Handpicked Reunion

As a place called home by Africans, Indians, Chinese and Europeans for centuries, it’s no surprise that Réunion’s culture is a wonderful reflection of that. It’s a culture with deep roots in each community, creating an island where customs, languages, music and cuisines are fused together in one glorious melting pot.

The chances are that there’ll be a cultural event on the island whenever you visit. Réunion islanders celebrate festivals throughout the year, often combining traditional dance with lively percussion instruments to fabulous effect. The Sega and the Maloya are two of our favourite local dances; Réunionese people have been performing them for centuries and, take it from us, it’s hard not to get the dad dance moves out when the first notes are struck.

Food, too, plays a central role in island life. Its buzzy street markets remain a hallmark of Réunion’s culture to this day, with locals gathering to sell produce, spices and handicraft. It’s the Creole part of Réunionese culture that steals the show when it comes to cuisine, with its aromatic spices blended with traditional dishes to produce out of this world flavours. You have to try the rougail saucisse, a Creole take on a sausage stew, as well as the local caris and samosas; we did, and we still dream about it. The handy thing about the island’s fertile volcanic soil is that it produces the perfect terrain for tropical fruit cultivation. When we visited, we couldn’t believe how many delicious options there were – so we stopped trying to count and just ate them all.

Whatever you’re after from your trip – culture, history, song and dance – we’re fairly certain that you’ll find it in Réunion. It’s a one of a kind place with a culture to match – we can’t wait for you to see it for yourself.

If you’ve ever typed Réunion into Google, you’ve probably seen a picture of Piton de la Fournaise. It’s an active shield volcano on the island’s east coast that boasts the claim of being one of the world’s most active. It’s also, quite simply, jaw-dropping. The volcano’s landscape is living, breathing place: rugged lava fields, breath-taking calderas and a terrain that would look more at home on the moon than on an Indian Ocean island. Visitors who hike to the volcano’s summit are rewarded with a sweeping vista of the island and the opportunity to see first-hand some of its occasional eruptions. Don’t worry, though, the volcano is monitored year-round by scientists so you’ll never be in danger. For visitors who want to see some of our planet’s most powerful forces, Piton de la Fournaise is a must. We couldn’t believe it. We think you might not, either.

Thrill-seekers, look no further. Réunion is a paradise for those who want a bit of adventure on their trip, with activities across the island on land, at sea, and in the air. The rugged terrain and clear blue waters are the perfect playground for adventurers. When we visited, we gave up on counting what’s on offer: there’s canyoning in deep natural gorges, paragliding above coastal cliffs, surfing world-class breaks, kiteboarding and windsurfing powered by the strong trade winds that sweep the island, mountain biking down mountains and through forests. That’s only naming the ones that we were lucky enough to do – the list goes on, and our adrenaline is still up just thinking about it. So, whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or someone who just wants to dip a toe into something new, the Réunion adventure sports scene will be right up your street.

For travellers in search of a slower pace of activity, the hiking opportunities on Réunion are pretty special. We’ve already mentioned the island’s diverse and constantly stunning landscapes, and the hiking trails that crisscross them provide walkers with an ever-changing array of viewpoints and natural wonders. The network is known as the GR R1 and it has something for everyone: for the hardy hikers, there’s the challenging ascent of the Indian Ocean’s highest peak, the Piton des Neiges and, for those after something slightly more laid back, there’s the natural amphitheatres at the Cirques, as well as the wonders of Mafata, Salazie and Cilaos. On every trail, you’ll see something new; whether it’s the island’s unique flora and fauna, thermal springs or remote mountain villages, travelling Réunion by foot was one of our most unforgettable travel moments. We’re sure you’ll agree.