Reunion

Réunion is a French island in the Indian Ocean, known for its volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and Creole culture. Saint-Denis, the capital, blends colonial architecture with lively markets and cafes. The island’s interior is dramatic, with the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, drawing hikers and nature lovers, while the cirques of Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie offer stunning mountain scenery. The coastline features black- and white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and surf spots. Réunion’s culture mixes French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences, especially in its food and festivals. It’s a destination for both adventure and relaxation, full of color and contrast.

Réunion offers a stunning mix of volcanic peaks, rainforests, and beaches. Unlike many of its tropical neighbors, Réunion is best known not just for its coastline but for its rugged interior, where Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, regularly draws hikers and adventure seekers. The island feels like a slice of France set against a backdrop of towering mountains, Creole villages, and black-sand shores.

This tiny French department will guarantee an exotic dream holiday in a setting that is like ‘tropical Himalayas’. However, if you are planning to visit this beautiful paradise, it is advisable to learn some basic French phrases or you may never find your way off the island again – perhaps not a bad thing!

During the last decade, the tourism industry here has become more significant. Today, tourism brings in more money than geranium, vanilla and sugarcane together, while the picturesque island remains unspoiled by mass-tourism. You can find good accommodation near St Gilles les Bains and in the capital city as well, while seafood can be found island-wide, forming the basis of most meals. The interesting ethnic make-up of the island also ensures Indian, Pakistani, French and Chinese flavors all make their way onto the menu.

Traveling in Réunion is mid-range to expensive, with prices similar to mainland France. You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses and self-catering bungalows to luxury hotels and resorts. Food is a delicious fusion of French, Indian, Chinese, and Creole flavors, think cari (curries), rougail (spicy tomato sauce), grilled seafood, and fresh baguettes. Western food is easy to find across the island.

Getting around is best done with a rental car, the roads are good, but public transport is limited for exploring the interior. French is the main language, though Réunion Creole is widely spoken. English is less common, but you can usually get by in tourist areas. Réunion is very safe with strong infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and well-maintained hiking trails.

Families: Réunion is great for active families , beaches, hiking, and family-friendly lodges. Saint-Gilles and L’Ermitage offer calm lagoons, while the island’s national parks provide outdoor adventures for all ages.

Couples: Couples seeking nature and adventure love Réunion’s volcanic scenery, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. Romantic hikes around Cirque de Mafate and luxury stays near Saint-Leu combine adventure with relaxation.

Backpackers: Réunion is accessible to budget travelers thanks to public transport, gîtes (guesthouses), and hiking shelters. The island’s rugged trails and diverse scenery attract independent backpackers seeking off-the-grid experiences.

Digital Nomads: As a French territory, Réunion offers reliable internet and a stable environment. Saint-Denis and coastal towns have coworking spaces, though it’s more popular for short-term workations than long-term nomad life.

Luxury Travelers: Réunion boasts stylish boutique hotels, eco-luxury lodges, and fine dining, especially around Saint-Gilles and Cilaos. Luxury here emphasizes nature, privacy, and high-end French hospitality.

Foodies: Réunion’s cuisine is a delicious blend of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French flavors , rougail, cari, and bouchons are must-tries. Markets and coastal restaurants serve up fresh seafood and tropical fruit.

Beach Bunnies: Réunion’s beaches are scenic, with protected lagoons ideal for swimming near Saint-Gilles and L’Ermitage. Some beaches have shark risks (well-marked), so stick to lagoon-protected areas for safe swimming.

Nature Buffs: Réunion is a nature lover’s paradise , volcanic peaks, cirques, waterfalls, and lush forests. Highlights include Piton de la Fournaise (active volcano), Cirque de Mafate, and Cirque de Cilaos.

History Buffs: Réunion’s history focuses on colonial settlements, sugar plantations, and multi-ethnic migration. Saint-Denis and Hell-Bourg have well-preserved architecture and museums that tell the island’s story.

Culture Vultures: Réunion’s Creole culture blends African, Malagasy, Indian, and French influences. Traditional music (maloya), festivals, and markets offer immersive experiences, especially during major holidays and celebrations.

Adventure Seekers: Réunion is one of the best adventure destinations in the Indian Ocean , hiking, canyoning, paragliding, diving, surfing, and even helicopter tours over the volcanic landscape are all top-notch.

Solo Travelers: Réunion is safe, well-organized, and friendly to solo travelers. Hiking circuits, tours, and coastal towns make it easy to meet people, though some language skills (French) help in rural areas.

Party Animals: Saint-Gilles and Saint-Denis have bars, beach clubs, and live music venues, offering casual nightlife. Outside major towns, evenings are quiet, focusing more on food and social gatherings.

Wildlife Watchers: While not known for big game, Réunion has endemic birds, marine life (turtles, dolphins, whales), and beautiful coral reefs. Whale-watching tours (June–October) and lagoon snorkeling are highlights.

LGBTQ+: As part of France, Réunion has full legal protections for LGBTQ+ travelers. Social attitudes are moderate but welcoming, especially in tourist areas and urban centers like Saint-Denis.

Why Go to Réunion?

• Hiking and Volcanic Landscapes: Trek across volcanic plains, climb Piton des Neiges (the Indian Ocean’s highest peak), or watch eruptions at Piton de la Fournaise.
• Cirques and Waterfalls: Explore the island’s famous cirques, Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie, with deep valleys and lush waterfalls.
• Beaches and Lagoons: Swim and snorkel in calm lagoons along the west coast, especially around Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.
• Creole Culture: Experience a lively mix of cultures through music, food, markets, and colorful festivals.
• Scenic Drives: Take the Route des Laves to see lava flows meet the sea, or wind your way up to panoramic viewpoints.
• Paragliding and Adventure Sports: Go canyoning, rafting, paragliding, or mountain biking in the island’s rugged interior.
• Island Comforts: Enjoy the perks of being in France with good wine, fresh bread, and top-notch healthcare, even in a remote tropical setting.

Who Might Not Enjoy Réunion?

Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and mix of French and Creole culture. However, certain travelers might find it less suited to their preferences:

• Beach-First Tourists: While Réunion has beaches, they aren’t the island’s main draw. Some are prone to strong currents and shark risks, and the island’s rugged coastlines mean fewer wide, soft-sand stretches compared to Mauritius or the Maldives.

• Luxury-Only Travelers: Réunion has comfortable hotels and a few upscale resorts, but it doesn’t focus on high-end, pampered luxury tourism in the way that nearby islands like Mauritius do.

• Budget Travelers: As a French territory, Réunion is relatively expensive. Accommodation, dining, and services are priced similarly to mainland France, making it less budget-friendly than neighboring countries.

• Visitors Hoping for Vibrant Nightlife: While Saint-Denis and Saint-Gilles have some nightlife options, the island is more about nature and early mornings. Nightlife is modest and fades quickly outside urban areas.

• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans in Rural Areas: Although Creole cuisine includes vegetable-based dishes, many traditional meals are meat- or fish-based. Vegan dining is limited outside of urban centers and tourist zones.

• Travelers Sensitive to Physical Challenges: Réunion’s highlights are its hiking trails, volcanic peaks, and mountainous interior. Much of its best scenery requires physical effort, less appealing to those wanting easy-access viewpoints or minimal activity.

• Tourists Wanting Ancient Historical Monuments: Réunion has colonial history and cultural diversity, but it lacks ancient ruins or grand historical monuments found in places like North Africa or Europe.

• Visitors Sensitive to Heat and Tropical Conditions: The island’s climate is tropical, with a humid rainy season (December to April) and cyclone risks, which can cause travel disruptions.

• People Expecting Island-Hopping: Réunion is relatively isolated. While Mauritius is reachable by short flight, regional island-hopping is limited compared to archipelagos like the Seychelles.

The climate on Reunion is tropical and hot, consisting of two seasons; the rainy and hot (when cyclones might occur) summertime from October to March. The dry and cool wintertime lasts from April to September. Rainfall on the east coast is higher compared than rainfall on the west coast. In the mountains, temperatures are significantly colder, and it can even freeze here during night-time.