Things to Do in Réunion Island: Volcano, Cirques, Lagoons & More

Quick answer: The top things to do in Réunion Island are hiking or flying over the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, exploring the three UNESCO cirques (Mafate, Cilaos, Salazie), relaxing on the reef-protected L'Hermitage and Saint-Gilles lagoons, taking a helicopter tour over waterfalls and craters, paragliding at Saint-Leu, and soaking up French-Creole culture and food in Saint-Denis.

Réunion packs more variety into one small island than almost anywhere in the Indian Ocean.

The volcano: Piton de la Fournaise

One of the world's most active volcanoes, and surprisingly accessible. Drive across the surreal Plaine des Sables and hike to the crater, or take a helicopter for the smoking-rim view of a lifetime.

The cirques: Mafate, Cilaos, Salazie

Three vast volcanic amphitheatres. Mafate is reachable only on foot or by helicopter — true off-grid wilderness. Cilaos is famous for its hairpin road and thermal springs; Salazie for waterfalls and the Creole village of Hell-Bourg.

Beaches and water

L'Hermitage and Saint-Gilles offer calm, reef-protected lagoons for swimming and snorkelling, plus kayaking and surfing further along the west coast.

Adventure and culture

Paraglide at Saint-Leu, canyon in the gorges, and explore Saint-Denis — French boulevards, Creole markets, and a striking Tamil temple that resonates with Indian visitors.

Want these built into a day-by-day plan with the volcano helicopter slot pre-booked? Trripah will design and price your Réunion trip in 24 hours.

Keep planning your Réunion trip: Réunion Island travel guide & packages · Réunion trip from Chennai (direct flight) · Réunion honeymoon ideas · more Réunion stories

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