Indian Ocean, French Overseas Region 5/29/2024

Reunion Island Travel Guide 2026: The Intense Island

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Reunion Island (La Réunion) is the “Hawaii of Europe,” but wilder, steeper, and distinctly French. Located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mauritius, it is a vertical spike of green mountains and active volcanoes rising from the deep blue sea. In 2026, it remains the ultimate playground for adventure travelers who want world-class hiking by day and a proper French baguette and wine by night.

Why Visit Reunion in 2026?

It is the island of “The Cirques.” The island’s interior has collapsed into three massive natural amphitheaters—Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie—filled with tiny villages, vertical waterfalls, and clouds. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that defies logic.

  • Infrastructure: As a French Overseas Region, it has European roads, healthcare, and currency (Euro), making it the safest and easiest “exotic” destination to navigate.
  • The Vibe: It is intense. The locals call it “L’Île Intense.” The terrain is rugged, the culture is a vibrant Creole mix, and the volcano is frequently active.

Iconic Experiences

1. Piton de la Fournaise

This is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

  • The Hike: You can drive to the “Pas de Bellecombe” and hike down into the caldera. The landscape here, the “Plaine des Sables,” looks exactly like Mars—red sand and volcanic rocks as far as the eye can see.
  • The Eruption: If you are lucky enough to visit during an eruption (which happens multiple times a year), locals flock to the viewing points at night to watch the lava rivers glow. It is a safe, monitored spectacle.

2. The Three Cirques

  • Cirque de Mafate: The jewel in the crown. No cars can enter Mafate. It is accessible only by foot or helicopter. Over 700 people live here in tiny hamlets supplied by chopper. Hiking into Mafate and staying overnight in a gîte (mountain hut) is a rite of passage.
  • Cirque de Salazie: The greenest and wettest. Famous for the “Voile de la Mariée” (Bridal Veil) waterfalls and the charming Creole village of Hell-Bourg.
  • Cirque de Cilaos: Accessible by a road with 400 turns (literally). Famous for its lentils, wine, and canyoning adventures.

3. The “Trou de Fer” by Helicopter

If you splurge on one thing in 2026, make it a helicopter flight. The flight into the “Trou de Fer” (Iron Hole)—a 1,000-foot deep gorge filled with waterfalls that drop into darkness—is often cited by travelers as the most spectacular thing they have ever seen on Earth.

Adventure & Hiking (Les Sentiers)

Reunion is crisscrossed by three “Grande Randonnée” (GR) tracks.

  • GR R1: Tours the Piton des Neiges (the highest peak).
  • GR R2: Crosses the entire island from North to South (approx. 12 days).
  • Canyoning: The island is a world-class canyoning destination. “Fleur Jaune” in Cilaos is a classic route with vertical abseils and natural slides.

Beach Safety & The Lagoon

Reunion has a reputation for sharks. This is real, but manageable.

  • The Rule: Swimming and surfing in the open ocean is strictly prohibited and dangerous.
  • The Exception: You can swim safely in the protected lagoons, specifically at L’Ermitage and La Saline. A natural coral reef barrier separates the lagoon from the deep ocean, creating a shallow, calm, shark-free aquarium perfect for snorkeling with kids.
  • Net Zones: Boucan Canot and Roches Noires beaches often have shark nets installed, but always check the color of the flag (Rouge Requin = Forbidden).

Food & Creole Culture

The food is a delicious fusion of French, Indian, Chinese, and African influences.

  • Carri: The national dish. A slow-cooked curry (chicken, fish, or pork) served with rice, lentils (“grains”), and spicy rougail (condiment). Try the Rougail Saucisse (sausage in tomato sauce).
  • Bouchons: Steamed dumplings (like Siu Mai) found in every snack bar. Eat them with soy sauce and chili paste.
  • Rhum Arrangé: Rum infused with fruits and spices (vanilla, lychee, ginger). Every family has their own recipe.

Practical Travel Intelligence

  • Driving: Renting a car is essential to see the volcano and cirques. The roads are excellent (European standard) but extremely winding. If you get carsick, bring medication.
  • Weather: The microclimates are insane. It can be sunny and 30°C on the beach and raining and 10°C in the mountains an hour later. Pack layers.
  • Early Starts: In the mountains, the clouds (“le blanc”) roll in by 10:00 AM, obscuring the views. Hikers start at sunrise (5:30 AM) to beat the clouds.
  • Cost: It is France. Prices for food and gas are similar to or slightly higher than mainland Europe.
  • Language: French is the official language. Creole is spoken by everyone. English levels are improving in tourism, but less common in rural gîtes.