What is the charm of the French island of Reunion?

It is impossible not to fall in love with the island of Reunion at first sight - the exotic nature of its fauna and flora impresses everyone. It is worth coming here not only because of the beauty of nature. The uniqueness of Reunion also lies in how many activities there are, including these exclusive, can be undertaken in the bosom of nature there. What is worth seeing and where to go along the way holidays in this corner of the world?

A piece of Europe in the Indian Ocean

Although exotic and distant, Reunion is formally part of Europe, and you pay in euros. Where does this paradox come from? The island was colonized by the French several hundred years ago, and since the mid-20th century it has been an overseas department of the French Republic. It is located close to the slightly more famous island of Mauritius, with which it is part of the Mascarene Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The French have loved spending years holiday to Reunion, and charters from Paris fly to the local airport located right next to the capital in Saint-Denis. For Poles, it is a more exotic destination and a great idea exclusive holiday in the tropics. It is best to fly to Reunion between April and December - then the air temperature is pleasant and the risk of precipitation is low.

Variety of nature and activities

The islands of the Mascarene archipelago are famous for their unique greenery and extremely lush vegetation. Reunion is, above all, the breathtaking beauty of nature - green mountain ranges meet here the emerald and turquoise water of the ocean. Fans of mountain trips have over 1000 kilometers of trails at their disposal, and the most common destinations are the difficult-to-access calderas of Mafate, Salazie and Cilaos. Reunion National Park was created in their area to protect endemic species of fauna and flora.

On the other hand, water sports enthusiasts come here for holiday from distant corners to windsurf or kitesurf in world-famous places such as La Ravine Blanche and La Digue. There are two volcanoes on the island, and one of them, the extinct Piton de Neiges, is the highest peak of the Mascarene Mountains, measuring 3070 m above sea level. Numerous waterfalls, for example Bassin des Aigrettes or Cascade Niagara, are very impressive. Interesting ideas for those who like being active holiday there are bathing in the cascades and kayaking.

Trip to the capital of Saint-Denis

During holidays on Reunion Island is not worth skipping tour to the capital - the city of Saint-Denis, founded in the 17th century. You can see here some interesting architectural objects representing the colonial style, for example the building of the botanical garden. Saint-Denis is also home to the oldest mosque ever built on French soil and the majestic Notre-Dame de la Délivrance cathedral towering over the city. While tour in the capital, it is worth visiting the market (Grande Marché), where you can smell aromatic spices and buy sweet exotic fruits or local handicrafts.

Reunion is an ideal trip destination for those who love distant, exotic places, but quickly get bored just lying on the beach. You can spend time on the island differently every day - from visiting towns and villages to mountain trips, diving and extreme water sports. Those who enjoy watching the world from a bird's eye view can admire the island's nature from a small plane or paraglider. Anyone who likes luxury travel, you should definitely add Reunion to your list of places to visit.