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Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

country

RéunionLa Réunion

First trip: 7–10 nights split between the west coast (Saint-Gilles) and one or two inland bases (Cilaos or Salazie, and the Plaine des Cafres for the volcano), with a hire car; hike early, because clouds close the peaks by midday.

Not field-verified

Réunion is an overseas department and region of France and part of the EU, with the euro, but it is outside the Schengen area and has its own entry rules for some passports. The island is small but mountainous: the cirques and the volcano are reached by winding roads or on foot, and weather in the mountains changes fast. Plan early starts for hikes, a car for the island, and flexibility for cyclone season (roughly December–March).

Regions

West coastplanned

Saint-Gilles and L'Hermitage lagoon, the island's beach base

3–4 nights

The cirquesplanned

Cilaos, Salazie and car-free Mafate (on foot)

3–5 nights

Volcano and the wild southplanned

Piton de la Fournaise, the Plaine des Sables and lava coasts

1–3 nights

Arrive

RUN

Roland Garros (Saint-Denis)

Main gateway; long-haul flights from Paris and regional links

ZSE

Pierrefonds (Saint-Pierre)

Small airport in the south; regional flights

Time math

5 days
West coast 2 + Cilaos 2 + volcano 1 (dawn hike)
8 days
West coast 3 + Cilaos 2 + Salazie 2 + volcano 1
12 days
West coast 3 + Mafate trek 3 + Cilaos 2 + volcano 2 + Saint-Denis or the east 2

Country rules

Inherited by every page below
  • Réunion is French and in the EU but outside the Schengen area: a Schengen visa does not automatically cover it. Check the French government's entry rules for Réunion for your passport.
  • Swimming and surfing are restricted on much of the coast because of shark risk; swim only in the lagoon and supervised zones.
  • Access to Piton de la Fournaise closes during eruptions and alerts; check the prefecture's current status before you go.

Etiquette

  • French is the official language; Réunion Creole is widely spoken.
  • Réunion is multi-faith (Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Chinese traditions); cover up and remove shoes at temples when asked.
  • Greet with bonjour when entering shops and small restaurants.
Cyclone season (roughly Dec–Mar)
Alerts can close roads, trails and flights for days.
Dec 20 (Fèt Kaf)
Public holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery; shops close.
French school holidays (Jul–Aug and late Dec)
Flights from Paris and gîtes in the cirques book out.

Money & passes

Cash necessity: 1/5

  • Currency is the euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for gîtes in Mafate and small snack stands.
  • Check with your mobile operator whether EU roaming rules apply to Réunion on your plan.

Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry

Safety

  • Shark risk: do not swim or surf outside the lagoon and supervised zones; bans are enforced.
  • Mountain weather changes fast: carry rain gear, water and a charged phone, and tell someone your route.
  • Cyclone alerts are issued in stages; under a red alert everyone must stay indoors.
  • Emergency: 112 (EU-wide), 15 medical, 17 police, 18 fire.

Réunion connects by short flights with Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte and Seychelles; Mauritius is the easiest pairing.

Open Africa

Sources