Réunion Island feels like a world inside one island. If you’re ever planning a trip to Mauritius, Réunion is just a short half-hour flight away, and the two really complement each other. Set in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mauritius, it’s French, but not quite European. In Reunion, beaches and dramatic cliffs meet active volcanoes, tall mountains, and quaint villages tucked under green cliffs. The island has amazing hikes, lush forests, and landscapes that feel untouched. And if you’re lucky enough, you might even see an eruption from one of the world’s most active volcanoes...
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Mountains and Volcanoes
The heart of Réunion is its mountains, not its beaches, as you might think. The island rises straight from the sea, cut by three vast cirques - Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie - each filled with waterfalls, forests, and tiny towns that feel lost in time. Hiking trails run everywhere, from quiet walks to steep multi-day climbs. Piton des Neiges, now dormant, reaches 3,071 metres and is the tallest mountain in the Indian Ocean — and you can hike it. Then there’s the island’s giant, Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet.
Beaches and Coastline
Though the island is known for its peaks, the coast has its own quiet charm. The west coast around Saint-Gilles and L’Ermitage has calm lagoons perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Farther south, the black sand beaches near Saint-Pierre, shaped by volcanic eruptions. Réunion complements Mauritius in many ways, but the waters here are rougher and shark warnings are common, so you can’t do as many water activities. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy - exploring cliffs, walking along salt flats, or swimming in protected lagoons.
Adventure and a helicopter ride
If you enjoy being outside, Réunion almost feels made for it. The roads themselves are incredible, cutting through the dramatic landscapes, mountains, and craters of the island. You must drive along the Nouvelle Route du Littoral, a viaduct built over the sea. A helicopter ride over the island is also worth doing, showing the mountains and volcanoes from above. From the sky, you can take in the whole island and spot the isolated, quaint villages sitting on the hilltops.