Are you looking to holiday on Reunion Island? Discover our travel guide to everything, including when you should visit, the best things to do and see, and why you should visit this beautiful African island.
In this article:
1. Location
4. Essential Travel Information
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the island of Réunion Located?
Reunion Island is a small dot in the Indian Ocean, about 587 miles east from Madagascar and 140 miles west of Mauritius. It's a dream destination for hikers due to its extraordinarily varied terrain, with coral reefs, black sand beaches and an active volcano. The west coast is generally drier than the east coast, which is home to the island’s highest peak, Piton des Neiges, standing at an impressive 3,069 metres!
How to Get to Réunion Island From the UK
There are two options to get to Reunion from the UK. You can travel with Air France on the daily overnight service via Charles De Gaulle Airport – with an inter-airport change between Paris Orly Airport. (Although you don’t always need to change airport and you can get flights that connect through the same airport).
Or, you can fly directly with Air Mauritius to nearby Mauritius and take a short, easy connecting flight to St Denis. Please be aware that these are scheduled flights that operate on certain days of the week. If you fly to Mauritius, you can then combine a stay on the island at the beginning or end of your trip.
With frequent daily flights between Reunion and Mauritius, and a regular service to Madagascar, it's never been easier to visit the two contrasting islands. Ask our Travel Specialists for more information.
When is the Best Time to Visit Réunion Island?
The best time to visit Reunion Island is during the dry season, from May to October.
Réunion has a hot sub-tropical climate with sea temperatures that rarely drop below 23°C. The dry season sees temperatures of between 20-25°C. November to March is more humid, with most rain and occasional cyclones in January and February. The interior uplands have an almost temperate climate. It can be cool in the mountains and it's advisable to have some warm clothing for the evenings.
During the French school holidays, the island can get crowded, as it's popular for a relaxing break.
Further Reading: Best Time to Visit Reunion Island
Essential Travel Information
"What type of country is Réunion Island?"
Reunion Island is an overseas French department, made official in 1946 after previously being a colony.
"Do I need a visa to visit Réunion Island?"
If you're visiting from the UK, you don't need a visa to enter Reunion Island. But it’s always a good idea to check the latest travel advice before planning your trip. Speak with our Travel Specialists for more.
"Which language do they speak in Réunion?"
The official language is French, with a diverse population of French, Malagasy, African and Indian people who speak it. Residents also speak Creole, which has developed since the island was settled.
"What currency do they use in Réunion?"
The currency is the euro (€). Major credit cards are accepted almost anywhere on the island, with Visa and MasterCard those most widely accepted by the majority of hotels, restaurants and stores you'll visit.
"Is it safe to visit Réunion Island?"
There are no health requirements for Reunion. But always consult your doctor at least six weeks before travel and refer to the Fit for Travel website for details of recommended vaccines for travel in Reunion.
There are sharks along the coastline, so we normally recommend to our clients to visit the protected west coast – which is where LUX* Saint Gilles is located for a relaxing beach stay.
History and Culture of Réunion Island
The history of Reunion spans across 500 years. It was initially discovered by the Portuguese along with Mauritius and Rodrigues in 1513, forming the Mascarene Islands we know today. Jacques Pronis of France officially claimed it in 1642, with it later being taken over by the East India Trading Company. A social system of slavery was put in place before its abolition. Indentured labourers were then imported from Southeast Asia, India and East Africa in 1848. Nowadays, it's a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the natural beauty and unique culture which has come to form its existence.
Things to Do on Réunion Island
Reunion Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, catering for almost every sporting interest. Popular outdoor pursuits include canyoning (abseiling at tumbling waterfalls), paragliding, horse-riding and mountain biking, hiking, whale watching and scuba diving. The coral reefs off the lively west coast town of St Gilles-les-Bains are home to a diverse range of marine life, attracting plenty of enthusiastic scuba divers. Whereas the famous ‘left hand waves’ of nearby St Leu beckon surfers from around the globe.
Here are five of our favourite things to do on Reunion Island:
1. Relax on the stylish Saint Gilles beach
A 20km stretch of lagoon and golden sands make the beach in Saint Gilles an attractive location for unwinding on your holiday. It's different to some of the black sand beaches you'll potentially visit – and offers a more tropical feel if you want to explore somewhere far removed from the rugged mountains.
Our Reunion Beach Holiday includes a stay at the incredible LUX* Saint Gilles, just three kilometres outside of the island’s most popular beach resort. Prices start from £3,350 per person for ten nights.
2. Explore Cirque de Salazie on foot
Known as "The Kingdom of Waterfalls", Cirque de Salazie is teeming with wonderfully wet and lush greenery with hiking trails from which to explore it. It's one of the island's most intriguing spots, home to the impressive Piton d'Anchaing at its core. Winding through its 3.8km treats you to the sight of christophine and passion fruit fields along the way to a spectacular view of the north as your reward.
3. Delve deep into Bébour Bélouve Forest
The luxuriant mountain forest of Bebour Belouve will attract any nature enthusiast with its high altitude vegetation characterised by enchanting tamarinds. Birders may ‘tick off’ most of Reunion’s endemics in the course of a single walk, with some rare birds including Audubon's shearwater and Barau's petrel.
4. Get up close to active Piton de la Fournaise
The island is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, which is a popular destination for hikers and adventure seekers looking for an adrenaline rush. Start with a stupendous view of the volcano and Endos Fouche (an eight-kilometre-wide caldera). Then traverse (first thing in the morning, at sunrise, as the weather becomes unpredictable as the day goes on) terrain made up of twisted basalt rocks and volcanic soil. At the summit, your prize is the sight of the Dolomieu Crater.
5. Embark on a road trip to La Réunion Island
Taking a rental car around Reunion allows you to freely explore the island. You can start on the coast and end in the mountains or do the vice versa. This is perfect if you're someone who wants to explore at a relaxed pace, spending more or less time in each place as and how you want to in the moment.
Our Reunion Island Self-Drive itinerary treats you to two weeks here, combining the active volcano and picturesque mountain towns with a beach holiday. Prices start from £2,950 per person for 16 nights.
Speak with our Travel Specialists to tailor-make your Reunion itinerary with any of these experiences.
Culture and Cuisine
Local cuisine and drinks in Réunion
The local cuisine blends flavours from Africa, India, China and Europe. As an island, the cuisine includes a wide variety of fish. If you prefer more western-style food, this is found in both gourmet and fast-food establishments across the island. There are also local fruits, vegetables, herbs and other ingredients not found in French mainland cuisine such as Manioc, Mangue (mango), Goyavier (guava), Chevaquines (dried shrimp), Baba-figue (stuffed, fried banana flowers), Songe and Ti-jacques (jack fruit).
Accommodation and Travel
Where to stay on Réunion Island
We've chosen our Reunion hotels for their charm and attentive service, whether in a sophisticated hotel in St Gilles or a simple inn overlooking Piton des Neiges – the Indian Ocean’s highest peak. See the traditional Creole houses when you visit the street market at nearby St Paul or hike from Maido, the amazing ‘balcony’ overlooking Mafate. The helicopter trip over the rugged interior is unforgettable.
Getting around Réunion Island
The most popular way of travelling around the country is by self-drive, as it gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the different regions. The roads are in good condition although they're narrower in the more remote areas. You drive on the right, as you would in France. Alternatively, you can hire an expert guide for the day, which is great fun since you learn a lot. We can recommend our favourites.
South Coast Highlights
The Wild South of Reunion Island is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, including the popular town of St Gilles les Bains. You can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as surfing and snorkelling. Or, if you wish, simply relax on the beach and enjoy the sun beaming down on the shores.
The south is also home to a number of breathtaking natural attractions, including the Piton de la Fournaise volcano and Reunion National Park – which are key highlights on any holiday to Reunion.
Why You Should Visit Réunion Island
Reunion is a little-known gem that offers a unique and exciting travel experience.
Whenever our Travel Specialists visit, they're always enchanted by its many contrasting landscapes, from its lush forests-clad mountains, barren volcanic moonscapes to its black volcanic and golden sand beaches. The extraordinary central volcanic peak, Piton de Neiges, dominates the island and it's claimed that it can be seen from Mauritius on a clear day! Not only that, but you can also partake in various adventure sports, including hang gliding to get a good look at the diverse topography.
Responsible Tourism in Réunion Island
Reunion Island is a fragile and unique ecosystem, so you should take steps to protect its natural environment (with 40% of it designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site). Simply admiring the beautiful nature around you rather than touching helps to protect certain species of vegetation. Also, stick to the marked trails while hiking. Veering off the path may lead to you damaging the plants. Cycling is a low-impact means of travel and an excellent, slower-paced way of exploring the island.
By being a responsible tourist, you directly contribute to preserving the island’s natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our Product Manager, Candice, answers questions we're frequently asked about a holiday in Reunion:
"Is English widely spoken in Réunion?"
French is the main language, with Creole the second choice. Some English is spoken but the road signs and information will all be in French. It’s useful if you have the rudiments of even school level French.
"Is Réunion nicer than Mauritius?"
Reunion and Mauritius are quite similar. But where you would go to Mauritius for your resort-beach stay, Reunion is more for the explorer. Accommodation is smaller, more intimate and charming. Reunion is less popular, making it quieter in terms of other tourists. Reunion also offers more varied activities, more to see and discover.
"Are the hotels on Réunion similar to those in Mauritius?"
The accommodation in Reunion tends to be simpler than in Mauritius. The top hotels are on the smaller scale and, while often very stylishly designed, the level of facilities is not quite the same as its tropical neighbour. Many of the properties in the mountains are three-star gites (guesthouses) but they're incredibly comfortable, clean and friendly. Breakfast is included and is often a sumptuous affair!
"How long should I spend on Réunion Island?"
I would recommend anything from seven nights to 14 nights – with ten nights somewhere in the middle. You want to stay on at least two sides of the island to discover what's on offer.
"Do I need to get any vaccinations ahead of travel and/or malaria tablets?"
Reunion doesn’t require any vaccinations or malaria precautions – just remember to drink lots of water!
"I am pregnant; can I travel to Réunion Island?"
There are no reasons why you shouldn’t travel. But always consult your local GP for travel advice.
Helen Kennedy
Travel Specialist
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Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
