Africa

Reunion Island Loop

Réunion

In short: Reunion Island Loop is a 230 km scenic road trip in Réunion, typically driven over 2-4 days, best in May-October. Highlights: Saint-Denis, Sainte-Suzanne, Anse des Cascades.

Distance

230 km

Duration

2-4 days

Best Season

May-October

IconicModerateScenic

Circle Réunion on its coastal roads for a compact but dramatic island drive, linking volcanic cliffs, black-sand beaches, sugarcane fields, and Creole seaside towns. The loop pairs the palm-lined east coast with the wilder south and the dramatic western lava coast, with mountain access spurs inland.

Practical notes

Mountain weather can change fast, and the island’s inland roads include tight bends, steep grades, and occasional rockfall or closures after heavy rain. Start early for the best views and allow extra time for photo stops and detours.

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Stops along the route

Departure

Saint-Denis

Start in the capital beneath steep green slopes and colonial streets. It is the busiest gateway to the island and a good place to stock up.

Hotels

City

Sainte-Suzanne

A coastal stop with sugarcane views and calm lagoon edges. The road here opens into a classic east-coast island scene.

Hotels

City

Saint-Philippe

A south coast town framed by rugged lava landscapes and ocean spray. It feels wilder and more volcanic than the north.

Hotels

City

Saint-Pierre

The island's lively southern hub with a waterfront promenade and Creole charm. It is a natural stop for food, fuel, and a beach walk.

Hotels

City

Saint-Paul

An old west coast town known for markets and a broad bay. The sunsets here are a highlight of the loop.

Hotels

Arrival

Saint-Denis

Return to the capital after a full island circuit. The loop closes with city energy after a day of coast and cliffs.

Hotels

Things to Do

Anse des Cascades — Nature — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Nature
Anse des Cascades
A lush seaside cove where waterfalls, palms, and lava rock meet. It is one of the route's most photogenic pull-offs.

Plage de Grande Anse — Nature — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Nature
Plage de Grande Anse
A famous black-sand beach backed by palms and a sheltered picnic area. It is a relaxed break before the west coast drive.

Piton Maïdo — Landmark — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Landmark
Piton Maïdo
A mountain viewpoint high above the western cliffs and cirques. The final inland detour adds the route's biggest panoramic payoff.

Bassin Cormoran — Waterfall pool — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Waterfall pool
Bassin Cormoran
A scenic natural pool near the west coast road with lush cliff scenery. It is a quick nature stop if conditions and access are open.

Notre-Dame des Laves — Landmark church — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Landmark church
Notre-Dame des Laves
A church famously spared by lava in Saint-Philippe. It is a striking reminder of the island's volcanic power.

Piton de la Fournaise viewpoint — Volcano viewpoint — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Volcano viewpoint
Piton de la Fournaise viewpoint
A dramatic volcanic landscape experience on the island's active side. Even a short look around gives a sense of Réunion's wild interior.

Stade de la Redoute lookout — Viewpoint — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Viewpoint
Stade de la Redoute lookout
A classic overlook above Saint-Denis with city and coastline views. It is an easy final stop before ending the loop.

Where to Eat

Le D.C.P. — Seafood, Creole — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Seafood, Creole
Le D.C.P.
A popular Saint-Denis spot for fresh fish and local plates. It works well for a first or last meal on the loop.

Marché de Saint-Paul — Market food, Creole snacks — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Market food, Creole snacks
Marché de Saint-Paul
Browse tropical fruit, samosas, and sweet treats at the waterfront market. It is one of the best casual food stops on the west coast.

La Croisée des Sens — French, Creole — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

French, Creole
La Croisée des Sens
A well-known Saint-Pierre restaurant with a polished take on island flavors. Good for a sit-down lunch or dinner in the south.

Chez Doudou — Creole, grilled seafood — Reunion Island Loop — Réunion

Creole, grilled seafood
Chez Doudou
A relaxed oceanfront stop near Grande Anse for simple local dishes. It suits a beach day or early dinner after the south coast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Reunion Island Loop drive?

The Reunion Island Loop covers 230 km from start to finish.

How long does the Reunion Island Loop take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2-4 days on the Reunion Island Loop, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Reunion Island Loop?

The recommended season for the Reunion Island Loop is May-October.

What are the main stops on the Reunion Island Loop?

The Reunion Island Loop passes through Saint-Denis, Sainte-Suzanne, Anse des Cascades.

Can I drive the Reunion Island Loop in a regular car?

Yes — the Reunion Island Loop is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Reunion Island Loop safe to drive?

What scenic tier is the Reunion Island Loop?

The Reunion Island Loop is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.