Reunion

Reunion is part of the EU! A French overseas department lying off the east coast of Africa.  Everyone speaks French and the local currency is the Euro but Reunion is an exotic island with spectacular scenery.  The mountains at its heart are volcanic in origin and a major attraction for hikers.  In fact Reunion has so many activities that it is the perfect destination for more active travellers.  Highlights include:

• Dormant and active volcanoes with majestic peaks that create a series of amphitheatres with great trekking
• Thermal springs and waterfalls.
• Golden beaches and volcanic black beaches.
• Hiking, canyoning, paragliding, mountain biking, scuba diving and surfing.
• Creole villages.

Walking in Reunion

Reunion island has more than 900km of marked trails for hikers, for both beginners and those with more experience. They cover a diverse and breathtakingly beautiful landscape: dense rainforest in the east; savannah or sugar cane fields in the west, and volcanic lunar landscapes. Its volcanic peaks and craters are classified as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Its most famous hiking trail leads all the way to the majestic Piton de la Fournaise 2,632m above sea level.  It’s a five hour walk there and back to the craters, passing through the rainforest and lunar landscapes of Plaine des Sables. The highest point of Reunion is Piton des Neiges. If you are very fit and experienced you can make the round trip in a day but most people choose to overnight in the Piton des Neiges Gîte and rise early to finish the climb. There are a number of beautiful walks in the Cirque de Salazie – either day or multi-day.  And many many other walks.  

A popular trip is to spend a couple of days relaxing on the coast after arrival, head to the centre for a three or four day walking tour of the cirques and then spend another few days on the coast or in town. There are some fabulous and luxurious hotels on the coast. Accommodation on the walking trails varies from boutique hotels from which you can do day walks to simple refuges and bed and breakfasts on the walking routes in tiny villages.  

Good maps and guidebooks are available and the trails are well marked.  Some of the trails are loops.  Others are one way but there is good public transport or taxis to help you.  

Whether you want to do a full walking tour for a week or two, or a trip with just a few days spent walking on day walks or overnight trips, Reunion makes for a fabulous destination and Shearwater Travel can help you find the perfect combination.