruption, the walk to the observation point is well worth a look with its panorama of the lunar desert of the caldera as far as the eye can see!

To climb to the highest peak of the island, if you are well trained, it is the snow peak that you must choose, asleep volcano and roof of the Indian Ocean (3,071 meters). We can also vary the pleasures with a helicopter ride in the Iron Hole, a chasm nearly 300 meters deep dug in the massif of Piton des Neiges where falls a fall on 725 meters of elevation: impressive!

On holiday in Reunion, hiking enthusiasts are filled with 900 kilometers of marked trails and three hiking routes. One of them connects the three cirques, born from the collapse of the Piton des Neiges: 60 kilometers of a stroll through dazzling landscapes. Dominated by the Piton des Neiges, the circus of Cilaos is the driest. You can also savor its beauty by climbing to the large Bénare, the 3rd summit of the island at 2,898 meters, which offers a bonus on a view of the circus Mafate. Accessible only on foot or by helicopter, the Mafate Circus is the wildest and most authentic with its isolated islands (plateaus).

From the top of the Maïdo peak (2,190 meters), accessible by car, its spectacular scenery is particularly impressive. Punctuated by the spectacular waterfall of the Veil of the bride, the circus of Salazie is of an unheard-of luxuriance. With its creole houses and gardens, the village of Hell Bourg is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Head in the clouds, we almost forget that Reunion Island also has its feet in the Indian Ocean.

Near Sainte-Rose, to the east, the Cascades Cove is the link between basalt stone and the sea, creating a real oasis for picnickers between fishing boats and tropical vegetation. On the beach of Roches noirs, we take advantage of the opening on the ocean to swim. And in Saint-Leu, we watch sea turtles swim in Kelonia, environmental awareness center gathering 1,500 m2 of pools fed with seawater.

What to do on the island of Reunion?

The holidays in Reunion are also the promise of strong moments. After climbing the Piton des Neiges, why not spend the night? It's the assurance of admiring an unforgettable sunset (and sunrise!) On the three cirques!

You can also enjoy a dive in the Marine Nature Reserve: a real giant aquarium that is home to more than 3,500 marine species. Or attend the ballet of humpback whales, sperm whales and fin whales aboard a boat. Unless you prefer to swim with dolphins, one of the 22 species of cetaceans on the island!

Culinary trip to Reunion

Between French, Chinese, Malagasy and Indian inspirations, gastronomy in Reunion reflects the intermingling of a culture rich in influences. Typical dishes usually made from pork, poultry or fish such as curry are usually accompanied by rice, grains (beans, lentils ...), brèdes (vegetable shoots), pickles (raw vegetables spicy). ) and rougail tomato, the traditional sauce. Everything is perfumed with spices such as ginger, saffron or turmeric. For dessert, over the seasons, we tasted Victoria pineapple, different varieties of bananas, mangoes (over 50 varieties!), Litchi, guavas or papayas.

But you also have to taste the ti'son cake, the corn flour, and sweet potato cake deliciously flavored with vanilla!

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Reunion Island Complete Travel Guide

Spectacular-right? Feel like going to this exotic looking island on the Indian Ocean? This is a complete travel guide to Reunion Island, a French Overseas Territory. Know the location of Reunion Island, how to go to Reunion Island, and places to see there. In addition, know about the rare avifauna of Reunion Island, and the island’s beautiful Bourbon roses.

Bonaparte Island was first discovered only around 1507 AD. At the time of its discovery, it was uninhabited. The credit of discovery of Reunion Island goes to a Portuguese sailor.

At the turn of the 16th century, some French sailors moved in. Just before them, several residents of Madagascar made Bourbon Island their home.

When the French people were expanding their habitat in Reunion Island, they brought thousands of Tamil people from India’s Pondicherry which was then under their control.

Reunion Island is a volcanic island and there is still an active volcano there.

As far as the languages of Reunion Island, French and Reunion Creole are widely spoken. Tamil is also a language spoken among the Indians living in this Island.

The size of the Reunion Island

Its length and breadth measure 63 km by 45 km respectively.

The capital of it is Saint-Denis. The entire Reunion Island is an ultra-clean nation with excellent roads and other infrastructures. Saint-Denis is a very big modern city.

Where is Reunion Island?

Bourbon Island sits on the Indian Ocean. In order for you to visualize its location on the Atlas, I give some facts below.

• Madagascar is located to the west of Reunion Island.
• Mauritius is located 175 km away to the northeast of Reunion Island.

Here is a map showing the location of Reunion Island.

How to reach Reunion Island

The capital of this Island, Saint-Denis has an international airport that receives flights from several European cities that include, Paris and Lisbon.

The flying time from Paris to the capital of this Island is eleven hours.

I think it will be much more exciting to go to Reunion Island from Mauritius by boat.

If you still prefer a shorter duration flight, reach Mauritius first, from wherever you are. There is no dearth of flight connections to Mauritius.

From Mauritius, the flying duration to Reunion Island is only 55 minutes.

What to eat in Reunion Island?

Being a French overseas department, you can find French cuisine everywhere.

Since it has a strong Indian and African influence, you can eat the corresponding food in Bourbon Island.

As you can expect, the ubiquitous Chinese cuisine is widely available in Bonaparte Island .

Any specialty food Reunion Island that you should try ?

Yes, certainly! Have you ever eaten the meat of Hedgehog? I believe it as exotic food like the island’s flora and fauna.

Hedgehog carri (curry) is eaten with boiled rice cooked in Indian style.

I read somewhere that the Reunion Islanders also eat the meat of ‘civet’.

There are numerous species of civet. The above image is just one of them.

Another unique food that you should try when you are traveling in Reunion Island is the eggs of Wasp( kind of kleptoparasite that lays its eggs on another wasp species).

Wasps undergo a phase of ‘larvae’. The natives of Reunion Islanders (mostly the Tamils) make a dish called “ Rougail ”, a kind of semi-solid porridge out of the larvae of Wasps.

Wow! It is truly an exotic dish of Reunion Island.

The native staple of Reunion Island is rice cooked in various forms accompanied by meat and vegetables.

Here some more dishes you can eat in Reunion Island.

• Biriyani (a typical Mughal cuisine imported by the Indians)
• Dumplings (momos)
• Carri Bichique

Drinks of Reunion Island

Well, you will find most of the liquors and wines brewed in France. I don’t think there is any local drink.

What can you see and do in Reunion Island?

Volcanoes of Reunion Island come to my mind first when it comes to the sightseeing attractions in the Island.

The calderas that are the byproducts of volcano eruptions are equally attractive to see.

Piton de la Fournaise is the most important volcano of Reunion Island.

It erupted in as late as August 2019.

See the flow of red hot lava from the Piton de la Fournaise volcano.

See the video in full-screen mode to appreciate nature’s ultimate fury.

The volcano’s summit is situated at a whopping 8600 feet above sea level.

Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world similar to the Hawaiian volcano named “Kilauea” that also erupted almost at the same time.

Another volcano whose summit is located at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level is called “Piton des Neiges”.

Calderas of Reunion Island

There are three calderas in Bourbon Island belonging to three different volcanoes.

• Cirque de Cilaos
• The Cirque de Salazie
• Cirque de Mafate.

The word “Cirque” must mean a ‘caldera’.

A tourist who visits Reunion Island is first taken to see the volcanoes and calderas. I think it will be a full-day tour of volcanoes and calderas of Reunion Island.

One particular crater is so large that there are human settlements inside the crater! Yes, there is a village is existing in a caldera.

Beaches in Reunion Island

We are touring an island, buddy! Naturally, there are beaches on all sides of the island and somehow, only a few beaches attract visitors. I think travel bloggers like me make even obscure beaches famous.

People from France regularly visit various islands of their motherland that are located in far off oceans and seas. Reunion Island is one such tourist attraction for them.

They love to spend quality time in tropical beaches of Reunion Island that attract tourists with their scenic shores that are lined with eateries and bars.

Some of the beaches of Reunion Island that are touristy:

• Boucan Canot Beach

• Grand Anse beach

• Hermitage Beach

• L’Étang-Salé black sand beach

• Le Vieux Port green sand beach

• Manapany Beach

Surfing in Reunion Island

Foreign tourists who arrive at the Reunion Island are usually goaded by the travel blogs’ mentioning of ideal surfing spots in the Reunion Island. Among several places to surf on the island, the most thronged-after surfing spot is La Plage des Brisants.

Niagara Falls, Reunion

Wow! Breathtaking! I think if you name a waterfall the  ‘Niagara Falls’, it becomes a spectacular sight. Look at the falls! There is something in the name ‘Niagara’.The water is falling from a great height (180 feet) and as it nears the falling spot, it seems voluminous-eh?

Mafate Cirque

The place certainly looks dreamy. It gives a sense of chill to the tourists when they go to visit the Cirque Mafate, a caldera in Reunion Island.

There are no vehicles to take you to witness this spectacular geological wonder; you only have to trek through tough conditions. Nevertheless, that doesn’t deter hiking enthusiasts that you can see climbing up eagerly to catch the beautiful cirque on their cameras.

On their hiking hails, trekkers will find hidden waterfalls and stumble onto suddenly appearing ravines dramatically.

Paragliding in Saint-Leu

A serene beach that is deserted. Often, you will see such beaches in Bourbon Island. Saint-Leu is a small village that commands quite a lot of attention from Paragliders. I suppose the conditions are favorable in Saint-Leu for paragliding.

Moreover, Saint-Leu is also good for surfing.

Here is a bird’s eye view of the Saint-Leu beach of the Island.

Grand Bassin

Aren’t you captivated to look at this stunning place? If you want to stand there, you have to walk nearly 5 km with in the Island and reach an islet called Grand Bassin.

Hiking buffs from Africa and France are lured by the scenic beauty of Grand Bassin and plan an exclusive trip to Reunion Island just to enjoy a session of walking on the islet.

There is a waterfall called Mariée waterfall that is always deserted except for a few birds that try hard to find some prey there.

Tourism is on the rise to Grand Bassin and the local residents to help the tourists by guiding them through the hidden gems of the village.

Watch the grand spectacle of Sunset in Reunion Island

You don’t have to walk a long distance to watch the sunset in a small island-right? Just walk down the small pier and the sun will set exclusively for you.

Grand Galet Falls, Reunion Island

This cascade of waterfalls is found in the Reunion National Park that is part of the commune of Saint-Joseph.

Saint Joseph commune is located on the southern tip of the Island.

Do you know that the Reunion Island is shark-attack prone?

Bird watching

Reunion Island is incredibly beautiful with its typical tropical landscape, copious rainfall, densely forested mountains.

Such a scenario is ideal for birds to make Reunion as their favorite home. Even God agreed to the birds’ preference by creating more species of birds that became endemic to Reunion Island.

Here are some of the birds you can watch on Reunion Island .

• White-Tailed Tropic Bird

• Marsh harrier
• Barau’s Petrel

• Red Fody-a native of neighboring Madagascar

• Paradise Flycatcher

• Frigate Bird

I think this bird is found on the islands of the Indian Ocean and East African forests.

• Cuckoo Shrike

Some more birds that you can easily spot and identify in Reunion Island are:

I think spotting and identifying all the birds of Bourbon Island will keep you engaged for a whole day.

Animals and insects of Reunion Island:

Well, the ubiquitous spotted deer are roaming freely in the tropical Rainforests of Bourbon Island. There is a particular reptile in the chameleon family which is a native to Reunion Island that can be seen but you have to have a lot of patience.

I read about a spider, rather big with yellow and black color are seen everywhere in Reunion Island.

Marine creatures

You are reading a complete travel guide to Reunion Island on the Indian Ocean. Surely you must be wondering to know a bit of the marine creatures that one can spot in Reunion Island.

Here are the marine creatures of Reunion:

Parrot Fish

Conger eels

Whale watching in Reunion Island

You have read Reunion has reported numerous shark attacks. If you want to watch them from a safe distance, you can do so. There are guided facilities for shark and whale watching in Reunion.

In addition, you can spot the following marine mammals while you are trying to stay safe from the killer sharks.

• Humpback whales
• Spotted Dolphins
• Risso Dolphins

Flora of Reunion Island

Rare Bourbon rose in Reunion Island.

I think this is the first time you are hearing about the Bourbon Rose.

Bird of Paradise Flower, Reunion Island

The birds of paradise are the most beautiful birds on earth. You can spot them in Papua New Guinea.

This attractively colored flower is named after the birds of paradise because of its striking color and unique shape.

Euphorbia Mill or Thorns of Christ

This flower is a native of Madagascar, a neighbor of Reunion. The thorns look scary but the pink color flower is beautiful.

Flamboyant Flower

OMG! This fiery red flower is called “Flamboyant Flower”. What an apt name. You will the trees bearing this brilliant flower throughout the Reunion Island.

Orchid flower

Beautiful! I never saw a pure white orchid.

Where can you stay in Reunion Island?

Saint-Devis is, by all means, a modern city developed by the creative French people with the help of Tamil speaking Indians and Africans.

Therefore, you will find hotels that are tastefully built and fitted with all the modern facilities and amenities.

The most recommended hotels to stay in Reunion are:

• Bellepierre
• Hotel Du Center
• Mercure Créolia, St-Denis La Réunion
• Hotel Select Ocean Indien

What can you buy in Reunion?

You can buy clothing similar to the ones that the locals wear that include the flowered Bermudas and round neck t-shirts.

Additionally, shop for pure, locally grown spices.

So, how do you like the Re union Island tourist information provided thus far? I think you will be eager to see the exotic flora of Reunion Island, the volcanoes, cirques, and calderas.

Reaching the Reunion Island is also quite easy and the food is familiar with most of us.

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One comment.

Fantastic post, Reunion Island seems to be a nature lovers paradise. Offbeat from the regular touristy destinations.

Tourist portal and business directory of Reunion Island, Tourism, Places to visit, Hotel, Restaurant, Event, Activity

Le guide de la réunion, prepare and organize your trip to reunion island with this complete guide to intense island. discover and visit this magnificent piece of france in the indian ocean and enjoy its circuses, its volcano, its beaches and its national park classified as a unesco heritage site, for unforgettable holidays ..., reunion island guide, our complete guide to discover and visit reunion island.

It's decided, your next vacation destination will be the Reunion Island , and your goal, to discover and visit the intense island! How to visit Reunion Island? Before embarking on this incredible adventure, find yourself in this Reunion Island Guide , all the useful information for your trip. Where is the meeting located and where does this island come from? Its climate? When and how to get there What to do once there and or sleep ? Prepare your stay in Reunion by following all our advice and tips and discover this land of mixed race, in our Reference travel guide on Reunion Island.

Our article has been written in a specific order for a better reading experience, but if you have limited time to read our comprehensive guide to Reunion, you can jump directly to the section and topic you desire through the summary. below, we wish you a good reading to discover and visit Reunion! If you prefer a paper guide, we recommend the Backpacker's guide 2021/2022 on Reunion Island

Guide du Routard Réunion 2021/2022

• Where is the meeting located?
• What time is it in Réunion?
• Where does Reunion Island come from?
• Presentation of the meeting

Reunion in video

• The discovery of Reunion
• Climate and weather of Réunion
• When to go to the meeting?
• Tourism in Réunion
• What to do in Reunion?
• What to see at the meeting?
• Where to sleep in Reunion?
• What do we eat in Réunion?
• Where to go out in Reunion?
• How to get to the meeting?

Living, expatriating and living in Réunion

• News, Info and Media in Réunion
• Figures and practical information on Réunion
• Tips and advice for a stay in Reunion Island

 Guide - Where is the meeting located?

Small tropical island of France of 2,512 km2, Réunion is located to the southwest of the Indian Ocean and to the east of Madagascar and the African country of Mozambique . It belongs to the Mascarene archipelago with its little sisters Mauritius and Rodrigues Island in the southern hemisphere. 9,300 km from Paris and 800 km from Madagascar as the crow flies, Reunion Island has inherited the nickname of the intense island. Nickname that fits him like a glove and you will understand why as you read on. Where is Réunion on a map?

Back to summary

Guide - What time is it in Réunion?

Réunion is in the UTC + 4 time zone. It is therefore four hours longer than the UTC time of the Greenwich Mean Time. It has a two-hour shift with Paris and mainland France during the southern winter and a three-hour shift during the southern summer. The time change is made on the same date as the summer and winter time changes in mainland France, at the end of October +3 hours and at the end of March +2 hours. View the current date and time in Réunion below.

Actual hour The meeting

Guide - where does reunion island come from, birth of réunion.

Reunion, as we know it today, was born from an alliance between e Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise . On a hot spot located on the earth's crust at the bottom of the Indian Ocean, the two volcanoes are developing. 3 million years ago, a large-scale volcanic activity caused the Piton des Neiges to spring from 4,000 meters deep from the ocean to over 3,000 meters above sea level. 2.5 million years later, it is Piton de la Fournaise's turn to point the end of its crater. Their various eruptions and erosion will come to shape the island of Reunion, giving birth to its steep relief so particular.

Guide - Presentation of the Meeting

The hauts reunion.

The heights of Reunion Island quite simply correspond to what is not on the coast, so in the mountains on more or less steep reliefs. The island being the fruit of two volcanoes, the Hauts Reunion therefore represent approximately 80 % of the territory. On one side we find the Piton de la Fournaise covering 25 % of the intense island with 30 km in diameter, made up of the Bory crater and its highest point, the Dolomieu crater at an altitude of 2,632 meters. On the other side, the Piton des Neiges coating 40 % de la Réunion, surrounded by its 3 magnificent calderas that are the Mafate Circus in the north-west, the Circus of Cilaos to the south and the Circus of Salazie to North-east.

Wedged between its two mountain ranges, the Plain of Cafres to the southwest and the Plain of Palmists to the northeast, two lands extremely rich in vegetation separated by the Bellevue Pass . Several forests, including the magnificent F Bébour tropical forest , as well as a myriad of pitons, ramparts, planezes or even inaccessible valleys. In order to preserve these extraordinary landscapes and its exceptional biodiversity, Réunion National Park was created on March 5, 2007, covering 42 % of the Reunion territory in 2016. The loop has been closed by Unesco, which includes Réunion on the 1st August 2010 as a world heritage site for its “Pitons, cirques and ramparts”.

The coast of Réunion

Reunion has around 210 km of more or less wide coasts, between 0 and 5 km. The bay of Saint-Paul is the only opening that sinks into the Reunion coast, its borders are rather homogeneous. On the other hand, there is a huge difference between the East coast and the West coast of the intense island. The coast to the west invites you to swim and relax with its sandy beaches, its casuarinas trees and its 22 km of lagoons, such as Saint-Leu beach or even the Hermitage beach . The east coast remains much wilder with a few rare pebble and sandy beaches. Its cliffs and basaltic expanses, sculpted by the lava flows from Piton de la Fournaise, are nonetheless splendid to observe.

Reunion Island owes this atypical physique to its young age, because even if 3 million years seem phenomenal, it is not much compared to its neighbor Mauritius which is approaching 9 million years. This is the reason why beaches and coral reefs are few and must be preserved. To ensure the proper development of the lagoons on the west coast of the intense island, the Réunion marine nature reserve was created in 2007. It starts from Cap la Houssaye in Saint-Paul and ends at the Roche des oiseaux in the Étang-Salé encompassing all the lagoons of the island over some forty kilometers, except that of Saint-Pierre.

The active volcano of Réunion

If the Piton des Neiges died out over 20 centuries ago, the Piton de la Fournaise he does not fall asleep on his laurels. According to the volcanological observatory of Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF), it has erupted on average once a year for 2 centuries. No need to worry since this effusive volcano is harmless and offers stunning spectacles to Reunion Islanders, as well as to tourists lucky to be present on this occasion. The intense island thus reaches the dimensions of 71 km long and 51 km wide, occasionally modified by the molten lava which flows into the Indian Ocean.

Reunion map

Discover Reunion with this interactive map of Reunion Island provided by Google map

To find out more about the geography and maps of Réunion.

Video and drone shooting of the main places to visit and not to be missed during your stay on Reunion Island. You will be able to see among others in this video, Piton de la Fournaise , the circus of Mafate ,   the Plain of Sands , the Hermitage beach,   Belouve ,   Grande Anse beach , Cap Méchant , the circus of Salazie , the Plain of Cafres , and  the Pas de Bellecombe   !

To see more videos on Réunion

Guide - The discovery of Reunion

Discovered by the Portuguese Pedro de Mascarenhas in the 16th century , Réunion is named Mascarenhas, whose archipelago will keep the name Mascarene, but remains uninhabited.

In 1646, the Compagnie des Indes appropriated it in the name of the King of France Louis XIII and left 12 exiles there to test the capacities of human adaptation on the island. The French settled there in 1663 renaming Mascarenhas, Ile Bourbon. They bring with them slaves from Madagascar and Africa, making up 80 % of the population, who cultivate coffee, then sugar cane.

The slaves succeed in finding a common language through song and dance, thus is born the maloya and the sega. Some try to escape bondage by hiding in the reliefs, they are called “the maroons”. Those who get caught are severely punished, whipped, branded with a hot iron, or even suffer the death penalty after 3 attempts to escape.

During the Revolution, Bourbon Island became Reunion Island, then Bonaparte Island under the Empire until 1810 when the English occupied the island for 4 years and gave it back to the French. It definitely becomes the island of Reunion again.

On December 20, 1848, slavery was finally abolished in Reunion, but to compensate for the lack of manpower, a new concept was born, indentured labor. A 5-year employment contract binding a foreign “employee” to work on an owner's land in return for remuneration.

This is how workers from India, China and Madagascar arrive who unfortunately realize too late of the deception, slavery disguised under the cover of a contract. Wage amounts are rarely respected and workers are still as poor as when they arrived or accumulate debts. The engagement ends on November 11, 1882.

Despite the dark episodes in its history, Reunion has been able to come together and create a common culture while respecting the traditions and beliefs of each. A model of tolerance and good manners together.

To learn more about the history of Réunion.

Guide - Climate and weather of Réunion

As Réunion is part of the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to the metropolis. There are two seasons:

The southern summer from November to April when temperatures on the coast during the day are between 30 and 40 °. The heavy rains last a short time, but are regular, particularly from January to March. It is often during this period that the Reunionese people benefit from the freshness of the Hauts.

The southern winter from May to October with lower temperatures between 22 and 24 ° on the coasts which remains very mild and little precipitation. If you plan to explore the Hauts, take a warm outfit with you, temperatures can drop to 5 ° to 15 ° at the best of the day.

At the edge of the ocean, temperatures vary very little between night and day, unlike the relief and the water in the lagoons remains at an average temperature of 22 ° throughout the year. You will therefore hear about the different microclimates of the island, effect of its position in the Indian Ocean and its reliefs whose altitude varies from 0 to 3,070 meters.

Let's cut Reunion Island in two, go slightly west of Saint-Denis to east of Saint-Joseph, passing right in the middle of the Piton des Neiges. You get to the east the windward coast with its trade winds and a humid climate and to the west the leeward coast sheltered from the mountain ranges with a drier climate.

The leeward coast has all the assets to please, less rain, more sunshine and all the beaches where you can swim. Let us also add the cirques of Cilaos and Mafate to the indescribable landscapes and you have an idyllic portrait of this part of the island. But who says idyllic, also says very crowded especially on weekends and during holidays, and although its climate is milder, the nights remain cool in the Hauts even on the leeward coast.

The windward coast, for its part, does not demerit. The greater rainfall in the Hauts also makes it a fertile land, as evidenced by the Salazie cirque or the Bébour forest and its lush vegetation. The east coast nevertheless enjoys the same sun as the west coast all year round and the temperatures are mild.

This is also Reunion, a diversity of climate. It's up to you to choose yours depending on where you want to go and when you want to go. Good thing, it's time to talk about it!

To see the weather forecast and detailed weather maps for Réunion and the Indian Ocean

Climate and temperature in Réunion

Guide - When to go to the meeting?

Best time to go to reunion island.

Obviously, you are wondering what is the best time of year to go to the intense island and it is legitimate. From a meteorological point of view, the best period to enjoy your trip is undoubtedly the southern winter from May to October during the dry season. Pleasant temperatures without being too high, scant rains, the perfect time for outdoor activities. You can possibly spill over into November, the rainy season not being an exact science, to admire the sumptuous waterfalls of Réunion. Fall in awe of Niagara Falls from Sainte-Suzanne or the Grand Galet waterfall and its countless waterfalls.

Rainfall and precipitation in Réunion

Beyond the rain and the good weather, if you have the choice, avoid leaving in July and August during the school vacation period. You will meet a lot of tourists and of course the locals on vacation. We also advise you to plan your activities outside weekends and public holidays or to opt for less popular leisure activities. If you are going to go to the beach on a Saturday and enjoy the picnic areas you will need to be there before sunrise.

Flights to the meeting

No worries, you will find flights all year round to get to Reunion. Several companies offer direct flights via Paris airports and one company from Marseille. Leaving from another provincial town, there will always be a stopover in Paris. The direct flight time from Paris is approximately 11 hours.

Airlines serving Réunion

• Air Austral
• Air Mauritius
• Corsair International.
• XL Airways France.
• French Blue
• Air Madagascar

When to book your plane ticket to Reunion?

For reservations, there is no need to go months and months in advance, unless you are going between July and September during high season and around Christmas time. However, do not forget that you still have all the logistics of accommodation, activities and possibly the rental of a vehicle which must correspond to your travel dates. We advise you to take your plane ticket first to define the period when you are leaving and be able to organize the rest.

Tips for booking your flight to Réunion cheaper

The flight to Reunion will be your biggest expense. A return trip for one person costs on average between 500 and 600 €, but depending on the month and day of departure, depending on the day of the week you book and depending on the airline, prices can vary from one to two.

To be sure to find the cheapest flights to Reunion, we recommend Kayak, Skyscanner and Momondo

As such, here are some tips to make it as cheap as possible:

• prefer a departure from Paris, flights from the provinces are often more expensive than going to Paris by another means of transport;
• your tickets will cost you more in July, December and August, the most advantageous month is September;
• Plan to leave and return on a Tuesday, there can be up to € 50 difference per ticket between Tuesday and Saturday;
• Get the best rates by booking 2 to 3 months in advance;
• Book your plane ticket on a Monday;
• Compare airline fares and take a good look at what's included in that fare. Some companies at first glance seem competitive, but do not cover food, do not include checked baggage or reduce their after-sales service to the strict minimum. Be vigilant to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Reunion's airports

You will have the choice between 5 airlines to reach the airports of Réunion: XL Airways, Air France, Air Austral, Corsair and French Bee. Depending on your destination, you will land either in the north of the island at Réunion Roland Garros airport in Sainte-Marie, 10 km from Saint-Denis, or in the south of the island at Pierrefonds airport. in Saint-Pierre.

Open since 1929, Roland-Garros airport is the main airport of the intense island. It was renamed Roland Garros in honor of the famous Reunionese aviator of the same name in 1994. A real strategic economic point of Reunion, it is also the meeting point for laughter and tears, departures, meetings and reunion. Upon your arrival, you will be able to take advantage of its many services, shops, ATMs, free WiFi, restaurants, bars and of course means of transport.

Newer and smaller than its counterpart, Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds airport was created in 1998 by the will of communities to develop the economy and tourism in the South of Réunion. Even if it is smaller, it is nonetheless welcoming and modern, free WiFi, shops, cafeteria, travel agencies, it offers similar services to Roland-Garros airport.

Practical information and contacts of Réunion airports.

Guide - Tourism in Réunion

Evolution and figures of tourism in réunion.

Tourism in Reunion is a bit, I love you, neither do I. Having a major role in Reunion's economy, tourism experienced a sharp drop in 2005 and 2006 following the chikungunya epidemic. Starting again for the year 2007, it decreases from year to year from 2011 following the shark crisis, a resurgence of attacks on the west coast of the island intense. It was not until 2015 that Réunion again attracted visitors and tourists flocked a little more each year.

Figures and Evolution of the number of tourists to Reunion Island from 1995 to 2020

We can notice on the previous statistics graph that the entry of Réunion National Park to UNESCO World Heritage in 2010 allowed tourism to exceed its glass ceiling of 420,000 annual tourists, never exceeded before. The drop in tourists due to shark attacks that began in 2011 was followed by a good recovery in 2016. In 2019, more than 600,000 tourists visited Reunion Island ...  

Who are the visitors to Réunion?

Unsurprisingly, metropolitan residents account for almost 83 % of tourists from Réunion and just behind with 6 % of visitors, our neighbors from Mauritius, between the island, we stick together. The remaining 11 % are dispatched in Europe and around the world. 90 % of them come for pleasure and among these tourists, 40 % visit their family and friends and 60 % to discover and visit Reunion Island and satisfy their curiosity. And what everyone agrees is the satisfaction felt by all tourists who come to the meeting at over 98 %.

Breakdown by origin of tourists to Réunion

Wondering why tourists come and go to the intense island? Find out what makes Reunion Island tourism successful .

Guide - What to do in Reunion?

Reunion has the great advantage of being able to offer aquatic activities thanks to the Indian Ocean and its rivers, mountain activities thanks to its Pitons and activities aerial whose landscape will leave you speechless. All this in a small area that will allow you to initiate or deepen the practice of a lot of activities in a short time, a chance that we do not have every day. Find all the activities available on the intense island.

To see all the activities on Reunion Island

Guide - What to see at the meeting?

The north coast of réunion.

Saint-Denis is not the capital of Réunion for nothing. Take half a day to visit the city and take some nice shots of its buildings and monuments. Its Gothic-style cathedral, the State Garden and the history museum natural to learn more about the flora and fauna of the intense island or the Tamil Kali Kampal Temple. You will find a high concentration of shops, but rest assured, they are present everywhere on the island.

Obviously, the north of Réunion is not limited to Saint-Denis. Direction Sainte-Suzanne where you can discover the spectacular Niagara Falls . It is possible to reach it on foot from the car park in the sugar cane fields located less than a kilometer away. You also have the option of canoeing or canyoning by the Sainte-Suzanne river. Relax and refresh yourself in the Hauts basins, the most famous of which is the Boeuf basin. Visit the large Creole villa at Domaine du Grand Hazier surrounded by endemic trees, palm trees, fruit trees and its Vanilla plantation.

The west coast of Réunion

The west coast of Réunion is by far the most lively and touristic part of the island. With its beaches and lagoons, its markets, its varied activities and its dry and mild climate, it attracts many visitors.

The beaches of Boucan-Canot and Roches Noires are very popular for their aquatic activities thanks to the presence of anti-shark nets. There, you can indulge in surfing, sailing, kayaking, diving and hopefully whale and dolphin watching. The other beaches such as the Hermitage beach, the Étang-Salé beach and its chasm or the Saint-Leu beach are naturally protected by the lagoons which border the west coast in places. You can swim there in complete safety.

Fairground markets and bazaars are also numerous on the island, if you like this atmosphere, you absolutely must go to the Saint-Paul market which is held on Fridays all day and Saturday mornings. 300 traders offer for sale fruits , vegetables, meats, clothes and handicrafts, get there early in the morning to enjoy the best goods.

Do you prefer peace and nature? Take a walk around the 3 pools. The Malheur basin, the Aigrettes basin, the Cormorant Basin and its waterfalls await you for a moment of relaxation near Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Explore the Forest of Tévelave from the town of Avirons and recharge your batteries with the Tamarins des Hauts, birds and butterflies.

The south coast of Réunion

Discover the wild south of the intense island, towards the Cap Méchant in Saint-Philippe! There, you will witness the spectacle of the raging Indian Ocean crashing into the sheer lava cliffs. Learn more about the plants and flowers of Reunion in the garden of the Mare-Longue forest.

Refresh yourself by going to the beaches in the south of Réunion. Manapany beach and its natural basin. Grande Anse beach and its artificial pool very popular with picnickers from Réunion. Saint-Pierre beach, the only beach in the south with a lagoon where you can practice diving, snorkeling or kayaking.

Events not to be missed:

• the holiday of vacoa in August in Saint-Philippe;
• the Sakifo Musik Festival the first week of August in Saint-Pierre;
• the departure of Grand Raid in October in Saint-Pierre.

The east coast of Réunion

Just after the Piton de la Fournaise, walk along the east coast of the intense island and stop at Piton Sainte-Rose to appreciate the Anse des Cascades falls and its coconut grove. From there, a short walk will take you to visit the '' Notre-Dame-des-Laves miracle church .

Passing through Sainte-Rose, you will see the Suspension Bridge of the Rivière de l'Est which once allowed traffic between Sainte-Rose and Saint-Benoît. It is replaced today by a new bridge that you will cross to visit the 'Church of Saint Anne , one of the most beautiful religious monuments in Réunion, classified as a historical monument since 1982.

To end this exploration of the eastern coast in style, take advantage of the many Reunion basins nearby. The Blue Basin , a few minutes from the Sainte-Anne Church, and its natural swimming pool which invites you to swim. The Peace Basin hidden in the sugar cane fields of the town of Bras-Panon and its descent to the sea basin where you can learn to canyoning or go on a beautiful hike.

Attend the Tamil feast, the Dipavali in October or November celebrated in several places of the island of which Saint-André is the most representative.

The circus of Cilaos

To access the Circus of Cilaos you will have to travel the road with 400 turns which already offers superb panoramas of Reunion and on site, there is no shortage of activities. Go pedal boat or boat on the Mare de Jonc. For sports enthusiasts, get started in rock climbing, tree climbing, canyoning or go on hiking trails. Taste Cilaos lentils or relax in the thermal baths for a moment of relaxation and well-being.

For a breathtaking view of the caldera and its islets, go to the Makes window by car or try a new experience with the quad bike, a 4-wheeled mountain bike. Another platform that will allow you to embrace the landscape of the Cirque de Cilaos, Dimitile . Take the opportunity to make a detour to the brown camp a few kilometers away and immerse yourself in the history of slavery in Réunion .

And don't miss the lentil festival every October in Cilaos!

The circus of Mafate

The Circus of Mafate is made for lovers of hiking and nature. You can only access it by force of your legs or by helicopter, no access to traffic is possible. The caldera of Mafate is 140 km of marked trails, 30 possible hikes and many lodgings, you can stay there and talk to the inhabitants of the different islets. A quiet place where you will have plenty of time to enjoy the benefits of nature.

For a breathtaking overview of Cirque de Mafate, go to Maido , the second most popular observatory for tourists in Réunion after the No Bellecombe . Not far from the viewpoint in the direction of Saint-Paul, you can practice many activities, such as summer sledding, a first flight, mountain biking or even a horse ride. You will also get stunning views of the caldera with a paraglider flight from the village of Dos d'Âne.

The circus of Salazie

Go to Circus of Salazie from the road from Saint-André. The caldera is one of the places of the intense island that receives the most precipitation and nature gives it back with lush green vegetation. At the entrance to the circus, you will come face to face with the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée de Salazie (beware, there are several of the same name in Reunion).

On site, you can enjoy the typical Creole architecture in the village of Hell-Bourg, classified as the most beautiful village in France. Visit the Folio House , 19th century Creole hut and its Reunionese garden and listen to the sound of traditional musical instruments at the Maison Morange museum.

Like the other two calderas of the intense island, beautiful hikes will take you to the geological curiosities of Reunion in a wild and unspoiled nature. Enter the Bélouve Forest, in the midst of its endemic flora and fauna, and go to the Bélouve viewpoint where its lodging is located. Let yourself be hypnotized by the impressive Trou de Fer waterfall , a fall over 300 meters high which makes it one of the largest waterfalls in the world. You can approach it by a hiking trail from the cottage.

Don't miss the Chouchou party in June in Salazie.

Piton de la Fournaise and its surroundings

The Piton de la Fournaise and its surroundings are the most visited places in Réunion. And for good reason, with more than 30 hikes, mountain biking trails and scenery that you will not find anywhere else, the place is seductive.

Cross the Plain of Sands towards the volcano, a Martian landscape of cooled lava wavering between red and gold. You will arrive at No Bellecombe , the most frequented point of view of the intense island, where you can admire the Fouqué enclosure below, the most recent circus of Piton de la Fournaise. It is also the starting point for several hikes.

Go to the Fouqué enclosure and leave your mark on the ancient lavas of the Grand Brûlé which regularly changes profile according to the eruptions of the volcano. If you don't like to walk, you can also contemplate it from the lava route without moving from your vehicle.

Take the path that leads to the top of the mountain of fire. Once at the top, take the opportunity to indulge in caving and enter the bowels of the volcano through the lava tunnels.

Between the two Pitons of Réunion

Between the two Pitons, find the two plains with generous and vibrant vegetation.

The Plain of Palmistes welcoming the Bébour-Bélouve Forest where birds, flowers and trees endemic to Reunion Island coexist. You can try your hand at rafting and canyoning in the Marsouins river or hiking. Ride a horse and walk around the high altitude volcanic lake of the intense island, Grand-Pond . Tackle the sumptuous, but difficult canyon of Takamaka , only for experts, and explore its waterfalls.

La Plaine des Cafres, the most important agricultural and breeding land in Réunion, home to Bois-Court and its Belvédère. Discover the Waterfall of the Veil of the Bride of Grand Bassin, go to the village, take a bed and breakfast and discover the traditions of Reunion in this haven of peace devoid of technology and electricity. Before going to Bois-Court, take a detour via the Museum of the City of the Volcano and deepen your knowledge of volcanism and the creation of Reunion Island.

• The Festival of Goyaviers between May and June at the Plaine des Palmistes;
• Honey Green in January at the Plaine des Cafres;
• Anthologies in October at Le Tampon.

The Piton des Neiges

The rise of Piton des Neiges is of course the main attraction, but you will have to be athletic enough to take on this sleeping giant. You can reach its summit by 3 trails, we have classified them in order of difficulty from the most difficult to the easiest, it is up to you to choose the one most suited to your level.

A short, but very steep hike from Cilaos (7:30 a.m. round trip on average). A longer trail with less elevation from the Cirque de Salazie (10 h round trip on average). An even longer hike but more accessible from the Plaine des Cafres. (11:30 a.m. round trip on average).

If that seems too difficult for you in a day, you have the option of sleeping at Caverne Dufour, a secluded lodge near the top of Piton des Neiges. It offers a catering service, showers, toilets and dormitories.

To see the main places to visit in Réunion

Guide - What do we eat in Reunion?

It is impossible to evoke the intense island without speaking of the fruits of Reunion and its Creole specialties. A journey of the senses that makes your mouth water. The mix is not only cultural in Reunion, it is also culinary. It is a cuisine from the four corners of the world combining meat or fish, spices, vegetables, seeds, rice and peppers for those who appreciate it. Discover some traditional Reunionese dishes.

Sunday picnics will be a good opportunity for you to taste Creole cuisine, a real moment of sharing for Reunion Islanders. In the pots slowly cook over wood fires, curries and rougails emblematic of Réunion. You can also taste them in the various restaurants on the island.

To discover the dishes, dishes and cuisine of Réunion

Guide - Where to sleep in Reunion?

Your type of accommodation in Reunion will mainly depend on your budget, your comfort needs and where you want to go. Let's take a look at the different accommodations.

The hotels are mainly located on the west coast of Réunion. If you are planning to spend your vacation lazing on the beaches, they will be an ideal place to stay and offer incomparable services. Of course, all this at a price, depending on the proximity to the beaches and the standing, the rates vary from 80 to more than 250 € per night.

Airbnbs are a great way to find accommodation in Reunion. Present everywhere on the island, from studios to villas by the sea, you will find something for all budgets. From 20 to over 300 € per day, again it all depends on the location and type of accommodation. Although they do not have the services of a hotel, you can rent at a very good price / quality ratio.

The cottages and guest rooms

Mainly present in the Hauts de la Réunion, the lodges and guest rooms are perfect for people who wish to spend several days in the circuses of the island. For tourists wishing to discover the traditions and customs of Reunion, this is the opportunity for a real moment of sharing with the locals. The prices are between 40 and 100 € per night.

Camping in Réunion is the most economical solution, but also the least comfortable. We do not recommend it in the rainy season when it is essential to have a roof over your head. You will also need to find a way to bring back your camping equipment or rent it on site. Count between 5 and 30 € per night depending on the campsites.

Motorhomes and vans

Finally, as we saw above in the section “getting around Reunion Island”, you can choose the motorhome rental option for a trip in complete autonomy.

To see accommodation on Reunion Island

Guide - Going out in Reunion?

Want to go out ? You will find something to please you in Reunion, small restaurants in trendy bars, through clubs or discos, there is no shortage of places of entertainment to go out and have fun in Reunion, especially on weekends on the western part of the island in the city of Saint-Gilles or in the southern part in the town of Saint-Pierre. Also many events are organized at the meeting throughout the year.

Participate in Grand Boucan Carnival in June in Saint-Gilles, in Chinese New Year in January or February which takes place everywhere on the island, at the Chouchou party in June at Salazie, at the Festival of Goyaviers between May and June at the Plaine des Palmistes, Honey Green in January at the Plaine des Cafres, at Anthologies in October at Le Tampon, at the Lentil Festival every October in Cilaos, at Dipavali in October, at the Vacoa Festival in August in Saint-Philippe, at   Sakifo Musik Festival the first week of August at Saint-Pierre or at the start of the Grand Raid in October at Saint-Pierre. And let's not forget the Fèt Kaf the 20th celebrating the abolition of slavery in December.

Find all the major events in Réunion here.

To see the Calendar of events and events in Réunion

Guide - How to get to the meeting?

Public transport in reunion.

In Reunion, the most economical solution to get around is public transport. Upon your arrival at the airport , you will find a shuttle almost every hour from 6.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to take you to the bus station or to the Town Hall of Saint-Denis, or you can take the connections to reach the rest of the island of the meeting. If you arrive outside of these hours, you will need to take a taxi, hire a local VTC, hire a car or have family or friends collect you. Unfortunately applications like Ubber are not yet available in Reunion at the time of writing this article.

1. Network of coaches and buses in Réunion

The yellow coach network is the main public transport network on Reunion Island. It is made up of several networks of different names depending on the region of the island where they operate.

• If you stay in the north:

From the airport shuttle, get off at Saint-Denis town hall where you can take the Network Citalis which serves the north of the island.

• If you are going to the West:

You can get off at the Ocean station and take the Network Yellow Cars which mainly covers the west coast of Réunion, completed by the Network Kar'west which sinks a little deeper into the Hauts.

• If you are going to the South-West:

Borrow the Network alternate to move around the southwestern part of the intense island, one of the lines leads to the Cirque de Cilaos.

• If you are going to the South:

The network Carsud allows you to travel throughout the southern part of the island.

• If you are going to the East:

Eastern Reunion is supported by the Network summery from Saint-André to Sainte-Rose, two routes of which give access to the Cirque de Salazie and the Plaine des Palmistes.

It might sound a little complicated to you, but by preparing well for your meeting stay, you will do just fine. To better visualize all these networks, you will find below the Map of the yellow bus network of Réunion.

Click on the map to see it in high definition.

Warning:  Due to situation due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Réunion , the wearing of a mask is made compulsory in transport, except for children under 10 years old until further notice. Any offender is liable to a fine of € 135. For the health safety of travelers and staff, vehicles are disinfected daily and physical distancing rules are materialized in stations. The purchase of the ticket at the bus station is made only at points of sale and not on board vehicles. Validation of the ticket is compulsory each time you get into the vehicle.

2. Network of taxis and VTCs in Réunion

Several companies of taxis and VTC exist in Reunion with a price oscillating between 1.5 and 3 euros per km. Taxi is the most expensive means of transport on Reunion Island. You will find very few taxi ranks in Réunion. They are spread over the island, you will generally find them in bus stations and also at the airport. The best thing to do is to book them in advance by email or by phone. You can access all public transport companies in the category public transport company in Réunion accessible by clicking on the link below:

See all transport companies in Réunion

Rentals in Réunion

In Reunion, you can rent all types of vehicles, you will find both the large rental brands that are found all over the world, but also small local businesses. During school holidays, depending on the number of tourists, it may be difficult to find the vehicle you want on site. We therefore advise you to book in advance and preferably before your arrival, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

1. Car rental in Réunion

Car rental is a good option, but is still a big expense, especially if you are going for several weeks. Count between 30 and 50 € per day for a city car with unlimited mileage, the price can be decreasing beyond a week. If you rent your vehicle at Roland-Garros airport in Saint-Denis, add an additional tax of € 35 to your budget. It is possible to save some money by contacting local rental companies for rent your car in Reunion , plutôt qu’à des enseignes nationales et faites toujours attention aux clauses de votre contrat de location particulièrement celle pour le vol. Il arrive que les véhicules soient visités pendant que les touristes randonnent. Nous vous conseillons d’utiliser les comparateurs de prix tels que Rental Car to reserve your car at the best price.

2. Electric bike rental in Réunion

Electric bike rental in Reunion Island can be a good complement to buses if the routes or timetables do not correspond to your desires. Some are self-service, others can be rented directly in the store, it's up to you to define your needs and rent it by the hour, half-day or day. For self-service, prices vary from € 6 for one hour to € 24 for 24 hours, but the stations generally stay in a small area. For shops, count on average € 30 for half a day and € 40 for the day. If you feel the soul of an adventurer, know that some people undertake the tour of the Reunion coast in several days. If you feel like doing the same thing, a 5-day rental costs on average 150 €.

3. Motorhome and van rental in Réunion

Campervans and vans are the all-in-one solution to visit the intense island in complete freedom without asking any questions. The idea appeals to many amateurs and for good reason. No more wondering where you're going to sleep, worrying about schedules, do what you want when you want. You live at your own pace! Travel the roads of Reunion in your motorhome and discover breathtaking landscapes. If you choose this means of transport, find out really well in advance, the companies that rent motorhomes or vans are few on the island. The prices range from 45 € per day for a van with only sleeping arrangements up to around 120 € per day for a comfortable motorhome.

To see all the rental companies in Réunion 

Do you dream of immigrating, emigrating and living on Reunion Island? Here is a summary of some advantages and disadvantages to take into account, which could influence your decision before leaving.

Good weather and sun all year round, temperatures varying between 18 and 30 degrees from January to December. Breathtaking landscapes, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and water sports enthusiasts. A very welcoming Métis population giving rise to a much higher sense of security than in metropolitan France. The pleasure and the sweetness of life. The opportunity to enjoy tropical fruits and vegetables all year round and at reduced prices. An endemic flora and fauna unique in the world. Many nature activities, hiking, diving, paragliding, etc. Proximity of the island to South Africa, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, etc. The possibility if you are lucky to see an erupting volcano, the peak of the furnace erupts almost once a year. Overseas department, in Reunion you are in France. The currency is the euro, the French language, the same salaries as in mainland France.

The inconvenients

The main disadvantages of Reunion Island are the distance from the mainland, 11 hours of travel by plane. The price of plane tickets. The cost of living there. Shorter days, with a sunset around 7 p.m., the season reversed compared to the metropolis. Cyclones and tropical depressions from time to time. Many inaccessible products, no Amazon, no UBBER, rather restrictive public transport, no train, tram or other, in Réunion it is preferable to have a vehicle.

Guide - News, Info and Media in Réunion

Covid-19 in reunion.

Before making any reservation for the meeting, be sure to find out about any cancellations due to the Coronavirus. Follow the evolution of Covid-19 in Réunion on our dedicated page  coronavirus.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) statistics in Réunion of the first case on March 11, 2020

Radio in Réunion

Many radio stations exist in Réunion. You will be able to listen on these local radios, the last news, the last tubes of Reunion, Maloya, sega, zook, ragga, soukouss, salsa, and all types of world music, and this on your computer. or your live mobile phone. Here is a small non-exhaustive list of radio stations on Reunion Island

Listen to Reunion Island radios online and live

TV in Reunion

Keep up to date with the latest news in Reunion with Reunion's two TV channels: 1st meeting and Reunion branch . Hurricane situation, evolution of Covid-19 in Reunion, activity of Piton de la Fournaise, local and international news and many other information on life in Reunion.

Guide - Figures and practical information on Réunion

• Surface area of Reunion Island: 2,512 km2;
• capital: Saint-Denis;
• Reunion time: time difference, +3 h during the southern winter and +2 h during the southern summer;
• spoken language: French and Reunionese Creole;
• postal code: 974;
• number of inhabitants: 859,959 in January 2020;
• highest point: the Piton des Neiges at an altitude of 3,071 meters;
• listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site;
• telephone code: +262;
• unofficial flag of Réunion.

Guide - Tips and advice for an unforgettable stay and discover and visit Reunion Island

Practical advice for going to reunion:.

To make the most of your trip to Reunion, here are a few tips:

• prefer night flights, the journey will seem shorter if you are asleep;
• adopt Creole products, imported products are 30 % more expensive;
• plan a route based on the activities you want to do to save money;
• Réunion belongs to those who get up early, whether for hikes, markets or finding a good location on the beach;
• and get yourself an effective mosquito repellent.

Administrative formalities to go to Reunion

For French people and European Union countries, a French identity card, a valid passport or a driving license are sufficient. This rule also applies to minor children of any age. Also note that a minor child who is not traveling with at least one of his two parents must have an authorization to leave the country. For people of another nationality, you must be able to present a passport, a valid residence permit or a French driving license.

Be careful, if you have to transit through a foreign country, be sure to check which administrative documents you need.

Vaccines to go to Réunion

Your health record must be up to date for compulsory vaccination. Apart from that, no other vaccine is to be carried out. For travelers coming from countries where there is a known risk of yellow fever transmission, you will need to present an immunization certificate.

Guide - A brief lexicon of Réunion Creole

“How is it?” = How are you?

“Mi likes a ou” = I love you

“Nar finds” = See you next time

”The good” = It's good it's OK

Have a nice trip to Reunion Island, if you enjoyed sharing this guide to Reunion Island and send it to your friends!

7 commentaires pour “Guide de la Réunion”

I love the meeting thank you for this beautiful presentation

Muito lindo tudo que vi. Quem fez essa apresentação maravilhosa? Amei tudo.Pena não ter dinheiro para conhecer Reunion, pois esse seria meu sonho. Um sonho distant, mas quem sabe em sonhos ...

Merci pour votre guide,il est ultra complet. Je suis une zoreole revenue sur mon île 35 ans après. La Réunion est d’une beauté et intense.La mer,la montagne,la forêt,les la rivière. Les Réunionnais sont très accueillants. Merci

Très bon guide je suis Réunionnaise mais je ne connais pas toute l’île elle est splendide je vous remercie pour le guide

Je suis ravie de lire le guide merci

Super , voyage prévu pour septembre avec votre guide cela va me permettre de m organiser. Merci

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Reunion Island Tour Packages

Holiday in Reunion Island will introduce you to the country's terrain, which features a casual mingling of lava fields, rich primary green woods, rugged peaks, and dazzling seaside cities. The Riviera region of Reunion is to the west and features hip coastal suburbs. The stunning Boucan Canot is the icing on the cake.

Tour Packages to Reunion Island

Look no further than Swastik Holiday if you've been searching for Reunion Island tour packages. You may find a lovely selection of Reunion Island travel packagesthat reflect the spirit of the city, allow you to stay in stunning homes, and provide you with opulent meals. You can choose to book these Reunion Island holiday packageswith included flights. According to your hobbies, travel objectives, and preferred activities, Swastik Holiday enables you to tailor your tour to Reunion Island and take advantage of appealing discounts. On this website, you may find all the tour packages to Reunion Island.

Reunion Tourism

Reunion Island is the ideal entry point for anyone who wants to take a trip that includes innovative sports and leisure activities. The ideal way to spend genuine quality time with close friends and family and to unwind is to travel there. Holiday packages to Reunion Islandare the ideal options for all kinds of travelers in this regard, whether you are an adrenaline addict, going in a group with friends or family, or both. To discover the beauty of this location, arrange Reunion Island toursand get in contact with a Reunion tourism expert.

Guide for trip to Reunion Island

Have you always wanted to take an adrenaline-pumping holiday that incorporates activities like biking and trekking? Or have you ever considered taking a holiday on an island where there are volcanoes? Reunion, however, fulfils all of your fantasies. This stunning island offers volcanoes, daring pursuits, breathtaking natural beauty, and mouthwatering cuisine. The time spent on this island will feel like a dream. Your want for more will remain after your vacation. So why are you still waiting? Pick up the phone, dial the local travel agency, and book a flight with Reunion Island tourism packages.

You are taken to a French setting in the tropics. Once you get over the initial French flair, you'll quickly notice a superb fusion of Chinese, Indian, and African vibe. Visit Reunion to celebrate the reunion holidays in a setting close to Hawaii. Amazing geological diversity may be seen near Reunion.

Travel to Reunion Island

Numerous reunion travel packages include horseback riding, climbing tall mountains, hiking scenic pathways, and paragliding from St. Leu.

The Mascareignes archipelago includes Reunion Island, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. With 200,000 inhabitants, the island is the biggest of the Mascareignes. The Piton de la Fournaise, a still-active volcano, is located there.

Reunion Island's tropical climate, which spans nearly 2500 km2 and is moderated by the trade winds, is perfect for both leisure and business travel. The dry and cold season, which lasts from May to October, and the hot and humid season, which lasts from November to April, are the two seasons that occur in Reunion.

There is no limit to how much this vibrant, fascinating island can surprise its visitors! An unusual landscape is created by the juxtaposition of the gigantic waterfalls, turquoise and green lagoons, and black lava cliffs. The cultural influences present on Reunion Island are truly kaleidoscopic. African, Madagascan, Chinese, and other immigrants are reviving old customs and inventing new ones.

Must-See places during travel to Reunion Island

Boucan canot beach.

The busiest and most fashionable beach on the island is Boucan Canot. People visit this location to relax, play, or engage in sports like volleyball, racquetball, or surfing. Most people in the country are under the age of thirty.

Garden of spices and fragrances

A wonderful and incredibly satisfying adventure is a trip to the Garden of Perfumes and Spices, which is situated in the southern region of the island. Spices and other kinds of flowers are available, as well as a variety of spices. Among other things, you will learn about the origins of the plants, how they reproduce, and how you may support their conservation.

The Mado summit

The Maido top offers a stunning view of the surrounding countryside on clear days. It casts a shadow across the Mafate cirque with its great heights. From the Maido, you can choose from a variety of hiking routes that can be adapted to your skill level, as well as a long mountain bike descent!

The Lagoon of Reunion

The lagoon on Reunion Island is located in front of the town of Saint Gilles in the northwest corner of the island. A coral reef and a beach on the shore act as a natural barrier to separate this sea area. This is the spot for you if you want to find new and easy activities for beginners, unwind by the water, or read a book while sipping a beverage.

The multicolored temple of Kali Kampal

One of the must-see attractions on Reunion Island is the Hindu temple. The most significant Hindu temple in the area is located in Saint-Denis and will make your day more colourful. This colourful structure's various sculpted scenes honour the goddess Kali and add life to its intimidating design.

Reunion Island Tour for 8 Days

Cities: Reunion Island Mauritius

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Reunion Island Tour for 7 Days

Cities: Reunion Island

Reunion Island Tour for 6 Days

What our customers says about reunion island trip, charlotte jon (business owner).

Tour to Reunion Island

"We had a wonderful vacation; remarks are intended to enhance what was already a wonderful experience for us. We won't hesitate to suggest Swastik Holiday (and Réunion) to our friends."

Alyssa (Manager)

"Swastik Holiday provided outstanding, effective, and amiable service. The itinerary was comprehensive, and the paperwork was straightforward. There was not even a single hiccup the entire three weeks."

Rishi Ahuja (Teacher)

Reunion Island Trip

"Thank you for a wonderful vacation. The representatives at both places were excellent, and all the transfers and timings etc. were perfect. We would absolutely stay at either of the hotels again because they were both fantastic. We would undoubtedly bring hiking equipment if we returned to Reunion because some of the island's most stunning locations can only be reached on foot. I appreciate your assistance with everything."

Arjun Kumar (Business Owner)

Holiday to Reunion Island

"Reunion Island is fantastic; it has a lot of lovely scenery and variety. Would suggest Swastik holiday tour agency to anyone looking for an active vacation." Our guide was really kind and helpful. I appreciate (Swastik Holiday) providing the assistance and knowledge. We will surely use you again and advocate for Swastik Holiday to others. The reunion was wonderful and so soothing. I'm grateful.

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Things to know before visiting Reunion Island for the first time

Famous for its volcanic mountains, rainforest, beautiful waterfalls, and tropical beaches, there are many reasons you should consider visiting Reunion Island.

Réunion National Park covers 42% of the Island and this UNESCO World Heritage Site protects the endemic ecosystems of Les Hauts, Réunion’s mountainous interior dominated by volcanic peaks and cliffs, comprises “subtropical rainforests, cloud forests and heaths creating a remarkable and visually appealing mosaic of ecosystems and landscape features.

The Island only has one five star hotel, located on the western side of the island, the resort sits on a protected lagoon and is also home to the island’s largest swimming pool.

Where Is Reunion Island

La Reunion is a French overseas island located in the midst of the Indian Ocean, Just 200 kilometers South-West of Mauritius and 700 kilometers east of the island of Madagascar. The island was previously known as île Bourbon.

How to get to Reunion Island from Johannesburg

The distance from Johannesburg , South Africa to Reunion Island is 3,417 kilometers. The flight time from Johannesburg to St Denis de la Reunion is 3 hours 50 minutes.

Air Austral is the national carrier of Reunion Island. but Air Mauritius also has flights to Reunion Island.

How to get to Reunion Island from Mauritius

The distance from Mauritius to Reunion Island is 233KM.

Why visit Reunion Island

Reunion is a multicultural island with roots from Africa, Madagascar, Asia, and Europe. The island is rich in culture and you find a blend of many cuisine, traditions, and languages.

Despite being a tropical island of incredible beauty and a popular escape for the French, the island is yet to truly develop its hotel industry. At present, Lux Saint Gilles (owned by the Mauritian hotel and resort chain Lux) is the only five-star resort on the island. Located on the western side of the island, the resort sits on a protected lagoon and is also home to the island’s largest swimming pool.

Not only is Reunion a hiker paradise but the Island a great a year-round destination for all types of travelers!

Best time for visiting Reunion Island

Interesting facts about reunion island, what time is it in reunion island right now.

Reunion Standard Time is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT+4 ). Reunion does not operate Daylight Saving Time.

Population of Reunion Island

The population of reunion island is 860 000 in January 2020.

Reunion Island Currency

Languages of reunion island.

French is the official language of Reunion Island and Creole is the language of everyday life. Based on French, with a mixture of Malagasy and Tamil words, it is used with relatives and for informal interactions. French is generally used in formal situations. Although everybody understands it, many people cannot speak it; therefore, its use is a marker of educational achievement and social status.

Largest French city outside France

The island’s capital city, Saint-Denis is the 21st largest French city, and also the largest French city not physically attached to the land of France.

Reunion Island is part of the European Union

Although Reunion Island is located close to Africa, its a French Island which means the currency is Euro and people are “Europeans”.

Do I need a Schengen Visa to visit Reunion Island

Reunion Island, French overseas department, is not a member of the Schengen area. No visa required for South Africans with a valid passport qualifying for a 90-day stay. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages.

How many volcanoes are in Reunion?

The island of Reunion is made up of two volcanic mountains, Piton des Neiges which covers the central part of the island and Piton de la Fouranaise that is located on the eastern part of the island. These twin summits have been highly eroded over time.

Olivier Levasseur Is buried in Reunion Island

A pirate nicknamed La Buse or La Bouche because of the speed and ruthlessness with which he always attacked his enemies was executed and buried in Reunion in 1730. It’s believed that his treasure ( estimated value bigger than 4.5 billion Euros) still remains somewhere in the Indian Ocean or even on Reunion Island.

Important Reunion Island Laws to know

Reunion Island is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Whether you’re visiting Reunion Island or moving there, there are important laws to know before you go.

Cannabis in Reunion Island

Cannabis is illegal in Réunion , but it’s grown illicitly and is locally known as zamal , a term that appears to be of Malagasy origin but does not currently exist in Madagascar. Cannabis in Réunion is used both recreationally and ritually.

Driving in Reunion Island

Here is some extra information you might need when driving in Reunion:

• Cars drive on the right-hand side like in France.
• It is strictly forbidden to drive while using items such as earphones or headsets.
• The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.2 g/l for probationary permits, that is to say until 3 years after your license has been issued and 0.5 g/l for other drivers. Nonetheless, our insurance policy requires you to be 100 % sober.
• All passengers are mandatory to wear seat belts.
• The speed limit is indicated by road signs. However, you must stay cautious at all time because roads are mountainous and have some tight turns, which makes it potentially dangerous to go too fast. It is also recommended to let the locals pass you.
• Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in Reunion. Always look out for them on the side of the road and let them cross when needed.

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Travel Insurance for Reunion Island

Use travel insurance while visiting South Africa so you are covered for theft and medical expenses. There are a lot of adventurous things to do in Reunion Island, and it’s best to have peace of mind while driving, hiking and trying some of the best food in the world.

Find out why I recommend World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance review.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a booking after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!

5 thoughts on “Things to know before visiting Reunion Island for the first time”

Thanks for these info. I’m from the island myself, been a Londonder for 10yrs, lived in Australia, Portugal, and France of course. I’m still surprised that there’s nothing really online about the expat life in the island. Where to go out, Best bars, what do you do if you live there? Is not speaking French that much of an issue? Is the cost of life okay? There’s not much unfo about that anywhere so thanks for at least giving us a bit of extra details in this article!

What a cool little island! I never think to go to the offshore islands when I visit places, it’s mostly a time/budget constraint that keeps me from going. This little gem looks like paradise.

Great write up, it’s everything I need to know before booking a trip to Reunion! I would love to visit Reunion, it sounds like such an interesting place to visit and I would love to do some hiking there.

Wow! If I lived on this island, you would never see me again. This was very informative and I appreciate how you gave us all the facts we need to know before we even book our trip. Thank you for this, I’m definitely adding this island to my list!

Seems like such a cool place to visit! Thanks for this informative post of good things to know:)

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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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PEARL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

Réunion Island, born from the union of fire and water, is an island of unparalleled richness, a jewel of the Indian Ocean who surprises, enchants, captivates and wins over all who visit her. Although small, you will never be bored there as it is an active island, with its ever-changing scenery. In the past centuries, this island has welcomed Arab, Portuguese, British and Dutch sailors who stopped there to replenish water and food stores, and several Frenchmen started to settle there later accompanied by their servants from Madagascar, including some women. With an active volcano on its south coast, 17 miles of warm, welcoming beaches in the west, and many mountains and forests in between, Réunion Island offers vacation opportunities ranging from the relaxing to the truly adrenalin fuelled. Situated to the South-West of the Indian Ocean, Réunion is one of its youngest islands born 3 million years ago, it still has a highly mountainous relief with continued volcanic activity today. With the combined forces of the ocean, the air and the movements of the earth’s crust, an island of astonishing scenery has risen from the sea, with a wide diversity of landscapes, climates and natural habitats: sunny beaches, a young lagoon with a thousand corals, calderas sculpted by erosion overlooked by the magnificent Piton des Neiges, the highest point in the Indian ocean (3,071 metres), ancient forests, a glowering volcano, unique birds, wild orchids, and much more. This sunny little outpost of France is undoubtedly an original tropical destination in more ways than one. Réunion is a world in its own right, no other island of its size offers as many attractions and surprises. Réunion: an island with a world of riches which will open its arms to you!

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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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Eleifend, provident urna vivamus vitae tortor.

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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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China and Taiwan are destined for ‘reunification’, Xi tells former president

Chinese leader using meeting with Ma Ying-jeou to promote peaceful ‘reunion’ as only alternative to annexation, say analysts

Xi Jinping has met the former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou, in what analysts said was an attempt to promote peaceful unification as the only alternative to military annexation of Taiwan.

Ma, who was leading a student delegation to China, met Xi in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People, a venue typically reserved for foreign leaders meeting with senior Chinese officials. Xi used the meeting to emphasise his belief that Taiwan and China were destined for what he terms “reunification”.

“External interference cannot stop the historical trend of reunion of the country and family,” Xi said, according to Taiwanese media. He said that people on both sides of the Taiwan strait were Chinese, and “there is no rancour that cannot be resolved, no problem that cannot be discussed, and no force that can separate us”.

According to local reports, Ma said that a war between the two sides would be “an unbearable burden for the Chinese nation”.

“The Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will definitely have enough wisdom to handle cross-strait disputes peacefully and avoid conflicts,” Ma said.

Xi claims Taiwan as a province of China and has sworn to annex it, by force if necessary. In the interim he has presided over a wide-scale campaign of political, economic and cognitive warfare, and near-daily military intimidation, in order to persuade Taiwan to accept Chinese rule.

However a growing majority of Taiwan’s people and its government reject the prospect. The Kuomintang (KMT) opposition party, of which Ma remains a senior member, also rejects reunification but advocates for closer ties with China as the way to preserve peace. Ma is one of the party’s most China-friendly figures.

Amanda Hsiao, a senior China analyst with the International Crisis Group, said Beijing was trying to put on a friendlier face but also probably trying to undermine the ruling party and incoming government, just weeks out from the presidential inauguration of Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing despises. At the same time it was attempting to give the KMT “more material to say that only they can lower cross-strait tensions”.

“While parts of the messages conveyed during the meeting will appeal, other aspects [like] that the two sides are parts of a great Chinese nation will likely have limited appeal to a larger society which increasing identifies as distinctly Taiwanese,” Hsiao said.

Ma left office eight years ago but still holds some social and political influence, and has remained a visible public figure. On Wednesday, Xi praised Ma’s promotion of cross-strait exchanges and opposition to Taiwanese independence.

Wen-Ti Sung, a political expert at the Australian National University, said Ma was probably trying to preserve his legacy of warmer ties with China. Sung said Beijing’s “continued fixation” on Ma could suggest an inability to cultivate other senior political figures in Taiwan who were “willing to play dove towards Beijing today”.

However, Beijing was also likely to be using the visit to signal that peaceful unification through “winning over hearts and minds” remained Beijing’s preferred option, he said.

Taiwan’s ministry of foreign affairs said Beijing’s “publicity campaign” couldn’t hide its ambitions to “eliminate Taiwan’s sovereignty”.

“If China really wants to show its goodwill towards Taiwan, it should immediately stop all acts of coercion against Taiwan, face up to the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and, on the premise of reciprocity, restart dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected government.”

Wednesday’s meeting had been rumoured but was not confirmed until shortly before. It was the second for Xi and Ma, after a landmark summit in Singapore in 2015, while Ma was still president. No current leader of Taiwan has visited China since the end of the civil war in 1949.

Additional reporting by Chi Hui Lin

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What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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