Tips for planning your trip to Reunion Island

Dreaming of black sand beaches and active volcanoes? Reunion Island offers you a unique travel experience. To help you organize your stay, we offer a practical and personalized guide. Discover our advice for choosing the best time, the activities not to be missed and the accommodations adapted to your desires. Our hotels will welcome you in a warm setting and will allow you to fully enjoy all the riches of the island.

When to go to Reunion Island?

Reunion Island, with its tropical climate, offers varied landscapes throughout the year. However, each season has its particularities, influencing both the possible activities and the general atmosphere.

Southern summer (November to April) :
- Climate: Hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. Days are long and sunny, ideal for water activities and sunbathing.
- Advantages: The lagoons are calm, the waters crystal-clear. High tourist season, with a lively, festive atmosphere.
- Disadvantages: The risk of cyclones is higher, and prices can be higher.
Southern winter (May to October):
- Climate: Cooler and drier, with average temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. Nights can be cool, especially at higher altitudes.
- Advantages: The landscapes are green, the temperatures are pleasant for hiking. It is the ideal season for observing whales.
- Disadvantages: Some water activities may be limited by weather conditions.

Regardless of the time chosen, it is advisable to check the weather forecast a few days before departure.

Events not to be missed

La Réunion est rythmée par de nombreux événements culturels et sportifs tout au long de l’année. Parmi les plus populaires, on retrouve :

Le Grand Raid: A world-renowned ultra-trail race, usually held in October.
End of year celebrations: The people of Reunion celebrate Christmas and New Year with fervor, offering numerous events in the streets.
Festivals: Festival du maloya, Festival de la bière, etc.

In summary, the best time to visit Reunion Island depends on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do. If you are looking for sun and warmth, the southern summer is ideal. If you prefer milder temperatures and green landscapes, the southern winter is the best time.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to customize your stay to suit your needs!

Where to go on Reunion Island?

The intense island is full of breathtaking landscapes and activities for all tastes. Between its rugged mountains, black sand beaches, tropical forests and seabeds rich in life, Reunion Island offers exceptional diversity.

The island’s must-sees

Piton de la Fournaise: The second active volcano in the world invites you to an unforgettable hike to the summit.
The Cirque de Cilaos: A green setting nestled in the heart of the island, accessible only by road or hiking trails.
Mafate: A cirque inaccessible by car, where nature reigns supreme.
Saint-Denis: The capital of Reunion, a dynamic and multicultural city.
Saint-Pierre: A historic town rebuilt after the 1902 eruption, with its famous market.
Les plages de l’Ouest: Boucan Canot, l’Étang-Salé, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains… all black sand beaches ideal for swimming and water sports.
Activities not to be missed
Hiking: Marked trails allow you to discover the most spectacular landscapes on the island .
Discovering Creole culture: Visit museums, attend maloya shows, taste local cuisine.

The regions of Reunion

The West: The most touristic region, with its beaches, hotels and numerous activities.
The South: An authentic region, with its volcanic landscapes and characterful villages.
The East: A wild coastline, with towering cliffs and black sand beaches.
The North: A more humid region, with tropical forests and waterfalls.

To help you choose the places to visit, do not hesitate to contact us. We can offer you a personalized itinerary based on your desires and the length of your stay.

What to pack in your suitcase ?

Packing your suitcase for a stay in Reunion Island requires a bit of organization, especially if you want to take full advantage of all the activities the island has to offer.

Essential clothing

Light, breathable clothing: T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses, bathing suits are essential, especially in the hot season.
Warm clothing: Bring a sweater or light jacket for evenings and activities at altitude, especially if you plan to hike.
Hiking shoes: Essential for exploring the island’s trails.
Swimsuit and beach towel: To enjoy the beaches and lagoons.

Useful equipment

Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: Essential for protection from the sun.
Mosquito repellent: For hiking in the forest.

Local products

Spices: You can find many local spices, such as ginger, vanilla or chili pepper, to bring back as souvenirs.
Handicrafts: The island is full of handicrafts, such as semi-precious stone jewelry, wooden objects or textiles.

Your suitcase should therefore be both light and complete, to enable you to make the most of your stay in Reunion Island.

How do I get around Reunion Island?

Reunion Island offers several transport options to get around and discover its riches. The choice of transport mode will depend on your budget, your itinerary and your desire for autonomy.

Public transport

The Kar’Ouest bus network: It covers a large part of the island and is an economical way to get around. There are many lines serving the main points of interest.
Le train du sud: Une ligne touristique qui relie Saint-Pierre à Le Tampon, offrant de belles vues sur les paysages.

Renting a car

Renting a car is a great option to explore the island at your own pace and access places less served by public transport. However, you must be careful on winding roads and respect the speed limits.

Practical advice

Driving on the left: Remember that driving is on the left in Reunion.
Winding roads: Be careful, especially in the mountains.
Gas stations: There are plenty of them, but it is advisable to fill up before setting off on your excursion.

Where to stay in Reunion?

The choice of your accommodation in Reunion will depend on your budget, your desires and the region you wish to discover. The island offers a wide variety of accommodation for all tastes.

The different types of accommodation

Hotels: From small family-run establishments to large hotel complexes, you will definitely find the hotel that suits you.
Les gîtes: Une option plus authentique pour découvrir la vie locale.
Les chambres d’hôtes: Idéal pour un séjour convivial et personnalisé.
Campsites: For nature lovers who want to live close to nature.

The selection criteria

budget: prices vary depending on the category of accommodation and the time of year.
comfort: choose accommodation that meets your expectations in terms of comfort and equipment.
la situation géographique : en bord de mer, à la montagne, en ville… le choix de la situation géographique dépendra de vos envies d’activités.

Our establishments

L’hôtel Exsel Ermitage: our hotel offers quality services for an unforgettable stay.
The Créolia Hotel: ideally located for hiking to the Mercure trail , our hotel offers comfortable rooms and equipped meeting rooms!

To help you choose the ideal accommodation, please contact us. We’ll be delighted to advise you and suggest a selection of establishments to suit your needs.

The flavors of Reunion Island

Reunion Island cuisine is a real journey for the taste buds! A blend of Creole, Indian, African and French flavors, it will delight the most gourmet.

Must-try dishes
Curry: The island’s signature dish, based on meat, fish or vegetables, simmered in a spicy curry sauce.
Rougail saucisse: A simple and tasty dish, made with Creole sausages and rougail, a spicy sauce made with tomatoes and onions.
Gratin dauphinois: A local version of gratin dauphinois, often garnished with meat or fish.
Samosas: Small fried or baked turnovers, stuffed with meat, fish or vegetables.
Chilli candy: A local specialty, chilli candy, to be enjoyed in moderation!
Local products
Exotic fruits: pineapples, mangoes, papayas, letchis… the island abounds in exotic fruits, to be enjoyed fresh or in juice.
Spices: curry, ginger, turmeric… spices are omnipresent in Reunionese cuisine.
Rhum arrangé: a local drink made from rum, infused with fruits, spices or plants.

Where to eat in Réunion ?