Reunion Travel Guide

What is Reunion known for?

The remote Indian Ocean island of Reunion lies between Madagascar and Mauritius, east of mainland Africa. Réunion is an overseas department and region of France and uses the euro.

The island is especially famous for Piton de la Fournaise, locally known as “Le Volcan.” It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of the island’s signature visitor attractions.

Reunion is also known for an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and microclimates, including beaches, mountains, aquamarine lagoons, canyons, colorful towns and villages, tropical forests and dramatic waterfalls. It is especially popular with hikers and active travelers.

What are the best places to visit in Reunion?

Réunion combines an active volcano in the south, beaches and lagoons along the west coast, and mountainous terrain across the interior. Saint-Paul, Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu are among the better-known west-coast towns.

The island’s volcanic cirques are major highlights. Cirque de Cilaos is one of the island’s three principal cirques, while Mafate and Salazie offer equally dramatic highland scenery. Hiking, waterfalls, diving and other outdoor activities are central to the Réunion experience.

How many days should I spend in Reunion?

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger towns or resort areas.

What is the best way to get around Reunion?

Réunion is relatively easy to explore, although traffic can be heavy near the principal urban areas. Self-driving is one of the most popular options because it provides flexibility for exploring the island’s different regions.

What is the currency of Reunion?

Reunion is part of the Eurozone and uses the euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants, while ATMs are available across the main urban areas.

Do people speak English in Reunion?

French is the principal language, while Réunion Creole is widely spoken in everyday life. English is used to some extent in tourism, but travelers should not assume broad English fluency. Learning a few basic French phrases or using an offline translation app can be useful.

Réunion has a warm subtropical climate, with coastal sea temperatures remaining relatively mild through the year. The dry season generally runs from May through October, while November through April is warmer and more humid.

The island has pronounced microclimates. Eastern slopes receive much more rainfall than the west coast, and mountain conditions differ sharply from sea level. Early starts are often best for mountain viewpoints before clouds build later in the day.

November – April

Summer on Réunion extends broadly from November into early April. January through March can bring heavy tropical rainfall in short, intense periods. This is also the main tropical-cyclone season.

The wetter months make waterfalls and vegetation especially dramatic, but trails and roads can occasionally be affected by heavy rain. Travelers should monitor current weather and cyclone alerts when visiting during this period.

Events and Festivals

• Divali Festival – Celebrated by Réunion’s Indian community with lights, performances, food and cultural activities.

May – October

The cooler, drier period is especially popular with hikers. Mountain areas can become very cold at night and, at the highest elevations, temperatures can approach or drop below freezing.

This is also an important whale-watching period. Humpback whales migrate through Réunion’s waters to mate and give birth before returning south.

Events and Festivals

• Leu Tempo Festival – Performing-arts festival held in and around Saint-Leu.
• Guava Festival – Seasonal celebration centered on guava products and local markets.
• Bastille Day – July 14, observed as Réunion is part of France.

Tipping in Reunion generally follows French service culture. Gratuities are appreciated for good service but are not compulsory.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Euro?

Reunion uses the euro (€). For everyday transactions and gratuities, euros are the appropriate default currency.

Final Thoughts:

Reunion is a French island, and its tipping culture broadly reflects French practice. It is perfectly acceptable not to leave a gratuity if you are unhappy with the service provided.

When paying in cash, keep your receipt where one is provided. If you add a gratuity to a card payment, the intended employee may not always receive it directly.