Verified Facts
Reunion is an island territory located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, and is a part of France.
Quick Facts
Location & Borders
Reunion is situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 200 kilometers east of Madagascar and 220 kilometers southwest of Mauritius. The island is a part of the Maskarene Islands, a group of islands that also includes Mauritius and Rodrigues. Reunion is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and has a coastline of 207 kilometers. The island's strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it an important stopover for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.
The island's proximity to Madagascar and Mauritius has had a significant impact on its culture and history. Reunion has been influenced by African, European, and Asian cultures, resulting in a unique blend of traditions and customs. The island's location also makes it vulnerable to cyclones, which can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds during the summer months. Despite the risks, Reunion's location in the Indian Ocean has made it an attractive destination for tourists and traders alike.
Terrain & Landscape
Reunion is a mountainous island, with a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems. The island is home to two active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise and Piton des Neiges, which are located in the Cirque de Mafate and Cirque de Salazie respectively. The Piton des Neiges, which is the highest point on the island, is a dormant volcano that rises to an elevation of 3,070 meters. The island's terrain is characterized by steep slopes, deep valleys, and plateaus, which are covered in a variety of vegetation, including tropical forests, grasslands, and savannas.
The island's coastline is marked by black sand beaches, coral reefs, and rocky shores. The Cirque de Mafate, a caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano, is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The Cirque de Salazie, another caldera, is known for its waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. Reunion's unique terrain and landscape make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and scuba diving being particularly popular.
The island's diverse landscape and climate support a wide range of flora and fauna, including many endemic species that can be found nowhere else in the world. The Reunion parakeet, a bird species that is found only on the island, is one example of the unique biodiversity that can be found on Reunion. The island's national parks and nature reserves provide a safe habitat for many of these species, and are an important part of Reunion's conservation efforts.
Climate By Season
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | December to March | 22-30°C | High | Humid and hot, with frequent cyclones |
| Autumn | April to June | 20-28°C | Medium | Mild and sunny, with occasional rainfall |
| Winter | July to September | 18-25°C | Low | Cool and dry, with clear skies |
| Spring | October to November | 20-28°C | Medium | Warm and sunny, with occasional rainfall |
Best Time To Visit
Best months: May to October. Why: The weather is mild and sunny, with low humidity and minimal risk of cyclones. Avoid: December to March, due to the high risk of cyclones and heavy rainfall.
Natural Highlights
- Piton de la Fournaise: an active volcano that is one of the most accessible in the world
- Cirque de Mafate: a caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano, with stunning scenery and diverse wildlife
- Reunion National Park: a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers over 40% of the island, with a wide range of flora and fauna
- Grand Anse: a beautiful black sand beach on the west coast of the island, with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs
- Voile de la Mariée: a stunning waterfall that is one of the highest in the world
- Plaine des Chicorées: a unique landscape of volcanic ash and lava flows, with a wide range of flora and fauna