Hotels in Réunion

Réunion: Volcano, Forest, and Coral Shore

Réunion is a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, roughly 700 km east of Madagascar and 200 km southwest of Mauritius. The island's defining feature is Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active shield volcanoes, which last erupted in 2024. Around it spreads the Parc National de La Réunion, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010 covering roughly 40% of the island's 2,512 km². Three ancient volcanic calderas — Cirque de Cilaos, Cirque de Mafate, and Cirque de Salazie — cut deep into the interior, drawing trekkers on the 180 km GR R2 trail.

Where to Stay

Most hotels concentrate along the western leeward coast between Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and Saint-Leu, where the lagoon is protected by a fringing reef. Saint-Denis, the capital in the north, offers business hotels near Roland Garros Airport (RUN). Hikers base themselves in Cilaos village at 1,200 m elevation to access caldera trails.

Practical Tips

• Currency: Euro (EUR) — Réunion uses French metropolitan currency.
• Language: French is official; Réunion Creole is widely spoken.
• Getting around: Rent a car at RUN for flexibility; the coastal RN1 highway connects Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre in about 90 minutes.
• Best season: May to November brings dry, cooler weather on the west coast; cyclone season runs December to March.