Reunion Island

Reunion Island, Réunion

With a nearly matchless land-before-time quality to its majestic landscapes, Reunion Island tops the list of the world's most photogenic destinations. The tiny dot of land in the Indian Ocean packs a punch with its dizzying hiking trails, magnetic shoreline, stunning beaches, and a truly unique blend of cultures encompassing French, African, Creole, Malagasy, Chinese and Indian heritage.

Population:

843,617 (2015)

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance: 15
Police: 17
Fire: 18
Accident and Emergency Department: 112

Opening Hours:

Most businesses are closed on Sundays. Some restaurants open for lunch and dinner only, and remain closed between around 2pm and 7pm.

Newspapers:

Journal de l'île de La Réunion
Le Quotidien

The Island

As hard as it may be to wrap one's head around, Reunion Island, located just east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, remains an administrative region of France, and as such constitutes a part of the European Union and the Eurozone (albeit its most remote part). Speaking the island's official language - French - may prove handy when traveling around, but many locals do speak some English as well (Reunion Creole is used in most day-to-day communication).
The Island was first settled over 300 years ago by natives of France, Africa and Madagascar. New pieces have been added to eclectic mosaic of ethnicities and cultures that is Reunion, all put together to create an inviting combination of elegant French and flavourful Creole cuisine, serene beaches and steep mountain ranges (harbouring the still active Piton de la Fournaise volcano), stylish shopping streets reminiscent of those in mainland France and busy local markets. Trips to Reunion are best-planned well in advance - unlike its immediate resort neighbour of Mauritius, the island does not boast a plethora accommodation options, so these are advised to be booked in advance.

Do & See

With its abundance of natural beauty, Reunion is an island where any traveller is spoilt for choice. Do keep in mind that most locations up in the mountains are best visited before noon, since view-obstructing clouds tend to thicken at higher elevations as the day progresses. Dress in layers - the heat in waterside valleys below is misleading, and quickly turns to chilly winds up on the hilltops.

Dining

A Reunion Island staple are the traditional Creole "caris" (essentially a local spelling of "curry"), the "cabri massalé" (prepared with goat meat) being one of the most popular varieties. Caris are also made with chicken, duck, and seafood, all normally come with a separate side of minced chili pepper. Some local restaurants offer buffet-style Creole dining, with a selection of caris and stews, as well as other local dishes (e.g. vanilla duck, smoked pork or rougail sausage). Indian, Chinese, and French influences can all be traced in the local flavours, and a few fine dining French restaurants operate on the island as well (primarily in the capital city of Saint-Denis).

Cafes

Reunionnais French heritage shines through in its array of bakeries and pastry shops, heavily reminiscent of those dotting each and every larger town on the mainland. These ties to France make it possible to savour a fresh croissant here, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, or go for some of the treats unique to the region - a sweet "macatia" bun or savoury "gâteau patate," a cake made with potato or corn. Fruit is, naturally, abundant - do not miss the goyaviers (small red strawberry guavas), ubiquitous lychee and mango, as well as passion fruit, pitaya cactus and delightfully sweet soursop (all often come in juice and sorbet form).