Réunion is a travel destination in Eastern Africa. Its capital is Saint-Denis. August and July are its two best months to visit, ranked on 1991–2020 climate averages.
Top places to visit in Réunion
Piton de la Fournaise (natural) — One of the world's most active volcanoes and the centrepiece of Réunion's UNESCO World Heritage core zone — regular eruptions of highly accessible lava flows make it one of the few places on earth where visitors can watch active volcanism safely.
Cirque de Cilaos (natural) — Dramatic eroded volcanic caldera forming a natural amphitheatre 1,200 m above sea level — traditional Creole village, endemic plants, hot springs, multi-day trekking circuits, and the unique lentil and wine microculture of a mountain enclave.
Cirque de Mafate (natural) — UNESCO-listed roadless wilderness caldera — accessible only on foot or by helicopter; some 700 permanent residents in scattered hamlets, extraordinary trekking routes, and total immersion in an untamed volcanic landscape.
Cirque de Salazie (natural) — Lushest of the three great calderas — waterfalls including the Grand Voile de la Mariée cascade, Hellbourg's preserved Creole plantation villas, tree ferns, and the cool misty atmosphere of a cloud-forest amphitheatre.
Piton des Neiges (natural) — Highest peak in the Indian Ocean at 3,070 m — a dormant volcanic dome rising above all three calderas, offering a celebrated overnight trek to the summit for one of the finest sunrise panoramas in the Southern Hemisphere.
Saint-Denis (Capital) (city) — Vibrant capital blending French metropolitan culture with Creole lifestyle — the colourful Marché Forain, ornate Hindu temples, Creole-style mansions (villas créoles), and the lively pedestrian shopping district of Rue Maréchal Leclerc.
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains (Hermitage Lagoon) (natural) — Réunion's premier beach resort — the calm turquoise lagoon behind the reef offers the island's safest year-round swimming and snorkelling; the strip of restaurants, beach bars, and dive schools makes it the most visited coastal town.
La Rivière des Remparts (natural) — One of the Indian Ocean's finest canyon hikes — a deep gorge cutting through multi-coloured basalt lava layers from the Plaine des Cafres plateau to the coast; waterfalls, native tamarind forest, and dramatic cliff faces line the route.
Grand Bassin Waterfall (natural) — Remote sacred waterfall deep in the volcano's flanks — accessible by a dramatic 90-minute descent through tropical forest; each year during Maha Shivaratri tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims make the barefoot barefoot pilgrimage to bathe in its waters.
Kelonia Sea Turtle Centre (Saint-Leu) (natural) — Marine research, rescue, and educational centre for Indian Ocean sea turtles — pools of recovering hawksbill and green turtles, hatchling tanks, and an observation tower overlooking the surrounding reef; Réunion's most popular family attraction.