The south coast of Réunion Island feels wilder than the island’s lagoon-lined west coast and busier north. Here, calm natural pools sit close to black lava cliffs, rough surf, and fresh volcanic land.
If you rent a car early, you can start at Roland Garros Airport and drive towards Saint-Pierre. From there, the route opens into beaches, basalt viewpoints, lava fields, and powerful Indian Ocean views. Our guide shows what makes the South Coast different from other coasts. You will also know what to expect at each stop before you drive.
The south coast of Réunion Island is best planned as a full-day drive. The route includes airport driving, food stops, coastal viewpoints, and slower sections near lava terrain.
After landing at Roland Garros Airport, head south towards Saint-Pierre. The distance is about 86 kilometres. On a clear day, the drive takes around 1 to 1.5 hours without long stops.
Rain, traffic during busy hours, and steep bends can add extra time. You climb over central ridges before dropping towards the coastal plain. Check fuel, tyres, lights, and your luggage space before leaving the airport car park.
Saint-Pierre is a useful base before the longer coastal section. The town has shops, petrol stations, cafés, and a busy seafront promenade. It also has a lagoon beach protected by a coral reef.
Use this stop to refuel, buy snacks, and check your route. You can also visit the colourful waterfront market if time allows. Once you leave Saint-Pierre heading south, petrol stations and shops become less frequent.
After Saint-Pierre, the RN2 follows the coast through Petite-Île, Grand Anse, Manapany, Saint-Joseph, and Saint-Philippe. The scenery changes from palm-lined bays to black volcanic cliffs and open ocean.
This part includes the Route des Laves, where old lava flows cross the road. Drivers should stay alert for workers, wildlife, bends, wet surfaces, and people stopping for photos. Allow extra time because this section is part of the experience.
The south coast of Réunion Island is often called the wild coast. Each stop shows a different mix of beach, rock, water, and volcanic scenery.
Grand Anse is one of the most beautiful beach stops in Petite-Île. It has a curved sandy bay, coconut palms, picnic tables, and shady spots near the shore. The setting is ideal for a relaxed first break.
This beach is better for views and picnics than for swimming in open water. The ocean can be rough, but one end has a shallow lava rock pool. Bring food, water, and a picnic blanket if you want a slower stop.
Manapany-les-Bains is a small seaside village with a quieter feel. The shore is rocky, and a natural lava pool gives swimmers a safer place to cool off. Large waves often break beyond the rocks. You can walk down the steps to the pool or sit near the palms. The bay also has a few places to eat. Even without swimming, the coastal view makes Manapany worth adding to your route.
Cap Méchant is a top stop for dramatic sea views. It has parking, grass areas, and short paths to cliff viewpoints. Here, dark lava cliffs rise above loud waves and sea spray. Nearby Pointe de la Table has a short loop trail over flat lava ground. The area is open, windy, and close to the sea. Stay on marked paths, avoid cliff edges, and never swim here.
The south coast of Réunion Island needs careful planning because conditions change fast. You may experience sun, wind, mist, and rain within the same hour.
The open ocean has no calm reef protection at many southern stops. Waves can be high, currents can be strong, and warning signs should be taken seriously. Only swim in marked areas or natural pools.
Bring a light raincoat, sunscreen, water, and sturdy shoes. Some stops include short walks over sharp lava rock. The contrast between green plants and black stone is part of the wild scenery here.
Choose a car type that suits narrow roads, steep sections, and short parking stops. A compact car works well for many travellers. It is easier to park near beaches, viewpoints, and small village roads.
An automatic car can make the drive smoother, especially on hills and winding coastal roads. A small SUV can suit families, luggage, and longer island drives. Book early because cheaper car types can sell out during busy travel periods.
For this route, you can book a car with Final Rentals and choose options that include unlimited mileage, CDW, and TPL. This gives you clearer insurance cover before you explore the south coast of Réunion Island.
Keep your day flexible and plan key stops before leaving Saint-Pierre. Restaurants and shops are limited outside larger towns and main beach areas. Pack water, snacks, sun protection, and basic road trip items.
Parking is available at major stops, but spaces may fill on weekends. Some beach areas or villages may charge a small fee. Respect red warning signs, guarded areas, and local advice before entering the water.
Driving along the south coast of Réunion Island is not only about reaching each stop. It is about watching the island change from calm lagoon views to raw lava cliffs. Keep your plans loose, stop when the weather is clear, and give each viewpoint enough time. This coast is beautiful because it is wild, so treat the ocean and cliffs with care.
Rent a car in Réunion Island with Final Rentals to enjoy flexible stops and clear inclusions on island drives. You also get unlimited mileage, which helps with viewpoints, markets, and coastal detours. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
Yes. The south coast of Réunion Island is best explored by car because the stops are spread out. You can visit beaches, lava cliffs, natural pools, and viewpoints on a single flexible route. A car also helps you spend more time at each stop.
A south coast road trip can take 1 full day. Add more time if you start from Roland Garros Airport and stop in Saint-Pierre. Then continue towards Grand Anse, Manapany, Cap Méchant, and the lava coast.
Yes. When you rent a car in Réunion Island, you can visit Grand Anse, Manapany, Cap Méchant, and Route des Laves. You can stop without rushing. It is also easier to carry food, water, swim gear, and weather items.
