There is a breathtaking island in the Indian Ocean that many travelers still do not know about but probably should. It looks as stunning as the Maldives, feels untouched by mass tourism, and offers raw natural beauty few places can match.
This place is Réunion Island, a French overseas territory located east of Madagascar, and it is quietly becoming one of the most talked about hidden travel gems in the world.
Business Insider has already named it one of the most beautiful yet undiscovered islands, and travel experts continue to describe it as a magical alternative to the Maldives.
What makes this island so special is not just its beaches, but also its volcanoes, lagoons, green sand shores, and rich cultural charm.
Where Réunion Island is located and why travelers are obsessed with it
Réunion Island belongs to France and is part of the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. It lies east of Madagascar and remains relatively unnoticed compared to other tropical destinations.
With a population of around 873,000 , the main spoken language on the island is Réunion Creole, even though French is the official language. This mix of cultures provides the island a unique atmosphere that feels both European and deeply tropical at the same time.
Dramatic volcanic landscapes shape the island. In the western part, you can find Mount Salazis, an extinct volcano, while the eastern side is dominated by Mount Grand Brûlé, where the highly active Piton de la Fournaise volcano still regularly erupts. These powerful natural features make Réunion feel wild, alive, and entirely different from typical resort destinations.
Why this island is called one of the most unusual paradises on Earth
Michel Karam, CEO of müvTravel, has described Réunion Island as one of the most unusual paradise islands on the planet. And it is simple to understand why.
Unlike many luxury destinations where beaches feel private and exclusive, Réunion offers open public beaches that are well equipped for visitors. Many of them have barbecue zones, parking areas, restrooms, and shaded spaces where families and travelers can relax comfortably.
This island is also a dream location for adventure lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking through mountains, cycling along scenic coastal roads, swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkeling in coral lagoons, paragliding above cliffs, rafting through rivers, diving in the ocean, horseback riding along beaches, and even whale watching during the season.
Hermitage Beach and the magical lagoons of Réunion
One of the most famous places on the island is Hermitage Beach, which is the largest and best-preserved lagoon in Réunion. This area is especially popular with snorkeling fans because of its calm, shallow, and transparent waters.
The beach is covered in soft white sand and lined with beautiful casuarina trees that provide natural shade. Locals love to gather here for picnics, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes visitors feel welcome almost instantly.
The Vieux Port beach in Saint Philippe is one of Réunion Island’s most fascinating natural wonders. This is not a typical golden or white sand beach. It is a rare green sand beach made up of tiny crystals of olivine.
These crystals were formed after a powerful lava flow in 2007, making this beach one of the youngest on Earth. Walking on this sand feels like stepping into another world, and it is a perfect example of how active and constantly changing the island still is.
Charming towns, culture, and life beyond the beaches
Réunion is not only about nature and beaches. The towns scattered around the island are also full of life, culture, and unique charm.
Most settlements are located along the coastal edges of the island, while only one main road crosses the interior, which stretches across an area of about 100 by 60 kilometers. This makes traveling around the island an adventure in itself, with ocean views, mountain backdrops, and constant changes in scenery.
In these towns, visitors can enjoy cozy restaurants, small museums, local markets, and cultural attractions that show the real soul of the island.
Local food that makes the experience unforgettable
Food is a vital part of the Réunion Island experience. Most traditional dishes are always served with rice, which acts as the base of almost every meal.
The most popular dishes include a local version of Indian-style curry, the spicy and flavorful rugai, and rich slow-cooked stews known as civettes. These meals reflect the island’s blend of African, Indian, French, and Creole influences.
If you are dreaming of a paradise that still feels real, untouched, and full of life, Réunion Island may be exactly what you are looking for. This is one of those destinations that people discover once and never forget.
If this island surprised you, share this article, leave a comment, and explore more hidden travel stories.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9union
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1259
https://www.businessinsider.com/travel
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