ReunionTravel Guide
Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean isn't your typical tropical escape. Here, dramatic landscapes of lava fields and shark-tooth mountains descend into spectacular gorges; lush forests reveal waterfalls and hiking trails, while the coastline is a contrast between white sand and black volcanic sand beaches. An active volcano at the heart of the island sums up its raw beauty.
Explore Reunion
Where to stay in Reunion?
Accommodation on the island is not just a place to stay; it’s an experience. So, what’s your perfect experience? Offline surrounded by nature? Or kicking back with a cocktail at a five-star resort? We’ve handpicked some options for you!
For a unique stay, head to the Cirque de Mafate and its tiny hamlets. Only accessible by foot or helicopter, it feels like time’s stood still in this valley where chalets are surrounded by jagged peaks. Hike to the cosy wooden cabins of La kaz l'Infirmière, one of Réunion’s many gîtes or hiking rest stops. Enjoy starry nights, nature-bathing days, and home-cooked breakfasts and dinners.
Stay in a tropical paradise of coconut trees at the Terre Rouge (Red Earth) B&B in Saint Joseph, just over an hour by car from the capital city of Saint Denis. The secluded wood and basalt stone bungalows have no doors or windows, just large curtains for privacy. And the best feature? Outdoor vintage-style ball and claw bathtubs! While seemingly remote, this B&B is close to shops, cafés, the beach and coastline hiking trails.
Lux Saint Gilles is the only five-star hotel on the island right on the beach – Plage de l’Hermitage (Hermitage Beach) to be exact, between Saint Gilles les Bains and La Saline. Reminiscent of a Mauritian resort, it offers three restaurants, a large sparkling pool and luxurious rooms with tropical garden and sea views.
For an island-holiday feeling with all the convenience of home, the Résidence Santa Apolonia in central Saint Leu on the west coast offers just that. An aparthotel with serviced self-catering apartments, Apolonia boasts gorgeous mountain views, a turquoise pool, and is only a two-minute walk from the beach and shops.
Believe us when we say, this is just the start. Book your accommodation today!
Things to do in Reunion
Nicknamed ‘Intense Island’ because of its volcanos, rugged landscapes and adventure activities, from canyoning and paragliding to helicopter flips, the island also offers laid-back activities, family fun and nightlife.
Réunion Island’s extinct volcano, Piton des Neiges, created a paradise of waterfalls, canyons, forests, dramatic mountains and three cirques – amphitheatre-like valleys. It’s situated about 1.5 hours from the capital and the area offers over 1 000km of hiking trails, ranging from family-friendly to Iron Man, and activities like mountain biking, abseiling, canyoning, micro lighting and river rafting. It’s the ultimate outdoor playground!
Piton des Neiges is surrounded by Cirque de Cilaos, Cirque de Salazie and Cirque de Mafate, which take you deep into Réunion’s green heart. Explore the small villages and hike to the Bride’s Veil, Bras Rouge and Trou de Fer (The Iron Hole) waterfalls. The cirques can also be admired from a helicopter – a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Saint Leu is home to the sea turtle observatory Kélonia, which raises awareness of these protected marine creatures. It’s also a research centre and nurses injured or sick turtles back to health before releasing them. Here you can watch several species gliding gracefully through the water of the open-air pool and learn about their habitats and life cycle.
If you’re visiting from June to September, take a boat trip from the port of Saint Gilles in Saint Denis to swim with dolphins and see humpback whales breaching. The port is a hub for many other water activities and excursions like glass-bottom boat trips and deep-sea fishing. On land, take the family to the aquarium nearby, shop, have a meal or enjoy a sundowner overlooking the water.
Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the most-visited tourist attraction on the island. Imposing like Mordor, it’s closely monitored and offers the amazing opportunity to safely see an active volcano up close. Follow the Route du Volcan, a road snaking through the green landscape, which suddenly turns into a Mars-like, red volcanic desert – the Plaine des Sables – to the viewpoint at Pas de Bellecombe. Here, you can follow a trail along the crater.
If you’d prefer to keep your distance, the volcano has its own museum – Cité du Volcan – where you can learn all about its drama. Or explore the lava tunnels (don’t be put off by the name; it’s a family-friendly experience!). Old Lava flows created underground tunnels that reveal intricate patterns in the black rock and intriguing, rubbery-looking stalactites and stalagmites.
End your volcanic adventure with a visit to Notre Dame des Laves – Our Lady of the Lava – a church in Piton Sainte Rose. It was left standing while everything around it was destroyed by lava in 1977, giving it legendary status! The ice-cream-coloured walls contrast sharply with the black solidified lava flows that encircle it.
Take a stroll down the boulevard of Rue de Paris in the capital city of Saint Denis, lined with colonial pastel-coloured Créole villas. Admire the wide verandas and garden fountains from a bygone era of royalty, sugar traders and governors. Watch the sunset at Le Barachois, Saint Denis’s beachfront park, where cannons point to sea. Then head to the Saint Denis Cathedral District – not for prayers but for parties – with its trendy bars, pubs, restaurants, and clubs.
Looking for an immersive experience? Then a tour is the way to go.
Flights to Reunion
Reunion food and drink
Île de la Réunion, as the French call it, is all about culinary fusion influenced by its diverse cultures. Rice and beans are staples; aromatic spices and spicy condiments like rougail are used liberally, and curries are plentiful. Cari is a national dish, similar to an Indian curry, but no two are ever the same! This Créole version is made with meat (for the more adventurous – goat and local hedgehog!), fish or sometimes jackfruit. Bouchons, introduced by the Chinese, are small, steamed meat dumplings served with a dipping sauce and a popular street food. See what we mean by culinary fusion?
The authentic experience of Réunionnais fare lies in the ferme auberge, where the host invites you into their home and prepares a home-cooked meal which everyone shares around large tables – it’s just like crashing a big family lunch! At Ferme Auberge de Eva Annibal in Bras-Panon, Eva lines her table with bottles of local rum and serves up her famous vanilla duck, caris, sorbets and tarts. It’s a set menu, just as it would be at your mother’s.
Street food can be found everywhere on the island, with vendors in urban areas and on the beachfronts. Even in upmarket Saint Gille and the capital Saint Denis, street food eateries are tucked between the fine-dining restaurants. Try the sarcives (meat smoked with honey), samoussas (deep-fried pastry triangles filled with meat or cheese) and bonbons piments (tiny fried snacks made from beans and chilli). You may even find locally grown vanilla pods.
Carb-lovers are in for a treat at French-style boulangeries (bakeries) like La Case à Pains in Saint Gilles les Bains, with delicious fresh bread, pastries and desserts on offer. And don’t forget to pop into one of the chocolateries to stock up on more decadence made from cocoa grown on the island.
Craving a cheese platter? Head to Le Palais du Fromage (The Cheese Palace) on the Route du Volcan. Their artisanal cheese flavoured with caramel and honey is a must-try!
L’atelier de Ben in Saint Denis is among Réunion’s best restaurants. Its crisp white interior sets the scene for dishes that are works of culinary art, along with a curated selection of wines. Fresh local produce is used to create French-inspired cuisine that looks almost too good to eat.
Get a real taste for the local cuisine by booking a tour.
Reunion through your eyes
Where to shop in Reunion?
Réunion’s shopping scene is centred around its lively markets overflowing with colourful Créole handicrafts, sweet vanilla perfume, souvenirs and more. Le Grand Marché in Saint Denis, the island's capital, is the largest and renowned for its Malagasy and Indian Ocean crafts. Immerse yourself in all things Créole at the beachfront market, Marché Forain, in Saint Paul, with its local flavours, aromas, spices and artisanal products.
If you’re self-catering, what could be better than doing your grocery shopping open-air at one of the many farmers markets scattered across the island? Stock up on a wide variety of fresh produce including exotic fruits and vegetables like strawberry guavas, chou chou (similar to courgettes), Cilaos lentils, artisanal products and spices. The market in the city centre of Saint Pierre also offers jams, honey, cakes, clothing, and crafts.
For upmarket shopping, explore the boutiques lining the city streets, featuring jewellery, luxury brands, bohemian clothing, and even haberdasheries. Carla Conta in Saint Gilles les Bains specialises in luxury ready-to-wear fashion, and the pedestrian-friendly Rue du Maréchal Leclerc in Saint Denis offers a pleasant stroll past historical buildings alongside shops selling beauty products, clothing, shoes, and food.
If you enjoy one-stop shopping, head to Cap Sacré-Coeur in Le Port, between Saint Denis and Saint Paul – an ideal shopping destination if you’re staying in the capital or near the beautiful beaches of the west coast. This mall features French brands like the botanical beauty products of Yves Rocher, men’s clothing brand Jules and fragrant tea from the Parisian Palais des Thés.
Looking for a safe and simple way to bring your money when you travel? Our Travel Money Card has you covered!
When is the best time to travel to Reunion?
The island has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: a hot, humid and wet season (December to April) and a warm, drier season (May to November).
Temperatures average a balmy 27°C (80.6°F) year-round, with a slightly cooler climate up in the mountains. In the dry season, temperatures can dip as low as 4°C (39°F) the higher up you go.
The hot and humid season coincides with peak, holiday and cyclone season (January to March). Book well in advance to avoid disappointment, especially over New Year when Réunion’s famed New Year’s Eve parties come out to play. January and February are the hottest months with the most rain. Expect heavy downpours.
May to October is the best time to visit – there is less humidity; whale-watching is possible from June to September and the prices are lower as it is low season.
Don't miss out. Book your flight today!
How to get around Reunion
Réunion Island has a good public transport system, so getting around is easy. Car Jaune, the yellow, interurban public bus network, is the most budget-friendly option. With several bus partners like Kar'Ouest and Estival on board to expand transport across the island, the service is comfortable, reliable and island-casual. As some buses don’t have stop bells, the local protocol is to clap loudly twice or shout “Devant!” – French for ‘ahead’ – to signal that you’d like to get off at the next stop. A tourist line also connects with Réunion's two main airports, Roland Garros and Pierrefonds, and offers transport to attractions on the west coast.
Taxis can be expensive in Réunion, so sharing a ride with others is a good way to reduce costs. This is as close to a ride-share as you’ll get – there’s no Uber on the island. Head to a taxi rank or book through your hotel or by phone. Booking a private driver to take you around the sights is also possible.
But if you like exploring at your own pace and schedule, consider car hire. Picture driving over viaduct bridges high above the valleys and deep ravines, like the dramatic Bras de Plains Bridge, or travelling along the coastline from beach to beach.
Let us help you organise your own wheels for exploring. Hire a car today.
What are the best beaches in Reunion?
The west coast has some of the best beaches on the island. Think white sand, tranquil lagoons, and abundant marine life. Remember to stay in the designated swimming areas for your own safety, and enjoy water sports only at these locations where supervision is provided.
You could say the seaside village of Saint Gilles les Bains is a laid-back, tropical version of the Côte d'Azur. Featuring many beautiful beaches, Plage de l'Hermitage is the most popular, with white sand fringed by pine-like trees and a lagoon protected by a coral reef. The clear water is ideal for diving and snorkelling, and for a unique view of the reef and its marine life, we recommend that you rent a transparent kayak!
Le Boucan Canot beach is popular for its vibey atmosphere and offers an expansive stretch of sand, a natural volcanic rock pool, and a promenade of cafés, bars and boutiques. Surfers love the Blue Flag Plage des Roches Noires for its deep, reef-free waters and good waves, while just south of Saint Gilles les Bains, Plage de la Saline offers a picturesque, tranquil beach experience with calm waters for swimming, making it popular with families.
In L'Étang-Salé, on the southwest coast of Réunion Island, you’ll find a unique black sand beach of the same name. It’s a popular diving spot where coral reefs contrast with the unusual black seabed in the Pirogue basin, and you may even spot stingrays. The inky grains of volcanic sand absorb heat more than white sand beaches, so remember to wear shoes!
