What to see and do in Reunion Island?

Reunion Island remains one of the most popular destinations, especially for the richness and beauty of its biodiversity. Whether traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends, the place offers a range of leisure activities to discover. Explore the wonders of this sunny destination!

What to see on Reunion Island?

The Reunion Island has some of the most active volcanoes on the globe. For example, the famous Piton de la Fournaise, which is a premier tourist attraction. At 2,500 meters above sea level, it erupts approximately every nine to ten months. The guided hike to ascend it will take you about five hours (round trip). The surrounding landscape is truly fascinating, almost lunar. The island also boasts a large number of waterfalls, some of which are spectacular, such as the Trou de Fer and the famous Voile de la Mariée, a waterfall renowned for the legend associated with it. These waterfalls are accompanied by turquoise-blue pools, inviting you for a swim. The island has three natural cirques (Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate); Salazie is the greenest, and the one in Mafate is stunning when viewed from the top of Piton Maïdo. Hundreds of kilometers of trails crisscross the island, allowing you to undertake various routes. Reunionese and visitors alike enjoy the waterfall area for picnics, relaxation, and also rafting.

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Dreamy swims on the Intense Island!

If you're not tempted by climbing and hiking, know that the magnificent landscapes of Reunion Island can also be enjoyed from the air, by helicopter or paragliding (Saint Leu is the ideal starting point for this sport). The island's numerous beaches make it a paradise for lovers of white, fine sand, lining a translucent sea bordered by palm trees. There are also some black sand beaches, at Point-de-Sel. The beach of l'Ermitage remains the favorite, but the beaches of Saline-les-Bains and Trou d'eau, though smaller, are worth a visit. Saint Gilles-les-Bains is the main seaside resort on the island. If you're looking for safe swimming areas, you'll appreciate the beaches of Roches Noires and Boucan-Canot. In the lagoon, the water temperature is very pleasant for swimming or snorkeling. As for Saint-Leu beach, it is very popular with surfers, due to the powerful and regular waves.

What to do in Reunion Island?

This tropical destination is also known for the quality of its Bourbon vanilla. Take advantage of your visit to learn about the operations of a vanilla plantation (also called "vanillery"). There are several on the island, but the most pleasant one is the Provanille Cooperative in Bras-Panon. The pods come from the most beautiful forests of the island, along the edges of volcanic flows. Provanille also cultivates superb orchids. A boat trip between June and October will allow you to observe large dolphins, long-beaked dolphins, and humpback whales, which come from Antarctica to breed in these waters. If the duration of your stay does not give you the opportunity to explore the island's seabed, visit the Aquarium of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains to admire the beauty of its marine ecosystem. Fans of cultural pleasures can only be delighted to admire the murals of Street Art style, with which most urban areas of Reunion Island are adorned.

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The markets of Saint-Denis, Reunion Island

The city of Saint-Denis has a historic heart adorned with Creole houses and magnificent colonial architecture buildings. This city offers numerous shows, restaurants, and a multitude of places and spots that will make your trip sublime. Mark your agenda for a stroll through its open-air market, followed by a walk on the Barachois esplanade by the sea. Other markets (in Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul) are ideal resources to find a traditional gift and enjoy local products. The island is strongly influenced by Creole culture, both in its music (Maloya) and traditional dance. Shows, with numerous percussionists accompanied by dancers dressed in long colorful robes, are a highly prized tourist attraction. A trip to Reunion Island is also an opportunity to tantalize the taste buds of the most gourmet. Its cuisine results from the harmonious blend of Indian, French, Chinese, and Malagasy cuisine. Rougail (or "rougaille"), a tasty dish of sausages served with rice, grains, and rougail (fried wasp paste), is an essential local specialty to taste. In Africa, Reunion Island offers you a unique experience to be as close to nature as possible, with its must-see waterfalls, hikes along the Piton de la Fournaise (volcano), or the Mafate, Salazie, and Cilaos cirques, all accessible thanks to nearby parking lots. These numerous visits will offer you spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, however, as these visits are distant from each other, renting a car is strongly recommended. Finally, for accommodation, you have multiple options such as houses with historic gardens, hotels, or private rentals. To not miss out on the wonders of Reunion Island, why not rent a car for the duration of your stay?

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Fly to Reunion Island!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days to visit Reunion Island?

There's no single answer to this question. Depending on what you want to see and do during your stay, you can visit Reunion Island in one week or two. The island's main tourist sites include Piton de la Fournaise, the Cilaos cirque, the Salazie cirque, and the Mafate cirque. You can also go hiking, canyoning, surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.

What is the most beautiful place in Reunion Island?

There are no particularly beautiful places in Reunion Island, but the island's landscapes are generally stunning. White sandy beaches, tropical forests, and enchanting mountains create an idyllic setting for vacations.

How to visit Reunion Island?

There are several ways to visit Reunion Island, but the best way is probably by taking a cruise. You can also go hiking or on a safari in the hinterland.