Reunion Island
Almost all islands in the Indian Ocean have something glamorous and extraordinary to offer: from majestic gorgeous beaches, spectacular natural scenery to stunning hotels and tourist attractions. Interested in what this little piece of tropical paradise is famous for? Start reading and learn all about the magnificent Reunion Island-an island of "true contrasts" and the "place for meeting"!Inscribed as Natural World Heritage Site, the island boasts the National Park filled with tropical forest that covers nearly 40% of the island's surface, Blue, Red and Green inhabited Canyons, awesome gorges with huge fantastic waterfalls, warm, welcoming sandy beaches and big waves to surf. Add to this an active volcano, lots of majestic mountains, dense wild vegetation and breathtaking landscapes.
Location & Geography
Elliptic in form, Reunion Island (in French, La Reunion) is situated west of southern Africa in the Indian Ocean, some 700 km east of Madagascar and about 200 km south west of Mauritius with a land area of 2,507 sq km. It is considered the largest island in the Mascarene group in the Indian. The island is 63 km long and 45 km wide and is a part of the European Union. The island is home to two distinct volcanoes: Piton de la Fournaise (furnace Peak), rising more than 2,611 m above sea level and the 3,072 m high Piton des Neiges (Snow Peak). The slopes of both volcanoes are heavily forested.
Climate
The island experiences a relatively temperate tropical and humid climate and is characterized by two seasons. The hot and humid summer lasts from December to March with an average temperature varying between 18°C to 33°C on the coast. Winter is from April to November with temperatures ranging between 16°C to 25°C on the coast. The island is occasionally affected by the cyclone season which runs between December and February. The ideal time to visit the island is probably in winter, when the trade winds keep the island moderate.
People
The Portuguese were the first Europeans who visited and settled on the island. Now the island is home to over 700,000 inhabitants of diverse origins, including French, Indian, African, Madagascan, Chinese, Arabs and Europeans. People are characterized by harmonious lifestyle, retaining many aspects of their original cultures.
Holidays in Reunion Island
Holidays in this tropical spot are something special and extraordinary, offering adventures best suited for all kinds of holidaymakers. A holiday in Reunion includes relaxing sandy beaches, nearly 1500 km of marked biking trails, air activities, like parachuting, helicopter flights and paragliding, as well as hiking trails with spectacular panoramic views.
Mountain-lovers can enjoy trekking up to the majestic Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie- the three unique "cirques" opening onto the ocean through narrow gorges formed by gigantic collapses. You can also discover the splendor of the island on foot by crossing bridges made of creepers in complete safety and reveal the alluring beauty of the fantastic lush green forest. Complete your Reunion Island holiday with a visit to Grand Brule, where hot lava meets the ocean.
Reunion Island Vacations and Hotels
The spectacular Reunion Island can be compared with no other spot on Earth as it offers even much more than stretches of golden sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The island boasts the intriguing high mountains of volcanic origin, rising up to over 3,000 meters above sea level and mostly embodies the unique fusion of diverse cultures, as well as the magic of pristine natural beauty.Vacations
Reunion Island is a fantastic destination and a real paradise for nature-enthusiasts. The best Reunion Island vacations include cultural and historical tours, amazing hiking, rambling and trekking adventures, as well as land, sea and air experiences. Reunion Island has it all, the only thing you should do is to discover and experience every corner of the island, where all your adventures will become a reality. Below are some of the famous activities you should not miss out.
Deep-sea fishing is a popular activity available all year-round with such species as blue marlin and blue tin tuna, pompano and sailfish.
Reunion Island is a dream destination for adrenalin-sports lovers, including canyoning - a wonderful adventure that combines mountain climbing together with shooting down a plummeting mountain stream. Canyon enthusiasts will surely find plenty of inaccessible seeming gorges and innumerous stunning waterfalls that make this newest water sport exciting and original.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider, never miss the chance to experience the alluring landscape of the island through horse trekking and yourself be part of it. Gentle horses and ponies are always ready to take a half-day to full-day rides with picnic lunch and overnight accommodations.
You will find a wide selection of tourist attractions on the island that will completely fill your vacations with colors and unforgettable memories. Some include: Natural History Museum, Reunion Ostrich Farm, Croc Park, Spice and Fragrance Garden, Le Gol Sugar Mill, National Garden and Coral Turtle Farm Center.
Hotels
Reunion Island is home to many types of accommodations, including regular hotels, charming villas, farm houses, private mountain lodges and youth hostels stretching every budget. Hotels in Reunion Island are distributed in three parts: in the south, east and west of the island and in the capital saint-Denis.
One of the most famous hotels is perhaps the upscale Les Saint Alexis Hotel on the west coast of the island, boasting 42 spacious, harmoniously and elegantly decorated rooms with all contemporary amenities. The hotel features two restaurants overlooking to the Ocean, a swimming pool, fitness center, well-equipped seminar room and an exchange office. Water and land activities include diving, fishing, surfing, canyoning and golf.
The luxury Blue Margouillat Hotel is another fantastic "hideaway" for those who want to explore the whole island. Here you will find comfort and beauty, a range of services and a unique opportunity to relax and make yourself at home during your stay. Spend your precious moments of life in this hotel and be sure that your memories will long a lifetime.