Plage de l'Étang-Salé

Plage de l'Étang-Salé is a long black-sand beach at L'Étang-Salé-les-Bains on the south-west coast of Réunion, about 72 km from Saint-Denis. The sand is fine, dark volcanic grains that heat up strongly in the midday sun, and the contrast with the blue water and the green backdrop of casuarina (filao) trees makes the beach distinctive. Water colour is a deep blue, with clarity depending on swell. The beach is long, open and exposed to the Indian Ocean, with no protecting reef, so waves and currents can be significant. There is no shark net, and ocean swimming is advisable only in calm conditions and where lifeguards are on duty in peak season. Visitors who prefer to stay on dry sand can enjoy walking, sunbathing and picnics under the filao trees, whose shade makes afternoons pleasant. The atmosphere is relaxed and mostly local, with families, joggers and cyclists using the seafront. Amenities include restaurants along the front, a picnic area under the filao trees, parking, and lifeguard cover in the busy season. A forest of filaos stretches behind the beach, with walking and mountain-bike paths, and a nearby golf course and the Étang-Salé forest add other things to do when the sea is not suitable. Black sand can burn bare feet, so sandals are useful. Access is easy: by car it takes about an hour from Saint-Denis via the RN1, and Car Jaune Line 1 serves the area for around €5 (about $5.40). Parking is usually available, though it tightens on Sundays and holidays. Visitors should check the flags and lifeguard notices before entering the water and keep within posted limits. The beach is rated 4.3 and is best between May and October, when the weather is dry and the swell is more manageable.