La Réunion Island

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La Réunion Island sits in the Indian Ocean and belongs to France, east of Madagascar. Many travelers first wonder where is La Réunion Island is and whether it feels European or tropical. The answer shows up fast on the ground. French infrastructure meets volcanic landscapes, Creole culture, and extreme terrain. Towns like Saint-Denis and Saint-Leu anchor daily life, while cirques, lava fields, and forests define movement between them.

This destination suits active travelers more than resort seekers. Hiking La Réunion and road trip La Réunion routes attract hikers, photographers, and slow travelers. Backpacking La Réunion works for experienced planners, while families and couples focus on the West Coast beaches and easier walks. People often ask is Réunion worth visiting, and for those who enjoy nature and effort, the answer is yes.

Timing shapes everything. The best time to visit La Réunion Island runs from May to November, when humidity drops, and hiking conditions improve. Cyclone season affects January to March. Best time to visit Réunion Island weather wise depends on altitude and activity. For hiking and road trips, aim for June to October.

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How Much Does It Cost to Visit La Réunion Island?

Costs reflect island logistics. A realistic vacation to Réunion Island budget lands between €110 and €170 per person per day, including car rental, groceries, fuel, and guesthouses. La Réunion vacation pricing stays higher than mainland France due to imports.

Lower budgets stay possible with planning. Travelers using short-term rentals outside resort zones and cooking often manage €80 to €100 per day. Backpacking La Réunion reduces costs but requires transport planning.

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La Réunion Island Local Tips and Money Saving Advice

  • Safety questions come up early. Is Réunion Island safe for tourists generally brings a positive answer. Violent crime remains rare. Follow ocean safety rules due to currents and shark monitoring zones.
  • Getting there stays straightforward. How to get to Réunion Island usually means flights via Paris. No visa is needed for EU travelers.
  • Driving unlocks the island. Driving in Réunion Island allows access to Mafate, Salazie, and the volcano routes. Start drives early to avoid fog in mountain zones.
  • Beaches work best on the West Coast. La Réunion beaches near Saint-Leu and Saint-Gilles offer swimming and snorkeling. Always check lagoon conditions.
  • Hiking defines the experience. Best hikes Réunion Island include cirque trails and volcano paths. Weather changes fast, so pack layers.

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Latest La Réunion Travel Guides

Latest Travel Guides from La Réunion focus on terrain and timing. Read guides covering road trip La Réunion planning, hiking La Réunion routes, best beaches Réunion Island, and when to visit Réunion Island.

Aerial view of Réunion Island west coast to south coast route showing lagoons, beaches, and coastal towns

West Coast to South Coast La Réunion, A Slow Local Route. Reunion Island West Coast Beaches Guide

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This slow road trip from La Réunion Island West Coast to the Wild South shows the island as locals live it. Lagoon mornings near Saint-Gilles, spice-filled markets in Saint-Paul, black sand beaches at Étang-Salé, and volcanic coastlines beyond Saint-Pierre all fit into a relaxed, coastal-first route. I visited with local friends, slept in a tent by the sea, ate Creole food without rushing, and stopped whenever the light felt right. The Travel Bunny’s Reunion West Coast guide covers beaches, food, driving, safety, and pacing, so you can experience Réunion without overplanning and without burning out.

Scenic coastal view of La Réunion near Saint-Philippe with rainbow, ideal for first-time visitors to La Réunion, featuring black sand beaches and lush coastline

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting La Réunion for the First Time

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La Réunion is beautiful. It’s also intense. While visiting La Réunion island, I expected hikes and views, markets, and Creole food. I got all of that. But I also climbed more than I ever had before, nearly gave up on a trail, slept in a gîte without a single window, and got rescued by someone’s GPS watch on a foggy volcanic ridge. My husband and I went to visit his best friend and our témoin, who had recently moved there, and we ended up with the kind of local insight you can’t pay for. Still, there were things we got …

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