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Discovering the Hidden Gems of Reunion Island
Reunion Island is a small volcanic island located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Madagascar. It is a paradise of lush mountains, white sand beaches, and an array of exotic wildlife. But beyond its spectacular beaches and picturesque landscapes, there are many hidden gems that await discovery. From romantic waterfalls to lively cultural festivals, here are the top 12 hidden gems of Reunion Island for the adventurous traveler.
1. The Piton de La Fournaise Volcano
The Piton de La Fournaise Volcano is an active volcano located on the east side of Reunion Island. It is a spectacular sight to behold, with the volcano rising 2,631 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush vegetation. It is a popular spot for hiking and exploring, and visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the crater and surrounding landscape. The volcano is also a great place to observe the incredible wildlife of the island, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The Piton de La Fournaise is also home to some unique geological features such as lava tubes, lava fields, and calderas. Visitors can explore these features up close, as well as visit the museum located at the volcano’s summit to learn more about the many fascinating aspects of the volcano.
The volcano is also one of the most active in the world, and visitors can often witness eruptions from the safety of the observation points located around the volcano.
2. Parc National de La Réunion
Parc National de La Réunion is a protected area located in the heart of Reunion Island. It is a paradise of lush rainforests, waterfalls, rivers, and wildlife. The park is also home to some of the most spectacular views of the island, with its lush green mountains and breathtaking coastline. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or even by boat, taking in the stunning sights and sounds of the park.
The park is also home to many unique species of plants and animals, including some rare endemic species found only on Reunion Island. Visitors can observe the wildlife up close in the park’s many observation points, or take part in guided tours of the park. There are also many activities available in the park, such as hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding.
Parc National de La Réunion is one of the most beautiful places on the island, and a must-visit for any traveler.
3. Salazie Waterfalls
The Salazie Waterfalls are a series of cascading waterfalls located in the Salazie area of the island. The waterfalls are a spectacular sight to behold, with the water cascading down the rocks and into the river below. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by boat, taking in the majestic views of the waterfalls and lush vegetation. The area is also a great spot for swimming, with the waterfalls providing a refreshing break from the heat of the day. Visitors can also take part in a variety of activities, such as fishing, hiking, and even zip-lining.
The Salazie Waterfalls are also a great spot to observe the unique wildlife of the island, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The area is also a popular spot for bird-watching, with many species of birds to be found in the area.
The Salazie Waterfalls are a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
4. La Plaine des Palmistes
La Plaine des Palmistes is a stunning area located in the south of the island. It is a paradise of lush green vegetation, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, taking in the breathtaking views of the white sand beaches, rolling hills, and lush vegetation. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The area is also a great spot for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding. Visitors can also take part in a variety of cultural activities, including exploring the local markets and participating in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
La Plaine des Palmistes is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
5. Cirque de Cilaos
The Cirque de Cilaos is a spectacular volcanic crater located in the center of Reunion Island. It is a paradise of lush vegetation, with its rolling hills and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, taking in the stunning views of the crater and surrounding scenery. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The area is also a great spot for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding. Visitors can also take part in a variety of cultural activities, including exploring the local markets and participating in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
The Cirque de Cilaos is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
6. Trou de Fer
Trou de Fer is a stunning area located in the south of the island. It is a paradise of lush green vegetation, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, taking in the breathtaking views of the white sand beaches, rolling hills, and lush vegetation. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The area is also a great spot for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding. Visitors can also take part in a variety of cultural activities, including exploring the local markets and participating in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
Trou de Fer is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
7. La Crique des Roches Noires
La Crique des Roches Noires is a stunning area located in the south of the island. It is a paradise of lush green vegetation, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, taking in the breathtaking views of the white sand beaches, rolling hills, and lush vegetation. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The area is also a great spot for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding. Visitors can also take part in a variety of cultural activities, including exploring the local markets and participating in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
La Crique des Roches Noires is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
8. La Rivière des Remparts
La Rivière des Remparts is a stunning river located in the north of the island. It is a paradise of lush green vegetation, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by boat, taking in the breathtaking views of the river and surrounding scenery. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The area is also a great spot for activities such as fishing, kayaking, and even swimming. Visitors can also take part in a variety of cultural activities, including exploring the local markets and participating in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
La Rivière des Remparts is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
9. Maison Folio
Maison Folio is a stunning colonial plantation house located in the north of the island. It is a paradise of lush green vegetation, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, taking in the breathtaking views of the house and surrounding scenery. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The house is also a great spot for activities such as exploring the historic rooms and gardens, and taking part in cultural activities such as traditional music and dance performances. Visitors can also take part in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
Maison Folio is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
10. La Plage de l’Hermitage
La Plage de l’Hermitage is a stunning white sand beach located in the south of the island. It is a paradise of lush green vegetation, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, taking in the breathtaking views of the beach and surrounding scenery. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The beach is also a great spot for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and even kayaking. Visitors can also take part in a variety of cultural activities, including exploring the local markets and participating in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
La Plage de l’Hermitage is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
11. Cirque de Mafate
The Cirque de Mafate is a spectacular volcanic crater located in the center of Reunion Island. It is a paradise of lush vegetation, with its rolling hills and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, taking in the stunning views of the crater and surrounding scenery. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The area is also a great spot for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding. Visitors can also take part in a variety of cultural activities, including exploring the local markets and participating in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
The Cirque de Mafate is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
12. La Rivière des Galets
La Rivière des Galets is a stunning river located in the east of the island. It is a paradise of lush green vegetation, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by boat, taking in the breathtaking views of the river and surrounding scenery. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and even some rare endemic species.
The area is also a great spot for activities such as fishing, kayaking, and even swimming. Visitors can also take part in a variety of cultural activities, including exploring the local markets and participating in the vibrant music and dance festivals held throughout the year.
La Rivière des Galets is a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Reunion Island.
Conclusion
Reunion Island is a paradise of lush mountains, white sand beaches, and an array of exotic wildlife. But beyond its spectacular beaches and picturesque landscapes, there are many hidden gems that await discovery. From the active Piton de La Fournaise Volcano to the stunning Salazie Waterfalls, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and take in the beauty of the island, Reunion Island is a must-visit for any traveler. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Reunion Island today and explore the hidden gems of this paradise!
