Saint-Benoît Travel Guide
City City in Réunion
On Réunion’s windward coast, Saint-Benoît anchors river gorges, vanilla plantations and creole markets. Visitors head here for canyon hikes, rum distilleries, local eateries selling carri poulet, and access to la Plaine des Palmistes and nearby waterfalls.
77°F
Why Visit Saint-Benoît? #
On Réunion’s humid eastern coast, Saint-Benoît attracts visitors with lush river valleys, waterfalls and access to interior hiking trails that thread past vanilla plantations. Creole markets, piquant local cuisine and small rum distilleries showcase island flavors, while coastal roads reveal black-sand beaches and lava-carved shoreline. It makes a quieter base for exploring the island’s volcanic landscapes and French-Creole culture.
Best Things to Do in Saint-Benoît
All Attractions ›
Saint-Benoît Bucket List
- Rivière des Roches valley - Scenic river valley with pools, walking paths and shaded picnic spots near town.
- Église de Saint-Benoît - Town church at the center of local life and occasional community cultural events.
- Local market of Saint-Benoît - Market selling tropical fruit, spices and handmade goods reflecting island produce and flavors.
- Small waterfall trails - Short hikes to quiet waterfalls and natural pools popular with locals for cooling off.
- Coastal fishing piers - Low-key piers where fishermen gather and you can watch daily catches being landed.
- Village rum distillery visits - Small local distilleries offering tastings and explanations of traditional rum-making techniques.
- Piton de la Fournaise - Accessible day excursion to an active volcano with dramatic lava fields and viewpoints.
- Sainte-Anne coastal drive - Coastal route offering beaches, roadside viewpoints and small seaside towns to explore.
Best Time to Visit Saint-Benoît #
Saint‑Benoît's east coast is warm year‑round but best visited May-October when trade winds temper the heat and rainfall drops. The southern summer brings heavy rains and cyclone risk, so avoid January-March unless you have flexible arrangements.
Best Time to Visit Saint-Benoît #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and warm winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1472 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (229 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (228 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (216 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Saint-Benoît
Saint-Benoît (Réunion) is reached by road after arriving at Roland Garros (RUN) near Saint‑Denis; there is no rail on the island. Regional buses and taxis connect the airport and coastal towns, but for door-to-door convenience a taxi or rental car is recommended.
Roland Garros / Saint-Denis (RUN): Réunion’s main international airport (Roland Garros, RUN) near Saint-Denis is the primary air gateway. Saint-Benoît on the island’s east coast is about 30-45 minutes by road from the airport depending on traffic; taxi transfers typically cost around €35-60 and regional car hires are widely available.
Pierrefonds (RUN is main): There are no alternative international airports serving Saint-Benoît regularly; most long-haul flights arrive at Roland Garros and continue by road or regional bus.
Train: Réunion has no passenger rail network - there are no trains to Saint-Benoît.
Bus: Regional bus services connect Saint-Denis/Roland Garros with towns on the east coast, including Saint-Benoît. The island’s public bus services (run by regional operators) provide economical connections; fares and schedules vary by operator and season, and travel time from the airport is typically about 35-50 minutes depending on route and stops.
How to Get Around Saint-Benoît #
Saint-Benoît on Réunion is best navigated by car; the island’s public buses serve the commune but schedules can be infrequent. The town centre is compact enough to walk around for short visits, while rural and coastal sights require driving. Car rental or hiring a driver gives the most flexibility for exploring the east coast and interior; expect winding roads and some steep terrain.
Where to Stay in Saint-Benoît #
Where to Eat in Saint-Benoît #
Nightlife in Saint-Benoît #
Saint-Benoît’s evening scene is low-key: a few bars, cafés and restaurants where locals gather after work. Nightlife isn’t extensive, though festivals and occasional live-music events bring more activity at certain times of year. If you want more restaurants or late-night options, larger towns on the island offer a broader selection.
Shopping in Saint-Benoît #
Shopping consists mainly of local shops, bakeries and small markets supplying daily necessities. For a larger selection of brands and specialty stores you’ll travel to Saint-Denis or other bigger towns on the island. Look for local foodstuffs, spice blends and Réunionese groceries in the town’s markets and grocery stores.
