Tiny Reunion Island (or Réunion, as it’s known locally) lies about 800 kilometres west of Madagascar, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Its remote location has lots of people thinking it’s fairly inaccessible but, in fact, it’s never been easier (and cheaper) to visit this little slice of paradise (if you don’t believe us, you can search for flights here).
Natural wonders, museums, hikes, markets and festivals… there are so many reasons to visit Reunion Island. Here are are just 10 of them…
1. You’ll find epic views from Piton des Neiges
The beaches, perhaps surprisingly, aren’t the biggest draw card on Réunion. Instead, people come here for outdoor adventures, including tramping. If you enjoy exploring places on foot, don’t pass up the chance to trek up the 3070m Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the Mascareignes.
There are three medium-graded tracks and accommodation is an hour’s walk from the summit, where you’ll find heated indoor lodging, outdoor tent lodging, plus meals. Most hikers take two days for the walk, starting the second day in time to watch the sun rise from the peak. Trust us, it’s worth it.
2. The architecture is unbelievable
No trip to Réunion is complete without spending time in its endearing capital, St-Denis. The best way to explore this city is on foot, with walking tours being a great way to learn about more about the history of the city.
St-Denis is filled with buildings and monuments showcasing its French, Chinese, Indian and African origins. Highlights include L’église Notre-Dame-de-la-Délivrance de Saint-Denis, Temple Tamoul (a towering structure with traditional Hindu carvings), 13 Jardin de l’Etat 5 (a beautiful garden with a fountain pool lined with palm trees), and La Paguode Chinoise (a Chinese pagoda shrine).
3. There are beautiful cemeteries
It may sound odd, but Réunion’s cemeteries are worth a visit. The graves are surrounded by tropical trees and covered with bright flowers and plants.
Check out a real pirate’s grave (marked with skull and crossbones, of course) at Cimetière marin de Saint-Paul. Buried here is Olivier Levasseur, a notorious Indian Ocean pirate captured and hanged in St Paul in 1730. Levasseur was nicknamed “La Buse” (the Buzzard), because of the speed and ruthlessness with which he attacked his enemies.
4. You’ve got culture in abundance
Reunion Island is a melting pot of French, African, Indian, and Chinese cultures. The 700,000 inhabitants of the island speak mostly French or Creole, and about three-quarters of the island’s residents are Roman Catholic – though the Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim religions are represented as well. Thanks to this delightful blend of cultures, all over the island you can hear the mix of traditional music from magnificent churches, vibrant folk music coming from shops and the sounds of Muslim chants resounding from mosques.
5. And some fun festivals
With many cultures calling Réunion home, it’s no wonder the island has so many unique festivals. Highlights include a wine harvest festival in Cilaos in January, a 10-day street fair to mark the Festival of Notre Dame De Salette in St-Leu in September, and Creole Week in October. Many people flock to the island for the three-day Sakifo Musik Festival too. Held every June across various venues, Sakifo is considered one of the top 25 music festivals in the world. It brings together live reggae, electro and rock.
6. You can eat ‘til you drop…
The cuisine here is pretty special too. You’ll find French, Creole, Indian, Chinese and even Italian foods, all making the most of Réunion’s abundant seafood, as well as locally grown and often unique fruits, vegetables, and spices. Be sure to hit up a market and buy some incredibly fresh produce.
7. …or drink ’til you’re merry
They like their rum on Réunion and little wonder; it’s delicious. It’s often infused with ginger, lemon, coffee and vanilla. But be warned – it is very strong.
Visit La Saga du Rhum on Chemin Fredeline in Saint-Pierre Cedex, a museum entirely dedicated to the stuff, which also has the smallest distillery on the island, plus some great wall graffiti.Get your Instagram at the ready.
8. The scenery is amazing
The best scenery on Réunion is inland, where you’ll find 3000-foot deep canyons and calderas, waterfalls and a volcano.
There are roads leading inland, but much of the island can only be reached on foot. If you don’t have time but do have the budget, a helicopter ride is a good (if expensive) alternative that offers absolutely incredible views.
9. You can learn about the wildlife
The Kelonia Marine Turtle Observatory is dedicated to the study and preservation of Réunion’s marine turtle species. Tour the exhibits at leisure and watch marine turtles swimming in indoor and outdoor tanks. A highlight is an albino turtle that lives in an outdoor tank. Kelonia also has an outdoor area that features two species of land tortoises, as well as a research and treatment centre.
10. And get to know the island’s fiery personality
Réunion’s active volcano, the Piton de la Fournaise (Furnace Peak), looms above the southern part of the island. It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has erupted as recently as 2007. A road winds right up to the edge of the caldera, surrounding the 2631m-high volcano’s active cone. If you’re game, you can hike into the crater and up to the volcano’s summit. Many locals make a living from guided walking tours and rides to Piton de la Fournaise. Don’t leave Réunion without seeing this fiery mountain up close.
Have we convinced you to make Reunion Island your next holiday? Better get planning! With Cheapflights you can search for flights, hotels and car hire all in one place.
