Why La Réunion?
La Réunion is a lush little island in the Indian Ocean that you could easily mistake for paradise on earth. The island’s atmosphere is a melting pot of Creole, French, Indian and African influences, reflected in its beautiful architecture. You’ll find vast mountain landscapes crisscrossed with hiking trails, some of the world’s most active volcanoes, and tropical beaches. This unspoiled gem surprises every visitor.
When you think of an island, you automatically picture endless bounty beaches and swaying palm trees. Well, La Réunion happens to offer that little bit more… The range of activities is huge: diving or surfing go without saying, and there’s also plenty to do inland. Thanks to the island’s geographic diversity, you can go horseback riding, hike in the mountains, or fly over spectacular canyons in a helicopter. The Piton de la Fournaise volcano also delivers breathtaking panoramas.
The best way to discover all of this is with a rental car—so you’re not dependent on anyone. What’s more, La Réunion is French territory, so you can simply pay in euros.
Must-dos when traveling to La Réunion
1. Helicopter flight over the island
La Réunion is at its most beautiful when seen from the air. From Saint-Gilles or Saint-Pierre, you fly over some of the island’s most spectacular spots. Helicopter flights range from half an hour to an hour. From above, you’ll see the dramatic craters of Piton de la Fournaise, breathtaking landscapes in every shade of green, and the charming little houses that dot the island.
Book your helicopter flight over La Réunion in advance to secure the best price and availability. This once-in-a-life-time experience shows you the cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie in an unforgettable way!
2. The three Cirques (Salazie – Mafate – Cilaos)
With its three Cirques—which even look a little otherworldly—a self-drive trip in La Réunion has a lot to offer. These impressive valleys, surrounded by vivid green mountains, are known for lush vegetation and hundreds of waterfalls.
Only accessible on foot, Cirque de Mafate is the wildest cirque in La Réunion. Its scenery is impressive and a true paradise for hikers. You can reach Cirque de Mafate via Cilaos. In the lush Cirque du Salazie, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Creole culture and have the chance to admire one of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls. From Cirque de Cilaos, home to La Réunion’s hot springs, you can start the climb to the summit of Piton des Neiges.
Piton de la Fournaise
Piton de la Fournaise dominates La Réunion’s horizon from afar. This 2,631-meter shield volcano is still one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Almost every year, Piton de la Fournaise sends lava into the air.
This mountain is La Réunion’s iconic landmark and is especially popular with climbers. On your way to the volcano, be sure to stop at Le Nez de Boeuf, the lunar landscape of Plaine des Sables, and Pas de Bellecombe. Take a panoramic walk along the volcano’s rim in the morning or evening to enjoy the most impressive views.
3. Lava Tunnels
A mysterious hike into the heart of a volcano, where the tunnel walls seem to melt. Lava tunnels can be found all over the island, and some hikes are more accessible than others. It’s a unique experience, with a guide accompanying you through the tunnels for three hours.
4. The wonderful underwater world
A road trip in La Réunion isn’t complete without a stay on the island’s west coast, around Saint-Gilles. Most couples end their trip there in a beautiful resort on a paradise-like beach to relax and unwind.
Great things to do there include visiting the sea turtle observation center at Kélonia, taking a walk in the Jardin d'Eden in Saint-Gilles, or hopping on a boat from Saint-Gilles to spot dolphins and whales. From June to November, you also have the chance to see whales. Highly recommended!
Our favorite addresses
Blue Margouillat ★★★★★
This large Creole villa overlooks the bay of Saint-Leu and offers an incredible view over the vastness of the Indian Ocean. You’ll be instantly immersed in the charm of a refined colonial style that effortlessly combines natural linen, mahogany wood and contemporary artworks. Blue Margouillat is a small-scale, intimate hotel with just fourteen rooms, all with panoramic sea views.
LUX* Saint-Gilles, La Réunion ★★★★★
Ideally located on the beach of “L' Hermitage,” in the heart of a seven-hectare garden, the LUX* hotel in Saint-Gilles reflects a subtle balance between refined modernity and Creole tradition. It is Réunion’s only five-star hotel with direct access to the lagoon, and also the hotel with the largest swimming pool on the island.
Diana Dea ★★★★
This small yet luxurious lodge sits 600 meters above sea level and overlooks the
little village of Saint-Anne, on the island’s east coast. It is set in the middle of a nature reserve and consists of several small buildings made from natural materials. From the hotel, it’s possible to take a trek to the active volcano in the area.
Palm Hotel & Spa ★★★★★
Recently renovated and located in the south of the island, in the heart of a three-hectare tropical natural park surrounded by sugarcane fields, Palm Hotel & Spa is a high-end hotel offering charm, comfort, design, luxury, discretion and tranquility. From the hill, you overlook a beautiful coral-sand beach lined with palm trees and a natural sea pool.
Le Boucan Canot ★★★★
Le Boucan Canot is located directly on the beach on the southwest coast of La Réunion. From here, you can easily reach several highlights of the island, such as the Friday market in St. Paul and Le Maido within an hour’s drive, and Cirque de Cilaos in an hour and a half. The charming four-star Boucan Canot hotel combines authentic Creole charm with contemporary modern comfort.
Please note!
Are you planning a honeymoon to La Réunion? Some websites will tell you that you don’t need a passport and that you can travel to La Réunion with a valid ID card. We still recommend getting your passport in order, since you may sometimes need to make a stopover in places where a passport is required. Better to be safe than sorry!
