5-Day Réunion Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Réunion, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
On this page
About Réunion
Rising from the sea floor to 3,069 m at Piton des Neiges — the highest point in the Indian Ocean — Réunion is shaped by fire and water in equal measure. The Piton de la Fournaise volcano, one of the most active on Earth, erupts several times a year from its southeastern shield, producing lava flows that sometimes reach the ocean and creating new black-sand coastline. To the west, the ancient caldera has collapsed into three breathtaking amphitheatres — the Cirque de Cilaos, Cirque de Mafate, and Cirque de Salazie — encircled by walls of rock rising 1,000 m from the valley floors. Mafate is the last inhabited place in France with no road access, reachable only on foot or by helicopter. These three cirques and their surrounding ramparts were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The western coast is Réunion's Riviera: the resort towns of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and Saint-Leu front a coral lagoon with calm turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and reef-protected swimming. Saint-Denis, the capital, is a busy city of 150,000 with French administrative efficiency and a vibrant Creole market culture. The island's food scene is a unique fusion — Creole cari (curry), Chinese dim sum, Tamil biryani, French boulangeries, and Malbar Hindu temple fêtes all coexist within a few kilometres. Réunion is also a world-class hiking destination: the GRR1 trail circumnavigates the island's mountain core over 8 days, while hundreds of day walks access cirque floors, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. UNESCO recognition has raised the island's profile, yet it receives far fewer foreign visitors than Mauritius or the Maldives, making it one of the Indian Ocean's best-kept secrets for adventurous travellers.
- Capital
- Saint-Denis
- Largest city
- Saint-Denis
- Population
- 900,000
- Languages
- French (official), Réunion Creole (Kréol Réyoné)
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €)
- Time zone
- RET — Réunion Time (UTC+4), no daylight saving
Explore Réunion by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Réunion
The 20 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
7-Day Classic Réunion
- Days 1-2Réunion city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Réunion
- Days 1-3Réunion comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Réunion, departure
Where to stay in Réunion
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €55–€110 (~$59–$119)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €165–€300 (~$178–$324)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €460–€1100 (~$497–$1188)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Where to eat in Réunion
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Getting around Réunion
Réunion's sole airport is Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in Sainte-Marie, 9 km east of Saint-Denis. Long-haul connections operate via Paris Charles de Gaulle (Air France, direct ~10.5 hrs) and Paris Orly; regional connections via Mauritius, Mayotte, and Madagascar. Within the island, hiring a car is strongly recommended — public transport (Car Jaune network) covers the coastal ring road but is infrequent in the interior. The main highway Route Nationale 1 links the west coast from Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre. The Cirques have no road access to Mafate; Cilaos and Salazie are reachable by narrow mountain roads.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–€50 (~$27–$54) gîte or hostel per night | €70–€130 (~$76–$140) 3-star hotel | €200–€500 (~$216–$540) 4–5-star resort |
| Food (per day) | €15–€25 (~$16–$27) per day | €30–€50 (~$32–$54) per day | €80–€150 (~$86–$162) per day |
| Transportation | €5–€15 (~$5–$16) per day Car Jaune bus | €35–€60 (~$38–$65) car rental per day | €80–€150 (~$86–$162) private transfer/helicopter |
| Activities | €0–€20 (~$0–$22) per day | €30–€60 (~$32–$65) per day | €100–€300 (~$108–$324) guided tours |
| Daily total | €55–€110 (~$59–$119) | €165–€300 (~$178–$324) | €460–€1100 (~$497–$1188) |
Best time to visit Réunion
May to November (dry season, cooler temperatures 18–26°C, best hiking conditions)
The volcano can be visited year-round when not actively erupting; July–September offers the clearest skies and best cirque views. Whale watching (humpbacks) runs July–October.
Essential travel tips
- Rent a car from day one — the island is only 72 km wide but mountain roads are winding and Car Jaune buses don't reach the cirques or volcano
- Book gîtes in Mafate cirque at least 2 months ahead in July–August; there are only ~200 beds in the entire roadless cirque
- Download offline maps (Maps.me or OsmAnd) before entering the cirques — mobile data disappears rapidly
- Carry euro cash for gîtes, market stalls, and remote villages — many rural places are cash-only
- The Réunion Tourisme website (reunion.fr) has up-to-date trail status reports and free downloadable topo maps
Safety information
Swim only in lagoon areas protected by shark barriers (filets anti-requins) on the west coast; do not swim on the unprotected east or south coasts
Check OVPF.ipgp.fr before hiking to Piton de la Fournaise — eruptions can close trails with no notice; free volcanic activity bulletins are posted daily
Download the France Alertes government app for real-time cyclone and flood warnings; cyclone season is November–April
Hire a 4WD for mountain roads and carry extra water — mobile coverage disappears in the cirques and rescue is slow
Do not approach new lava flows on the south-east coast — toxic gas (SO2, CO2) and unstable crusts pose serious hazards
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Réunion?
The best time to visit Réunion is May.
Do I need a visa to visit Réunion?
As a French overseas department, Réunion is part of the European Union Schengen Area. US citizens may enter visa-free for up to 90 days under French/EU rules. EU/EEA citizens enter with a national identity card. Australian and Canadian citizens: 90-day visa-free stay. Passport must be valid for the full duration of stay. No specific vaccinations required for entry. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Réunion?
The currency in Réunion is the Euro (EUR, €) (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Réunion?
The main language(s) spoken in Réunion: French (official), Réunion Creole (Kréol Réyoné). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Réunion?
The top attractions in Réunion include Piton de la Fournaise — Active Volcano Summit, Cirque de Mafate — Roadless Wilderness Cirque, Cirque de Cilaos — Village at 1,200m, Cirque de Salazie & Hell-Bourg Village, and Plaine des Sables — Volcanic Mars Landscape. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.