Discover our Holidays to Reunion
This compact French island remains virtually unknown to many travellers as most are drawn to the wildlife of neighbouring Madagascar or the famed, sunny beaches of Mauritius sitting just above. However, Reunion holidays have so much to offer the discerning traveller savvy enough to visit this island. Enjoy a true feeling of discovery and idyllic isolation surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean as you experience an island hideaway filled with so much more than a pretty coastline.
Some of Our Reunion Holiday Ideas
There are plenty of ways in which to experience holidays to Reunion. From doing a self-drive to the active volcano and picturesque mountain towns to going on a beautiful hike in the mountainous Cirques, discover your next adventure to this incredible island.
Our expertise in Reunion
I’d love to create your perfect destination experience to Reunion . Give me a call and I’ll share my first-hand expertise so you get the most from your trip.
Travel Specialist
Helen's review
The flight from Paris to Roland Garros Airport is the longest domestic flight in the world.
As well as this, Reunion is like Mauritius' rugged sister, self-driving is incredibly easy (with great infrastructure) and most areas are easily accessible – apart from the Cirque De Mafate, which is only accessible by hiking and helicopter (definitely worth a visit!).
Start on the east coast of the island and work your way around, visiting all the many sights along the way, and then end with relaxation time on the beautiful beaches on the west.
The volcano (Piton de la Fournaise) is currently one of the most active in the world.
Helen's Top Tips
- For an incredible experience, do a helicopter flight – the rugged interior is like something out of Jurassic Park!
- Go whale watching from Palm Hotel's terrace. A bell rings whenever a whale is sighted!
- Aqua hiking in Langevin Waterfall is spectacular – not for the faint hearted, but so much fun!
Best Time To Visit Reunion
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Quick Country Facts
Time Zone:GMT +4 hours
Capital:Saint-Denis
Currency:Euro
Temperature:20-25°
Reunion travel guides
Why visit Reunion?
If you want a relaxing self-drive and to immerse yourself in beautiful mountain scenery on your holiday, Reunion is the perfect destination.
With over 1,000km of trails taking you through the island's geographical diversity, the looming mountains and dramatic landscape is the perfect venue for if you're a walking or hiking fan.
The blend of French, Chinese, Indian and African cultures with a rich Creole heritage creates a unique ambiance (and delicious array of cuisine). Throw in the beaches of the west coast surrounded by tropical coral reefs and cascading waterfalls plunging into natural rock pools, and you have an ideal alternative island hideaway.
We recommend you visit before the masses catch on to Reunion's magic.
Helen Kennedy
Travel Specialist
Is Réunion Island good for a beach holiday?
Reunion beach holidays offer something different to its neighbours.
Due to its small number of visitors compared to Mauritius and the Seychelles, the beaches in Reunion Island aren't overshadowed with colossal skyscraper resorts. Instead, the accommodation is characterful and charming, with most of our carefully selected properties only housing 15 or so rooms.
St Gilles les Bains is also home to some of the best beaches in Reunion. The five-star LUX* Saint Gilles (formerly known as LUX* Ile de la Réunion) stands along 600 metres of beach that's protected by a coral reef and offers excellent snorkelling. In addition to this, other Reunion Island beaches include everything from the desirable surfing spot at St Leu to the white sands of St Pierre in the southwest.
What’s included in a Réunion Island holiday package?
Your holiday to Reunion Island with Rainbow can be fully tailor-made to your liking.
The tailor-made Reunion holiday packages we offer to you are just a selection of ideas in which to experience the wonders this island has in store. For instance, on a Reunion Island Walking Holiday, you can combine Saint Gilles with The Cirques, adventuring through three spectacularly stunning natural amphitheatres before unwinding on the west coast sandy beaches.
Most Reunion Island holiday packages involve you doing a self-drive. If you're someone who enjoys the freedom of being able to stop and start where you want to, taking more time in areas you want to explore further, then you'll love the flexibility of self-drive holidays to Reunion. You can include stops at the breathtaking Piton de la Fournaise and end on the beaches of Hermitage-les-Bains – or vice-versa!
As standard with many of our tailor-made itineraries, we can include the following:
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers and car hire as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Is Réunion Island a good destination for family holidays?
Family holidays to Reunion Island are great for active families who enjoy the outdoors.
A selection of exhilarating ingredients are on display for you to discover. With incredible peaks and gorges, hidden waterfalls and thermal springs, remote hamlets and picturesque mountain villages, the whole family are spoiled with breathtaking natural beauty around almost every corner.
Holidays in Reunion can be designed to include such activities as hiking, canyoning and paragliding or horse riding, mountain biking and helicopter trips. For an idea of what you can do, this Touring & Beach Holiday to Reunion Island is filled with inspiration. Spend time walking to the hot springs as well as exploring the magical Belouve Forest, perched on a plateau 1,300m above sea level.
There are excellent family-friendly places to stay, too. And with so many different activities on offer, we can tailor-make a holiday to suit all tastes and interests.
Why choose Réunion Island for an adventure holiday?
The abundant, naturally beautiful landscapes lend well to adventure holidays in Reunion Island.
Its pitons, cirques and remparts form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of this is one of the world's most active volcanoes, the Piton de la Fournaise, which has erupted 180 times since records started being kept in 1640. The 700,000 residents have learnt to live life around the lava flows that erupt from this bubbling magma chamber, sometimes rebuilding highways two or three times a year.
Piton de la Fournaise is a phenomenal demonstration of nature's power, something you should make sure to experience on your Reunion holiday. Trek the 13km to the volcano rim to view the dramatic lunar landscape, devoid of vegetation and filled with striking burnt umber, smoky topaz and jet black colours. The panoramic views of the volcano are well worth the legwork. No holiday in Reunion Island would be complete without a look at the volcano. (You can either hike to the crater or see it from a helicopter; either is awe-inspiring).
Adventure holidays to Reunion Island may also take you to the other piton – Piton des Neiges. Towering at 3,069m above sea level, it's the highest mountain in the Western Indian Ocean region. Hike through primary forests, meandering your way along rocky paths and towards several stunning viewpoints, all the while spotting some very rare and localised bird species.
Other activities you may want to do include canyoning, mountain biking, windsurfing and paragliding.
Can I twin Réunion Island with another destination?
Reunion Island and Mauritius combine well with Rodrigues. The three Mascarene Islands make for a wonderfully relaxing break, with their sun-drenched beaches (Mauritius), colourful coral reefs (Mauritius and Rodrigues), high mountains (Reunion) and some very rare endemic plants and animals.
For an idea of how to create this type of a tailor-made experience, our Rodrigues, Mauritius & Reunion - Mascarene Magic holiday is a great starting point. Prices begin at £4,095 per person for 15 nights.
Other Reunion Island twin centre holidays may include Madagascar and its extraordinary wildlife watching opportunities.
Speak with our Africa Travel Specialists today so you can tailor-make your perfect holiday.
Where to go in Reunion
Reunion Holiday types
Whether you want to explore the natural world with the whole family or encounter rare species with just a few other travellers, choose the tailor-made itinerary that’s right for you.
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
