Reunion travel guide

Getting there

Roland Garros Airport near Saint-Denis has flights from Paris, Mauritius, Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands. Pierrefonds Airport in the south handles some regional flights.

Best time to visit: May–Nov – the cooler dry season, best for hiking.

Tougher months: January-March – hot, humid cyclone season with heavy rain.

Weather by month in Saint-Denis

• 30°J●●●
• 30°F●●●
• 30°M●●●
• 29°A●●
• 27°M●
• 26°J●
• 25°J●
• 25°A●
• 26°S●
• 27°O●
• 28°N●
• 29°D●●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Dubai. Compare with your local time.

Source and more: Reunion travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Most trips to Reunion are based around Piton de la Fournaise, Cirque de Cilaos or Cirque de Salazie. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$60–90 for a backpacker and US$140–240 mid-range, per person.

Source: RoamSun Reunion page · Browse hotel guides

Connect

Plug types: C, E. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +262.

Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• Piton de la Fournaise (Southeast · active volcano): A lunar landscape and one of the world's most active volcanoes.
• Cirque de Cilaos (Interior · cirque): Dramatic mountains, thermal springs and canyoning.
• Cirque de Salazie (Interior · waterfalls): Lush cliffs, cascades and the village of Hell-Bourg.
• Cirque de Mafate (Interior · hiking): Remote villages and multi-day treks without roads.
• Saint-Gilles-les-Bains (West coast · beaches): The island's main beach resort with lagoons and nightlife.
• Saint-Denis (North · capital): Creole mansions, temples and a seafront promenade.
• Saint-Pierre (South · coastal town): A lively town with markets, a beach and nightlife.
• Le Maïdo viewpoint (West · lookout): Sweeping views over the Cirque de Mafate at sunrise.

Things to do

• Hike to Piton de la Fournaise. Walk across lava fields to the crater rim of one of the world's most active volcanoes.
• Trek the Cirque de Mafate. Explore a roadless cirque reachable only on foot or by helicopter.
• Sunrise on Piton des Neiges. Climb the Indian Ocean's highest peak for a breathtaking sunrise.
• Take a helicopter flight. Soar over waterfalls, cirques and volcanic landscapes.
• Canyoning in Cilaos. Abseil and slide down waterfalls in the island's deep canyons.
• Swim in the lagoon at Saint-Gilles. Snorkel on the island's coral reef in calm lagoon waters.
• Visit Hell-Bourg. Wander colourful Creole houses in one of France's most beautiful villages.
• Paraglide over Saint-Leu. Float above the lagoon with sweeping coastal views.

Source: full Reunion guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Rougail saucisse – sausages in spicy tomato sauce
• Cari – Creole curry with chicken, fish or pork
• Samoussas – crispy fried pastries
• Bouchons – steamed dumplings of Chinese origin

Source: RoamSun Reunion guide

Money and safety

Currency: Euro (EUR). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not expected – service is included, but rounding up is appreciated.

Emergency numbers: 112 · 17 police · 18 fire · 15 ambulance.

• Réunion uses the euro.
• Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small gîtes and markets.
• Réunion is safe for travellers, but take normal precautions with valuables.
• Shark risk is significant outside protected lagoons – swim only in authorised areas.

Source: RoamSun Reunion facts