Reunion is an island in the Indian Ocean. Reviews about the rest, about tours, photo

Today we will go on a virtual journey to a tiny island of bliss, lost in the warm waves of the Indian Ocean. Do you think that you have already traveled all of our small globe? Then a small surprise awaits you. And he is hidden right under your nose - between Mauritius and Madagascar, and his name is Reunion Island. If you now imagine a burning desert and semi-educated savages, then you are mistaken again! The French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean is a splinter, split from the French Republic with all its luxury, glitter and pomposity. But at the same time he combines African exotics and the charm of nature.

How to get there?

Even the most diligent honors pupils who studied diligently at school are likely to be unable to show on the map where the island of Reunion is located. And all because he does not enter the school curriculum. And the same unfortunate situation has developed with most domestic tour operators. This is due to the small popularity of the resort among Russians. But Europeans have long chosen this place for themselves.

So how can it be if the tour package is not found, but the heart is torn? It's simple! Reunion Island, tours on which in the daytime with fire you will not find in the vastness of our homeland, are very popular in Europe. The best way to get there is via Paris, where daily flights to Saint-Denis depart.

By the way, useful information for fans of independent travel: Reunion - not the case. But about this below.

Where to rest

The most popular holiday destination is the capital of the island - Saint-Denis. It is a traditional metropolis, luxurious and expensive. Local attractions are mainly architectural ensembles and a botanical garden. Here you will find a splendid Paris in the background of exotic African scenery.

For beach holidays it is better to choose Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Snow-white sandy beach somewhat spoils the abundance of tourists, but keep in mind that the guests here are mostly well-to-do Europeans. So, girls, for the grooms only here. By the way, for fans of exotics there are beautiful beaches with black volcanic sand.

If you prefer thermal spas, pay attention to Silao. And for lovers of history, Saint-Paul is perfect. The town will easily transfer you to the colonial past of the island: architecture, atmosphere and landscapes are so poetic that even the most experienced traveler will be delighted.

Climatic features

Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean - though the territory of France, but the climate here is much more pleasant. Roast, dry tropical summer lasts from November to April. During this period, the temperature is about 30 ° C in the daytime and almost as much (25 ° C) at night. Humidity is quite high, which softens the heat well. Winter from summer differs only 10 degrees, but no more, but because it is also very comfortable for rest.

Transport

If you plan to take a car for rent, keep in mind that the traffic here is right-handed.

Réunion International Airport Roland Garros is located 10 km from Saint-Denis and 51 km from Saint-Gilles. On average, 2-3 flights a day are carried out from Paris in this direction. In addition, there is a mass of connecting flights (with a transfer) from other European capitals with different levels of comfort and cost. The average duration of the flight from Paris is about 11 hours.

Connectivity

When going on vacation, do not forget to check with your mobile service provider if it supports the roaming service on the island, since it is really rare. Otherwise, you will have to purchase a SIM card from a local operator, which is quite expensive. So it's better to use an ordinary landline phone in the hotel.

As for the Internet, there is no problem with this. So the optimal means of communication was and remains "Skype" or Vider.

Visa

Given that Reunion is an island belonging to the French Republic, then the visa regime is appropriate here. So for the document you should apply to the French Embassy in your state. A Schengen visa with a validity of at least 1 year is also suitable. When preparing documents, note that there are several types of permits:

• A visa granting the right to stay exclusively on the island.
• A visa granting the right to stay on all Overseas Possessions of the French Republic, as well as on the continental part of the country.

To complete the permit for departure, you will need the entire standard package of documents, including your travel program, painted by day. It is made in English or French. By the way, the amount of medical insurance must be at least 30 thousand euros. And, of course, a consular fee of 1500 rubles. In addition, to enter the child you will have to prepare a certificate from the school where he studies.

Nevertheless, the island of Reunion, which all the inhabitants of our country can not afford to rest, is gaining in popularity.

Currency and other financial matters

Reunion as part of Europe, despite its geographical location, refers to the euro area. You can carry out currency exchange operations without any problems in any branch of the bank, but here the rate is very unprofitable, and therefore it is better to store the euro still at home. In addition, in most shops you can pay with an international bank card.

Be prepared for the fact that the prices for Reunion are slightly overstated, compared with the continental France. On average, rest on the island will cost you about 4000-4500 euros per person for 2 weeks of stay.

Shopping in Reunion

Shopping in Reunion is a special pleasure. Here you can get the same pleasure from shopping, as well as on the continental part of the country. The schedule of the main shopping centers and shops - from 9.00 to 18.00, with a break from 12.00 to 15.00; Saturday and Sunday are days off. Annually in the beginning of February in Reunion a season of sales, lasting not less than one and a half months, opens.

When going home, do not forget about souvenirs: wicker decor elements, world famous French perfumes, jewelry.

Local kitchen

Reunion is a gourmet's paradise! The local cuisine is quite loyal to the gentle stomachs of Europeans, but it is so unusual that gastronomic ecstasy is provided to you. As always in the tropics, in dishes there is an abundance of spices and spices, in particular, curry, ginger, garlic and cloves. Like lemon juice, they all disinfect food in an extremely hot and humid climate.

Another feature is the abundance of seafood, sometimes very unusual in appearance and taste, as, for example, barracuda. All this generously watered swearing - a sharp sweet and sour flavored sauce based on tomatoes. Practically all the dishes are laid pieces of exotic tropical fruits.

From drinks you will be offered though usual, but unusually tasty juices and coffee. But lovers of alcohol strongly recommend rum punch, cooked according to ancient recipes of brave pirates.

Entertainment in Reunion

Having spoiled the whole world, after a good look at all the curiosities, you finally chose Reunion - the island of surfing, diving, trekking and just beach holidays. A place where harmoniously combined developed European civilization with the antiquities and exoticism of Africa. In addition, there are a number of historical attractions that tell of the fascinating past of Reunion.

The coast of the island of Reunion is ideal for both passive and active recreation. Velvet sand and beckons you to lie down, and the hot tropical sun promises a stunning bronze tan. By the way, the black wonder is the black volcanic sand on the beaches. It looks amazing.

The island is surrounded on all sides by coral reefs, and therefore is ideal for fans of underwater beauties: here you and the bottom relief (underwater gorges and caves), and unique living creatures. The shark is not particularly afraid, a much more real danger is strong undercurrents.

Fans of surfing should stop at the eastern coast of the island, where the waves are thrilling.

The main object of trekking is picturesque volcanic valleys with lava fields. Where else can you stroll along the edge of the mouth of the active volcano. By the way, eruptions here are quite frequent, but they are absolutely safe. If you want to look into the crater of the volcano, be ready to make an ascent to 3000 meters along the streams of frozen lava. But the view opening from the top will generously reward you for diligence and perseverance.

Given the popularity of various festivals among tourists, tour operators even compiled a rating of the most festive destinations, where the island of Reunion takes its place of honor. Indeed, apart from traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations (for all thoughts and unthinkable calendars), festivals of harvest, flowers, pineapple and others are held here. And the local festival of Malabar passes through ancient Indian traditions and even includes a ritual of sacrifices.

Reunion Island: photos and attractions

Perhaps the best thing on the island is its nature. The Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Natural History, the Salazi Valley and the Bassin Comoran Falls, the coral farm and the sea turtle nursery - what else is needed for a full-day excursion vacation?

But do not forget that Reunion is an island of volcanic origin, and therefore its main highlight is, of course, volcanoes: Piton de Neige and Python de la Fourne. By the way, it is here that you can watch a spectacular volcano eruption show, being completely safe.

Because of the difficulties with transport and the remoteness of most sightseeing objects from civilization, independent trips around the island are practically meaningless. But helicopter excursions are very popular. The price of such a flight is about 200 euros per person, but much more emotions and impressions.

Helpful information

• The official language is French. Local people often use Creole (dialect of French) in their daily life. Excellent knowledge of English here you absolutely will not help, because it is practically not used.
• The overwhelming majority of residents are Christians, Catholics.
• The customs requirements on the island are identical to those in Europe.
• In order to call the ambulance, you need to dial number 15, the police - 17.
• When planning a trip, avoid the period from December to February - this is the cyclone season. If you still want to celebrate the New Year on the island, watch for the weather forecast: in the orange cyclone try to stock up on food, water and a flashlight and it's better not to go out. And in a red cyclone in any case, you can not leave the premises and it is not recommended to use a mobile phone.
• Be sure to use high-quality mosquito repellent. Reunion is an island though European, but first of all it's all the same tropics with a bunch of strange and dangerous infectious diseases.
• Before the trip, vaccination against hepatitis type A, typhus, malaria, tetanus and diphtheria is recommended. Despite the fact that according to tourism operators, malaria on the island is completely destroyed, physicians confirm that single cases among tourists are still regularly met.
• The water from the tap is considered clean, but it's not worth drinking.
• Enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, do not forget about the currents, tides and tides.
• Sharks in Réunion are rare, but they are occasionally met by surfers, divers, and even swimmers. Be careful.
• In winter, the island may have some traffic restrictions.

The island of Reunion, reviews of which it is not easy to find on the Internet - it's an amazing cocktail of European comfort, tropical nature and African savagery in one bottle with notes of antiquity and the scent of adventure. Everyone who has visited here once, is shaken by the virgin nature and delightful landscapes.