Réunion Island, a hidden gem nestled in the Indian Ocean, offers a breathtaking escape for Maltese tourists seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of French Creole charm. This vibrant island, a French overseas department, boasts dramatic volcanic landscapes, verdant cirques, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural tapestry.
For those looking to swap the Mediterranean for a truly unique tropical experience, Réunion Island presents an unforgettable journey. This article guides you through the preparation for a trip to Réunion and presents the top destinations that you must visit.
Embarking on a journey to Réunion Island requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. From essential documents to packing strategies, here's what Maltese tourists need to consider.
As Réunion Island is an overseas department of France and thus part of the European Union, Maltese citizens benefit from visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days. While a visa is not required for short tourist visits, it is imperative to hold a Maltese passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your intended entry date, along with at least one blank page.
You should also be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay and onward or return airline tickets. It is always advisable to confirm the latest entry requirements with your airline or the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website closer to your travel date, as regulations can change. For those planning a stay exceeding 90 days, a visa will be required and must be obtained from a French consulate or embassy before travel.
Direct flights from Malta to Réunion Island are not typically available, meaning Maltese tourists will need to factor in layovers. The most common routes involve connecting flights to the Réunion's Roland Garros Airport (RUN) through major European hubs like Paris, or other regional centres such as Mauritius.
It is recommended to use flight comparison websites to find the best routes, compare prices, and identify the cheapest months to fly, which often tend to be March or July, though prices can fluctuate. Booking in advance generally secures more favourable fares, especially during peak seasons.
Réunion Island offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit various preferences and budgets. From luxurious five-star resorts to charming guesthouses and self-catering bungalows, there are options for every type of traveller.
Popular areas for accommodation include Saint-Gilles-les-Bains on the west coast, known for its beaches and vibrant atmosphere, and Saint-Denis, the capital, which provides a more urban experience with good access to amenities.
For those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature, guesthouses and lodges within the cirques offer an immersive experience. Travel websites provide extensive listings and reviews, allowing you to choose the perfect base for your island exploration.
Given Réunion Island's diverse climate, packing strategically is key. While coastal areas enjoy a warm, subtropical climate, the mountainous interior can be significantly cooler, especially at higher elevations or during the rainy season. Therefore, a mix of clothing is essential.
For beach days and coastal excursions, pack lightweight summer clothing, swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-factor sunscreen. For hiking and exploring the cirques and volcanoes, sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, and a waterproof jacket are indispensable.
Don't forget a small backpack for day trips, a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and a universal travel adapter. A good quality camera is also a must to capture the island's spectacular scenery.
Réunion Island is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its dramatic landscapes, carved by volcanic activity and sculpted by time, offer an array of unforgettable experiences. Here are the top five must-see spots on the island.
Réunion's undisputed star attraction, Piton de la Fournaise, stands majestically on the island's eastern side and is renowned as one of the world's most active and accessible volcanoes. Unlike many volcanoes, its effusive eruptions typically involve slow-moving lava flows, making it a relatively safe and incredibly thrilling spectacle.
Even when not in full eruption, the journey to the volcano's caldera is an adventure in itself. Visitors traverse the Plaine des Sables, a vast, lunar-like landscape of reddish-brown volcanic ash and scoria, which feels as though you've landed on another planet.
Well-maintained trails lead to various viewpoints overlooking the vast Enclos Fouqué, the main caldera, where recent lava flows have sculpted the terrain into bizarre and beautiful formations. For the more adventurous, guided hikes can take you closer to the action, sometimes even allowing you to walk on cooled lava fields. The air often carries a faint scent of sulfur, and the panoramic views are simply breathtaking, showcasing the volcano's sheer scale.
Carved over millennia by the colossal collapse of the dormant Piton des Neiges volcano and relentlessly sculpted by centuries of erosion, Réunion's three cirques—Salazie, Cilaos, and Mafate—are not merely valleys but immense, deep depressions forming natural amphitheatres of unparalleled beauty and biodiversity. Each offers a distinct personality and a wealth of experiences for the curious explorer.
Cirque de Salazie, often considered the greenest and most accessible of the three, is a verdant paradise renowned for its luxuriant vegetation and an astonishing abundance of waterfalls that cascade down its steep, moss-covered walls. The most famous of these is the "Voile de la Mariée" (Bride's Veil), a spectacular series of delicate, shimmering falls that resemble a bridal veil flowing down the mountainside.
Within Salazie lies the charming village of Hell-Bourg, officially classified as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages in France". Walking through its narrow streets, lined with exquisitely preserved, brightly colored Creole houses adorned with intricate fretwork and vibrant gardens, feels like stepping back in time. It's an ideal spot to savour traditional Creole cuisine and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Cirque de Cilaos, nestled in the south, boasts a slightly drier, more temperate climate than Salazie, making it a haven for hikers and those seeking relaxation. It's famous for its thermal baths, where visitors can unwind in naturally heated mineral waters, providing a perfect antidote to tired muscles after a day of exploration.
Once in Cilaos, explorers can embark on numerous well-marked hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, and quaint hamlets. The region is also celebrated for its unique lentils, considered a delicacy, and surprisingly, its local wine, produced from grapes grown on the cirque's slopes – a must-try for any food and wine enthusiast.
Cirque de Mafate, the most remote, rugged, and truly adventurous of the three, stands apart as a pristine wilderness. It is unique in that it is only accessible on foot or by helicopter, with no roads leading into its depths. This inaccessibility has preserved its raw beauty and traditional way of life. Mafate is a hiker's paradise, crisscrossed by a vast network of challenging trails that connect its various "îlets".
Trekking through Mafate offers a profound sense of escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in untouched nature, witness unique ecosystems, and experience the warm hospitality of the Mafatais people, who maintain traditional Réunionese customs in their secluded haven. It's an experience that truly tests and rewards the spirit of adventure.
While now dormant and no longer "neiges" (snow) capped except perhaps for the briefest winter dusting, Piton des Neiges holds the distinction of being the highest point on Réunion Island, soaring majestically to over 3,000 meters above sea level.
This ancient shield volcano is the geological anchor of the island, from which the three famous cirques were formed. The ascent to its summit is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding multi-day hike that typically begins from the village of Cilaos or Hell-Bourg.
The trek itself is an immersive experience, leading hikers through diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to more sparse, volcanic terrain at higher altitudes. The ultimate reward, however, is unparalleled—a 360-degree panoramic view that sweeps across the entire island. From this vantage point, you can gaze down into the vastness of the three cirques spread out like giant geological maps below, and beyond them, the shimmering blue expanse of the Indian Ocean.
For serious trekkers, reaching the peak just as the sun peeks over the horizon, painting the sky with fiery hues and casting long shadows over the landscape, is a truly magical and humbling moment that makes every step of the strenuous climb worthwhile. It's a test of endurance that offers an unforgettable communion with nature.
After the exhilarating but often strenuous exploration of Réunion's rugged interior, the west coast provides a welcome and much-needed change of pace with its inviting beaches and wonderfully protected lagoons. This stretch of coastline, particularly around Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, is the island's premier resort area, offering a blend of volcanic black sand and pristine white sand beaches.
Unlike the wild, unprotected shores of the south and east, the west coast benefits from a barrier reef that creates calm, crystal-clear lagoons, making them ideal for swimming, safe for children, and perfect for various water activities.
Snorkelling here is a delight, as the shallow, warm waters of the marine reserve teem with vibrant marine life—colourful coral formations, tropical fish of every hue, and sometimes even turtles. Diving excursions are also popular, offering access to deeper reefs and shipwrecks. Beyond the reef, adventure seekers can try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or even paragliding for a bird's-eye view of the stunning coastline.
For Maltese visitors, who appreciate coastal beauty, the highlight of the west coast during certain months is the incredible opportunity for whale watching. From June to October, humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters around Réunion to calve and breed. Boat tours offer responsible observation opportunities, allowing you to witness these magnificent creatures breaching and playing in their natural habitat.
Réunion Island is a true paradise for waterfall enthusiasts, a testament to its volcanic origins, abundant rainfall, and dramatic topography. Countless cascades tumble down its verdant slopes, creating breathtaking natural spectacles and inviting pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Beyond the aforementioned "Voile de la Mariée" in Salazie, the island is dotted with numerous other stunning waterfalls, each with its own unique charm and allure.
One of the most accessible and popular spots for a refreshing experience is Bassin La Paix, where a beautiful waterfall plunges into a wide, clear basin, forming a natural swimming pool ideal for a relaxing swim on a warm day. Similarly, Bassin des Aigrettes and Bassin Malheur offer tranquil settings with picturesque cascades and cool waters.
For the more adventurous and with the right expertise, the infamous Trou de Fer (Iron Hole) is a sight to behold. This colossal canyon, often shrouded in mist, is among the tallest and most spectacular in the world, plunging thousands of feet into a dizzying abyss. While accessing the bottom often requires advanced canyoning skills and professional guides, helicopter tours offer an unforgettable aerial perspective, allowing you to witness the immense scale and raw power of these incredible falls as they carve their way through the heart of the island.
Réunion Island offer fantastic opportunities for adventure and relaxation. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, consider the following tips.
Réunion's unparalleled natural beauty is its most precious asset. As responsible travellers, it is paramount to adhere to "leave no trace" principles. Stay on marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, avoid picking plants or taking souvenirs from natural sites, and dispose of your waste properly. Supporting local ecotourism initiatives and purchasing local products directly contributes to the island's sustainable development and preservation.
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure! Réunionese Creole cuisine is a delicious and vibrant fusion of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences, reflecting the island's diverse heritage. You absolutely must try a traditional "cari" (curry), served with rice and lentils, often featuring chicken, fish, or various meats. Other must-try dishes include "rougail saucisses" (sausage in a spicy tomato sauce), "bouchons" (Chinese-inspired dumplings), and an array of fresh, exotic tropical fruits like lychees, mangoes, and pineapples, often sold at roadside stalls. Don't forget to sample local rums, often infused with fruits and spices.
The official currency used throughout Réunion Island is the Euro (€), which will be familiar and convenient for Maltese travellers. Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's always advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases, local markets, or in more remote areas.
Réunion is generally a safe destination. However, when exploring its natural wonders, always be mindful of weather conditions, which can change rapidly, particularly in mountainous and volcanic areas. Always check local advisories for hiking trail conditions, volcanic activity alerts, and swimming safety. Respect all restricted zones around the volcano. If venturing into remote areas or on challenging hikes, consider hiring a local guide.
To truly unlock the island's potential and explore at your own pace, renting a car is highly recommended. The freedom a rental car provides is invaluable, allowing you to easily access trailheads for spectacular hikes, discover hidden waterfalls, visit charming Creole villages off the main tourist routes, and chase those magnificent sunsets on the west coast.
Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to adapt your itinerary to weather conditions, linger longer at places you love, and discover spontaneous detours that might become the highlights of your trip.
Ensure you have a valid driving licence and are familiar with driving rules in Réunion. Be prepared for winding mountain roads, some of which can be narrow and steep, but the panoramic views you'll encounter are well worth the effort. Book your car in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and vehicle availability.
Embrace the open road and let Réunion Island reveal its many wonders to you, one scenic drive at a time. Rent a car on Final Rentals today. Your unforgettable escapade awaits!
