The description of Reunion island, in a nutshell, would surely be a French island in the Indian Ocean, a volcanic rock, a subtropical land, a riot of blue and green, of sea and mountain. However, these words and figures will never suffice to describe the complete nature of such an intense island. The intense landscape in which strong, ubiquitous green contrasts with delicate blue. The intense life with its harmonious mix of races and cultures…Let yourself be guided “intensely” while discovering the magnificent Reunion Island.
Visiting Reunion Island
We have shortlisted the many sites present on the island and we are bringing you on a trip around this island full off hidden gems! You can use public transport on the island, the yellow cars, or simply hire a car with or without chauffeur to get to the many corners of the island.
There are indispensable places to visit and you certainly have already heard about them but you should not miss seeing them during your holidays on the island! There are also so much things to do in this island. If you’re the kind of person who likes to soak up the sun with a book in your hand from sunrise to sunset all holiday, you’ll be more than happy relaxing on the white sands along the lagoon. If you travel to experience new cultures and flavours, you’ll love the interesting mix of European French and vibrant Creol that give the island it’s melting pot vibe. If you’re an active traveller, you’ll be spoilt for choice, between hiking one of the hundreds of trails that criss-cross the island, running along the beach, kite- or wind surfing, jumping down waterfalls and canyoning along one of the many rivers, or even cycling the epic road up to the peak of the volcano. There literally is something for everyone.
A journey to the heart of an exceptional nature
The island of Reunion covers 2500 square kilometers and 40% of its land is classified as World Heritage of UNESCO. The real beauty of the island is hidden in its interior. Still wild, often difficult to access, the mountainous surroundings are full of big surprises: volcano peaks, waterfalls, dense forests, isolated villages, plains and spectacular circuses.
Cilaos
Perched at 1,200 meters above sea level, Cilaos is surrounded by peaks oscillating between 2000 and 3070 m of height (Le Piton des Neiges, the highest point of Reunion Island). This single point remains one of the best spot for passing hikers and lovers of breathtaking views.
Salazie
Salazie is the largest and greenest of the three circuses and is accessible by car from Saint-André. Not far away, you will also discover the most beautiful waterfalls of the island: Cascade blanche, Grand Etang and Takamaka.
Mafate
Mafate is the wildest of the three circuses and the less visited. It can be reached only on foot or by helicopter. Mafate is accessible from Salazie, St. Paul (Maïdo) or Cilaos.
High Plains
Wedged between the circuses (Cilaos and Salazie) on one side, the Piton de la Fournaise on the other, the high plains are a natural corridor between the southern and northern coasts. Accessible through St. Benedict or St. Peter.
The Volcano
Get in touch with the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. An immersion in the heart of intense Reunion island. While being there, you will have the feeling of walking on the moon
From Plaines des Kaffres, joins Plaines des Sables, where a stunning lunar landscape created by the hardened lava awaits you … The road to the Piton de la Fournaise offer you a strange landscape and you will be amazed by the beauty of the wild and natural surroundings …
You will be stunned while being here in the heart of Plaine des Sables and the Pas de Bellecombe where you can admire the view of the vast enclosure around the volcano. Be prepared to engage on a descent to the heart of the enclosure and join the small crater, this part is indescribable – you will have to see for yourself.
For the more energetic, a 6 hour hike (round trip)will take you to the foot of the Piton des Neiges crater. Those images will remain etched forever in your memory. Others attractions also lie in its rugged coastline and its forests.
Shortly after St. Joseph and towards St. Rose, cliffs replace the beaches and villages are fewer. The lava becomes ubiquitous. We enter the territory of the volcano. The sea is bubbling beneath the cliffs. St. Philip is the main town of the Southern Wild Island. You will discover the sublime wild black sand beaches, the most famous being that of Etang Salé.
And the Indian Ocean!
Reunion island also has a very protected lagoon on the west coast of the island. You’ll enjoy the warm sandy beaches and enjoy real relaxing moments. The reef stretches over 30 km and protects a beautiful lagoon with turquoise waters. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the coastal village of Saint-Gilles and the beautiful beach of the Hermitage. There you will find the best accommodation of the island.
In the evening, enjoy the gorgeous sunset that follows the lagoon. The turquoise waters of the lagoon are home to schools of colorful fish to discover with mask and snorkel. Do not miss enjoying the marine nature reserve, created in 2007, which will provide divers with stunning discoveries during their deep water exploration.
From June to September, you will have the chance to admire the whales off the coast. You can even watch them from the seaside. And finally for the brave and sportier, fishing boats take you out to meet the blue marlin, barracuda or even swordfish. Going to Reunion also means staying in the heart of the ocean …
Have a great time in Reunion!
