Réunion Island, a speck of dramatic beauty in the Indian Ocean, is often celebrated for its towering volcanoes and lush rainforests. It draws adventurers eager to hike the otherworldly trails of Piton de la Fournaise or relax along its sun-drenched western coast. But to truly understand Réunion you have to step off the main trail.
Beyond the popular peaks and sandy shores lies a tapestry of hidden places: misty villages tucked deep in the cirques, forest paths that hum with birdcall, cliffside viewpoints known only to locals, and pockets of Creole culture that have been quietly thriving for generations. These are the spaces where time slows down, where travellers are not just visitors but welcomed guests in a living story. We offer luxury and budget Reunion holiday packages tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of Réunion’s most enchanting hidden gems, places rarely found in glossy brochures, but unforgettable once discovered.
Mafate
Mafate feels suspended in time. Nestled within the vast Cirque de Mafate, one of Réunion’s three majestic volcanic calderas, this remote enclave is completely inaccessible by car. No roads lead into Mafate. To reach it, you must hike across rugged mountain trails or charter a helicopter, making the journey part of its unforgettable allure.
The trails into Mafate wind through some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery. Each path, whether from Col des Bœufs, Col du Taïbit, or Roche Plate, offers a different window into Réunion’s wild heart. As you walk, you begin to understand why Mafate remains untouched by modern infrastructure: it was never meant to be conquered, only entered with reverence.
Inside the caldera, small Creole villages dot the landscape, each one with a handful of homes, a school, a chapel, and a warm sense of community. Solar panels power the lights. Helicopters bring in supplies. But mostly, life here flows to the rhythm of nature—roosters crowing at sunrise, woodsmoke curling from chimneys, and children splashing in rivers.
Visiting Mafate isn’t about ticking off tourist sites. It’s about slowing down, disconnecting from the digital world, and stepping into a way of life rooted in simplicity.
Cilaos’ Secret Trails and Thermal Springs
Cilaos, cradled within the Cirque of the same name, is one of Réunion’s better-known destinations, famous for its dramatic peaks along winding mountain roads, and charming spa town atmosphere.
But beyond the souvenir shops and scenic overlooks lies another side of Cilaos that only a few curious travelers uncover: a network of secret trails, tucked-away waterfalls, and natural thermal springs far from the main footpaths.
While many stick to the popular hikes up Piton des Neiges, the highest point in the Indian Ocean, those who veer off onto lesser-known trails like the Sentier des Porteurs or the Cascade Bras Rouge circuit are rewarded with solitude and scenery few ever see.
These paths meander through forests of tamarind and wild fern, leading to hidden gorges where cool streams weave through volcanic stone and sunlight filters through the trees like stained glass.
Perhaps most magical are the thermal springs that bubble up in secluded pockets of the cirque, remnants of the island’s volcanic heart. Though the town’s public spa offers a polished experience, there are still wilder, more rustic spots where the warm water pools beside rivers or beneath overhanging cliffs, and the only company is birdsong and the occasional whisper of wind.
Cap Jaune, the Yellow Cliffs Few Ever See
Tucked away near the sleepy village of Vincendo on Réunion’s untamed southern coast, Cap Jaune is a geological wonder that rarely features in guidebooks, but leaves a lasting impression on those who find it.
Unlike the island’s more familiar black volcanic cliffs, Cap Jaune (literally “Yellow Cape”) stands out with its vivid ochre and golden hues, formed from compressed volcanic ash and minerals exposed over centuries. The result is a surreal, sunlit cliff face that seems to glow against the blue of the Indian Ocean.
Reaching Cap Jaune requires a short but adventurous coastal walk through a forested path and across rugged lava fields, often with no clear signage to guide the way. It’s this very obscurity that makes the journey feel like a treasure hunt.
Along the route, you’ll pass through pandanus groves and hear the distant thunder of waves crashing against the rocks long before the cliffs reveal themselves.
When you finally arrive, the view is breathtaking: the golden cliff framed by black rock, a natural amphitheatre carved by wind and sea. Few tourists make it here, and even fewer linger, yet it’s one of the most striking and photogenic sites on the island.
The Village of Hell-Bourg’s Forgotten Heritage Houses
Hell-Bourg, tucked in the emerald folds of the Cirque de Salazie, is often praised as one of Réunion’s most beautiful villages, and rightly so. Its main street, lined with brightly restored Creole houses, buzzing cafés, and artisan shops, draws a steady stream of visitors.
But for those willing to step away from the polished façade, a different Hell-Bourg awaits—one more haunting and deeply evocative of the island’s layered past.
Wander into the side streets and you’ll find the faded elegance of timeworn Creole mansions, many abandoned and slowly being reclaimed by moss and vines. Their gingerbread trim, crumbling verandas, and shuttered windows hint at a bygone era when Hell-Bourg thrived as a 19th-century spa resort for colonial elites.
These forgotten homes, some with rusted gates barely holding shut, exude a melancholy beauty—silent sentinels of history watching over misty mountain mornings.
Here, the air feels stiller, and the past feels closer. You might stumble across an overgrown garden where bougainvillea still blooms defiantly, or spot old ironwork balconies dangling above cracked foundations. There are no tour groups or plaques here, just the gentle hush of a village that remembers.
The Lush Secrets of Plaine des Palmistes
Most visitors to Réunion pass through Plaine des Palmistes on their way to somewhere else, perhaps heading to the volcano or circling the island via the inland route. But to breeze past this tranquil plateau is to miss one of Réunion’s most quietly magical regions.
Set at over 1,000 metres above sea level, Plaine des Palmistes offers a refreshing contrast to the island’s warmer coastal zones, with cool mountain air, frequent mists, and a lush, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
This small town is surrounded by dense, fern-laced forests and rolling green fields where wild guava and tree ferns thrive. The area’s charm lies not in grand tourist sites, but in the peaceful pace of the land itself.
Walking paths wind through native highland vegetation in the Forêt de Bébour-Bélouve, one of the island’s richest endemic forests. Here, the trails are soft underfoot with moss and leaves, and the mist rolls in like a veil, transforming the landscape into something ethereal.
For a gentler outing, the Jardin des Parfums et des Épices offers a hidden botanical experience where you can stroll among endemic plants, aromatic herbs, and spice trees, learning about the island’s biodiversity and cultural connection to its flora. It’s a place that feels more like a secret garden than a tourist stop.
Plaine des Palmistes isn’t flashy, but that’s exactly its strength. It invites a slower kind of travel. For those who pause long enough to explore it, this plateau becomes not just a detour, but a destination all its own.
Local Markets in Saint-Paul and Saint-Joseph
While the Saint-Paul and Saint-Joseph markets are both well-known, their real magic lies not in the bustling aisles but in the quieter corners, the ones where you meet the people who pour heart and heritage into what they sell.
The Saint-Paul market, held along the seafront every Friday and Saturday, can feel overwhelming at first. But venture beyond the crowd-pleasing fruit stands and souvenir kiosks, and you’ll find artisanal gems tucked beneath the shade of palm trees.
A woman weaving traditional vacoa palm hats while sharing stories of her grandmother’s technique. A spice vendor whose jars are labelled not just with names, but with suggestions for how to use them in age-old Creole recipes. A quiet stall draped with handmade table linens and embroidery stitched with the floral motifs of the highlands.
Further south, the Saint-Joseph market offers a more intimate atmosphere. Here, local farmers sell jams made from guava and tamarind harvested from their own gardens. You might find carved wooden bowls, hand-pounded chili pastes, or a weathered musician selling CDs of Maloya songs recorded in his village. These moments, these faces, offer something far richer than any guidebook recommendation: connection.
In both markets, it’s the unhurried chats, the generosity of a free fruit tasting, or the pride in a handcrafted item that linger in your memory.
Maloya Music Nights and Creole Cooking Classes
To truly feel the heartbeat of Réunion, you have to go where the music plays after dark and the scent of simmering spices fills the air.
Far from the polished offerings of resorts and tour buses, there are homes, backyards, and tucked-away community halls where locals open their doors and invite curious travellers to experience the island’s soul through its music and food.
Maloya, once a form of protest and now a cherished cultural tradition, is more than music, it’s memory, resistance, and celebration all in one.
While staged performances can be found in towns, the most moving Maloya experiences often happen on warm nights in smaller villages like L’Étang-Salé or Petite-Île. Here, you might be welcomed into an informal gathering where drums are passed around, voices rise in Creole harmonies, and dancing erupts beneath the stars.
There’s no script, no schedule—just the raw power of rhythm shared among friends and strangers alike.
Equally immersive are the Creole cooking classes offered in private homes or small kitchens, where island hospitality takes centre stage. Rather than following a glossy recipe sheet, you’ll learn to crush spices with a mortar and pestle, fold banana leaves for steaming, or stir a bubbling cari while your host tells stories of their family’s kitchen traditions.
In places like La Plaine-des-Cafres or Saint-André, locals often host guests for half-day experiences that feel more like being part of the family than taking a class.
These are the moments that stay with you, when you find yourself singing along to a Maloya chorus you don’t quite understand, or tasting a Creole dish you helped prepare with your own hands.
Tips for Exploring Réunion’s Hidden Gems
Uncovering Réunion’s lesser-known treasures is an adventure best savoured with a touch of planning. Here’s how to make the most of your off-the-beaten-path journey:
When to Go for Fewer Crowds
To enjoy Réunion’s tranquil corners without the rush of other travellers, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons—April to June or September to mid-November. These months offer mild weather and fewer tourists, especially after the rains. Avoid local school holidays and major festivals if you’re after serenity in more remote areas.
How to Travel Responsibly and Respectfully
Many of the island’s hidden gems are in small, close-knit communities or fragile ecosystems. Be mindful of your footprint: stick to marked trails, carry out all waste, and avoid loud behaviour that might disturb wildlife or local life.
When visiting villages like Mafate or mountain hamlets, greet locals, ask before taking photos, and respect private property. These small gestures go a long way in honouring the island’s culture and preserving its beauty.
Apps and Maps to Find Hiking Paths and Local Stops
Navigation is key, especially when venturing into less-trodden paths. Download offline maps like Maps.me or Organic Maps for reliable trail guidance.
Visorando and AllTrails are great for hike planning, with detailed route descriptions and difficulty levels. For discovering cultural spots, markets, and local events, Réunion Island Tourism’s official app (IRT) provides updated listings and tips.
Hiring Local Guides from Small Villages
Engaging a local guide can transform your journey. Not only will you gain insight into the land and its stories, but your support also directly benefits the community. Look for guides based in villages like Hell-Bourg, Cilaos, or La Nouvelle in Mafate.
Many offer bespoke hikes, Creole heritage tours, or foraging walks, experiences that can’t be found in any brochure. Ask at local guesthouses, tourism offices, or even small cafés, word of mouth often leads to the most authentic encounters.
