13 Things to Do in Réunion Island

One of the world's most active volcanoes — hike across the lunar Plaine des Sables to its crater rim for an unforgettable sunrise.

A roadless volcanic caldera reachable only on foot or by helicopter — scattered Creole hamlets cling to cliffs amid dramatic peaks.

A thermal spa town ringed by vineyards and hairpin mountain roads — the gateway for treks up Piton des Neiges, Réunion's highest peak.

Réunion's largest coral lagoon — calm turquoise water, white sand and beachside Creole cafés along the sheltered west coast.

Towering black lava cliffs pounded by Indian Ocean swell on the wild south coast — one of the island's most dramatic viewpoints.

Ranked among France's most beautiful villages — Creole gingerbread houses, thermal-spring history, and trailheads into Cirque de Salazie.

Raw lava coastlines, blowholes and dramatic cliffs — Réunion's most striking and least-visited stretch of coast.

Tandem paragliding flights launch from cliffs above Saint-Leu, soaring over lagoons and sugarcane fields to a beach landing.

Humpback whales migrate past Réunion's west coast from July to September — boat tours offer close encounters.

Colourful Hindu temples such as Petite-Île's Colorado Temple reflect Réunion's deep Tamil heritage and host vibrant festivals.

Some of the Indian Ocean's most spectacular waterfalls plunge into Réunion's forested canyons — best seen by helicopter or on a hike.

Abseil down waterfalls and natural water slides in the cirques — Réunion is one of the world's top canyoning destinations.

A surreal, ochre-red volcanic plateau en route to Piton de la Fournaise, often compared to the surface of Mars.