Top Things to do in Reunion Island
Top 10 Free Things to do in Reunion Island, Reunion Island
Home to one of the world's most active volcanoes, snow-capped Piton de Fournaise, Reunion is a little known gem. This rocky, French-governed island off the coast of East Africa is easily explored by Les Cars Jaunes, yellow buses that link main settlements. The road into the mountains provides breathtaking scenery. Bike tours on rough back roads are an option for the brave and the extremely fit. Beyond the reach of cars, untamed village Cirque de Mafate shows the island's wildest side.
Restaurants in Reunion Island
1. Piton des Neiges
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 196 reviews
Soaring to over ten thousand feet, this often snow-capped peak is Reunion Island’s tallest mountain.
Reviewed By fsevelin - Charolles, France
Piton des Neiges is not an easy place to reach. But, if you cope with the difficulties of this hike, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful sight in Réunion Island. If you are used to mountain hiking, you can dot it (up and down) in a single day. But if you’re not used to, or if you are with children, you had better to sleep in the « refuge de la caverne dufour ». But don’t expect for comfort and good cooking. The owners do the minimum.
2. Piton de Fournaise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 869 reviews
This is the only active volcano on the island and one of the most active in the world.
Reviewed By 188DaveW188
Firstly. The sites we looked at rated this hike as "Easy"...it is absolutely. NOT! AND..I would not recommend doing this without a guide, you could very easily get yourself into dangerous situations. The drive there is beautiful with lots of stop off/vantage points along the way (again, a good guide will give you lots of important info) then you arrive at the top car park, and the fun begins!! Firstly there is the 180mtr climb, down sheer face of the older larger crater, down rugged steps. From there across the (flattish) bottom plain of the older crater to the summit (3 hours minimum) is a case of stepping from stone to stone, up and down through gullies on and on up 2600 mtrs of rough, ROUGH ground under the blazing sun!!! It is hard!! But the rewards with the views from start to finish and the sense of power a volcano evokes really, REALLY!! Makes it worth the pain! (Don't forget, when you've finished at the top? You've got to do the whole thing in reverse, including that 180mtr climb UP the steps!!!????)
3. Maido
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 492 reviews
Reviewed By totuccio83
Probably the best view over Mafate, the most wild Cirque of the Island. All the mountains surrounding the Piton des Neiges present to your eyes with their majesty. If the sky is limpid you will understand the geography of Mafate, with the trekking that bring there. Astonishing.
4. Piton Maido
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By constructageo
I'm lucky to have visit a part of this beauty by being a part of the Grand Raid 2019 race (Trail de Bourbon)...the terrain is hard and technical but the nature is breathtaking and unique ... The last day of our staying on the island we took a helicopter flight, and admiret the views all from the sky, I racomend it!!!
5. Cascade de trou noir
6. La Chapelle
7. RN5 Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By william_974
Ask about the weather beforehand. Rain can cause pebbles to fall on the road. We loved this excursion by car on the road to Cilaos. About 420 bends, the crossing of small villages and these majestic ramparts... This road is a bit difficult but it is quite typical. It's a magnificent, wonderful road with an exceptional spectacle that takes your eyes away.
8. Anse des Cascades
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By 148leons - Pretoria, South Africa
What a beautiful spot for a picnic or just to relax. Anse des Cascades sits on the sea, with great views of the ocean on the one side and waterfalls surrounded by green forest on the other side. There is a restaurant and a takeaway shop. We had some sandwiches from the takeaway shop at a very reasonable price. The kids really enjoyed this as there were lots of paths to explore. A must stop when visiting.
9. Plage de l'Ermitage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By 951philippev - Overijse, Belgium
It sure was our favorite. One of the best places for (safe) snorkeling for sure. The beach has trees on the back and there is a small restaurant there. Beautiful views on the sunset. Easily accessible by car and plenty of parking space.
10. Route des Laves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Hiking in the Mafate cirque, at the summit of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, visiting the lava tunnel of 2004 (volcanic caving) or trekking for several days, that's what we can offer you. Many travel agencies have trusted us for over 15 years. Sharing and conviviality (small groups) define us.
