Reunion HOLIDAYS

Reunion Island is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, part of the Mascarene archipelago. It's the largest of the Mascarene islands, home to more than 900,000 people. Known for its rugged terrain and dramatic, steep landscapes, Reunion draws visitors keen to explore its still-active volcano, the Piton de la Fournaise.

The coastline here is genuinely varied — beautiful lagoons, pristine beaches, and a rich marine ecosystem sit alongside wilder, untouched stretches perfect for exploring, hiking, or simply taking things slow. It's a popular pick for both honeymoons and family trips alike.

Spanning about 2,500 km², Reunion has a tropical climate, with big differences between the coast and the mountains. The island runs on two main seasons — a drier, cooler stretch from May to October, and a hot, humid one from November to April.

This is an island that rarely stops surprising visitors. Black lava cliffs, towering waterfalls, and turquoise-and-green lagoons create a landscape that's genuinely hard to predict. Culturally, Reunion is a proper melting pot, blending European, African, Indian and Chinese influences that still shape its music and food.

Lush tropical forest walks, breathtaking views of an active volcano, hidden pools beneath waterfalls, and rich cultural experiences — Reunion Island genuinely delivers on all of it, and then some.

Dolphin and whale watching

In the waters around Reunion, you'll have a real chance to spot various dolphin species, including bottlenose, spotted and Risso's dolphins. Humpback whales visit between June and October, when they arrive for the Southern Hemisphere winter. Being close to these creatures in their natural habitat is genuinely a moving, unforgettable experience.

Piton de la Fournaise

Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world's most active volcanoes, with more than 150 recorded eruptions since the 17th century. Visiting it remains one of Reunion's most popular, genuinely thrilling attractions, though access to the crater path closes during seismic activity and eruptions, so check before you go.

Hike to discover the 3 cirques

The cirques of Reunion offer some of the island's most spectacular scenery. These vast natural amphitheatres, ringed by steep cliffs, took shape through volcanic activity and erosion over time. Hiking through these dramatic enclosures ranks among the most popular things to do on the island.

Explore a lava tunnel

Reunion Island gives adventurous visitors the chance to explore genuinely remarkable lava tunnels, found in the island's south-east, between Sainte-Rose and Saint-Philippe. From lava stalactites and benches to ceilings that resemble dripping dark chocolate, a guided tour through these tunnels offers a fascinating window into volcanology.

Helicopter flight

A helicopter tour ranks among the most scenic ways to take in Reunion. Whether hiking isn't for you or you'd simply rather see it from above, a flight delivers breathtaking aerial views of the island's cirques and waterfalls, with separate flights over the volcano. It comes at a price, but the experience is genuinely unforgettable.

With awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse natural attractions, and genuinely breathtaking scenery, Reunion Island delivers a properly unforgettable holiday. Your trip will wind through mountains, valleys, ocean, and volcanoes, leaving you with memories that last well beyond the trip itself.

Reunion Island's cuisine is plentiful, flavourful, and genuinely woven into the island's culture. Known for its variety, the local gastronomy has reached a properly high level of sophistication.

Trip booked? Now it's time to get properly organised and start packing.

Entry requirements vary by nationality, so check the latest rules well ahead of your trip, including whether you need a visa. Reunion follows French entry rules but is not part of the Schengen area, so check that any visa you hold covers Reunion. Your passport should be valid for at least three months after you leave Reunion. Confirm all conditions before you book. The temperatures above are for the coast (Saint-Denis). In the mountains it's much cooler, with night frost above 1,800 m in July and August. Travel advice for Reunion is updated often, so check your government's latest guidance before you book, especially for swimming areas, volcano access and the cyclone season (roughly December to April).

"Reunion Holidays: Nature by the Sea"

Reunion Island, known as the "intense island," offers countless activities for families, friends, and couples alike. Nature reserves, spectacular sights, and vast landscapes await on this relaxing holiday in the middle of the Indian Ocean. A genuine must-see is the Piton de la Fournaise, a hike to the Dolomieu crater viewpoint with striking, lunar-like scenery.

The trio of cirques — Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate — offers hiking experiences genuinely unlike anywhere else. Spend a few days exploring these majestic landscapes before heading to one of the island's beautiful beaches, such as Boucan Canot, Ermitage, or Saint-Leu.

Immerse Yourself in Creole Culture

Shaped by millennia of volcanic activity, Reunion carries a lush green environment that still bears the marks of the Piton des Neiges. Three breathtaking cirques — Mafate, reachable only on foot or by helicopter, plus Cilaos and Salazie — invite you to explore their ridges and waterfalls properly. Nearby, the picturesque town of Hell-Bourg, with its historic Creole cottages and flower-filled streets, is recognised as one of France's most beautiful villages. On the opposite side of the island, the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, one of the world's most active, draws visitors eager to see its impressive lava flows.

Reunion Packages, Available Year-Round

Reunion Island's stunning beaches are known well beyond its shores. This small French territory in the Indian Ocean features beaches of both white and black sand. While renowned for its rugged landscapes, Reunion also offers climbing and trekking, and the scenic Route des Laves runs past the lava flows of the Grand Brûlé. Its natural lagoons, protected by coral reefs, provide calm, shallow water for relaxing.

Swimming on Reunion's Coastline

Because of past shark attacks, a prefectural order bans swimming, surfing and bodyboarding within 300 metres of the coast, except in lagoons, supervised areas and designated trial zones. Follow the beach flags and signs, and ask the lifeguards about conditions. Natural saltwater pools such as the Bassin Pirogue in Étang-Salé and the rock pool at Grande Anse in Petite-Île are good options.

For Beach Lovers and Adventurers

Grande Anse Beach in Petite-Île, on the southern coast, is a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand with coconut trees, though the waves and currents can be strong. For calmer swimming, head to the natural pool protected by rocks. Étang Salé Beach, with its black volcanic sand, offers a unique experience, and the Bassin Pirogue, a small lagoon to the south, is ideal for family swimming.

For Surfing and Diving Enthusiasts

Boucan-Canot Beach, one of the island's most visited, is open to the ocean, with waves that surfers love, a small sheltered natural pool and a net. When the sea is calm, it's a great spot for snorkelling. The western beaches, including La Saline, have lagoons that suit family-friendly activities like paddleboarding and transparent kayaking.

Calm Waters for Families

For calm, shallow water, head to Hermitage Beach in the Saint-Gilles lagoon. Sheltered by the reef and shaded by pines, its water is warm and no deeper than two metres, which suits children and first-time snorkellers.