Reunion Island, a small country of the south east of the Indian Ocean, is an ideal choice for people who wish to spend their holidays far away from the towns of the northern hemisphere. The temperature there is warm and comfortable and the island has about thirty kilometers of beach. Here is a small description of the most popular beaches of Réunion Island.
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is the most popular beach resort of the island. There, you will find very beautiful white sandy beaches next to very high-quality hotels and comfortable apartments that are great for holidays with family and friends.
Roches-Noires Beach
Roches-Noires Beach is a white sandy beach that’s located at just a few meters from the center of Saint- Gilles. It’s also a well-known surfing spot of the region. Every year the citizens of the town burn Le Roi Dodo, the mascot of the local carnival called le Grand Boucan.
Hermitage Beach
Hermitage Beach is the only beach of the island to be protected by a coral reef. It’s a white sand beach that’s lined with casuarina trees under which the locals organize great picnics.
La Plage des Brisants.
A well-known surfing spot, la Plage des Brisants extends from the Port of Saint-Gilles up to Hermitage Beach. It is highly prized by athletic people: several Beach volley, tennis volley, beach football and beach rugby competitions are held there regularly. Each November, a film festival is also organized there. Movies are projected on a big screen in front of a large crowd.
The beach of Boucan Canot
Another beach of the region is that of Boucan Canot. It extends from the town center of the commune of Saint-Paul up to Saint-Gilles-les Bains. It’s also a prized surfing spot among surfers.
The Beach of L’Etang-Salé
In the South-East of the island, you will find the beach of l’Etang-Salé. Its sand is of volcanic origin, so it will be black and tends to become very hot under the sun. Beachgoers are advised to protect their feet from the heat in summer.
The Beach of Saint-Pierre
The Beach of Saint-Pierre is located right in front of the commune of the same name. There, you will find green spaces, “Les Jardins de la Plage”, water games for children and walkways.
The beach of Grande Anse
The beach of Grande Anse is located in the region of Petite-Île. It’s a magnificent white sandy beach lined by coconut trees. It is quite popular with the locals and you will also find parking spaces, walkways, a French bowling alley and a picnic area.
Tremblet beach
Finally, in the region of Saint-Philippe, you will find the Tremblet beach. It is a black sand beach that stretches over a distance of 280 meters. It is mostly known to be the youngest beach of the entire planet! As a matter of fact it only appeared in 2007 after a volcanic eruption, when the lava from Piton de la Fournaise poured into the ocean. Its beach has a green hue due to its olivine content. From time to time a lonely sea elephant, named Alan by the locals, can be seen there.
