Réunion travel guide
Réunion Tourism | Réunion Guide
You're Going to Love Réunion
Come to the Réunion island for the beaches and the nature, stay for the liveliness, the people and the food.
What to do in Réunion
1. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
The island is the perfect place to see marine life, such as whales and dolphins. Go on a whale watching tour, and dive or snorkel to see the creatures up close.
2. Relax at the Island's Lagoons
One can't go to the Réunion island without enjoying some beach time. For special sandy beaches, head to the lagoons, which are located on the southern and western coast, and be rewarded with wide beaches of white and black sand. For water based activities, this is the perfect place to do some surfing or paddling.
3. Explore the Town Markets
In the colorful markets of the Réunion island, visitors will find everything from local produce to crafts and souvenirs. Some of the iconic ones are St. Pierre's Saturday market and the markets of St. Denis.
4. Hike in the Cirques
The 3 cirques of the Réunion island are large craters that were formed when a shield volcano collapsed: Salazie, Cilaos and Mafate. The latter is not accessible by car, meaning it's the ideal place to enjoy a peaceful and quiet hike.
5. Go on a Street Art Tour of the Island
The Réunion island is home to spectacular street art and graffiti murals, and an exploration walk around the streets will be rewarded with colorful artistic creations.
When to visit Réunion
While the temperature on the island is pretty constant throughout the year, the best time to visit is during its dry season between May and October. The other months are humid and in January and February, cyclones are common.
How to Get to Réunion
Entry requirements
Citizens of most European countries can enter Réunion island without a visa and stay there for an indefinite amount of time, while citizens of Mauritius, South Africa, India and China can enter without a visa for a limited number of days. Citizens of any other countries need to have a visa prior to arrival.
Plane
Flying is the main mode of transport to the island, and the main international airport is located in Saint Denis. Air Austral is the local airline and offers nonstop flights to around 15 destinations. Other airlines flying to Réunion are Air France, Corsair and Air Mauritius.
Boat
It is possible to arrive to Réunion by boat from Madagascar and Mauritius, using one of the two ferry services, Mauritius Pride or Mauritius Torchetia. A number of cruises also stop for the day at the island throughout the year.
Popular airlines serving Réunion
Where to stay in Réunion
Hotels are readily available in the main areas of the island, but for something more economical, there are 5 youth hostels spread around the island. Mountain lodges and cabins that are operated by the Reunion Island Tourism Board are also available in the central areas.
Where to stay in popular areas of Réunion
How to Get Around Réunion
Public Transportation
Although citizens of Réunion tend to predominantly drive everywhere, public transportation is available around the island via a network of buses. Local buses usually operate from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Bus
Both local and intercity buses are available. Intercity buses are operated by the Car Jaune company, are yellow in color, and will travel anywhere around the island.
Car
Car rental is available on the island; however, be aware that the main roads tend to have a lot of traffic and this will need to be factored into travel times.
The Cost of Living in Réunion
A cheap meal in Réunion will cost around €7 ($8) per person, while a mid-range meal will cost around €20 ($22) per person, and local travel by bus costs around €1.30 ($1.50) for a one-way ticket. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the major establishments, such as hotels, but make sure to keep some cash on hand for smaller purchases.