Réunion Island
A jewel in the Indian Ocean
Summary
Bonjour Réunion! This rugged island is a little slice of France in the Indian Ocean, from the language right down to the flaky croissants. Réunion Island boasts imposing peaks covered in lush tropical rainforest seem to rise straight up from the ocean and tumbling waterfalls pour into rolling rivers. It’s both a gourmet paradise and a place for outdoor adventure, so working up a big appetite while rafting, paragliding or hiking on active volcanoes will be well rewarded.
When travelling to Réunion Island make sure you pack your hiking shoes and your thrill-seeking spirit. The lush green centre of Reunion Island is made for hiking, trekking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, exploring waterfalls and much more. On the coast try your hand at kite surfing, paddle boarding or scuba diving. Réunion Island is an intriguing island destination that will take your breath away in more ways than one..
Highlights
- Experience a cultural mix like no other, made up of Creole, French, African and Asian influences resulting in incredible food and foot-tapping music.
- Trek to a mountain village, get out your mountain bike or take a canyoning excursion to one of the islands three cirques, volcanoes that have collapsed in on themselves.
- Devour local produce, like the sweet Victoria pineapple, coffee and vanilla, and discover an interesting and thriving food scene, plus plenty of delicious French baguettes.
- Whilst exploring Réunion Island make sure you hike one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, that still regularly puts on incredibly lava and light shows.
- Test your limits with the Diagonale des Fous ultramarathon that’s run each year around the island’s legendary peaks, a challenge for any runner.
- Spend a lazy afternoon swimming and snorkeling in the natural lagoon created by a coral reef.
- Relax and enjoy a small island with a tight knit community that’s safe for travellers and easy to get around.
$USD 350-950 Per person, per day
General inclusions: accommodation, ground transfers, some activities and meals. Seasonality affects the price of accommodation and travelling in low season may reduce the price. Single supplements may also apply.
It's a tourism greenfield, an untouched jewel that hasn't attracted a lot of attention from antipodean tourists more familiar with the attractions of Asia and the Pacific.
Peter Gearin, Sydney Morning Herald
When to travel
It’s a little island with a lot of climate. Parts of Réunion are the wettest on the planet, yet most of the island is warm and sunny for most of the year. So even if you wake to grey skies and rain, odds are it will clear by lunchtime or you can head to the other side of the island and find some sun. Keen whale watchers will want to visit between June and November when thousands of humpbacks make their way past the island. Discover the best time to travel to Réunion Island. The monthly average temperatures and rainfall below are for the Saint-Denis region.
- 30°c
- 25°c
- 20°c
- 15°c
- 10°c
- 5°c
- 0°c
- 220 mm
- 176 mm
- 132 mm
- 88 mm
- 44 mm
- 0 mm
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sept
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Whale Watching
- Hiking
FAQ
1. How do I get to & around Réunion Island?
Mauritius is a close neighbour of Réunion Island and is an easy short trip. South Africa, Tanzania and Seychelles have direct flights and will connect you to and from safari and island options. Guided excursions or private transfers can be arranged. The spectacular helicopter flights over the soaring mountains and the Piton des Neiges volcanoes will take your breath away.
2. How long should I spend in Réunion Island?
Incredible hiking and outdoor opportunities will keep you here for months, however 1 to 2 weeks exploring the main highlights will leave you very satisfied and very fit!
3. Will Réunion Island suit my travel style?
Réunion is an amazing travel destination for those who love the outdoors and hiking. The island is known for its mountain scenery rather than beaches due to its volcanic island structure. Adventure seekers will love canyoning, parasailing or white water rafting. Photographers will also find an interesting and diverse landscape with rugged typography. In terms of resorts, the island is less luxurious than its neighbour Mauritius so if you love luxury and relaxing on a white sandy beach, we would recommend you head there instead.
4. What attractions and experiences can I find in Réunion Island?
Piton de la Fournaise, The Volcano; Cirque de Mafate, the widest and most remote of reunions Cirques; Cirque de Cilaos, a granoise landscape of volcanic peaks, deep ravines and forests; Le Grand Brûlé, a 6km-wide volcanic plain formed by the main lava flow from the volcano.
5. What is the overall vibe of Réunion Island?
The Réunion Island local cuisine blends influence from Africa, India, China, and Europe and being an island nation, expect a wide variety of local fish. It is a small island, only 63km long and 43km wide, with a tight knit community that’s safe for travellers and easy to get around.
6. What essential information should I know before visiting Réunion Island?
Visas: Visitors from Australia do not require Visas for a visit up to 90 days.
Language:French is the main language with Creole as the second choice. Some English is spoken but the road signs and information will all be in French, we recommend packing a phrase book.
Health: Réunion is a malaria-free destination.
Currency: The currency is Euro.
Capital: Saint-Dennis.
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