travel from mauritius to reunion island

Distance from Mauritius to Reunion

Distance from Mauritius to Reunion is 226 kilometers . This air travel distance is equal to 140 miles.

The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance between Mauritius and Reunion is 226 km= 140 miles.

If you travel with an airplane (which has average speed of 560 miles) from Mauritius to Reunion, It takes 0.25 hours to arrive.

Mauritius Distances to Countries

Reunion distances to countries, map of mauritius.

Map of Reunion

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Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Travel to Reunion Island | A Guide You Will Appreciate

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It was dark when our plane descended through the clouds and landed on Réunion Island. It was slightly disconcerting arriving after dark. I couldn’t see the beaches, the mountains, or anything that looked remotely tropical. Instead, aside from the humidity, I could very well have arrived in Europe, which technically, I had.

Réunion is a tiny little piece of France in the Indian Ocean! I somehow made my way through customs and immigration, collected my bag, and found my taxi, all without speaking a word of English; before setting off into what, for me, was a completely unknown destination.

I’d gone to Réunion Island to take part in Xterra Réunion, an off-road triathlon race, and had done absolutely no research about my destination before I boarded my flight. I’m here to tell you now some of the things I wish I’d known before I’d got there. But first, some basic facts:

Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Travel to Reunion Island

1. location.

Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean is an overseas department/region of France. It is located approximately 340 miles east of Madagascar and 109 miles southwest of Mauritius .

2. Population

As of January 2021, Réunion had a population of 858,450.

3. Language

As in the rest of France , the official language of Réunion is French. In addition, a majority of the population speaks Réunion Creole.

4. A Brief History

Little was known about the island, which was uninhabited prior to the arrival of the Portuguese, who landed here in 1513. In the 1640s, the island was occupied by the French, who claimed it as their own, renaming it Ile Bourbon. The island was renamed Réunion in the 18th century and became prosperous, along with the nearby island of Mauritius, because it was on the shipping routes between Europe and Asia. Sugar plantations, worked by slaves imported from Africa, formed the major sector of the island’s economy. Slavery was abolished on December 20, 1848 (a date celebrated annually on the island), though indentured workers continued to be brought to Réunion from other places, predominantly South India. The island was a French colony until 1946 when it was granted the status of “Overseas Department.” Réunion is now one of the most far-flung parts of the European Union.

5. How To Get There

It isn’t easy to get to Réunion; there are few travel options and most of those are expensive.

One option is to fly from Mauritius; the flight is only 45 minutes. A one-way ticket from Mauritius to Réunion costs around 80 euros (around $93).

Option two would be to take an Indian Ocean cruise. That way you could combine Réunion with Madagascar , Seychelles , and Mauritius, though this would mean you wouldn’t have much time to totally experience the island.

The third option would be to look for a cheap flight. The cheapest is usually via Paris. A one-way ticket can be as little as 150 euros (around $175), which isn’t much for a 12-hour flight!

6. Best Time To Go

The best time to visit Réunion Island is May–November when the weather is generally dry and cool. It starts to get hot and rainy from November–April. Réunion is known for its torrential rainfall, so it’s advisable to avoid the monsoon season.

7. Getting Around

Possibly the most daunting experience of my entire Réunion visit was collecting my rental car on day one! Unaccustomed to driving on what was, for me, the “wrong” (left) side of the road and the “wrong” (left) side of the car, I was nervous as I took possession of the little white Peugeot that was supposed to get me around for the next few days. I don’t have a great reputation with my family for certain aspects of my driving, particularly reverse! While I think their comments about my driving are vastly exaggerated, I was still rather apprehensive when it came to getting behind the wheel. For those of you not used to left-hand drive, be forewarned.

8. What To Eat And Drink

Réunion offers a wide range of exotic food and drink. Eating is one of the favorite Réunionese activities and mealtimes are family occasions. The island is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Indian, Chinese, French, Malagasy, and mainland African dishes have all been absorbed into and contributed to the island’s cuisine, making the local food interesting and exotic, but not too spicy or bizarre.

My top suggestions for what to eat and drink on Réunion include:

• A taste of French bakery and sweetness in the shape of baguettes , croissants, pain au chocolat , and macaroon s of all flavors and colors
• Poulet bitumine is a deliciously crispy chicken found in little roadside stalls all over the place. The name literally means “tarmac chicken.”
• Chou-chou is originally a South American vegetable (part of the gourd family); it’s best smothered in white sauce and cheese, and then grilled — called chou-chou gratin.
• Rougail is a delicious chili sauce you’ll find on the side of most dishes: a bit bitter, a bit sour, a bit salty, and a lot spicy!
• Carri is a regional specialty, a Creole dish in which Indian spices and local ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, or seafood are simmered together.
• Bourbon, the local beer, is affectionately referred to as the Dodo. It comes in an adorable little “medicine bottle” shape, and is the absolute perfect thing to drink after a busy day.
• Rhum arrange is rum infused with pineapple, litchi, cinnamon, or even orchid flowers; it’s dangerously delicious!
• Ti’ punch is straight rum, some sugar, and a little lime. The first time I tasted this, I thought the barman had made a mistake! I’m not accustomed to drinking a glass of straight rum, but by the end of my visit ti’ punch and I were firm friends.

Things To Do On Réunion Island

Visit an active volcano.

Located within the Réunion National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you will find Piton de la Fournaise (The Peak of the Furnace), one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The volcano has had more than 150 recorded eruptions since the 17th century, with the most recent in April 2021.

Piton de la Fournaise is one of Réunion Island’s most popular tourist attractions and about 400,000 people visit every year. It is pretty accessible to all, whatever your age or fitness level. You can drive to the rim of the external crater and simply gaze at the peak in the distance. Or, if you have the time and inclination, you can climb it, starting from the waves lapping at its base in the Indian Ocean, and ultimately reaching its summit, which is often in the clouds.

A huge part of Réunion’s appeal is found high above sea level, inside the towering volcanic calderas left behind from the island’s violent volcanic history. These calderas, or cirques, offer amazing hiking opportunities and have more than 600 miles of hiking trails.

Piton de Neiges, or snow peak, was formed by the Réunion hot spot and emerged from the ocean about 200,000 million years ago. Now deeply eroded and inactive for the last 20,000 years, it is surrounded by three massive crater valleys: Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie, all famous for their hiking routes. Of these three, Mafate is the most challenging, as it is completely inaccessible by road. The trails are definitely not for those suffering from vertigo and should not be hiked alone. Fortunately, I was accompanied by Nicolas Cyprien, a local Réunionese guide, who not only knew the way but also filled me in on all kinds of information as we headed off into the wild heart of the island. 

The Beaches

Whilst hiking and the outdoors may be the most popular reasons for visiting the Réunion island , you will inevitably end up on the beach at some point in your trip. Réunion has its fair share of idyllic beaches, here are a few spots to get you started:

• Plage de L’Hermitage is Réunion’s most popular beach and gets quite crowded over the weekends. The sand is as white as it gets, the water is crystal clear, and casuarina trees provide some shade. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear.
• Away from the crowds, Plage de la Salines is a perfect stretch of salt and pepper sand, just south of Plage de L’Hermitage. The beach is long, so it’s never hard to find a spot, and you can enjoy views that stretch all the way south to Saint-Leu. There are a few clear patches for swimming, but this is a great place for snorkeling. Sadly, the coral is mostly bleached, but there are lots of tropical fish.
• One of Réunion Island’s finest black sand beaches is Plage de l’Etang Sale , a prime spot for watching the sunset or mixing with the locals.
• Plage des Brisants , also known as surfer’s paradise, is famous for its waves. The beach’s fame does not stop with surfing though, a popular annual film festival is held here, so if you are a movie buff, look out for the announcements.

Pro Tip: A word of caution about swimming. Réunion Island has become so notorious for shark attacks, that swimming and surfing are banned outside the coral lagoon. Eleven people have died in shark attacks since 2011.

Visit St. Gilles

Once you’re done with the beach and are looking for some culture, St. Gilles is the place to be. Situated on the western side of the island, the town is known for its eclectic mix of art and cultural shows. The streets are lined with numerous bars and nightclubs, playing an array of music from jazz, rock, and dance music to traditional local music.

Shop At Saint-Paul Market

Saint-Paul Market runs from Friday morning to Saturday morning — a full 24 hours — and sells some of the most exotic fruits and vegetables you have ever seen. Food is not the only thing sold here though, the market is also famous for art and souvenirs.

Picnic At Langevin Or Trois Bassins

Langevin, a waterfall in the south of the island, is one of Réunion’s best-kept secrets. Alternatively, rent a canoe and head to Trois Bassins on the west coast. These are two of the island’s ultimate picnic spots and are well worth a visit.

Swim With Whales and Dolphins

Whale season on Reunion Island is from June to September, when these giants migrate down to the warmer Indian Ocean waters from the Atlantic to mate and give birth. There are companies like Duocean that organize boat trips to see and swim with these cetaceans.

Usually, the ideal places to see them are on the west coast, around the Bay of Saint-Leu. 

Blower dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins are in these waters at any time of year, and diving schools can take you out to swim alongside them.  As you swim in big groups you are not at risk of shark attacks.

Visit Saga du Rhum

You can choose between a guided or independent visit to the museum inside the Isautier Distillery, the oldest one still in use on the island. The Saga du Rhum is a museum devoted entirely to Reunion’s rum. As with any distillery, there’s a bar where you can try Reunion’s various rums for free at the end. The rhum range includes “agricultural”, “traditional” and infused rum, or varieties that have aged in the cask for different periods.

Among other trophies, the Saga du Rhum Museum was also awarded the Accessibility Trophy in 2014 for the best museum on the island for the disabled.

So there you have it, my round-up of things to know about Réunion, and what to do while you are there. Have a great visit and enjoy!

How to Reach Reunion Island?

You will have to travel to Reunion Island by plane. The island has two airports: La Réunion Roland Garros airport near Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds in the south of the island. There are three direct Air France flights to Reunion Island from mainland France.

Are There Active Volcanoes on Reunion Island?

Yes, Reunion Island is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, the snow-capped Piton de Fournaise. The interesting fact is that France has as many active volcanos as Iceland, albeit in its overseas territories and departments.

Why Visit Reunion Island?

Not as well-known as nearby Mauritius, Reunion Island is one of the most intriguing spots on earth. With its extraordinarily varied terrain that includes coral reefs, waterfalls, lush forests, rare birds, and plant life, this little-known gem is a dream destination for ecotourism and adventure sports. 

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Reunion Island?

Ideally, you should go during the dry season from May to early November. Scuba diving and snorkeling are most popular between April and November. The impressive humpback whales stop off near Reunion during the breeding season, between August and October.

Where to Stay on Reunion Island?

Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains in the west is where the best beaches and stunning beach bars are. There’s a local weekend market and some great restaurants. Also, Saint Pierre on the south coast is one of the most dynamic cities on the island.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

First time in paradise: the best things to do in Réunion Island  

Feb 22, 2021 • 5 min read

Grand Galet Waterfall is a must for any first visit to Réunion Island © Tony_ftn/Shutterstock

Hikes in lush tropical forests, spectacular views over an active volcano, secret baths under waterfalls, cultural diversity… Réunion island has it all and more.

A tiny French-speaking island in the Indian Ocean, tucked between Mauritius and Madagascar , La Réunion is only 2500 km2. But don’t be mistaken by its size: home to over 200 micro-climates, it is a treasure for landscape variety. This volcanic island also hosts more than 800 endemic species; no wonder its national park has been added to Unesco's list of World Heritage sites. Its population is also extremely diverse; as history brought people of European, Asian, African ancestry and more together, they have learnt to coexist and create exchanges between cultures. First time traveling to La Réunion? Here are some of the best things to do. You are in for a colorful adventure!

Editor's note: during COVID-19 , there are restrictions on travel. Always check the latest news before booking any trip, and be sure to follow local health guidance.

Piton de la Fournaise

La Réunion was born about three million years ago from volcanic activity. Although the ancient volcano that created the island is now asleep, its younger brother, the Piton de la Fournaise, continues to erupt today. It is one of the most active hot spots on the planet and also a spectacular sight.

To enjoy the most complete view over the craters, drive by car up to the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint . You will go through the lunar Plaine des Sables , a red-earth plain giving out an otherworldly impression. It is recommended to reach the viewpoint in early morning as a sea of clouds usually glides in around 9am.

Plage du Tremblet

Regular volcanic eruptions shape the island, leaving fascinating sites to visit, especially in the south-east. Ever wondered what becomes of lava once it’s reached the ocean? Head down to Plage du Tremblet. This black sand beach is overlooked by a hardened lava flow born from a historic eruption in 2007.

Feel more of the volcanic energy by taking an excursion into lava tunnels. A few experienced tour guides will take you below the earth and into the womb of La Réunion for a real insider’s experience. Make sure you book with a certified guide by choosing the ones recommended by the Tourism Office or checking their background.

The highest summit today, the now inactive Piton des Neiges once gave birth to La Réunion. It now forms three calderas (a depression caused by the collapse of a volcano after erupting) called cirques. Peaks, ridges and valleys make them magnificent hiking sites with mountain paths attracting adventurers from all over the world. Mafate, the most famous crique, was once the refuge for people escaping from slavery who chose the inner mountains as protection from slave hunters. It remains accessible only by foot.

A common hike into Mafate starts from Col des Boeufs down to La Nouvelle village. Around there, walk through Plaine des Tamarins, a centuries-old tamarind tree forest, and spend a night in one of the the ilets, extremely remote villages at the heart of the cirques.

Salazie is another caldera, this one accessible by car. It is highly recommended for visiting Creole villages, one of them lovely Hell-Bourg. Guided tours, which you can book at the town’s own tourism office, can help you understand the lifestyle of tenants back in the day. Take a couple of hours to admire the renowned Case Folio with its traditional architecture and pretty fountain at the front of a lush tropical garden.

A small western coastal town, Saint-Leu has much to offer. Outdoor sports aficionados will enjoy paragliding, taking off from overlooking hills for an epic flight. After that, take a walk along Pointe au Sel, searching for secret coastal basins where you can refresh with locals in pristine waters. Finally, if you want to understand more of the Reunionese flora, head to the Conservatory of Mascarin , a vast botanical garden gathering all species growing on the island.

Sud Sauvage (Wild South)

While the north and west coasts are more urbanized, the south has remained wilder and more traditional. Primitive forests and vast sugarcane fields run downhill towards rocky beaches battered by turquoise seas. Don’t miss the small, often busy beach of Manapany-les-Bains, the white sand cove at Grand Anse and the volcanic rock cape at Cap Méchant . If you still have time, head back into the lands and drive along the Langevin river, until you reach the beautiful Grand Galet waterfall.

Cultural festivals

La Réunion has been populated by people of various ethnicities over time. Today, it is a melting-pot of African, Malagasian, Indian, Chinese and European origins. Communities, traditions, beliefs and ways of life have blended to form a unique culture on the island, commonly called Creole (to be understood as local). Get to know the island’s multicultural background through museums, but also by visiting religious venues, such as the Hindu temple Le Colosse in Saint-André, or the Chinese Guan Di temple in Saint-Pierre, the largest venue of its kind in the Indian Ocean as of today.

Look at the calendar to find out if you can witness some of these highlights: a Walk on Fire performed by the Tamul community (December-January) to honor Goddess Pandialé; the Chinese Guan Di festival (generally in July or August); or else the Hindu celebration of Light, Dipavali (November). Strangers are welcome to attend all of these celebrations. Some of them are even designed to share the community’s culture with outsiders.

Local canteens and markets

When traveling to Réunion, food is a must. Only through local cuisine will you completely understand the perfect multicultural blend and the list of local specialties is very long. You will find typical meals in La Réunion are shaped by Chinese, Indian, African, French influences and many others.

Eat your heart out at beach snack-bars with bouchons (steamed meat dumplings), samoussas (fried triangular snacks often stuffed with spicy meat), bonbons piment (spicy chickpea snacks). Don’t hesitate to enter canteens offering caris , the local dish with almost infinite variants (meat or fish cooked in a more or less spicy sauce). The most typical will be cari poulet (chicken), rougail saucisse (pork sausage) and cabri massalé (Indian masala goat). If you want to go a little fancier, choose civet zourite (octopus).

Last but not least, select the best tropical fruits at the markets, especially in December-January: mangoes, lychees, pineapples, anons, longans… delight awaits!

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