Why choose Réunion Island for your vacations: general overview.

Why the island of Réunion stands out as a holiday destination

The island of Réunion has the rare power to reconcile travelers who are nothing alike. An unmatched hiking paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean, a seaside refuge in the shade of the filaos, a land of active volcanoes and mountain cirques carved in lava, it combines the thrill of adventure with the gentleness of a Creole art of living. All with the comfort of a French territory where you pay in euros, where you find modern infrastructure and a generous cuisine with multiple influences. You come for the promise of landscapes that change at every turn, for a climate that shifts from maritime to mountain within a few dozen kilometers, for a UNESCO-listed heritage and for a hospitality that is told as much at the table as on the trails. Réunion is the possibility of a great journey without giving up practicality, of a tropical immersion with the safety of a well-maintained framework, of a rich, intense stay, and yet surprisingly simple to organize.

Spectacular landscapes within reach

Volcanoes, cirques and ramparts

Réunion is not just a volcanic island: it is the archetype. Its relief rises from the sea like an open book on the planet’s history. On one side, Piton des Neiges, the highest point in the Indian Ocean, a dormant volcano whose erosion has sculpted three emblematic cirques, Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie. On the other, Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, which regularly reshapes the coastline with its lava flows. Between these giants, dizzying ramparts, serrated ridges, lush gorges and primary forests plunge the visitor into a natural theater set. To step out onto the Maïdo lookouts, dominate Mafate like a sea of peaks, cross the Bélouve forest to Trou de Fer, immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of Takamaka, or follow the Plaine des Sables to Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob, is to traverse landscapes that change scale and tone at every hour of the day.

Each cirque has its personality. Salazie, verdant and generous, is adorned with waterfalls that burst like ribbons of silver on the rock. Cilaos, mineral and sunny, reveals itself at the end of a road famous for its tight bends and opens onto charming villages, thermal baths and peaks made for exertion. Mafate, accessible only on foot or by helicopter, cultivates its legend and its tranquility in little islets suspended between sky and ravines, where time seems to beat to a gentler rhythm. To traverse these reliefs is to accept a share of the unexpected and emotion, often at the bend of a path that opens onto an unsuspected perspective.

Coasts, lagoons and cliffs

Along the coastline, the island reveals a second face, more maritime and no less spectacular. The west and southwest coast, sheltered, offers long blond or golden beaches and a crystalline lagoon protected by the coral barrier, where the water takes on shades of azure and turquoise. L’Hermitage, la Saline, the point of the Passe de l’Étang-Salé promise serene swims, fish-filled bottoms and a light that magnifies sunsets. Farther south, Cap Méchant embodies the power of the elements, where the swell comes to strike basalt cliffs and sculpt dark, tormented reliefs. To the east, the so-called windward coast is adorned with green cliffs, frozen flows and white churches that contrast with the black lava. The Route des Laves bears witness to the geological life of Piton de la Fournaise and reminds us that Réunion is a living organism, where the mineral and the vegetal never cease to converse.

A playground for every desire

Hiking and nature immersion

A destination for walkers par excellence, Réunion has hundreds of kilometers of perfectly marked trails, from the GRR1 that circles Piton des Neiges to short, accessible loops for a gentle introduction. The terrain is varied, the elevation gains sometimes demanding, but every effort is rewarded by the rare feeling of crossing distinct worlds in a single day. At dawn, the ascent of Piton des Neiges to see the sun set the ocean ablaze is a memory that lasts. During the day, you go from a forest of cryptomerias to a savanna bristling with vacoas, from a lunar plateau to pastures where the cows of the Plaine des Cafres graze. The canyons of Cilaos, the lava tunnels to explore with specialized guides, the suspension footbridges above ravines add to the feeling of mastered adventure.

This engagement with nature is not limited to performance. It comes with simple and precious moments: listening to the rustling of the filaos at the edge of the lagoon, letting yourself be enveloped by the fine mists of Bélouve, breathing the acrid smell of sulfur near the craters, feeling the warm rain that suddenly bursts on a trail, observing the hues of a Phaéton butterfly or the flight of a tropicbird. Réunion lends itself to slowing down as much as to achievement, and its magic lies in this alternation between intensity and contemplation.

Sea, sky and adrenaline

On the west coast, the calm waters of the lagoon invite snorkeling to observe parrotfish, damselfish and giant clams, in respect of protected areas. Dive clubs offer supervised outings to explore drop-offs, arches and caves, with the possibility of encountering turtles and rays. The steady trade winds and the relief favor paragliding, especially from Saint-Leu, where you glide above sugarcane fields and the reef in incomparable light. Canyoning finds a dream terrain here, alternating rappels along waterfalls, jumps and natural slides in clear water. Surfers, for their part, remain attentive to regulations and secured areas, swimming and board sports in open water being restricted for safety reasons; supervised beaches and the lagoon offer privileged spaces to relax, swim and enjoy the ocean in complete serenity.

A mixed, vibrant and hospitable culture

Creole cuisine and market delights

Reunion culture is tasted first. It carries the accent of simmering pots, the fragrance of vanilla, the liveliness of chili, the freshness of achards, and the creaminess of grains. The cari, a signature dish, features meats, fish or seafood in spicy yet balanced sauces, accompanied by rice and legumes that vary with mood and produce. Crispy samoussas, steamed bouchons, bonbons piments and sweet cassava bites reflect the meeting of Indian, Chinese, Malagasy, African and European traditions. In the markets of Saint-Paul, Saint-Pierre or Saint-Leu, stalls overflow with lychees, Victoria pineapples, mangoes and passion fruit in season, as well as quality turmeric, Bourbon vanilla pods and floral-note honeys. Distilleries perpetuate the art of rum and infused rum, macerated with fruits and spices, which happily accompany aperitif or mark the end of a meal with conviviality.

The table is also a stage for encounters. In a Creole house, at the heart of a guesthouse, people gladly share a smoked ti’jacque or a smoked chicken, discuss the rain that shapes the ravines, the sugarcane harvests, the coming festivities. Reunion cuisine, rich and generous, does not seek ostentation; it tells of a land of mountains and sea, aromatic gardens and passed-down gestures. It appeals as much to lovers of discovery as to travelers seeking simple, authentic dishes, always with the possibility of adjusting the heat of the chili to taste.

Festivals, music and spiritualities

Reunion identity is a living weave of languages, beliefs and rhythms. Maloya and sega, each with its pulse, enliven dances, concerts and vigils, carrying stories of memory, joy and resistance. Tamil temples with colorful gopurams punctuate towns and countryside, and processions and ceremonies mark the calendar, along with Catholic, Muslim or Buddhist festivals. Each year’s end, the Fèt Kaf commemorates the abolition of slavery and makes the island vibrate with a breath of freedom and sharing. Major sporting events, like the Grand Raid, also transform the island into a stage where self-transcendence is expressed. Added to these highlights are cultural events, from the contemporary music scene to art exhibitions, which testify to creativity at work across all generations.

Climate and best times to visit

Seasons and microclimates

Located in the southern hemisphere, Reunion follows the rhythm of a hot, humid austral summer from November to April, and a cooler, drier winter from May to October. Microclimates are pronounced: the eastern slopes receive more rain, nourishing lush vegetation, while the west benefits from generous sunshine. Hikers often appreciate the period from May to October, when temperatures are milder and visibility excellent at altitude. The transition months, around May–June and September–November, combine mildness and favorable conditions to explore mountains and coastline. The hot season offers lush vegetation, abundant waterfalls and the possible spectacle of eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise, to be observed only in authorized zones and by following safety instructions.

Natural moments and notable events

Between July and October, humpback whales travel along the coasts and can sometimes be seen from land, but especially from supervised sea outings that follow strict protocols so as not to disturb the cetaceans. High-altitude blooms, vanilla and sugarcane harvests, and religious and popular festivals set the rhythm of the year and give each period a particular character. Choosing dates means balancing desires for ascents, quiet swims, cultural encounters or great natural spectacles, with the assurance that the island always offers an alternative in case of capricious weather on a given side.

Practicality and comfort of an easy trip

Access, transport and accommodation

Traveling to Reunion simplifies many formalities. Flights regularly connect Roland-Garros airport to mainland France and the Indian Ocean, and arrival comes without administrative culture shock for European travelers. Once there, the road network serves the main towns and the gateways to the cirques and natural sites; renting a car remains the most flexible solution to range between sea and mountains. The main routes, sometimes steep, require vigilance, but travel times are rewarded by panoramas and charming stops. Accommodation ranges from comfortable hotels to hikers’ gîtes, including guesthouses where family hospitality and table d’hôtes add a warm dimension to the stay. Ecolodges and addresses committed to reducing environmental footprint are multiplying, in keeping with the spirit of the island.

The diversity of regions makes it possible to imagine a hub-and-spoke stay from the coast or to organize an itinerary that changes scenery every two or three days. Sleeping in an îlet of Mafate to feel the soothing isolation of its valleys, spending a night in the Plaine des Cafres to watch the sunrise over the Plaine des Sables, settling in Saint-Gilles to enjoy the lagoon and sea outings, staying in Cilaos to combine walks and thermal baths: the island readily lends itself to a rhythm alternating intensity and rest.

Language, currency and services

Reunion combines exoticism and familiarity. French is the common language, Creole gives a particular color and musicality to everyday conversations, and English is understood in tourist sectors. The currency is the euro, bank cards are widely accepted, the health infrastructure is of high quality and mobile networks provide good coverage, including in many rural areas. This ease of use reduces the traveler’s mental load, allowing focus on the essentials: enjoying the landscapes, opening up to encounters, tasting the cuisine, taking time.

Preserving a UNESCO-listed jewel

A natural heritage under high protection

The Pitons, cirques and ramparts of Réunion are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing a unique geological and ecological ensemble. This distinction honors both the beauty of the landforms and the richness of biodiversity, from the taffoni of the ramparts to the forest of bois de couleurs, from tree ferns to endemic birds. It commits each visitor to simple but essential gestures: stay on the trails, take your trash with you, avoid taking plants and rocks, and limit trampling of sensitive areas. In the lagoon, caution is coupled with respect for the reefs, living and fragile organisms, which require keeping your distance, not touching them, and using coral-friendly sunscreens.

Safety and responsibility on land and at sea

Réunion is a safe destination as long as you respect a few rules adapted to its terrain and climate. In the mountains, the weather changes quickly; leaving early, checking trail conditions, bringing water, sun protection and warm clothing even in the dry season, are reflexes that guarantee a pleasant experience. Avoid ravine hikes after heavy rains and follow the recommendations of tourist offices and professional guides. On the coast, swimming is best done by favoring supervised beaches and protected areas, observing the swell and the rules in force. During the austral summer, cyclonic episodes are the subject of precise and advance information; paying attention is part of the know-how of travel. Preservation is also sanitary, with simple vigilance against mosquitoes during periods of viral circulation and respect for basic hygiene practices, tap water being generally of good quality depending on the area.

Craft a stay that suits you

The great asset of Réunion is its ability to accommodate different travel plans without anyone feeling shortchanged. Fans of itinerant travel can treat themselves to a crossing of the island punctuated by nights in lodges, families juggle between accessible walks, calm beaches and fun visits, lovers find sumptuous settings for moments for two combining sunset over the lagoon and a helicopter flight, thrill seekers fill their week with climbs, canyon descents, paragliding and underwater outings. In the evening, you gather around a steaming cari, a plate of bouchons, a glass of arranged rum, and already write the next part of the program according to the weather and your desires. This rare flexibility, this continuous kaleidoscope of atmospheres and activities, gives the feeling of a long trip even when time is limited.

The travel narrative is nourished by memorable stages, but also by details: an open window onto sugarcane fields, the scent of a Rosa geranium in the Hauts, the discreet crackle of lava at dawn, a conversation with a market gardener at a market, the discovery of a chapel hidden under the flamboyants. Réunion knows how to be spectacular, but it excels in the art of slipping moments of grace into the ordinary, which explains why so many travelers return, curious to see a landscape in a different season, or to go back on a trail that had resisted them.

Budget and value for money

The cost of a trip to Réunion reflects the insularity and logistical demands of a remote territory, but it is easily adjusted according to choices. Air tickets generally weigh the most in the budget; off-peak periods and planning ahead make it possible to lighten this burden. On site, the range of accommodations covers very diverse tiers, from simple and friendly addresses to high-end hotels, and dining offers both fine tables and market canteens and snack bars where you eat well at a low price. Guided activities represent an investment that is explained by the qualifications of professionals and the safety measures implemented; they are balanced by free or very affordable pleasures such as hiking, swimming in the lagoon, watching sunsets or discovering villages.

Taken as a whole, the value for money proves very favorable for those who want a complete trip, focused as much on nature as on culture, with a high level of logistical comfort. The absence of complex formalities, monetary stability, infrastructure safety and the diversity of experiences offered within a compact territory allow you to optimize each day and accumulate dense memories without multiplying transfers or wasting time.

What makes the difference, beyond postcards

In a world where many tropical destinations look alike, Réunion affirms a deep singularity. The landscapes are not only beautiful, but intelligible: you can perceive how the lava flowed, how the cirques opened, how the forest clings to the basalt and how water sculpted the ravines. Culture is not a backdrop, but a daily presence, made of languages that cross and stories that echo, of memories that are embraced and festivals that bring people together. The sea is not only a soothing horizon, but a living world to respect, a resource to share, a mirror of the ecological responsibilities of our time. Traveling to Réunion means accepting being transformed by a territory that is aware of its value and its fragility, and that invites everyone to take part in its future by traveling better.

This mix of practical obviousness and sensitive depth explains why the island becomes a choice that goes beyond intuition. You find the promise of simple happiness, backed by extraordinary panoramas; you gain the ease of a hassle-free stay, enriched by sincere encounters; you glean proof that adventure can be both safe and moving, that relaxation does not exclude wonder, and that you can return with more than beautiful images. Choosing Réunion for your vacation means offering yourself a rare synthesis between intensity and softness, an invitation to live several trips in one, and the certainty of leaving with a lasting attachment to an island that, beneath its volcano, has a wide-open heart.