Combinatiereis "les Îles Vanille" - Charming Luxury

Réunion Island rises from the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, combining dramatic volcanic landscapes with a rich blend of French, African, Indian and Creole influences. Its atmosphere is adventurous yet laid-back, shaped by towering peaks, lush cirques and a coastline where black-sand beaches meet turquoise water. Hiking is the island’s signature experience, with trails winding through misty forests, deep valleys and the otherworldly terrain surrounding Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Colourful markets, fragrant Creole cuisine and vibrant local traditions add cultural depth to outdoor pursuits. The scent of tropical vegetation, the sound of cascading waterfalls and sweeping mountain vistas create unforgettable moments. Réunion is not a typical beach escape; its greatest rewards come through exploration and discovery.

Currency 
Local currency: Euro (EUR) 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Euro) 
Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euros 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, 1 and 2 euros 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 16:00, Saturdays: 08:00 – 12:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Austral 
International Airports: Roland Garros Airport 
Domestic Airports: Pierrefonds Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited inter-island services 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 
Réunionese cuisine is a delicious blend of French, Indian, African, and Chinese influences, known for dishes like "Carri" (curry) and "Rougail" (a spicy tomato-based sauce). Seafood is prominently featured, and the use of tropical fruits and spices makes it distinctly vibrant and flavourful. 

Drinks: 
Local drinks include sugarcane rum and tropical fruit juices. 

Tipping: Customarily around 10% in restaurants and cafes. 

Annual rainfall: Ranges from 1,000 mm in the coastal areas to 10,000 mm in the mountains 
Average temperature: 24°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 25°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Réunion is from May to November when the climate is cooler and drier, ideal for hiking and exploring the natural landscapes without the heavy rains that occur during the cyclone season from December to April. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Recommended during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes, generally with good connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, often with Wi-Fi 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes