Reunion Island

Put your hiking shoes on and plan a day trip up the magnificent Piton de Fournaise volcano - one of the most active peaks in the world. Joining a guided tour is highly recommended, not to mention wearing appropriate clothing, as temperatures tend to fall dramatically the higher up you go.

The authentic Creole villa is now open for public tours, the owners gladly walk visitors through the well-preserved 19th-century house and lush garden premises. Although tours in English are available at certain times, the schedule for them depends on the tour guide, and they're currently unpredictable.

Visiting the beautiful natural waterfalls is a must-do for visitors to the island. Some of the most scenic ones include those at the Bassin des Aigrettes, at Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains. The cascade de Bras Rouge in Cialos, Delices in Sainte-Suzanne, and Takamaka in Saint Benoit are also worth exploring.

Being an island in the Indian Ocean, Reunion naturally boasts a number of splendid beaches, some of the best being concentrated in the waterside stretch between the settlements of Saint-Gilles and l'Ermitage-Les-Bains. These beaches here are sheltered from strong waves by near-lying coral reefs. One of the prettiest white sand beaches on the island is the L’Hermitage, lined with trees to provide saving shade. The most stunning lagoons are to be found between St. Paul and Saint-Leu.

The region's capital Saint-Denis in the island's north is worth a visit, even if only for a glimpse of Reunion's urban side. Being the administrative centre of the island, it is home to a significant number of local museums, monuments, and important sights.

Those up for physical activity and a tad bit extreme outdoor pursuits should definitely try canyoning in Reunion. The unique natural landscape provides an abundance of opportunities for exploring, jumping, sliding, swimming and walking around the canyons. All of these under supervision of professionals catering for all needs.

Reunion Island's highest peak, with its unbeatable 360-degree panorama, is certainly worth the two-day hiking trip. Tours are normally arranged to reach the summit, however, hikers can complete the hike at their own speed. If going overnight, it is possible to spend the night at Gîte de la Caverne Dufour.

The Saint-Pierre distillery museum grants visitors an insight into the production process of one of the island's traditional alcoholic drinks. Take a look at the workings of rum production in Reunion, and try the several rum varieties offered for tasting at the end of the tour.