• Highlights of a holiday to Réunion

  Volcanic landscapes – explore Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes.

  Mountain scenery – discover the spectacular cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate, with lush valleys and towering peaks.

  Hiking opportunities – enjoy exceptional walking trails, including routes through Réunion National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  Beaches and lagoons – relax on black and white sand beaches, with calm lagoon swimming particularly on the west coast.

  Water activities – opportunities for snorkelling, diving, whale watching (seasonal), canyoning and river rafting.

  Creole culture – experience a unique mix of French, African, Indian and Chinese influences in the island’s cuisine, music and traditions.

  French island atmosphere – enjoy European-style infrastructure and cuisine in a tropical Indian Ocean setting.

  Scenic drives – travel along winding coastal roads and mountain routes with panoramic viewpoints.

  Wildlife and nature – discover tropical forests, waterfalls, endemic birdlife and rich marine life.

  Best for active travellers – particularly suited to those who enjoy hiking, nature, photography and outdoor exploration.

• Practical points

  Best time to visit: May to November offers cooler, drier conditions, ideal for hiking.

  Currency: Euro (€).

  Language: French is the official language; Réunion Creole is also widely spoken.

  Travel style: Best explored by hire car, allowing access to the island’s varied landscapes.

  Réunion is a strong choice for travellers wanting a more adventurous alternative to traditional beach-focused Indian Ocean holidays.

• Getting There

  From the UK, travel to Réunion is usually by connecting flight, as there are no regular direct flights from the UK.

  Main route from the UK For most UK travellers, the London → Paris → Saint-Denis (Roland Garros Airport) route is the most convenient and commonly used way to reach Réunion.

  Fly from London – departures are commonly available from Heathrow or Gatwick.

  Connect via Paris – the most straightforward route is usually through Paris, with connections from Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport.

  Airlines such as Air France, French Bee, Corsair International and Air Austral operate flights from Paris to Réunion.

  Arrive at Roland Garros Airport – the island’s main airport is Roland Garros Airport, near Saint-Denis.

• Alternative connection points

  Dubai – possible with some airline combinations, often involving a further connection.

  Mauritius – a useful option for combining Réunion with another Indian Ocean island.

  Other European hubs – occasional routes may operate via cities such as Amsterdam or Frankfurt, depending on the airline and season.

  Journey time

  UK to Paris: approximately 1–1.5 hours.

  Paris to Réunion: approximately 11 hours.

  Total travel time: usually around 13–16 hours, depending on the connection.

Getting around on the island

Hire car: the most practical option for exploring Réunion’s mountains, volcanoes and remote viewpoints.

Road travel: roads are generally well maintained, though mountain routes can be steep and winding.

Public transport: buses are available but are less convenient for reaching hiking areas and rural attractions.