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Basic Information - Réunion Island 🇷🇪

Country
🇷🇪 Réunion Island
Continent
🌍 Africa (Indian Ocean)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Driving Side
Right
Popular Cities
Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Gilles, Cilaos
Calling Code
+262
Electric Plug Type
Type C / Type E (230V, 50Hz)
Best Time to Visit
May–October (cool & dry); December–April is humid with cyclone risk

Geography & Landscape

Piton de la Fournaise Cirque de Mafate Cirque de Cilaos Cirque de Salazie Rainforests Coral Lagoons

Réunion Island’s geography is a volcanic paradise in the Indian Ocean. Piton de la Fournaise dominates the island with lava fields and crater views. Dramatic cirques carve the interior—Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie—with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and crater lakes. Pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons line the coasts, offering contrast to the mountainous interior, blending adventure with tropical charm.

Climate

Réunion has a tropical climate with a cooler dry season and a hot, humid wet season.

☀️ Dry Season (May–Oct)
Cool & Pleasant — 20–27°C
🌧 Wet Season (Dec–Apr)
Hot & Humid — 25–32°C (Cyclone Risk)
Piton de la Fournaise
Cirque Landscapes
Lagoon Beaches
Waterfalls of Réunion
Volcanic Landscape
Coastal Cliffs

Tourism Highlights

Monuments

  • Piton de la Fournaise – Active volcano with dramatic lava flows and crater viewpoints
  • Cirque de Mafate – Remote volcanic caldera accessible only by hiking or helicopter
  • Cirque de Cilaos – Mountainous caldera with thermal springs and scenic villages
  • Cirque de Salazie – Lush valley with waterfalls and Creole villages

Cultural Sites

Saint-Denis Town Center
Creole architecture, historic streets, and colonial-era buildings
Vanilla & Rum Plantations
Guided tours of local plantations and distilleries
Cilaos Thermal Springs
Relaxing hot springs amidst scenic mountain villages

National Parks & Marine Areas

Piton de la Fournaise Volcano
Piton de la Fournaise – Active volcano & lava fields
Cirque de Mafate
Cirque de Mafate – Stunning mountain cirque & hiking trails
Saint-Gilles Lagoon
Saint-Gilles Lagoon – Snorkeling & clear turquoise waters

Adventures & Activities

  • Trekking in Cirque de Mafate, Cilaos canyon, and Piton de la Fournaise trails
  • Snorkeling and kayaking in Saint-Gilles lagoon
  • Whale watching along the west coast (July–October)
  • Canyoning in rivers and waterfalls
  • Helicopter tours over Piton Maïdo and volcanic landscapes
  • Surfing at Saint-Leu

Local Culture & Lifestyle

Festivals & Events

Grand Boucan Festival
Annual cultural carnival in Saint-Pierre with music, costumes, and street parades
Dipavali / Diwali
Celebrations of the Hindu festival of lights with local Creole influence in Saint-Denis
Festival of Creole Music & Arts
Showcasing sega and maloya music, dance, and art exhibitions across the island

Local Food & Cuisine

Must-Try Dishes
Grilled seafood: Fresh fish and shellfish with Creole spices
Cari dishes: Chicken, fish, or pork with rice
Samoussas & Bouchons: Popular street snacks
Tropical fruits: Lychee, mango, pineapple
Vanilla-based desserts & rum punch

Art & Music

  • Sega & Maloya traditional music and dance
  • Local crafts: basket weaving, wood carving
  • Contemporary art galleries in Saint-Denis
  • Photography of volcanic and coastal landscapes

Local Markets

Saint-Paul Market
Explore local spices, vanilla, and artisan crafts
Saint-Denis Local Shops
Rum, souvenirs, and traditional Creole handicrafts

Travel Essentials

  • Visa: Schengen visa applies for non-EU nationals; check requirements.
  • Transport: Rental cars, buses, helicopter tours, guided hikes, and ferries to nearby islands.
  • Accommodation: Hotels in Saint-Denis, lodges in Cilaos, beach resorts in Saint-Gilles.
  • Budget: $100–200 (budget), $200–400 (mid-range), $500+ (luxury).
  • Safety: Generally safe; mountain hikes require caution; monitor weather alerts, especially during cyclone season (Dec–Apr).

Fun Facts & Highlights

  • Trivia: Home to Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
  • Hidden Gems: Discover the volcanic cirques of Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie.
  • Movies: Featured in travel documentaries showcasing Indian Ocean island culture and landscapes.
  • Insta Spots: Capture stunning shots at Piton de la Fournaise, the lush cirques, and turquoise beaches of Saint-Gilles.

Quick Guide

A handy guide highlighting top attractions, local Creole cuisine, adventure lodgings, souvenirs, and essential phrases to help plan your Réunion Island trip efficiently and immerse yourself in volcanic landscapes and tropical culture.

Tipping
Tips included; small gratuities appreciated (€1–5/day).
Power
230V, Type C/E plugs (bring adapter).
Currency
Euro (EUR) — cards widely accepted in towns and resorts.

Top Hotels

Top Souvenirs

Vanilla pods, rum bottles, local spices, and artisan crafts.

Common Phrases

  • Hello: Bonjour
  • Thank You: Merci
  • Please: S’il vous plaît

Quick Tips

  • Book hiking tours and helicopter flights in advance.
  • Layer clothing for mountain temperatures; light clothes for coastal areas.
  • Rent a car to explore cirques and beaches independently.

Travel Tips & Warnings

Currency
Cards widely accepted; cash recommended for small towns, markets, and local shops.
Health
Tropical precautions: sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent. Layer clothes for mountain hikes.
Emergency
Police: 17   |   Fire: 18   |   Medical: 15   |   Coastal emergencies: 112

Do’s & Don’ts

  • Respect nature: stay on trails and follow environmental guidelines.
  • Don’t swim near rip currents or climb active lava areas unsupervised.
  • Embrace Creole culture, enjoy local cuisine, and explore biodiversity.