Claim to Fame
Réunion Island is renowned for its active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most accessible and frequently erupting volcanoes, surrounded by lush rainforests, dramatic calderas, and black-sand beaches.
📌 Navigating Réunion : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by attraction, with some sites being free and others charging a modest fee.
- How Long to Visit: A visit can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the activities and attractions chosen.
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available at major attractions, parks, and rest stops across the island.
- Hours of Operation: Hours of operation depend on the specific attraction, with many open from morning until late afternoon or early evening.
- Important Information: Travelers should be aware of the island's diverse climate and pack accordingly, as conditions can change rapidly.
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available at major attractions, parks, and rest stops across the island.
- Hours of Operation: Hours of operation depend on the specific attraction, with many open from morning until late afternoon or early evening.
- Important Information: Travelers should be aware of the island's diverse climate and pack accordingly, as conditions can change rapidly.
- Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by attraction, with some sites being free and others charging a modest fee.
- How Long to Visit: A visit can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the activities and attractions chosen.
- Handicap Accessible: Many areas are handicap accessible, but it's advisable to check specific locations for detailed facilities.
- Pets: Pets are generally allowed in outdoor areas but may be restricted in certain indoor locations and attractions.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are widely available, offering insights into the island's unique culture, history, and natural beauty.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are various restaurants and cafes serving local and international cuisine throughout the island.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops are located in tourist areas, selling local crafts, souvenirs, and specialty food items.
- Parking: Parking is available at various locations, including popular attractions and hiking trails.
- Family Friendly: Réunion offers numerous family-friendly activities, including nature parks, beaches, and cultural experiences.
- Photography: The island's stunning landscapes, volcanic peaks, and lush flora make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
- WIFI: Free public Wi-Fi is available in select areas, including some cafes and tourist information centers.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas can be found in several parks and scenic spots, perfect for enjoying the island's natural beauty.
- Parking: Parking is available at various locations, including popular attractions and hiking trails.
- Family Friendly: Réunion offers numerous family-friendly activities, including nature parks, beaches, and cultural experiences.
- Photography: The island's stunning landscapes, volcanic peaks, and lush flora make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
- WIFI: Free public Wi-Fi is available in select areas, including some cafes and tourist information centers.
- Picnic Area: Picnic areas can be found in several parks and scenic spots, perfect for enjoying the island's natural beauty.
- Handicap Accessible: Many areas are handicap accessible, but it's advisable to check specific locations for detailed facilities.
- Pets: Pets are generally allowed in outdoor areas but may be restricted in certain indoor locations and attractions.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are widely available, offering insights into the island's unique culture, history, and natural beauty.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are various restaurants and cafes serving local and international cuisine throughout the island.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops are located in tourist areas, selling local crafts, souvenirs, and specialty food items.
Photos of Réunion
A French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, Réunion offers an extraordinary blend of European culture, Creole heritage, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. It’s a dream destination for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers who crave something beyond the ordinary tropical escape.
What to Expect
Réunion is a land of contrasts: from the moonlike lava fields of Piton de la Fournaise to the green, waterfall-laced Cirques of Mafate, Salazie, and Cilaos. You’ll find beaches on the west coast perfect for snorkeling and surfing, while the interior draws trekkers with its well-maintained trails and World Heritage-listed landscapes.
The towns, like Saint-Denis and Cilaos, offer a mix of colonial architecture, markets, and fusion cuisine reflecting the island’s multicultural roots — French, Malagasy, African, Indian, and Chinese.
Background and Cultural Context
Originally uninhabited, Réunion became a French colony in the 17th century. Today, it remains part of France — with the euro as currency and French as the official language. Despite this, its identity is distinct, shaped by centuries of migration and cultural blending. Music, dance, and food — like spicy Creole cari and samosas — reflect its diverse influences.
Best Time to Visit
May to November is the dry season, ideal for hiking and exploring. December to April is hotter and more humid, with occasional cyclones. Volcano eruptions can happen anytime — check local updates if you're planning a trek to Piton de la Fournaise.
How to Get There
Réunion is accessible via direct flights from France (notably Paris), South Africa, and nearby islands like Mauritius. The main airport is Roland Garros Airport near Saint-Denis. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island’s diverse terrain.
Photo Opportunities
- Crater rim views of Piton de la Fournaise
- Terraced villages in Cirque de Cilaos
- Tropical waterfalls in the lush Salazie
- Sunset on black-sand beaches like Étang-Salé
- Markets and colonial buildings in Saint-Paul
Travel Tips
- Bring sturdy hiking shoes and rain gear for mountain treks.
- Drive carefully — roads are winding and often steep.
- Local dishes are delicious — don’t miss Creole food and tropical fruits.
- French is widely spoken; basic phrases help in smaller towns.
FAQs
Is Réunion part of the EU?
Yes — it’s an overseas department of France and uses the euro. EU travelers don’t need a visa.
Can I visit an active volcano safely?
Yes — Piton de la Fournaise is one of the safest active volcanoes to visit, with guided hikes and a visitor center. Access may close during eruptions.
Is Réunion suitable for beach vacations?
Yes, especially on the west coast near Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. While swimming areas are protected by coral reefs, always heed shark safety signs.
Final Thoughts
Réunion is a hidden gem that offers more than just beaches. With volcanic adventures, cultural richness, and jaw-dropping scenery, it’s a destination for those who seek nature, challenge, and discovery — all within a unique slice of Europe in the tropics.